Search results for ""author ross thompson""

Most of us have lived through painful, humiliating or traumatic experiences, leaving us haunted and conditioned by reactions that trap us in ongoing cycles of feeling hurt and hurting others. And on the wider political scale, we have obviously yet to learn the art of responding well to the hurts of terrorism, exploitation, or more local conflicts of interest. Either we resort to reciprocal violence, or claim too readily the status of innocent victim. The book begins by looking at three predominant negative responses. It then draws on a variety of traditions from the author's own Buddhist Christian perspective, exploring how deep meditation can help take us beyond the negative narratives of hurt. The author finds ambivalent but broadly positive images in childhood innocence and the tragicomic fool, and urges the importance of a radical and unconditional forgiveness of self and others that is grounded in both Buddhist Emptiness and the risen Christ. By these means, the habit of accusation that so easily dominates self and society can give way to humour and mutual wonder.

Read more less

Ministry, the authors contend, is a range of energies freely bestowed by the Spirit. Our task is to channel it mindfully and reflectively. Through the use of imaginative exercises based on scripture, focusing exercises directed at practical situations, and theological reflection that is rooted in the authors' own experience of ministry as Anglican priests, the following 'colours' of the ministerial rainbow are explored: • The Apostle: Mindful Representing, the Christlike shape of ministry. • The Holy One: Mindful Praying, the still centre of ministry. • The Pastor: Mindful Serving, the hard-working body of ministry. • The Teacher: Mindful Nurture, the wise soul of ministry • The Leader: Mindful Organising, the overseeing mind of ministry. • The Go-Between: Mindful Collaboration, Conviviality and Communication, the interlinking and encouraging hands of ministry. • The Herald of Good Tidings: Mindful Evangelism, the swift, urgent feet of ministry. • The Liberator: Mindful Subversion, the courageous heart of ministry.

Read more less