Bible Discussion on Monday 11th December at 6.30 pm will be led by Rob Oulton

Bible Discussion Group for Monday 11th December 2023 at 6.30 led by Rob Oulton

‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ (Christina Rossetti): A conversation about Devotion.

The traditional nativity stories describe scenes where men and women of every social stratum, animals and angels, are gathered about the holy couple of mother and child. Apart from anything else, this is a powerful symbol of a devotional connection between living beings. Contemporary psychology suggests the bond between primary care giver and infant is mutual. If all is well (and sometimes of course it isn’t) that bond of devotion is central to the development of both.

But does Christina Rossetti’s poem suggest perhaps, that devotion could be important for our own life-long spiritual development, beyond the demands of infancy and childhood? Indeed, Hindu spirituality teaches that Bakhti yoga – the practice of devotion - is one of the four paths to God

Mark 12:29 and Deuteronomy 6:5, emphasise that loving God is the most important commandment. But is this love intended to mean just the dutiful ‘love’ expected of a loyal subject toward their ruler, or the more intense focus on the ‘beloved’ implied by ‘devotion’?

Tonight’s session invites a reflection on the role of ‘devotion’ in our own lives- whether to a person; a divine being; a vocation; a community; even a chapel building. Do we believe devotion necessary for our spiritual well-being and growth, and do we, in Unitarianism, tend to neglect it?

Zoom link for the meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367

Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367

Passcode: 460019