TRUE RELIGION, Spirituality Defined by SELASSIE I #39;s Gospel Of JAH Grace -- Ras Iadonis Tafari Sermon
TRUE RELIGION, Spirituality Defined by SELASSIE I #39;s Gospel Of JAH Grace -- Ras Iadonis Tafari Sermon @LOJSociety.org [VIDEO] Archives | Art Facts Files |...

By: RastafariSabbathical

Go here to see the original:

TRUE RELIGION, Spirituality Defined by SELASSIE I's Gospel Of JAH Grace -- Ras Iadonis Tafari Sermon - Video

Monastic spirituality isn't just for monks anymore.

Just ask one of the Benedictine oblates who meet the second Sunday of each month at St. Bede Abbey in Peru. During the meetings, the members pray together, practice lectio divina or sacred reading of Scripture or spiritual texts and discuss some aspect of monastic spirituality.

After the first year of attending meetings, a candidate makes a public oblation, or offering of oneself, to live the Rule of St. Benedict, the guiding principle behind the St. Bede community, as far as their lives allow it. Oblates reprofess their vows annually and remain committed to one monastery, although they may attend oblate meetings at other monasteries. There are no other requirements made of them.

The interdenominational group boasts a membership of about 100 from across Central Illinois and the Chicago suburbs, with an average of 20 attending the meetings each month. The most recent numbers from the Vatican's website for International Benedictine Oblates from 2008 indicated there were 25,481 oblates in 50 countries, with 42 percent of those in the U.S., and the numbers are growing.

Abbot Philip Davey believes despite the fast pace of today's world, there is a longing deep in every human being to seek out the divine.

"I think ultimately it's what St. Augustine said. 'O Lord, you have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you,' " Davey told The Times. "I think it's probably simply the sense people have and the expectation what they think is going to provide what they need doesn't do it. I think it's what spawns interest in the iPad 5 and the latest this and the latest that."

Brother Nathaniel Grossmann is beginning his third year as oblate director at the Abbey and said the Rule is a summary of the gospel.

"It's a livable expression of the gospel. It's a guide to living according to the gospel the incarnation, passion, death and resurrection of Christ," Grossmann said. "Laypeople have found a great deal of spiritual wisdom in living the gospel in their own vocation as married people, single people, stay-at-home moms or dads. And so they attach themselves to a monastery of men or women. It's a mutual give and take. They receive from us. We receive from them."

Ken Krogulski, of La Salle, attended St. Bede Academy and has been active in the oblate program for more than 20 years. Though he acknowledges some of the language from The Rule of St. Benedict, written 1,500 years ago, is outdated, he still finds meaning in it for the 21st century.

"Laypeople find it has definite benefits in living a secular life," Krogulski said. "That's why we call ourselves 'monks outside the walls.' It's living the rule. It makes a lot of sense to me. It's a good way to live your life. It's been tried and true for quite a few centuries."

Read more here:

'Monks Outside the Walls' Oblates bring monastic spirituality to secular life

DALLAS At 83, Carl Smith found himself facing quadruple-bypass surgery and the real possibility that he might not survive.

Within hours on a spring morning, Dr. Mark Pool would temporarily bring Smiths heart to a stop in an attempt to circumvent its blocked passages.

And to help his patient confront the uncertainty, Pool did something unusual in his profession: He prayed with him.

Medicine and religion have both had their day, and they havent always been able to coexist. But as todays medical treatment becomes more holistic, doctors are increasingly taking spirituality into account.

Studies show a majority of patients want their spirituality recognized, and most med schools now have classes related to the topic. In general, the new thinking asks doctors to note their patients spiritual leanings and open doors to expression, especially when life is at risk.

Pool, a highly regarded heart and lung surgeon at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, is fervent about his Baptist faith. For about a year, hes routinely asked patients if theyd like him to pray with them pre-surgery a gesture he says is always appreciated but one that exceeds advocates suggested bounds.

A physician should be open to a patients spirituality but shouldnt push religion on patients, says Nathan Carlin, assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Thats confusing personal and professional roles.

Two decades ago, barely a few med schools offered classes on spirituality. Now, three-fourths of them do.

Medicine has figured out that we ignore the more human sides of health care at our own peril, says Craig Borchardt, interim chair of humanities and medicine at Texas A&M University.

Studies show 60 to 80 percent of patients want their beliefs noted, he says not as affirmation but as a sign that the doctor actually cares. But fewer than 20 percent of doctors bring it up.

Original post:

Spirituality, prayer get greater emphasis in medical care