Why Theological Reflection?
By Rev. Alida DeCoster
Minister to the Social Justice Internship
Program
What is the grounding of our social justice advocacy? What is the basis of a life of service? What is the faith in which we stand that urges us in this direction? These are the questions of theological reflection. We stop and ask why. The need for this becomes obvious when after long periods of effort, our longed-for just society does not emerge. When it seems that conflict, discord, selfishness, and greed always dominate, we need a way to retreat and heal so we can emerge ready to continue our efforts and live in hope. We need some kind of reassurance that life makes sense in spite of all the suffering. That is my understanding of why we need a healing spiritual life to sustain us. Theological reflection, as part of the rhythm of social justice work, is an effort to address this need.
Finding a balance of self care and care for the world is important: justice and compassion in the world, as well as deepening and growing the self. The two encourage each other. The better I know myself, my need for love, my need to love, the more I am compelled to reach out. A deepening spiritual life and practice, through meditation, prayer, study, loving relationships, whatever connects us more to life, teaches us more and more that we are part of all that is. Thus our compassion grows. We know we are acceptable, we love life AND serve the world. The enlightened Buddhist is not the one on the mountaintop. She or he is in the marketplace serving.
Theological Reflection at the Washington Office
In the interest of developing this balance, and avoiding burnout we have weekly theological reflection (TR) sessions at the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Washington Center with the legislative director and interns. Helping to facilitate this is the minister to the interns. We begin each "TR" with a chalice lighting, reading and check-in. Then we reflect together on a theme. Usually some readings and questions are prepared beforehand.
We are currently engaged in the curriculum, Building Your Own Theology which is facilitating discussion about the interns own personal views and beliefs of their theology. Our first activity is to write a Spiritual Autobiography and share it with the group.
We are also having issue TRs that cover a wide variety of issues. So far we have discussed: the Workplace Religious Freedom Act, Global Warming, Peacemaking and Marriage Equality.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
