Spiritual Formation

Spiritual formation is commonly seen as an important part of the Christian life though there appears to not be much agreement on what is included or what to call the practice. I have always been interested in practices that involve study and an awareness of the transcendent. I think of my interest in mysticism and even the original confirmation class in junior high.

The obsession with persecution and martyrdom in Christianity has always bothered me also. Recently I read about that this was an early dispute among Christians and it appears the pro-martyrdom faction won out and is the only recorded opinion.

Many are also waiting for the reward in the afterlife which can give an odd perspective on this life. There are all kinds of common questions about babies and folks who lived before Jesus.  So we end up with a jumble of concepts that supposedly agree on one thing that Jesus died for our sins. I was released and relieved when Bishop Spong said, "Jesus did not die for my sins!"