First, on a scale of 1 - 10 (1 = not at all; 10= totally changes everything), how have my views of Myrtle’s theology been affected by last week’s study of her views on regeneration?
I would assign an 8.5 to how my views of Myrtle’s theology have been affected. I had previously considered Myrtle’s theology to be centered and focused on healing, both physical and spiritual, prompted by her own healing experience. From my research and the research, postings, and comments from my esteemed fellow students, I now see Myrtle’s theology expanded beyond the healing or “restorative” aspect to the deeper, broader, and more controversial/radical concept of “regeneration”. The difference between the two, in my mind, is significant. “Healing” is like placing a band aid on something and it “heals”, returning to the previous state with perhaps minor scarring or discoloration. Regeneration, in contrast, is infusing the wound with new life, revitalizing and renewing it, perhaps to an improved state, a condition even better, more alive and vibrant than before the wound occurred. And Myrtle was passionate about the importance for all humankind to become aware of and join in the shift in consciousness necessary for the world to experience regeneration vs. generation - at both the spiritual and physical aspects. This concept takes Myrtle’s “healing ministry” to several levels higher, or deeper, or more integral - dependent upon the model or visual perceived.
This reminds me of the response I would sometimes hear when inviting a congregant to the “Healing Service” my home church would hold on Wednesday nights. “But I don’t need healing”. Really?! There is no place within someone that could use healing on a spiritual or physical level? Understanding the concept of regeneration removes that mental block of “I don’t need healing”, viewing such as a stigma or not wanting to affirm the “need.” Perhaps “renewal” is a more acceptable or more readily understood term than regeneration. The Wednesday Renewal Service? The Wednesday Revitalize/Revamp/Renew Anew Service? The Wednesday Align With Christ Consciousness Service? I could have fun with this…
Which brings us to the second area for consideration ~ what suggestions might I have about resolving some of the issues with regeneration within the Unity Movement going forward?
Education is key to resolution. Therefore, exploring Myrtle’s views expressed in her letters and lectures would be key, understanding that these concepts are for thoughtful and prayerful consideration. They cannot be considered and explored if they are not presented in their fullness and richness. For example - why would a class on the theology of Myrtle Fillmore, co-founder of the Unity movement, be an elective class in a Unity seminary? Why would that not be required groundwork for every LUT and Unity minister?
The platform, the podium, the pulpit needs to come alive with the teachings of Unity, including Myrtle’s concept of regeneration, to allow congregants the opportunity to examine their own biases and barriers to spiritual and emotional growth and maturity. Christ consciousness cannot be assigned, ironed on, or tattooed ~ it is an individualized process requiring internal evaluation and expansion of existing concepts and ideas. This usually occurs through study and through the exposure to concepts differently held from our own. That means offering exciting and fresh classes and workshops on the teachings of Myrtle Fillmore, establishing on-going discussion groups infused with energy and enthusiasm, encouraging leadership and congregants to become familiar with these radical teachings and trying them on for themselves. Fillmore Philosophy (then divide Myrtle from Charles). How about designing a game or cards: Fun Fillmore Facts, which could prompt further discussion?
We have a tremendous responsibility, us future Unity leaders, in presenting Unity as purely as we can know it. Therefore, we must come to know it.
I love this definition Daybree! " Regeneration, in contrast, is infusing the wound with new life, revitalizing and renewing it, perhaps to an improved state, a condition even better, more alive and vibrant than before the wound occurred."
ReplyDeleteAlso, I can see you doing a Christ Consciousness Class! Perfect!
I also believe that the teachings of the Fillmore's should be explored more and we should have mandatory classes on those beliefs because as we've already discovered there are varying viewpoints on Salvation, Regeneration etc, etc.
Hi Daybree,
ReplyDeleteWell, so far among the few of us who have posted so far, I seem to be in the minority. Again, there is no one right answer, and I don't mind being in the minority.
But my alternative views have already stated in my blog post this week. I have also posted my alternative views in my response to Christine's post. I don't think it makes sense to restate them here again. I think my posts respond to most of your point.
Daybree, I value your views and friendship very much. I would more than welcome your comments on what I have posted in my blog and response to Christine's blog. Thanks in advance.
Blessings and looking forward to seeing you during Admissions Week.
Blessings,
Rick
Daybree, I agree with your ideas about classes at Unity churches. You said, "That means offering exciting and fresh classes and workshops on the teachings of Myrtle Fillmore [and Charles!], establishing on-going discussion groups infused with energy and enthusiasm ..." I've heard a Unity minister say that even the Metaphysics as taught in SEE classes can't be discussed on the platform because it's too dense and difficult to understand. I disagree. I know many Unity congregants who are hungry for deep philosophical discussions about underlying spiritual concepts. Thanks for your post! -Doug
ReplyDeleteDaybree. I enjoyed your post, particularly your suggestions for moving the Unity Movement forward. Education truly is the key, and the podium is a great place to start. An awesome responsibility, the fate of the Unity Movement lies with its ministers . Getting the Unity "message" out through, as you say, "exciting and fresh classes" is the first step,
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leah. And I realize it also means some measure of agreement on what the "Unity message" is...! :) Exciting times!
DeleteGreat post! I love the passion behind it too! Also, regarding the remaining of the Wed service to.."The Wednesday Renewal Service? The Wednesday Revitalize/Revamp/Renew Anew Service?" we had the same discussion at our own church and went from Wed Night Healing Service to Wed night prayer service though ideas included Wed Night Wholeness & Wellbeing Service. Sheesh! I think that what we call it matters for purposes of letting people know what it's ABOUT.
ReplyDeleteI'm a strong believer in the need for EDUCATION too and want to say that I agree that a class on the substantive teachings of Unity seems to need to be a prerequisite and not an elective course--up there with Prayer. Do we not have it as mandatory simply because the professors don't agree on what is Unity or because it 'should' have all been taught in SEE?
Daybree-
ReplyDeleteI like your question: why wouldn't a class on Myrtle Fillmore be required groundwork for every LUT and Unity minister? Brava. Yes! Regeneration needs to be understood and discussed, and not as something quirky or odd. We talk about healing and have healing services, but what do we really mean?And while we're at it, maybe by studying Myrtle we can come to greater consensus on scripture and Jesus Christ. These discussions can be exciting and fresh. Perhaps we've avoided them out of fear of creating polarizing attitudes that could further weaken Unity. If that's true, then we have to take our own advice and not operate out of fear but trust that God is present in every possibility, bringing forth our highest good.
Blessings,
Lesley