Welcome to Maverick Minister

Spiritual Life: Living With Your Whole Mind And Heart

Have you ever wondered why spiritual life is a subject that people seldom seem to talk about, even with their closest friends and family members? I know an old saying that goes, “never talk about religion or politics in polite company.” And, while I certainly can agree about the politics part of that saying, I can’t understand why the spiritual aspects of life would become a taboo subject.  

However, I do have a theory. I think when it comes to spirituality and especially spirituality in the context of religion, many people take themselves far more seriously than is healthy or productive. The need to be “right” when it comes to matters of God and relationship with God is critical. In fact, for some, being right becomes more important than actually having a relationship with God or anyone else. For those people, the “truth” belongs to them and anyone who might be seeking growth and knowledge apart from their “truth” is at least wrong and possibly a danger. So it's no wonder that talking about spirituality and spiritual life, without fear of ridicule or consequence, is difficult.  

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it. In fact, I am convinced that thinking about, talking about, and sharing our spiritual experiences is critical for us to grow and develop into the people that God, in whatever way we experience and come to know God, intends for us to be. And I'm also convinced that we can and must allow ourselves to have spiritual experiences and realizations with a sense of joy, wonder, and awe instead of  jaw-clenching seriousness.  

I remember as a clergyman holding a Wednesday morning church service each week. One morning, two boys about the age of 12 or 13 (who had obviously skipped school) came into the church during this mid-week service. I wasn’t sure whether they were there because of guilt or to escape pursuit. They sat in the back of the church and gazed at the nine-foot statue of the risen Jesus high on the wall behind the altar. One pointed toward the statue and asked the other in a loud stage whisper, “Who is that guy?” The other answered, “That’s Jesus.” The first replied, “How do you know?” and the second answered again, “Cause he never smiles.”  

I don’t mean to say that spiritual life is never serious. But I can suggest that there is another way of considering God, relationships, and the nitty gritty of life that cuts through negativity, self-importance, and religious rules and regulations. 

And so on this site, my intention is to talk about these topics, some in a lighter and more entertaining fashion, and others with all of the seriousness that seems appropriate. I intend to explore the personal truths that help us open ourselves to practical spiritual development and growth, while at the same time providing down-to-earth and “rubber-hits-the-road” suggestions about things like friendship, marriage, family, parenting, character building, and many other everyday life lessons. I will also explore how to overcome obstacles that keep us from experiencing the peace, joy, and fulfillment God has in mind for each of us as we move forward toward our spiritual and life goals. I hope you might be enlightened, enriched, encouraged, edified and maybe even entertained during your time here. 

---

---

Religion and Spiritual Development

While my approach to spiritual development does not embrace any specific religious tradition, the context of my approach, or at least the one that works best for me and that I know best, is the Judeo-Christian tradition. I don’t hold it as exclusive, or anymore-or-less valid an expression of God in the universe than any other. I am not a religious evangelical, nor do I espouse any religious perspective. 

Now you may be asking yourself how I, a clergy person in the Christian tradition, might be considered non-religious. First, let assure you that the reason for my perspective doesn’t stem from a negative experience, but from a positive one. While I grew up in the catholic church, during the early 1970’s, long before I even thought about entering ministry, I seriously studied Zen Buddhism. At that time, I had become somewhat disillusioned with Christianity, and after three years of training, study, and consistently practicing meditation, my Zen teacher gave me some of the most important spiritual advice I have ever received. He told me I was hopelessly Christian.

Now that was not a put down or a failing grade in Zen spirituality, but rather the truth about my spiritual path. He helped me understand that I could no more completely embrace a Buddhist understanding of the universe than he could worship a tortured man on a cross. He made it abundantly clear that while our paths were different, neither one was better or worse than the other. He was by far one of the holiest and most spiritually aware persons I have ever met, and his guidance for me to return and walk a Judeo-Christian path to spiritual development and growth has been the right one. I won't suggest that any particular religious path or any religion at all, might be right for you, or that religion is even necessary for spiritual growth and development. But you may or may not find one that could be helpful.  

So, What's Next?

If you've read everything else on this page and you're still interested in going further, let me suggest that you browse the menu bar either on the left of your screen (if you are using a computer) or on the top or bottom of this page if you are using a mobile device. There you will find pages, as well as podcasts, which touch on a number of topics about spiritual development and life. They include things for adults, adolescents, and kids.

I'm so glad you are here, and I hope you will find some things that will be meaningful and possibly helpful on your spiritual journey. Please feel free to use the "contact me" page if you have any comments or questions.

Blessings on you and yours.

Mike