Spiritual Terrorism and Liberation with Monica Coleman
May 8, 2017
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Monica Coleman, a passionate advocate for spiritual liberation, dives into the challenges of spiritual terrorism and how process theology can empower individuals. She and Tripp unpack inherited beliefs about God's power that may instill fear, and they discuss vibrant metaphors for understanding the divine amidst suffering. The conversation also touches on the dual nature of liberation—both personal and collective—and how creative expressions of faith can enrich our connections with others and our own spirituality.
Monica Coleman discusses how inherited beliefs about God's omnipotence can create fear, leading to spiritual terrorism and undermining faith.
Process theology offers a liberating perspective that encourages personal growth and challenges oppressive narratives within traditional religious practices.
Deep dives
The Importance of Process Thought
Engaging with process thought provides an opportunity for individuals to explore their faith while integrating modern experiences with traditional beliefs. It encourages participants to step outside their usual commitments to find space for learning and personal growth. Through the Summer Process Institute, people can dive into complex ideas without the pressure of extensive reading or preparation, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of their background. This creates a conducive learning environment, fostering relationships with both peers and instructors as they seek to understand the applications of process philosophy in contemporary life.
Spiritual Terrorism and Liberation
The concept of spiritual terrorism arises from teachings that instill fear, contrasting sharply with the liberating aspects of process thought. Traditional religious beliefs that claim everything happens for a divine reason can provoke anxiety and conflict, especially in the face of personal suffering. Process theology offers an alternative view where God's agency is not about control but relationship, urging individuals to redefine their understanding of faith and the divine. Recognizing how certain teachings can limit personal freedom allows individuals to seek a more fulfilling and liberating spirituality.
The Individual and Collective Journey of Faith
The relationship between individual spirituality and organized religion often highlights a desire for personal freedom alongside the communal aspects of faith. Many individuals identify as 'spiritual but not religious' to escape the oppressive mechanisms typically associated with formal religious institutions. By embracing spirituality from a process perspective, one can engage with practices that enrich both personal belief systems and community involvement. This approach emphasizes finding God in everyday experiences, making spirituality a shared journey rather than an isolated pursuit.
Redefining Knowledge and Teaching in Diverse Contexts
Effective education in theological settings hinges on openness to diverse narratives and experiences, particularly when teaching across different religious traditions. Engaging with varying perspectives fosters an environment of collaborative learning that transcends traditional boundaries. This approach encourages students to think critically about their preconceptions of faith and the role of religion in society. By exploring the intersections of activism, culture, and spirituality, students can develop a richer understanding of their own beliefs while building relationships with others who share different traditions.
Monica A. Coleman is back on the podcast talking spiritual terrorism, spiritual liberation, and how process theology can help liberate us from those things that create fear in us and make us feel further from God.
Monica and Tripp discuss why our inherited assumptions about God's omnipotence can lead to spiritual terrorism and how we can deal with the ugliness in the church today.