163 You Are One and Many: Unity, Multiplicity, and Internal Systems

Apr 7, 2025

In this discussion with Dr. Gerry Crete, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Transfiguration Counseling, listeners explore the complex nature of identity as a cohesive system. They delve into how understanding our interconnectedness can enhance our relationships with God, ourselves, and others. The conversation critiques modern individualism and reclaims the importance of belonging within communities, emphasizing communal spirituality through practices like baptism and Eucharist. Insights into internal systems and their impact on external relationships are also highlighted.

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INSIGHT

Systems Thinking Reveals Interconnections

Systems thinking shifts focus from individuals to dynamics among parts or people.
This approach reveals how changing one part affects the entire system's function.

INSIGHT

Relational Identity Over Individualism

Modern individualism is foreign to Catholic tradition, which emphasizes relational identity.
Our identity is embedded in family, community, church, and cosmos, not isolated selfhood.

INSIGHT

Each Person Is a Whole World

Each human being is an irreducible, unique world, more than the sum of parts.
Losing a person means losing an irreplaceable universe of experiences and possibilities.

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The metamorphosis

Franz Kafka

The Metamorphosis tells the story of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who wakes up to find himself transformed into a huge insect. The novella delves into the themes of alienation, as Gregor becomes physically and emotionally isolated from his family and society. Despite his new form, Gregor retains his human thoughts and feelings, leading to a profound internal conflict. The story also explores the impact of Gregor's transformation on his family, particularly his sister Grete, who undergoes her own metamorphosis from a girl to a woman. The novella is a classic example of literary modernism, examining the absurdity and meaninglessness of modern life.

The Soul's Journey into God

or The Mind's Road to God or Path to God

Bonaventure

Bonaventure's "The Soul's Journey into God" is a seminal work of medieval Christian mysticism, outlining a path to union with God through contemplation and the understanding of creation. The book is structured around the six days of creation, exploring the human soul's relationship with God through various stages of enlightenment. It emphasizes the importance of seeing God's presence in all aspects of life, from nature to the human intellect. Bonaventure's work blends philosophical and theological insights, reflecting the scholastic tradition of his time. The book's emphasis on mystical experience and the interconnectedness of the spiritual and natural worlds has influenced Christian thought for centuries.

Thinking in systems

A Primer

Diana Wright

Donella Meadows

This book introduces readers to systems thinking, a critical skill for 21st-century life. It explains how to understand and interact with complex systems, highlighting the importance of internal system structures and feedback loops. The book is divided into sections on system structures and behavior, the relationship between systems and humans, and strategies for creating change within systems. It aims to help readers develop a deeper understanding of systems to address global issues such as climate change, poverty, and social inequalities.

Litanies of the Heart

Gerry Crete

The stranger

Albert Camus

Published in 1942, 'The Stranger' tells the story of Meursault, a Frenchman living in Algiers, who is characterized by his emotional detachment and apathy. The novel begins with Meursault's indifferent reaction to his mother's death and follows his journey through a series of events, including a senseless murder, which leads to his trial and sentencing. Camus uses Meursault's story to illustrate his philosophy of the absurd, highlighting the lack of inherent meaning in life and the importance of accepting and living with this reality. The novel also explores the tensions between French colonialists and native Algerians, reflecting Camus's own experiences and critiques of colonialism.