This episode suggests layers of depth to the Christian Nativity story and the insights it has for our own individual spiritual paths. It features meditation teacher and yogi Phil McLemore in conversation with Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon about how many of the elements in the birth of Christ narrative can serve as models and teachers for our own birthing of Christ within us, our learning how to nurture and allow the development of the divinity that is our core (but is most often forgotten).
When we begin to understand that certain events portrayed in scripture are not historical, we often choose to dismiss them. This isn’t a good move, because in so doing we are throwing away chances to deepen our understanding of God and the journey we are being called to take, saying no to chances to gain insights about our true selves that can bring us great peace and reveal deep, deep significance to our lives. In short, as this conversation suggests, God is actually delighted when the literal understanding of the story no longer “does it” for us. Coming to this crossroad suggests that we are ready to go deeper, to begin to see more like mystics do, to have these stories become even more profoundly meaningful to us.
Listen in for new insights about how the things that happened in Mary are models for all of us, and how we must learn to identify with her. You’ll learn more about intercourse with God that still preserves virginity (again, we aren’t talking literal/physical things here). Why was it wonderful that there was “no room at the inn” and Jesus was instead born in a cave? Can we learn how to not just read the story, but instead become the story? It is a story that depicts the universal path to a full realization of our divine nature as human beings, just set within the particularity of Christianity. It’s quite exciting! Start listening now!
Comments 3
Wish there was a transcript of this podcast. It was the kind you need to listen to over and over again to fully absorb. Thank you for the work you do.
Author
I’m so glad this was “one of those” that continue to yield their treasures after more than just one listen. I feel that way about this conversation, too.
Mormon Matters is just still so small (a one-person endeavor) and unscripted/conversational that I haven’t ever delved into creating transcripts. I’ve had a few people send me ones they’ve created in the past, and I will post them in the episode comments, but at this time it just isn’t something I can generate myself.
Thanks for being a listener!
Dan
Such great insights. I keep repeating over and over in my mind “ultimate truth is the spiritual reality underlying historical events. If myth can tap into that it suddenly becomes more true than history”
Loving it! Thank you Dan and Phil