This course is an esoteric and progressive overview of the Judeo-Christian scriptures known as the 1st Testament (Old Testament). Designed for individuals preparing to be a Practitioner (Lay Minister), Ordained [...]]]> Judeo-Christian Scriptures and Homiletics are required courses for the CMS and MDiv programs of study. Please enroll through Sophia Online.

Judeo-Christian Scriptures

This course is an esoteric and progressive overview of the Judeo-Christian scriptures known as the 1st Testament (Old Testament). Designed for individuals preparing to be a Practitioner (Lay Minister), Ordained Minister or enter a career in Chaplaincy or Pastoral Care, the archetypes of characters and common life experiences as described in the Hebrew stories will be explored for their application today. An individual in a medical or spiritual crisis may be open to seeing the symbols at work in their life and learn from epic stories or classic biblical mythology. When appropriate, parallels to the Quran of the Islamic faith will also be noted. Also included in the study are the Psalms and the Prophets who lamented and who “spoke truth to power” for justice in their time.

This course begins on Monday, February 6, 2012 and is offered in a 10 week format with self-paced lessons available to students on Monday of each week. The instructor(s) will be available via email message throughout each week and a teleconference will be arranged at about the mid-point of the series. Required for CMS and MDiv.

Homiletics. . .

according to Mirriam-Webster’s Dictionary, is the art of preaching. For many of us the concept of “preaching” is uncomfortable. Visions of men pounding a pulpit and shouting words of condemnation flash before our eyes inspiring us not to great heights, but rather to turn and head for the virtual or real exit door. You may be assured that this course will teach you anything but how to pound a pulpit, shout, or proclaim words of doom or condemnation! While we will use classic terms such as “homiletics” (think ‘homily’) and “sermon” and “preaching,” we will unpack those terms and redefine them for more contemporary audiences and students. We will also probably substitute a few terms which are more comfortable to modern and esoteric ministers. Essentially, however, the bottom line is that this course will equip students with the artistic tools to offer an organized, inspiring, thought-provoking, and instructional message to a collected group of reasonably like-minded and faith-filled people. If you do prefer to pound a pulpit, you’ll need to learn the technique elsewhere.

These three weeks online are structured with lessons and activities for you to do at your own pace. At the same time, you will be interacting with your other classmates via forums and chats so it will be important for you to do the coursework in a timely manner each week (as opposed to waiting for Sunday evening prior to the next week). Each week’s lessons will be available on Monday of the next week for those who have completed the previous week’s assignment. Remember, the class concludes on campus March 5-9, 2012 and you’ll be the first on-campus class of the year! Required for CMS and MDiv.

Full Moon January 9 (1:30 AM CST)    Keynote: The holy Self holds the true treasure.

Winter Solstice (2011) Dec. 21, 2011 (11:31 PM CST)
Seed Thought: With each recurring Winter Solstice he is born anew and the love principle is strengthened in the hearts [...]]]> Seed Thought Meditation

Suggested discipline: Use the keynote seed thought for a total of 7 days—-3 days before, the day of, and 3 days after.

Winter Solstice (2011) Dec. 21, 2011 (11:31 PM CST)
Seed Thought: With each recurring Winter Solstice he is born anew and the love principle is strengthened in the hearts of all.

CAPRICORN Dec. 21 (11:31 PM CST) – Jan. 20, 2012
Virtue to be developed: FEARLESSNESS
Seed Thought: The birth accomplished, the Christed One receives the visit of the Wise men.
New Moon: Dec 24 (12:09 PM CST) Keynote: All things shall be made new.

2012 Seed Thought Meditations

The word “esoteric” is commonly understood as “hidden.” Esoteric Christianity (sometimes called Mystical Christianity) was part of the hidden teachings included in Ageless Wisdom, which, until recently had not been as available to the general [...]]]> What is Esoteric Christianity?
Excerpted from “Esoteric Christianity – What Does It Mean?” by Jan Skogstrom 1999

The word “esoteric” is commonly understood as “hidden.” Esoteric Christianity (sometimes called Mystical Christianity) was part of the hidden teachings included in Ageless Wisdom, which, until recently had not been as available to the general public. One of the most important ideas in this tradition is that we are on an evolutionary or initiatory path. All of humanity, and each individual, is growing and evolving through a series of initiations, or expansions of consciousness which are steps in the process of attaining spiritual enlightenment. Further, Master Jesus, who embodied the Christ energy, is seen as a way-shower on this evolutionary path; one who, as a high initiate, helped to model and set the pattern for all of us. Events in Jesus’ life are interpreted as part of the path of initiation.

Reincarnation?
Because the path toward enlightenment is such an awesome process, which takes considerable time and learning, the idea of reincarnation is accepted as part of this process. (not required, but accepted). Over many lifetimes, the soul incarnates, gathering experiences and perfecting itself, just as Jesus perfected himself enough through many lifetimes to be able to hold the Christ energy and become Jesus the Christ.

Understanding the Christ
Basic to Esoteric Christianity is the concept of four qualities assigned to the Christ. The Cosmic Christ is the divine, creative Being that disseminates the love / wisdom we perceive as God (not just belonging to Christians – a new neutral word would perhaps be better). The Planetary Christ, is the Divine energy that entered and blended with Jesus at the time of his baptism just before beginning his three-year ministry, when he became Jesus, the Christ. This anchored the principle of divine love on our planet. “The word became flesh and dwelt among us. . .” John 1:14. The Historical Christ (Jesus embodied with the Christ energy) refers to the life of Master Jesus as told in The Holy Bible and The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ. The latter being an inspired / intuited version of the life and teachings of Jesus. The Christ-within, also known as the mystical or inner Christ, is the divine nature within us.

The Christ Within
The Christ within is a personal awareness of the in-dwelling spirit of God within ourselves – an actual experiential, first-hand connection with God; the divine nature realized within ourselves. Through personal transformational practices, (meditation, etc.) we work to bring that Christ-within (also known as the mystical or inner Christ) into greater realization in our life. We also understand The cyclic work of the Christ – the pattern of Christ energy that moves seasonally in, out and around our planet. The influence of the energy changes at each solstice and equinox, and helps us to evolve in a different and particular way.

The Role of Meditation
In this tradition, the primary way to develop the Christ-within and fathom the mysteries is through meditation although prayer, dreams, impressions, intuition, and other ways assist the process. We practice meditation to seek wisdom and experience the light and love of God in a personal way. As we unfold in this process, we encounter holy, sacred messages that reveal themselves to us in deeper and deeper layers as we grow in higher consciousness. Although teachers can guide us into the depths, we must experience them in a personal way. Striving to penetrate the mysteries is part of meditation and the esoteric tradition.

Spiritual Maturity and Honoring Many Paths
As higher consciousness unfolds and we begin to penetrate mysteries, we develop the spiritual maturity to decide for ourselves, in our hearts, what to believe. Dogma is released and we listen with our hearts and minds – thinketh in the heart – for our own truth. We become the final authority of our own truth and come to see the fundamental unity running through the great world religions and the unity in the diversity all around us. We honor other traditions as well as the esoteric path that leads us to Oneness.

It is I who asks for your blessing, Father-Mother, no longer in whimpered tones.
I have grown throughout the seasons and stand now, tall and sure.
I am sensing who I truly am, and I stand to meet that test.
I am your word within this life – this lifetime.
Know I this.        – author unknown.

See Exoteric and Esoteric Christianity Comparison Chart

Healing Circles
Medicine Wheel
Pipe Ceremonies
Sweat Lodge
Sacred [...]]]> Sacred Wisdom In Healing & Ceremony

with Morning Sky/Star (Gary Bibb)

This workshop focuses on Native American Healing methods and how they relate to other techniques around the world, as well as to modern medicine. Included in the presentation are:

Healing Circles
Medicine Wheel
Pipe Ceremonies
Sweat Lodge
Sacred plants

Learn how we diagnose certain illness by smells, energy sense and body temperature. Workshop will conclude with a “glass walking” demonstration.

WHEN: Saturday, November 5th, 2011, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Wellness Center, Sparrow Hawk Village
COST: $35.00 Cost includes handouts, water, a traditional gift, and a drawing ticket (Native American Art Item).

Morning Sky/Star (Gary Bibb) lived in Sparrow Hawk Village during its founding years. He has led multiple work-shops across the country and worked with many Tribes for over 40 years as a consultant and as an employee.

To register contact: 918.456.1109

Sancta Sophia Seminary
11 Summit Ridge Drive
Tahlequah, OK 74464

It was while I was attending seminary, in preparation for becoming an ordained minister, that I first was introduced to Sophia. Rev. Carol Parrish had founded a community, church and the seminary which I was attending, all dedicated to the Holy Feminine. The name given to [...]]]> Introduction to Seeking Sophia by Rev. Dr. Susan Hamilton

It was while I was attending seminary, in preparation for becoming an ordained minister, that I first was introduced to Sophia. Rev. Carol Parrish had founded a community, church and the seminary which I was attending, all dedicated to the Holy Feminine. The name given to the seminary is Sancta Sophia meaning Holy Wisdom. Little did I know that twenty years later I would become the Dean of the seminary, but then, none of us ever know how and where Spirit will lead us twenty years into the future.

Sophia was illusive and mysterious to me in the early 1990′s and she’s not much more tangible now. How can we ever fully comprehend the Divine Mystery? Having been raised in a Protestant faith tradition, anything resembling a Holy Feminine figure was foreign to me. People who venerated the Virgin Mary were only found in Roman Catholic parishes. Likewise, when I was called to serve as pastor of a mainline Protestant congregation – inclusive as they were – praying to or honoring God the Mother, was not part of our doctrine nor worship style. Yet, it made sense to me that there would be something feminine in God’s nature if we women were created in God’s image as is recounted in Genesis. So, She continued to call me toward a greater understanding and experience of Her. When I struggled to decide on a subject for my doctoral dissertation, I eventually heard Her call and proposed the abstract. The project resulted in the development of a series of lessons with Protestant women in mind. Through the studies, my students and I could begin – and only begin – to plumb the depths of the feminine aspect of our Creator. Grounded in the biblical tradition of Christianity, we found Her hidden within the scriptures and women of the Bible. From there, we traced back in time to learn of the 25,0000 year history of goddess worship. With ancient Roman, Greek, Middle Eastern and Egyptian history underneath us, we were led to discover her in the Orthodox Christian faith prevalent in Russia. Finally, we saw her re-emerge in modern day esoteric writers. Now Sophia has guided (or goaded) me to put these thirty-three lessons into a workbook to share with others.

Ultimately, I understand Sophia in four forms (there may be a fifth one I’ll explore in the future) and these lessons are designed around those forms. As we proceed, we will focus on the following spheres of Sophia’s domain: the Characteristic of wisdom, the Creator of our universe, the reflection of her body in Creation, and as a muse of Creativity. The lessons, studied daily or in some other time frame, will expand these spherical definitions all the while leading us inward to a heightened awareness of and connection with our own Source of Wisdom. Such was the experience of the women of Parkside Community Church who first and subsequently participated in this series with me; some women attending all three times it was offered. For them, I am truly grateful. Their open, willing and trusting hearts allowed my concepts to be shaped and helped mold this book into its form. My hope is that you, too, will have your own experience of Her presence in your life and continue to recognize “Sophianic” moments when they occur. Blessings on your journey.

Place your advanced order for Seeking Sophia at Sophia’s Nest Bookstore & Gifts.

Register for the Nov. 14-Dec. 19, 2011 class, Seeking Sophia, at Sophia Online.

What are these forms of Christianity and do they have anything in common? Those of us who have studied at Sancta Sophia Seminary know that Esoteric Christianity (sometimes called Mystical Christianity) focuses on our deep inward connection with the Divine, [...]]]> Esoteric, Progressive, and Evolutionary Christianity?
by Rev. Dr. Susan Hamilton

What are these forms of Christianity and do they have anything in common? Those of us who have studied at Sancta Sophia Seminary know that Esoteric Christianity (sometimes called Mystical Christianity) focuses on our deep inward connection with the Divine, the Holy, or God by any other name. We see the life of Jesus the Christ as the initiatory template for our own spiritual growth. We study, use disciplines, and practice rituals which help us mature the Christ Within, attune to our higher consciousness (the Christ Consciousness), and progress our Soul on its evolutionary journey.  We absorb the Ancient Wisdom teachings which transcend and yet value all world religions helping us to work in interfaith capacities. We often have mystical or psychic experiences through our meditation practices and learn to develop the spiritual gifts of healing, intuitive insight, teaching, and wise counsel. We seek to live ethical lives as World Servers bringing God’s Plan of Love and Light to restore earth and all its kingdoms.  Our roots go back to the very life of Christ Jesus and the early Church ‘Fathers and Mothers’.  The 20th century writings of Rudolf Steiner, Alice Bailey, Vera Stanley Alder, Carol Parrish and Trigueirinho teach us much about the esoteric and are available through the seminary bookstore: Sophia’s Nest.

Progressive Christianity also has deep roots. It is based in the recurrent theme in the Hebrew prophetic tradition (Old Testament) of the priority of justice and care for the down-trodden.  This contemporary movement within Christianity is characterized by a spiritual vitality and expressiveness, including participatory, arts-infused, and lively worship as well as a variety of spiritual rituals and practices such as meditation; intellectual integrity including a willingness to question tradition; an affirmation of human diversity; an affirmation of the Christian faith with a simultaneous sincere respect for other faiths; and a strong emphasis on social justice or care for the poor and the oppressed and environmental stewardship of the Earth. Given the similarities, one could say that Progressive Christianity is a pragmatic platform in which Esoteric Christians can express their Christ Consciousness in the outer world.  Progressive Christianity stresses fairness, justice, responsibility, and compassion, and condemns the forms of governance that wage unjust war; rely on corruption for continued power; deprive the poor of facilities; or exclude particular racial or sexual groups from fair participation in national liberties. These are often the same perspectives which Esoteric Christians come to uphold as their Christ Consciousness develops. Because this movement is gaining strength in the churches of mainline Christian denominations, those of us who are Esoteric Christians now have a bridge to our ecumenical brothers and sisters. Traversing this bridge, we can share with them ways to deepen their spiritual practices, and we can grow through our work communally.  It is noteworthy that a Progressive Theology movement is also growing in Judaism and Islam. Contemporary writers such as Marcus Borg, John Spong, and, Eric Elnes interface the mystical and expand the progressive. More resources can be found at The Center for Progressive Christianity.

Evolutionary Christianity is the new kid on the block, but has been long awaited.  Coined by author Michael Dowd, Evolutionary Christianity points to those who value scientific evidence as new divine revelation; who say “yes” to both science and religion, to the convergence of science and spirituality. It is the meeting ground of scientists (e.g. Quantum, Cosmic, Evolution) and liberal Christian leaders who accept the recent discoveries of science as complimentary to religious teachings.  Both Esoteric and Progressive Christians are compatible with Evolutionary Christianity as we share a commitment to a just and healthy future for humanity and the larger body of life.  All three expressions of Christianity can join in the dialogue and explore how a sacred “deep-time” view of grace and guidance can expand one’s faith. Several writers are prominent in this field including: Michael Dowd, Joan Chittister, Matthew Fox and Philip Clayton.

Expansion and Dissolving Barriers are the keynotes of Jupiter and Uranus as they move through our galaxy in this Aquarian Age. Appreciating and interweaving all three of these Christian expressions is a way we can respond to their incoming influences.