“As theistic naturalists will insist, it might well be the case that the natural world always and already exists in active relationship with God; they argue that a naturalism that excludes God’s active presence is not a full naturalism at all.”

-Sarah Lane Ritchie, Divine Action and the Human Mind p. 206

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.

Matthew 3:13

Module Three: To Be Baptized

Study:

In preparation for this week's material, please read Third Dwelling, Chapters 1 and 2 (pp 67–84 in the Mirabai Starr translation). Please read the Wisdom for the Way essay titled, “To Be Baptized,” found here. Available on March 16, 2022.

After you have completed the above, choose one or more of the the following:

• “The Life and Work of Teresa of Avila feat. Mirabai Starr” from the Turning to the Mystics Podcast

• “Teresa of Avila: Session 3” a meditation from the Turning to the Mystics Podcast

• Psalm 111

• Rev. Christopher Knight on the Science-Orthodox Relationship

• “Considering God’s Existence,” Nancey Murphy on Closer to Truth

Discussion Questions:

• The Wisdom for the Way is titled “To Be Baptized.” In light of the quotes above, how does the space created by the essay speak to you of baptism?

• What does it mean to live “in awe of God?”

• Read Psalm 111 linked above. How is your understanding of God challenged by this Psalm? How is it affirmed? What might happen if you took seriously St. Teresa’s injunction to repeat the prayer: Beatus vir, qui timet Dominum (Blessed is the one who fears the Lord.)

• On page 81, St. Teresa talks about the importance of humility. What does it mean to have spiritual humility?

• What is the difference between humility and humiliation? What value does the self have within a framework of spiritual humility?