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The Relationship Between Spiritual Growth and Mental Health Counseling

by on 29 September 2016in Christian Mysticism, Christianity, Reflection, Spiritual Disciplines, Spirituality, The Church, Therapy, Transcendent Moments No comment

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What is the relationship, if any, between spiritual growth and mental health counseling? What should the Church’s interest be in mental health? Certainly, the Church is not a mental health agency, nor should it be. The Church is the visible body of Christ on Earth. The Church is the pillar of truth. Its primary purpose is proclamation of the truth of the gospel. And the body is the vehicle for demonstrating gospel by the way its members love one another. So, where does the topic of mental health fit into the purpose of the Church?

A Twist on the “What’s Wrong with the Church and Why Are Millenials Leaving?” Question

by on 13 February 2015in Christian Mysticism, Christianity, Ministry, Pastors, Reflection, Spirituality, The Church No comment

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I was recently listening to one of my favorite podcasts “Freakonomics” with Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt . Its one of my favorite podcasts for the reasons that its funny, interesting, informative about economics and focuses on fascinating aspects of psychology (I’ve also read “Freakonomics” and “Super Freakonomics”). If you know me, you know that I love psychology. And on the episode I was listening to there was a story that stood out to me.

They interviewed psychologist Robert Cialdini who did a fascinating study on the influential power of one’s environment. Put in simpler terms, the influence that a group has on an individual. He discussed a study where PSA signs were set out in people’s yards with their permission throughout different neighborhoods. The message on the signs were geared towards people’s energy usage behavior. They had differing messages pointing out the cost to consumers, the effect on global warming, and the negative effect to future generations all from over consumption of energy. But there was one last  sign, which dropped the warnings about cost, damage to the atmosphere or future generations; it simply described the usage behavior of one’s surrounding neighbors.

4 Ways to Regain a Sense of Transcendence this Christmas

by on 14 December 2014in Christian Mysticism, Reflection, Spirituality, Transcendent Moments No comment

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I remember my first experience of going to an art museum.  Looking at the paintings gave me such a wondrous feeling. I felt a sense of awe at how an object or image could stir strong imagination in me. It was a feeling of warmth and closeness.

I almost felt embarrassed to be in public, surrounded by other people looking at the same art I was. Secretly, I wanted to take all the artwork and sneak away somewhere alone.  I wanted to hide away and cherish the tenderness of it.  It was as if God descended into my being, into my heart, and touched a very vulnerable part of me.  It was a transcendent moment.