jonnybaker: contemplation and being human

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contemplation and being human

i think this address by rowan williams is amazing. it needs a few reads, and chewing over. he was addressing the synod of catholic bishops (which in itself is quite an invite) last week and the main focus of it is contemplation as a means to recovering what it means to be human. i think he is particularly insightful about how this kind of posture challenges us to move beyond self-fulfilment to seeing others and the world as they are. this is a huge challenge when we are all so shaped by consumer culture to satisfy our desires...

Posted on October 17, 2012 in articles, faith, prayer, spirituality | Permalink

Comments

yes, great isn't it. I liked his thoughts on being defined as either an individual – the centre of our own world, or as a person who is part of a network of relationships and thus harder to define.

Before anything else, I am in relationship, in relationship particularly with God. The most important thing about every person is that they are already in relationship with God. They do not belong to me.

interestingly i just saw this tweet from @alaindebotton (religion for atheists):
A proof of good parenting? That the child has no desire to be famous. What we call a ‘celebrity culture’ is really a 'neglect of almost everyone by everyone' culture.

quite a similar take on things...

Posted by: Laul | October 17, 2012 at 03:26 PM

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