Stages of Faith

Naked Pastor has a great post on the concept of “Faith Stages.”

James Fowler wrote the book on this subject many years ago. I recommend it. Stages of Faith by James Fowler.

Filed under: Apprentice, pilgrimage

Switchin’ Sides: #1

This is a first in a series. I have several “firsts in series” but maybe this one won’t become an orphaned post in the archives of Tangence.

A.N. Wilson has written biographies on many of Christianity’s heavy hitters. People like C.S. Lewis, Tolstoy, the Apostle Paul and Jesus. (The heaviest hitter?) He has been a long time skeptic of faith close to the camp of folk like Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins. However, after going through a kind of renaissance in his own faith he has returned to the church.

Here is an article of his where he shares his experience of Palm Sunday: Religion of Hatred by A.N. Wilson.

Also, check out this one: Why I Believe Again

Filed under: books, from the profane to the sublime, pilgrimage

from the Abbey #1

The time at the Abbey was spent resting and praying, praying and resting. These trees are near the cemetery attached to the monastery.

Filed under: pilgrimage, prayer , Abbey of St. Benedict

Lenten Prayer #1

As we journey through Lent together and as we think about our own Pilgrimage let these prayers be both helpers and friends to us:

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: grant your people grace to love what you have commanded and desire what you promise; that among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

- from the Book of Common Prayer

Filed under: Christian Time, lent, pilgrimage, prayer

Ash Wednesday

Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Filed under: lent, pilgrimage