January 2020

Same study group, all ages welcome; however, most of us have graying hair as well as lively curiosity and diverse faith heritages. 

We are now tackling Dorothee Soelle’s seminal book The Silent Cry: Mysticism and Resistance. Dorothee, who died in 2003, was a German feminist liberation theologian. She believed theology must speak for the oppressed, not only the privileged. 

I was enthralled when I read the Introduction and Chapter 1: We are all mystics. Chapter 2: Ecstasy slowed me down to a crawl. This book could be required reading in a seminary course although its meatiness encourages me to reflect on my own mystical moments and awarenesses. 

I am learning, the history of mysticism as it stands over against the traditional, patriarchal, limiting teachings and liturgies of religious institutions. As I listen to the group’s conversations, I jot down my mystical moments and awarenesses, surprised how many come to mind. Rather than thinking how great these remembrances are, I am wondering how each has impacted my life and the contours of my faith.  

Rather than doing crossword puzzles to keep my mind active and supple, I climb the steep stairs to my nest under the eaves and write. Remembering and reflecting is a sacred experience which takes time and effort…and I am easily distracted. I turn on the computer, I am pulled into emails, news and weather, or other Internet magnets. When I begin the hard work of writing, I am pushed to focus sharply as I seek words to express my understanding of my experiences and faith.