#mystagogy

Note: This is adapted from an introduction I wrote to my practicum project, which is a Lenten teaching curriculum for Orthodox Christian adult laity in a “Sunday school” or devotional context.

In the present time, there is a need for more in-depth educational resources for adult lay learners to deepen their understanding of Orthodox Christian faith and praxis. I say this not as an alarmist. I am not concerned about “encroachment” from ecumenical dialogue, nor am I worried about congregations being “led astray” by priests who in pursuing the creative spirit of Orthodoxy sometimes forgo the “letter of the law” that an overly rigid interpretation of the canons demands.

I notice this need rather as a convert to the Orthodox Church who often feels that our pedagogy is lacking in two areas. First, there is a lack of interest or familiarity with the practical theology of our tradition. As a convert, I was invested in understanding what makes Orthodoxy unique, how it coheres as an entire thought system and way of life, and how it can offer unique contributions to the entire Body of Christ. I felt compelled to understand my newfound faith, and the ways it could be life-giving. I want other people to be able to experience this joy I have found, and to be able to apply the riches of our tradition to their own lives.  I try to make my writings and work accessible, but I believe that laity are capable and in need of a deeper understanding of these currents of our faith.

Class Excitement ~ NOOTTT

The class is great somewhat but no offense but really was kinda disappointed tho cause i thought it would be more gain towards the giftings and what they really mean and a deeper view of them and like i said in the last post how to apply them within the church but i guess i was wrong tho. I didn’t what to do my homework like a good Catholic Grl i am lol after just reading the assignments i wasn’t…

RCIA Mystagogy / 1st Class – HomeWork

My first thoughts about the Mystagogy was the mystery of figuring out ology . But I was at a bad time in my life when i got an email from Charles letting us know that the class was going to start soon and i was thinking ok well i got some time to figure out if im going or not well then later on or well a week or 2 later i get another email now asking us to email back if we are ya or na for the…

Mystagogy: the Heart of Spiritual Formation

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults — the Catholic process by which adults enter the Church — suggests that there are four stages or steps in the process of Christian initiation. These steps — evangelization, catechesis, initiation, and mystagogy — not only define the journey of general formation in the life of Christ (in other words, “becoming a Christian”) but they also give us insight…

Podcast Listening: My Stogie Mystagogy

(Podcasting has had kind of an interesting history. It’s been a part of the “new media” for at least 10 years, but seems to be going through a renewal in the past couple years. New podcasts are starting on a regular basis, older podcasts are being refreshed or transitioned into different formats, and more tools are making podcasting – both listening and producing – more readily accessible. I’ve…