Spiritual disciplines are often viewed “vertically,” as means to draw us closer to God. While they do deepen and enrich our relationship with God, in this lecture, Kyle plans to highlight and tease out another dimension to their practice: the “horizontal” ordering of life together with our neighbor. Rather than merely being ways to connect with God, these practices correct and discipline the selfish and harmful ways we do itty-bitty things everyday, such as think, eat, talk, own, work, and rest. And rather than being a bunch of separable activities from which we can pick and choose, when “seen from the side,” these disciplines are actually a sacrificial way of living that reforms our day-to-day lives and renews the world around us. In short, they are acts of love toward our neighbor. Bennett will conclude by discussing how these disciplines can be incorporated into the rhythm and teaching of the local church.
Kyle’s first book Practices of Love: Spiritual Disciplines for the Life of the World was recently released from Brazos Press in August, 2017 (#practicesoflove). His next project looks at the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and our need for healing gestures and expressions in North American democratic discourse. It’s tentatively titled “Practices of Hope: Fruits of the Spirit for the Healing of Culture.”
LIMITED parking is available at the Africana Center and carpooling is encouraged. There is parking at Robert Purcell and A lot and each is about a 5 minute walk.
Sponsored with New Life Presbyterian Church and NYS Presbytery (PCA)