The Snags & Solutions in Beliefs: Problems in the Creeds
The Snags & Solutions in Beliefs: Problems in the Creeds

Part Three: Moving from Toxic Beliefs to Transforming Ones

Deconstruction is necessary

I understand the antagonism directed at oppressive, harmful belief systems because I have had my share of that resentment. We may not even be able to become more compassionate without first becoming more angry — angry enough to deconstruct all or parts of previous belief systems that no longer appear truthful or loving to us. That’s the serious message of this cartoon.

After deconstruction is reconstruction, moving to more expansive and compassionate beliefs.

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Paul SmithChristian, Deconstruction, Reconstruction Comment
Learning from the Charismatics

The Three Waves of Modern Charismatic Christianity

Most Christians are either aware of or have been a part of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity of the twentieth century. These theologically conservative groups are reminiscent of the mystical phenomena seen in the book of Acts and identified by what they call the baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, spiritual gifts, healing, prophecy, and exuberant worship.

According to former Fuller Seminary Professor of Church Growth Peter Wagner, there were three waves of charismatic renewal in the twentieth century.

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MysticismPaul SmithChristian, Prayer, Worship, MysticalComment
Community as Symphony

Understanding and Appreciating Types of Personalities
Practicing Community – Part Eight

While we love a great solo, the best music comes from an assembly of instruments playing together. There is just something to the joining of different sounds in resonance that creates something truly special. As is often said, the whole becomes greater than the sum of the parts, and it is through playing together that we create beautiful music.

This is the symphony of community which is made up many different types of instruments, each playing with their particular pitch and tenor but into a harmonic wholeness that co-creates the collective song.

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Community, PracticeLuke HealyMystical Community, Types, EnneagramComment
Conflict and Creative Tension in Our Midst

Finding the Portal of Transformation in our Differences
Practicing Community – Part Five

In the dance of community, we’re bound to step on one another’s toes from time to time. Realistically, at times it will be more than just a hurting toe—we will see our egos bruised and challenged. We may see boundaries crossed, emotions projected, and issues avoided. Sometimes it gets messy!

There is no real community without problems, without conflict, without disagreements, and without wounding. Any time we seek meaningful relationship and connection with others, there are swells and storms to be navigated—it will not all be smooth sailing.

When we give ourselves to the practice of community, on some level we probably know this is part of the deal. But our individualism is strong, and if things get rough it’s easier than ever to jump ship and retreat back to the safety of ourselves. Or away to a different community.

How do we stay with and continue through? And when should we? Can conflict and creative tension become a portal of transformation? And how do we make our way through it?

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Practice, CommunityLuke HealyPractice, Mystical Community Comments
Cultivating Our Capacity for Connectedness

Heart Consciousness Growth
Practicing Community – Part Three

Once we have been unbound by the illusion of our separateness and individualism, we begin to recognize more and more how we are interconnected. We see the myriad ways we are not islands of Self, but members of a collective, divine body of Christ. That is to say—not “members” of a church or religion—but co-participants in the body of God on earth today.

And yet, we may also experience difficulties in actually living into and operating from this place of deep mutuality. While we may feel deep longings and have sincere intentions to engage more directly in our communal nature, it perhaps doesn’t come easily to us. Or we may not quite know how to do it. Though it is natural—in our deepest nature—it may often feel foreign at first. Or we may simply have to pace ourselves to rebuild the atrophied muscles of this under-utilized capacity.

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Community, PracticeLuke HealyMystical Community, practice, Heart PathComment