(Rose Castle – 12 habits of effective reconcilers)
I was challenged in this module about my lack of empathy for people who are not like me and for the way I automatically assume the “moral high ground”.
The appeal to my Christian faith, to keep in mind the theology of humans as being made in the image of God was timely and challenging – though I fail, again and again, often because the damage some people have sustained makes them try and prove they are unloveable. The importance of contemplative time is increasingly clear…since a rushed life is a non-empathic and judging life, for me.
I was also challenged about my motivation for being on this course…because it is not so much about contributing to the needs of the world out of an ethical imperative as about meeting my own need for my life to have meaning and for my contribution to be appreciated.
Maybe that has to suffice…if I attend well enough to my inner messages and act wherever I should (regardless of appreciation).
I did feel shocked, having spent a few days in this lovely environment, listening to speakers who addressed me very congruently, to register that some from outside of my cultural perspective had felt quite bypassed by the material. That they are having to work extra hard to cope with triggers and to “translate” some of the presentations in order to digest and critique the material feels unfair. The lesson in this, for me, is to take care with my language and assumptions…as I can easily slip from a learning into a proselytising frame of mind.
Differences were acknowledged – such as between Islamic and Christian perspectives on anger. But I don’t think I showed respect in the way I affirmed my position about that topic. I was too certain of my rightness!
The scriptural reasoning session, however, highlighted commonalities, stimulating my curiosity. It certainly reduced my residual “Christian?” fear about being somehow compromised in listening to alternative faith positions. (Though I wonder if I could face a satanist exegesis….?)
Many thanks to all those who worked so hard to deliver this residential!
2 comments
I’ve made this discovery, too, about scriptures and beliefs outside of Christianity and I’m so grateful for Beloved Muslim Ex and Beloved Jewish Friend for their frankness as to their beliefs and practices. I can honestly say that I have learned so much about my own faith and practice by looking at it through their eyes. I genuinely believe that interfaith conversation, especially through scriptural reasoning, where each person is free to state their understanding in an environment where nobody is judged right or wrong is one of the greatest tools that we have for global harmony. I shall introduce you to Beloved RC Friend sometime – she feels that working in a predominantly Jewish environment for many years gave her far greater understanding of her Christian faith too. Let the honest sharing commence!
Thank you Hazel for sharing your thoughts and experiences in such a lovely and transparent piece of writing. I too was challenged by the speakers and activities at Rose Castle- particularly the making a symbol of being reconciled to my faith. I was very challenged by the habit of ‘forgiveness’ – one I need to work on!