Deepen your religious literacy and your own theology with this study of world religions.
Six sessions over three months - two hours each In-person in Denver at Kelly's home. November 5 and 19, 2019 December 3 and 17, 2019 January 7 and 14, 2020 2:30 -4:30 PM Email me if you are interested! kgdignan@gmail.com I'd love to host an online version using Zoom, so email me if that sounds good, and I will form a group. Suggested donation for whole course: $120 Description: In God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World, New York Times bestselling author and religion scholar Stephen Prothero argues that persistent attempts to portray all religions as different paths to the same God overlook the distinct problem that each tradition seeks to solve. He describes the different problems that Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Confucianism, Yoruba Religion, Taoism and Atheism strive to solve. The book offers lots of information! While you are encouraged to read it, Kelly will provide an overview of each chapter during our sessions together. There will be discussion questions that help us explore each religion more deeply. We will also use other sources that offer the mystical or more spiritual aspects of each religion. Kelly will include a section on indigenous spirituality and how you can get in touch with the beliefs and practices of the ancient ones in your lineage. Each session will begin with a time of meditation to help us get centered in our hearts and remember that spiritual work involves the head but eventually comes back to the heart. You will also have a chance to consider your own theology as you work through this course. Traditionally, theology has to do with the study of God or divine things, but there is another definition as well: The study of the meanings, values, and convictions from which we live. We are all theologians. We can develop our own theologies (meaning-making systems), and we do it best with others in community. Plus, our theologies change over time, so having a group to ponder with is a beautiful thing. We will have a “covenant” in place to create a safe space for conversation because it’s likely none of us will end up with exactly the same theology. If you are in the midst of a spiritual and theological shift, you may experience some heartache. Kelly will offer spiritual support, and the group will hold you in love. We will consider the following elements. Elements of a Systematic Theology
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Photo taken by Kelly at the chamber of Listoghil in Sligo, Ireland. On Samhain, the sunrise illuminates this chamber.
According to the ancient Northern European Celtic tradition, the new year begins on November 1st. A ceremony and celebration was held for three days (October 31 through November 2) to harvest the crops and livestock. It was a time of change and transition from way of living to another - from Summer to Winter; from sunlit outdoor life to warmth by the hearth. The time was called “Samhain” in Irish Gaelic and “Samhuinn” in Scottish Gaelic. Both are pronounced ‘Sow (as in cow) - in (as in Inn)’. During these three days, the veil of time is lifted, and we may commune with those gone before us more clearly than at other times of year. It is also a time of connection with nature, as are all the holidays in the Celtic calendar. Similar celebrations are held in cultures and traditions: In Mexico: Dia de Los Muertos translates literally to “day of the dead” In China: Zhongyuan Festival In Japan: Bon Festival In Christianity across the world: Halloween or All Hallow’s Eve, All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day Since many of my ancestors are Celtic, several years ago, I began to honor their holidays. The main feature of a Samhain ceremony is an invitation to our healthy ancestors, teachers and friends to join the celebration so that we might honor them and ask them for help. More specifically, we can ask for assistance to release that which is not serving us and call in something for the new year. We also honor the directions, elements and land on which we reside with herbs and offerings of thanks. I invite you to join me in a Samhain ceremony followed by a celebration with coffee, tea and sweets (plus a wee bit of Irish Whiskey for those who would like to imbibe). November 2, 2019 7:00 - 9:00 pm At my home (address will be provided to those who RSVP ‘yes’) RSVP here Most of our time will be indoors, but we will go outside for a burning bowl ritual. Bring coats, hats, gloves if it is cold. If your ancestors served and loved a sweet treat, bring it to share with others. Register and RSVP here so I can send you my address. If you want to learn more about your ancestors, before or after our gathering, I'd love to help. Just book a session! |
AuthorKelly Dignan is a spiritual companion and coach for folks on a spiritual journey of awakening, healing and "wholing". Archives
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