Spirituality

Hey brother (or sister),

My heart goes out to you. Do I assume correctly that you are studying at a state university? I also studied at a state university. You are in the lion's den! And when the secular mind begins to treat religion/spirituality it is usually utterly satanic and often blatently antichrist. I took a world religions class where we looked at several religions, et. The man who taught the class was a professional philosopher. The lack of understanding of the Gospel was amazing. And my contribution to teach the Gospel in truth was a great opportunity to evangelize, though I suffered the hatred of not a few.

What would help is to actually get into the material they are giving you. Check this link out and tell me if this is the text or the type of teaching your getting into:
http://books.google.com/books?id=If...DDXkQ&sig=GqtSC-Mf8eQC7OYXquKIkdRct2o#PPA3,M1

 

SInce when is 'feminism' considered a contemporary spirituality?

That is a new one for me.
It will be hard road to hoe (difficult). But look at it from the stand point of seeing 'what' and not 'how' others percieve about God. It CAN become a great tool in understanding some of what others beleive by which you can have a more sure footing in witnessing and the Lord gives opportunity.

 

Sure, you can PM it.

 

What the Bible teaches as Spirituality and what the module you are studying considers Spirituality are not synonymous and this may be why you are finding it difficult to grasp their use of the word.

To them many forms of "enlightenment" whether real or imagined are considered some form of Spirituality. This is why feminism is considered a form of Spirituality. It is the modern enlightenment of women. While all of that is ridiculous when compared to Biblical Spirituality, it isn't to them. They aren't there to teach Biblical Spirituality but some academic/intellectual determination as to what Spirituality is.

So when they are referring to "Spirituality" just don't attempt to equate it with Biblical Spirituality (which is true Spirituality) but know you will have to accept their terms and their boundaries and then make the adjustment.

 

I notice from a later message from you in this thread that you are in England. It sounds to me as if "Contemporary Spiritualities" is another example of political correctness gone mad. I would translate it as "Contemporary Belief Systems", but I don't imagine that will help you with your module - sorry! BBC Radio Devon (our local station) tends to talk about "faith groups" and "faith communities" rather than "churches" now.

 

Going through the document you sent me. What I think I can do to help is identify possible areas where compromise can take place, but should be avoided by a true Christian.

Under the skills section (learning objectives) I would be careful with:

1. Practice participant observation of religion (if relevant/appropriate).

You certainly do not want to partipate in any pagan/Roman Catholic, et. as a participant. Do not chant, take the papal Euacharist (if it was even possible), et. Keep yourself unspotted from the world.

2. Empathetically engage with different spiritual perspectives and approaches.

A true Christian can have compassion on sinners but not to the degree of giving credence to non-Christian perspectives and approaches. Many of those things are utterly satanic and we should have no fellowship or give our assent to it.

The other skills can be tackled honestly by a true Christian. We can give a balanced and fair view of other beliefs, meaning we can represent their beliefs accurately. We can be observant of how beliefs affect the political and social environments. We can engage in faith and honest debate over controversial subjects.

An area of caution for me is the constant use of "balanced." What do they mean by that? My expeirence has been that liberals intend for me to give up absolute truth for relativsim. Ain't gonna happen!

The other side of this is you want to present an essay that fulfills the course requirements without compromise biblical truth or your stand as a true Christian. The reading list provided should be sufficient to get an idea what the course is looking for and can serve as a framework for your essay.

I followed this way in my world religions class on essays and was able to complete the assignment accordingly, but reject unbiblical and blasphmeous assertions the professor was looking to hear from me.

My grade suffered a percentage point for this. In the states we get A's, B's, et. and I was marked off for my clear biblical worldview and rebuke of false teaching. I was penalized for not being liberal and relative, but absolute in my views. But that is a price I was willing to pay to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

RB

 

During your studies, set aside a fair amount of time to study the writings of Ravi Zacharias. He is a Christian apologist par excellence. It will help you immensly in a comparative religions class. If you're weary from much reading, you can find archives of his radio broadcasts here:

http://www.rzim.org/