Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
I have just returned from my first meeting with a group called the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS). CAPS is an interesting group made up of psychologists, counselors, teachers, pastors and others who are committed to bringing the best of Christianity and psychology together. Knowing that I would be in the minority at the gathering, the organization is largely made up of Evangelical Christians, I was not sure what to expect. First of all, we were meeting in Orlando, which is a location that no one wants to travel to this time of year, but I also had concerns as to how I would be accepted as a member of the Roman Catholic clergy.
Much of what we discussed at the conference was a pleasant surprise. The first plenary speaker began by pointing out the need for transformation as Christians. He spoke of theosis and divinization as the way to salvation that is a process over one’s entire life rather than a one time event of being “saved”. The final plenary speaker talked about the value of taking time for silence in order to hear God and suggested this could be accomplished through centering prayer and lectio divina. Much of what I encountered led me to believe that this group of Christians are truly intent on living their lives through prayer and work in a way that can promote unity among Christians.
As I continue to reflect upon our discussions, I hope to share some of those thoughts here in the near future. The last few days have given me hope and a little Florida sunshine too!
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Looking forward to hearing more about this.
One thing I have wanted to learn how to do is to just be silent and listen for God’s words. I can hardly sit still in most cases…sitting quietly for minutes or hours seems impossible.
Even if I could, how could I keep my active mind from daydreaming instead of focusing.
The closest I’ve come so far is when I’m fishing on the Clinch, in the early morning fog.
I wish I could have gone. They had the conference here in Phoenix last year and Fr. Gregory Jensen stayed at our house a few miles from the convention center. Did you happen to meet him in Orlando? He’s blogging about the conference also. Looking forward to your comments.
Thanks for the comments Tory and Steve.
Your comments on trying to find silence and quiet seem to be common among many who are attempting this kind of prayer. Perhaps I will be able to not only comment on the talk at CAPS, but delve a bit deeper into some things that help in this type of prayer.
And, yes, I did run into Fr. Gregory. It was actually your interview with him that gave me the thought of perhaps attending the conference. Fr. Gregory and I were able to have dinner one night and discuss things about the conference as well as a few other topics. I saw his first blogpost on the conference and would agree with what he has written.
Cool. I hope some day we three can tip a brew together. Maybe if CAPS is closer and work is better next year.
That would be a good day indeed!