195: Expanding Truths Through Interfaith Learning w/ Jana Spangler
Jan 29, 2024
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Jana Spangler, a student of Father Richard Rohr and participant in the Living School's program, discusses her spiritual growth and teachings from the Living School. They explore the shift toward more meaningful, mystical connection and the importance of finding the sacred in the profane. Jana shares wisdom about becoming non-dualistic, advocating for social justice, and embracing an embodied Christianity. They also discuss the teachings and unique perspectives of Richard Rohr and other teachers at the Living School.
The Living School's program focuses on contemplation in the first year and taking action to address social injustices from a contemplative perspective in the second year.
Richard Rohr encourages Mormons to embrace deep spirituality and personal growth while navigating the challenges of hierarchical and patriarchal structures.
Deep dives
The Living School: A Program for Spiritual Development
The Living School is a two-year program led by the Center for Action and Contemplation, founded by Richard Rohr. The program focuses on contemplation in the first year, allowing individuals to connect with themselves and experience God's presence. The second year emphasizes taking action and addressing social injustices from a contemplative perspective. The curriculum includes studying Christian and Buddhist mystics, and the program aims to help individuals navigate the challenges and complexities of religious experiences.
Richard Rohr: Teacher, Author, and Mystic
Richard Rohr, a Catholic priest and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation, is known for his wisdom and teachings on spirituality. He challenges traditional notions of religion and encourages individuals to embrace the mystical aspects of their faith. Rohr has written numerous influential books, including 'Falling Upward' and 'The Universal Christ.' His teachings resonate with individuals who seek deeper spiritual connections and a more contemplative approach to their faith.
The Faculty of the Living School
The Living School boasts a diverse and renowned faculty. Cynthia Bourgeois is an Episcopalian priest and author, known for her teachings on centering prayer. James Finley, a former monk, therapist, and author, speaks to the heart and embodies mysticism. Dr. Barbara Holmes, a teacher and author, explores contemplation in African-American contexts. Brian McLaren, a prominent writer and speaker, offers insights on faith and doubt. These teachers bring unique perspectives and contribute to creating a rich and transformative learning environment.
Richard Rohr's Observations on Mormonism and the Living School
Richard Rohr has offered insightful observations on Mormonism and its potential alignment with the living school's principles. He recognizes the strengths of Mormonism's emphasis on the first half of life but suggests there may be a lack of emphasis on the second half of life, a contemplative and mystical spiritual journey. He encourages Mormons to seek deep spirituality and personal growth while recognizing the challenges and complexities that may arise within the hierarchical and patriarchal structures of the faith. Rohr acknowledges Mormonism's uniqueness and its potential for embracing contemplative teachings and expanding the understanding of faith.
Series Title: Conversations with Mormon Mystics & Graduates of Fr. Richard Rohr’s ‘Living School’ [Part I of IV]
In today's opening episode of a beautiful new series exploring Mormonism's own modern mystics, Valerie sits down with the insightful Jana Spangler to chat about her first-hand spiritual growth as a student of Father Richard Rohr.
Jana walks us through the overarching teachings of the Living School's teachers, especially what she learned personally from Father Richard Rohr and the other interdenominational leaders at his “Living School”, a program sponsored by Rohr’s Center of Action and Contemplation. They dive deep into the Mormon experience also, envisioning a shift toward more meaningful, mystical connection.
In Friday's episode Jana shares specifics about her depth experience at The Living School, including what she learned about finding the sacred in the profane, the importance of becoming non-dualistic, and embracing a Christianity that is embodied in advocacy and social justice. Don't miss her wisdom! It is beautiful and thought provoking!
Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!
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