East and West, Jesus, The Incarnation and Finding Spiritual practice with Matthew Widen

[@jacamo17]

Loved this conversation 👍

[@Espero-i6c]

There is no right or wrong -- ultimate level, but right is right and wrong is wrong -- relative level. - Soen Sa Nim

[@user-uo3vn7tv4b]

Thanks for sharing your spiritual journeys. I would like to share my own thoughts on Incarnation with you, for your consideration. I have come to believe that Incarnation started with the Creation and is always happening. Panentheism. God in everything & everything in God. To me, Christ is the pattern of sonship that we all are. Jesus is the man who historically realized this to its fullest extent in his lifetime. He is our example, to follow as best we can. We are all God’s children. There have probably been a few other people who have opened as fully to God’s presence as Jesus. Buddha, Isaiah, Mohamed, Hindu saints, Christian mystics. Who can say ? I attend a United Church of Christ, which is open & affirming and where the communion table is open to all, just like Jesus table was. We take the Bible seriously, but not literally. Most of us believe Jesus was a man, not God. But those who are Trinitarian are encouraged to hold those views as well. We honor all religions all around the world and how God is bringing her children to himself through them. I studied many religions throughout my life. I am 74. When I lived on Maui for 9 years I learned Zen meditation with Roshi Aitken. It is still a part of my daily practice. Helps me center as I move into a deeper meditation. This is after I do Lectio Divina around Jesus Sermon on the Mount. I also utilize Centering Prayer, a practice of letting go. And then there is always more to learn, I love to learn. Process Theology, Philosophy, the Patristics. And then there is always the Mystery.

[@ourblessedtribe9284]

Thank you so much for writing your reflections

[@WhiteStoneName]

This was really great. What a big ❤ fest. Compliments and edification abounding.

[@joecross720]

excellent💚

[@WhiteStoneName]

1:03:00 given (humility) vs determinism (pride, will) Great.

[@WhiteStoneName]

We also need to acknowledge that “eastern” (of the West) Christianity is a different thing. Not fully western (Latin West + Protestant/liberal) but not eastern monadic either.