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WORKSHOPS

INTENTION AND EXPERIENCE:

Workshops introduce the research to participants and create an interactive environment for learning and reflection on their own perspectives and experience.  The source materials and discussions operate within the religion of the participants.

 

The intention is to invite participants to engage with the material and use the interviewees’ own words as a springboard for discussion within the group.  Because it is unusual to talk about one’s religious practice and experience, the workshop is a special opportunity to explore other approaches and attitudes.  I offer a confidential and supportive place for participants to learn about themselves and others, gaining some context for greater understanding.

 

OPTIONS:

Each of the following workshops can stand alone or two or three can work in tandem.  Elements can be tailored to the audience and their interest.  The focus can be a single religion or a mixture of faiths. 

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What is your sense of God?

Every religion has a concept of what or who God is––Father, savior, judge, etcetera.  Judaism and Islam forbid images, while the cross provides a central image in most branches of Christianity.  Whatever the case, the question of conversation partner and the nature of that relationship remain.

 

Possible questions:

  • Does your experience of God change if you say Adonai, God the Father or Allah? 

  • What is the connection between the name used and your sense of who or what you are communicating with? 

  • Is that figure even clear? 

  • Are you comfortable with your answer?  If not, what would help?

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What is your prayer experience?

Prayer experience varies widely.  For some it is calming or connecting.

For others, the contact with the divine can remain stubbornly remote. This workshop offers time to reflect on your own and other people's experiences.

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Possible questions:  

  • What is your prayer experience like and are you content with it? 

  • Has it changed? 

  • Does location influence your desire to pray, the nature of prayer, or its results? 

  • Do you make requests, and what are the results?

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We will compare the experiences of the interviewees with our own and perhaps find some new ideas to try out.

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How do you live your beliefs and religious values?

This workshop looks at the role and effect of your beliefs and practice in daily life.  Work and family life can often present ethical challenges and temptations, and religious traditions offer guidelines to live by.  By reflecting on the approaches of interviewees, we will reflect on our experiences and discuss approaches. 

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Possible questions:

  • Where is the boundary line between private and public? 

  • Where are the challenges and where do you feel comfortable? 

  • Do your religious beliefs function as a moral compass for you? 

  • Do they support you when you need to make important decisions? 

  • How could it be different?

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