Expanding Horizons

Mark 2: Chapters 5-10

Mark presents Yeshuah as a great teacher and healer. Faith healers were numerous in Yeshuah's time, and Kris points out that even today, we sometimes think of our suffering as caused by metaphorical demons, for example, "the demon of guilt". Although the stories in Mark show Yeshuah as having the miraculous powers expected of a Jewish Messiah, his teachings were critical of traditional Jewish law and the expectation that the Messiah would become the earthly ruler of the Jews. Listen on to hear how these teachings can be helpful on your spiritual path, even if not taken literally.

Mark 1: Chapters 1-4

Following on from his overview of the Book of Mark two weeks ago, Kris shares the beginning of the story of Yeshuah as told by Mark, and suggests some messages that people on a progressive spiritual path can take to heart. For example, what do the teachings of Yeshuah have in common with Taoism? Listen and find out!

The Theosophical Society

This week, Kris invited a guest, Colin Darcy, from the Theosophical Society in Adelaide to speak about the organisation's principles and history. Theosophy was born in the late 19th Century, when spiritual teachings of "the East" were beginning to attract interest among those in the West who were dissatisfied with traditional Christianity. Listen to find out more about the charismatic founders of the movement, their legacy, and similarities to Unitarianism.

Introducing Mark

In today's address, Kris provides an introduction to the book of Mark in the Christian Bible. He reviews the historical and theological context in which it was written, as the message of Yeshuah was being debated and disseminated in the century following his death. He points out ways that Mark's theology differs from Unitarian thinking, but also sets the stage for examining what Yeshuah's ethical teachings, as told by Mark, can still teach us all today. Over three weeks, starting 15 June, Kris will elaborate on this. Listen on!

James

This week, Kris reflects on the messages in the letter written by "James" which forms a chapter in the Christian Bible. He outlines the context of the letter: the debates over the legacy of Yeshua, in the years following his death, between the followers of James and the followers of Paul. Kris shows that James has advice on the topics of love and peace, ambitions and hardship, and cautious communication, that are useful for anyone exploring a spiritual path.

What do Buddhism and Christianity have in common?

This week, guest speaker Lyndy Abrams of Buddha House in Adelaide explains some of the beliefs of Buddhism. Like Christianity, Buddhism espouses compassion, while it differs by seeing life as "samsara", an unending cycle of cause and effect. 

The Mother

On Mother's Day, Kris reflects on why we should cultivate gratitude to our mothers and to others who have nurtured us in our lives. He discusses how our relationships with our mothers (or other primary nurturer) influence on our psychic development. But as adults, we can take responsibility to understand our mother's effect on us and choose to let go of the influences that are not helpful to us, while affirming our own innate worth and dignity and capacity to love.

Enneagrams

The Enneagram system was developed by Osacar Ichazo in the 1950's as a way to categorise and understand human personalities. Here Kris outlines the background and basics of the Enneagram system, from its ancient beginnings to the modern day. Enneagrams may be useful as a way to develop the strengths and understand the weaknesses within each of our personalities, and perhaps help us journey towards transcending them!  

Getting High on Maslow

Abraham Maslow developed a general framework for what motivates human behaviour in 1943. It has remained well-known, despite receiving much criticism and elaboration since then. Here, Kris explores how Maslow's hierarchy of needs can help us in understanding our own motivations as we move along our spiritual journeys.

Sacrifice

This year, Easter and Anzac Day fall in the same week. In his address, Kris reflects on the common theme of sacrifice at the core of both holidays. Even without fully accepting the mythology associated with the events that inspired these holidays, we can respect and be inspired by the sacrifices that were made.