The Art of Christian Discernment
What is God’s desire for us individually, as a family, and as a Christian community of faith? How do we know what God wants us to be and to do? How does this relate to what we want for our selves, families, and community? Are we making choices that move us in the direction of a greater wholeness and a more just and loving world? Or are we making decisions that begin with the best intentions but gradually chip away at our integrity and strengthen the power of death and evil in our own lives and in society? Such questions will be addressed as we explore aspects of the art and practice of Discernment of Spirits. In the first session, we will discuss some Biblical understandings of Discernment and how this practice has evolved in the Western Christian tradition. Secondly, we will explore and engage in some of the pre-requisites needed to be able to do Christian Discernment individually and communally. Lastly, we will discuss various ways of practicing discernment and how it may differ for women and men, and examine the roadblocks that often get in the way of this practice.
Martha Ann Robbins Th.D.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
616 N. Highland Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-441-3304 x 2125