Lesson 14 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit Three ~ Job, Career and Calling Part 2 ~ Essay

Lesson 14 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit Three ~ Job, Career and Calling Part 2 ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 

I believe everyone's journey is comprised of many stories which I refer to as tributaries, as associated with a river system.  Some of these tributaries follow a smooth pathway and produce a balance of good and bad karma.  After evaluating your journey to your sacred space or place you tend to acknowledge these tributaries.  The one's with dangerous rapids or currents most people tend to stay away from only to attempt to make their journey more smooth.  I also believe you need to have a few rough spots along the journey towards your sacred place in your career to keep you grounded allowing you to reassure yourself you are capable of handling His "tests".  Once your sacred space has been obtained, I believe you will find yourself in a more accepting place, your journey will be more at ease and you will be better able to help/guide other along their pathways. 

 

In the grand scheme of things one tries to accomplish everything he has personally set forth in his/her personal practice.  However, there are times when this is just not possible.  In my own life when this happens I get that unwanted feeling of personal defeat.  On the other hand, when a personal creative date is achieved, there is a feeling of pride and definite accomplishment.  I believe my ministry is and will always be a calling.  I have never looked at it as a "job".  To me the term "job" denotes something mundane or repetitive.  Working with people, in my opinion, has never been mundane.  There are some careers that are just that way, every day brings something new and challenging.  I believe I have already shifted my way into the "calling" mode.  In this mode you tend to go where you are needed and simplify yourself worth focusing directly on the message of the Lord.  However, remembering, as ministers our greatest asset is that of listening to our clients and being sure we totally understand what it is that may have them bewildered.  Through doing this, then we can truly help them move on with their intended life's journey.  GO IN PEACE

Lesson 12 ~ Christian Ethics ~ Duties to Self and Society Part 2 ~ Essay

Lesson 12 ~ Christian Ethics ~ Duties to Self and Society Part 2 ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

LESSONS XI and XII Test 6

Please briefly translate caritas and cupitas. caritas (man's love of God) from cupiditas (the love of the world)

Please briefly describe Knudson's view on the disjunction of agape and eros in general as a false abstraction.  Albert C. Knudson, on the other hand, not only defends the position of Augustine as to man's duty to seek after God, but views the disjunction of agape and eros in general as a false abstraction.  To reject the eros idea, to exclude self-love and duties to self as non-Christian, and to limit Christian love to an "unmotivated" love to others is to create an abstract Christian ethic and to fall into a sentimental immoralism. . .The Christian ideal is self-realization through self-sacrifice.  Where in the New Testament can we find the following verse?: "…to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."  Ephesians 4:15

To the Christian, who is the ultimate source of strength? God is the ultimate source of strength, as his will is the final standard of what is good.

Within the immediacy of interpersonal relations lies man's greatest capacity for self-giving love and his worst temptations to self-love. (T/F?)  True

Where in the New Testament can we find the following verse?: "Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."  1 Corinthians 10:12

Please state four (4) things that moral dullness may be the result of.  The unconscious hurts one gives one's wife or husband or child or the large-scale complacency before the evils of the world that makes an "immoral society" out of "moral men." It is willingness to enjoy advantages in one's own situation with indifference to "my neighbor" in the broader context that both necessitates and imposes barriers to Christian social action. This moral dullness, insofar as it is preventable, is sin.

Where can we find the following New Testament verse?: "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  Romans 12:2

Please state three (3) types of Christian actions open to us in challenging and changing the gigantic structure of social evil and social sin that infests our world. The first of these is generally termed social service. It consists of such matters as the relief of hunger and want, and the support of hospitals, homes, settlement houses, recreation centers, medical research foundations, and many other forms of "social welfare" and "charitable institutions".  A second type of duty to society is social education. It was noted above that in most evil situations, there is a mixture of willful sin with ignorance, provincialism, and narrowness of outlook, the blindness induced by the pull of the past through entrenched emotional attitudes, and in general a very complex set of social forces that thwart change under cover of identifying the will of God with things as they are.  The third form of social action is political and economic. It is here that the knottiest problems lie, for such action requires not only the peaceful casting of a vote on election day or the decision to buy or sell certain goods, but the exercise by our representatives if not by ourselves of coercive force

Please fill in the blank: Love  is relevant to every human situation;…

Go In Peace

 

 

Lesson 12 ~ Comparative Religion ~ Religious Ceremony, Sacraments, Liturgy and Rituals ~ Essay

Lesson 12 ~ Comparative Religion ~ Religious Ceremony, Sacraments, Liturgy and Rituals ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 

Much of religion is based on ritual and symbol. What are some of your religion's most important rituals?  Baptism and Communion

Do they use liturgy? There is a common misconception that there are "liturgical" and "non-liturgical" churches. All churches, however, are "liturgical." The distinction actually exists in the manner of how that liturgy is expressed. Liturgy comes from the greek term leitourgia means the "work of the people." Or in an ecclesial sense, it means the "public worship" of God. The work of the people is the particular structure the assembled people of God use to worship Him. When we think about liturgy, we are addressing the principles by which we order our worship.

A primary consideration for the worship of God is that worship is participatory. We can easily fall into the mindset of an entertainment culture. We show up at an auditorium shaped room and so conclude that we are here to passively receive entertainment. This is wrong. Worship is a re-enactment of the story of Scripture and we are the actors, all of us. The audience is composed of one person, God. The whole community participates in worship. Every element of the worship service is corporate in nature. Even the reading of Scripture and the Sermon involve the people in actively hearing the Word and responding to it. Liturgy means we offer our worship together and everyone is involved. Passivity in worship leads to dead ritual, regardless of the form.

What are some of your religion's most important symbols? The basic symbols in the seal are the cross, Scripture, the dove, and flames. The dominant structural and theological element in the design is the cross -- the universal and most ecumenical symbol of the Christian church. The cross represents the incarnate love of God in Jesus Christ, and his passion and resurrection. Because of its association with Presbyterian history, the Celtic cross was chosen as a model for this contemporary rendering of the ancient symbol. 

Are some of these symbols ritual objects? The two most important rites in Reformed churches are the two sacraments: baptism and the Lord's Supper. The most contentious theological issues in Protestantism have centered on these sacraments, which have divided not only Protestants from Catholics, but Lutherans from Reformed.  A sacrament is an action in which God's grace is especially present. 

What does your religion consecrate?  Consecration is the solemn dedication to a special purpose or service, usually religious. The word " consecration" literally means "to associate with the sacred ".  The Presbyterian church consecrates the Eucharist, bread and wine served as Holy Communion. 

What does it consider a sacrament? The bread and wine literally are Jesus. This is the doctrine of "real presence." This is considered the Presbyterian sacrament either in the church setting or visitation at home or hospital.   Go In Peace

 

 

Spiritualism Lesson #2 and Lesson # 3

Subject – History of Western Thought, Part 1, Lesson 2, Part 2 , Lesson 3 I considered the discoveries in science that were presented and how they relate to my own religious beliefs I believe that life has the potential to be filled with suffering. From my religious perspective, suffering is caused by clinging to things material, spiritual or sensual.  Suffering can be caused by having unrealistic expectations of the self or others. One can transcend suffering and achieve harmony within the soul if one is willing to let go of thoughts, actions and material objects that do not bring joy and balance to the Spirit. One can make the choice to see things as they really are and utilize various spiritual efforts and actions such as meditation, prayer, singing and writing to obtain right understanding, right thought, right mindfulness and right livelihood. One can, with the daily right concentration, right mindfulness and right effort continue this journey called life. One can continue to enlighten and find their right livelihood and bliss Wise men and Wise women throughout history have pursued explanations of phenomena with methodological study and conscientious devotion. Marie Curie was one such wise woman. She won two Nobel Prizes in the early 20th century, one in Physics and one in Chemistry. She was truly an amazing scientist. On page 1221 of the American Heritage College Dictionary "science" is defined as a methodological activity, discipline or study. On page 1153 of the American Heritage College Dictionary "religion" is defined as a cause or principle or an activity pursued with zeal and conscientious devotion. Science can be viewed as a religion because it is an activity that is pursued with zeal and conscientious devotion. Science searches for measurable knowledge that can be determined through taste, touch, smell, hearing or seeing. However, so far in human history science has not been able to measure that fundamental life force known as Spirit. I spent the afternoon pondering the meaning of various words such as emotion, energy, consciousness, soul and spirit. I finally concluded that it is up to each individual to determine the Paths they wish to travel. Science can be perceived as a religion and Religion can be perceived as a science. Both require observation and experimental investigation. Respectfully submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers

Lesson 12 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit 2 All You Need Is Love Part 4 ~ Essay

Lesson 12 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit 2 All You Need Is Love Part 4 ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 

How do I get hope?

I believe when a person resorts to asking this question of himself or actually looking for/or crying out for help from another, the person has concluded that this form of living is not what God has had planned for him.  God has given each and every one of us our own unique life's plan and this road you are following is not it.  How does one get hope?  I believe he has to reach out to someone he trusts and will listen to.  Then his God will guide him and give him the strength to get himself out of the downward spiral.  I do not believe God will give him the hope, but he will certainly guide him and the true effort has to be on the person seeking "hope".   I feel "hope" comes in all forms, some readily visible and some has to be hunted or dug for in life.  Remembering, not to get false hope mixed up with looking for guidance and true hope form Him.  Children and adults may say "God just do this one thing for me and I'll never ask for anything else", well you and I both know this selfish request probably will never come true, He doesn't work like that.  –or- I "hope" I can get this car, God please let this happen, most likely it won't.  I believe He gives us the tools to work with which may include the second chakra which is located about two fingers below your bellybutton and the third chakra which is the energy center of your body.  Listen to these inner voices, they can be very helpful and a blessing in all aspects of life.  GO IN PEACE

Lesson 11 ~ Comparative Religion ~ Suffering and Death ~ Essay

Lesson 11 ~ Comparative Religion ~ Suffering and Death ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 

What are your beliefs about "sin"? How do your beliefs connect to or differ from those of your religious background?  I suppose most of us believe what was taught to us during our formative years about "sin".  I believe "sin" did start with the original sinning by Adam and Eve when Adam was tempted by Eve to eat the forbidden fruit.  From this sin I believe was born the penance of suffering in order to atone for the sin/any sin.  Which sin can, in my opinion, be one on one or a mass punishment such as the Bible depicts in many instances where individuals or the multitudes.  When I evaluate my personal beliefs regarding "sin" vs. what the church teaches, they are consistently parallel to each other.  However, I do not discount others view regarding this topic nor do I attempt to pursued them to my view.   

What do you believe happens when a person dies? Why? Again, this is a very personal matter to most people.  My personal beliefs are that when we die many things happen, once the physical vessel ceases to function I believe it is necessary for the soul to be allowed to leave the body as soon as possible.  It is then necessary to open a door to the room or open a window to allow a smooth transition from this place world to the heavens.  There are some that believe once the physical vessel ceases to function that is it, there is no further activity for the soul to perform.  Which brings up the topic of "Life after Death".  This is not to say there is no "life after death" or there is. Again this is a personal thing between the person and his/her belief system, which has a great impact on the way they were brought up.
Do you feel any of the belief systems discussed satisfactorily answer the basic questions of:

"Why do bad things happen?  
What can I do to mitigate circumstances so that I don't suffer?
What happens after death?"

I personally do not feel they satisfactorily answer these few but very important questions.  Because, they appear to me to be very personal to each individual and not necessarily the masses.  I feel "bad" things may happen to remind us there is a higher power and we need to continue to put our trust in that higher power.  I feel the "suffering" comes when we fail to "keep our faith" in check.  I feel we need to continue to believe in our higher powers, whatever they may be and this may diminish the feeling of suffering.  However, we must remember suffering can be penance for "sins" and we must/should atone for them prior to our deaths by absolution and/or confession.  As for the original question:  There appear to be, in my opinion, parts that cover different aspects of "why do bad things happen" in each of the belief systems, however not entirely.  I believe death is rather simple in terms of what happens: when the physical vessel terminates to function the soul or conscious being departs and goes into limbo, then when it is acceptable to the higher powers of the person the soul proceeds to the heavens or where ever the soul is said to rest permanently according to their teachings.  In the case of a violent death the soul remains in limbo until the higher power accepts it and can "rest in peace".  There are some in my own family that believe there is nothing after death, when the body ceases to function that is it.  I guess we all have our own perception of sin, atonement and death.  GO IN PEACE

Spiritualism Lesson 1

Subject – Spiritualism Lesson 1 I am a seasoned healthcare professional who has always been deeply spiritual. I am a feeling, intuitive, analytical ,logical, rational person who has always been receptive to spiritual ideas. As a healthcare professional I have always been guided by scientific principles and evidence based practice models. I have a great love for science and logical , rational thought . so the universe decided to gift me with a profound curiosity about mysticism and spirituality. I am very empathic so much so that I can sense other people's emotions. At times I have literally felt other people's emotions wash over me in torrents. I have had dreams and visions and kept a journal to try to make  some sort of sense or find meaning in my visions . Sixteen years ago I attended a seminary in Florida that was associated with ULC and became an ordained minister. The people I minister to are colleagues in the healthcare field and patients I attend to in the hospital. This past week I observed the Nurses and Doctors who are my colleagues for the most part being "mind driven people" . They would logically analyze a patient's situation and quickly execute a rational plan of care. I listened to my colleague's comments and noticed that not once did I hear a doctor or nurse comment on how they felt or how the patient felt about an emotional situation on any given day. Although the physical care given to the patients was excellent…….the spiritual care was nonexistent. The patients I attended to however did tell me how they felt when I asked them. In some cases, with some patients in addition to listening ,I simply held their hand while they talked and let them know it was okay to cry and feel sorrow. In other cases , with some patients and their families, I hugged them and listened to them and let them know it was okay to laugh and feel joy. Spiritualism from my perspective is all about acknowledging that all beings have feelings, that if positive , can bring joy to the soul, if negative, can be debilitating to the spirit. I came to the conclusion that on any given day, in any given situation, humans have the capacity to be both mind driven and heart driven . In human societies those who are more mind driven than heart driven usually, from my observation have obtained more physically tangible resources. That is to say they have the bigger house, the finer car etc.etc to display to the world. Whereas those humans who are more heart driven than mind driven have fewer physical objects to display to the world and they laugh & smile more often than mind driven people. Respectfully submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers

Lesson 10 ~ Christian Ethics ~ God, Sin and Christian Character Part 1 & 2 ~ Essay

Lesson 10 ~ Christian Ethics ~ God, Sin and Christian Character Part 1 & 2 ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 

List ten (10) assumptions that indicate why not all "good men" are Christians.

1. The universe is self-existent and self-contained, within which man has evolved to the position of the highest form of animal life.

2. Man has intelligence and the capacity for social adjustment and control, but is essentially a part of nature.

3. There is no purpose in the universe except that which man gives it.

4. Right and wrong have no objective validation beyond group standards.

5. The good life is that which is expedient for happiness and the satisfaction of man's desires.

6. Evil and maladjustment exist, but sin is an outmoded concept.

7. All improvement comes through education and the application of various forms of social pressure, psychological, economic, or political.

8. Man has no source of support, for either the good life or the conquest of suffering, except the resources in himself and his group.

9. Each man's personal existence ends with his biological death.

10. Jesus has no special significance except as an influential historical figure around whom the church, as a social institution and phase of culture, has been organized.

Briefly explain why a person cannot hold these assumptions as his basic convictions and still be a Christian.  . One who holds them as his basic convictions may be a respectable, law-abiding, and even altruistic person, but he is not a Christian.

Briefly state two (2) erroneous positions regarding fractionalism and moralism as indicated in Lesson IX.  One is to draw up a list of Christian virtues — honesty, generosity, courtesy, veracity, and the like — and define a Christian by their possession. The other is to define being a Christian in terms extraneous to moral qualities, as by right beliefs or church membership or faithful observance of the sacraments or some metaphysical change assumed to be wrought by conversion.

State the nine (9) affirmations mentioned in Matthew's Gospel which draws a clear picture of Christian character.

1. The universe is self-existent and self-contained, within which man has evolved to the position of the highest form of animal life.

2. Man has intelligence and the capacity for social adjustment and control, but is essentially a part of nature.

3. There is no purpose in the universe except that which man gives it.

4. Right and wrong have no objective validation beyond group standards.

5. The good life is that which is expedient for happiness and the satisfaction of man's desires.

6. Evil and maladjustment exist, but sin is an outmoded concept.

7. All improvement comes through education and the application of various forms of social pressure, psychological, economic, or political.

8. Man has no source of support, for either the good life or the conquest of suffering, except the resources in himself and his group.

9. Each man's personal existence ends with his biological death.

10. Jesus has no special significance except as an influential historical figure around whom the church, as a social institution and phase of culture, has been organized.

 List the nine (9) words describing Christian Virtues in Paul's letter to the Galatians.  The fruit of the Spirit, says Paul in Gal. 5:22, is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

Briefly state three (3) points beyond the words themselves must be noted. 

First, these virtues are not the product simply of human cultivation; they are the "fruit of the Spirit," the result of the indwelling presence of God as he comes to us in Christ.

Second, the verb is "is" and not "are"; they make a constellation of personality, not a collection of nine traits joined at random.

And third, Paul disclaims legalism, as we must, when he adds after this inclusive picture of the Christian life, "against such there is no law."

Give examples of two (2) places in the New Testament where portrayals of Christian virtues can be found as indicated in Lesson IX.  Rom. 12, as a whole, is devoted to this portrayal, as is I Cor. 13. Doubtless the reason why the twenty-third psalm and the Corinthian ode to love, with the Lord's Prayer, are the most familiar passages in the Bible is that they gather up so perfectly the faith and love which lie at the base of Christian character.

Briefly state Calvin's "definition" of original sin.  Original sin, therefore, appears to be an hereditary depravity and corruption of our nature, diffused through all the parts of the soul. . . . And therefore infants themselves, . . . though they have not yet produced the fruits of their iniquity, yet they have the seed of it within them; even their whole nature is as it were a seed of sin, and therefore cannot but be odious and abominable to God.

List three (3) questions that commonly confront Christians in daily life. 

Is it right ever for a Christian to kill his fellow men?

Ought a Christian ever to lie, or steal, or cheat?

What of the sins of the flesh?

As indicated in Lesson X, what is the message of Good Friday and of Easter and of our total Christian faith?  God's victory over sin. Sin and judgment are never God's last words, for "God so loved the world" that he gave his Son for our redemption. This is the message of Good Friday and of Easter, and of our total Christian faith.

Go In Peace

God, his son and you, Rev Van Onyeaka

God as we know him is the creator rather than the creation.We as human must believe in him and our obedience must be without delay.The holy bible, genesis ch,1-1-5 says  in the beginning God created the heaven and earth..... such an act  can only be done by God.The course in miracle  says that we must accept christ  as  God in human form, that  his sinlessness  wiped away our sin in his beginning.AS a christian we must accept christ image that comes with ,love peace kindness forgiveness .and it is a heinous act not to do so.The course in miracles says that we are sons of God,this helps us  to understand the nature of christ in us.AS a believer of one true through God we must focus in God and prayer..And miracles will happen.Think about this, will one man discover proof that every christian . in the world is wrong, No,No, God forbid .We are all shining reflection of God,s love and so we must accept the great christ commission of God In us.