Category Archives: Evolutionary Spirituality

Evolutionary spirituality meets religious education for kids, fostering values for a just, sustainable global culture.

3 New Buzzwords Changing Religion — Buzzword #1: INTEGRAL

Evolutionary Spirituality, For Religious Educators, Integral Spirituality, Interfaith Children, Interfaith Education, Interspiritual, Jewish-Interfaith, Spiritual Growth for Kids, , , , , , , , , , , ,

PREVIEW. I’m sitting on the floor, a foot from the TV, turning channels. There is no remote, no recording device. An animated figure appears on the screen. The narrator explains it will experience eight significant crises in its lifetime. Each will occur around a major developmental issue such as trust, identity, intimacy, etc., according to psychologist, Erik Erikson. I SPRINT for pen and paper. AHA! The key to my future. If I study these stages of development, I’ll be prepared for Life. I am 14. And I want to know more.

What other life maps are out there to show what lies ahead?

Erikson's stages of growth Continue reading 3 New Buzzwords Changing Religion — Buzzword #1: INTEGRAL →

The Evolutionary Vision of Jodorowsky’s Dune

Evolutionary Spirituality, Integral Spirituality, Interspiritual, Movies on Faith & Spirituality, Spiritual Growth for Kids, , , , , ,

Photo of a ticket for a reserved seat to see Jodorowsky's DuneAfter watching a documentary called Jodorowsky’s Dune, my “film major” husband announced, “You have to watch this movie. It will blow your mind.” And so I did. And he was right. This is one of those films that raises our consciousness about raising our consciousness. For this reason, hosting a Movie Night with this film is worth it. In fact, I’m giving you my Movie Night! Guide for discussing this film. Invite your family, friends, students, or community to watch. The Guide is FREE for the next two weeks. Here’s a brief review of the film and why you’ll want to show it. Continue reading The Evolutionary Vision of Jodorowsky’s Dune →

A Seminary Stands Up, Out, and For All Faiths

Conversations with Leaders, Evolutionary Spirituality, Integral Spirituality, Interfaith Education, Interfaith Inspiration, , , , , , , , ,

photo-pillarsBaton Rouge. Minneapolis. Dallas.
We need REAL social change now more than ever. But how?

Let me backtrack to a social change event where Cornel West, the prominent African American scholar, was the main speaker. There, he recalled these words of Paolo Freire, author of Pedagogy of the Oppressed:

No social change movement is ever successful without the support of religious leaders and their communities.

If this is true, and we’re serious about social justice, then shouldn’t we help our spiritual leaders to be good at it? By good, I mean not only effective at motivating congregants to rise up for social change — since many do, but also effective at securing change in policy and law. Today, that is exactly what Auburn Seminary is up to. Continue reading A Seminary Stands Up, Out, and For All Faiths →

Listen: Becoming a New Kind of Religion Teacher

Curriculum Design, Evolutionary Spirituality, For Religious Educators, Interfaith Children, Interfaith Education, Interspiritual, Jewish-Interfaith, Spiritual Growth for Kids, , , , , , , , ,

Challenges1How do we become ourselves?

(and not who our parents, principals, preachers, or presidents tell us to be?)   

The 18th century Rabbi Zusya of Anapoli, said he feared that when he died, the angels would ask not “Why weren’t you more like Moses?” but “Why weren’t you more like Zusya?”    

Contemporary Quaker educator, Parker Palmer, gives this advice:
 Continue reading Listen: Becoming a New Kind of Religion Teacher →

Why I’m Coming Out as a Religion Teacher Who Doesn’t Teach Religion

Evolutionary Spirituality, For Religious Educators, Integral Spirituality, Interfaith Children, Interfaith Education, Interfaith Inspiration, Interspiritual, Jewish-Interfaith, Spiritual Growth for Kids, , ,

Photograph of 8 hands in the air with thumbs up. Behind the hair, skin, gender, status, culture, class, language, fashion, and faith, who am I?

I am my message. I am the unique world-view I’m yearning to share. But — I’ve been scratching at its surface, poking around the edges, unwilling to fully embrace it. Why?  Continue reading Why I’m Coming Out as a Religion Teacher Who Doesn’t Teach Religion →

Zinnterview with Interspiritual Author Mirabai Starr

Conversations with Leaders, Evolutionary Spirituality, For Religious Educators, Interspiritual, , , , , ,

A giant red heart pulsates in this mixed media painting by Lauren Zinn.It’s a joy to introduce you to Mirabai Starr on MLK Day. Although petite, you can’t miss Mirabai. She’s an embodiment of interspirituality earned through a life of devotion at the heart of the great religions. From across the room where I first met her, she radiated love. I’m sure you’ll feel the warmth of her words from any distance.  Zinntroducing —MIRABAI STARR…
 Continue reading Zinnterview with Interspiritual Author Mirabai Starr →