Aktion & Kontemplation für Gerechtigkeit, Frieden und den Schutz der Schöpfung
Spirituality
"Contemplation is more perfect the more man feels the effect of divine grace in himself, or even the better he understands how to meet God in external creatures."
(Pope Francis, LS, 233)
Human beings are spiritual creatures ("animal spirituale"). Only if there is something for which we burn, which moves us and from which we can draw, can we count on a fulfilled life.
Christians for future moves people who, with the help of a spiritual way of life, not only give themselves the framework for action for their own growth and maturing, but also draw inspiration and strength from the spiritual deepening to work for a successful future.
In doing so, we practice a contemplative, simple way of life borne by humility and gratitude, which makes no separation between the "world" and mysticism. Spirituality in our understanding is not something that should be limited to "holy" places or times.
At the center of our work is a grounded spirituality. A spirituality from below that "remains grounded and without ideological superstructure; that needs no disguise because it is clear and understandable from within itself."(1) In short, we live and practice a simple, uncomplicated, and above all Christian-elemental spirituality.
CHRISTIANS FOR FUTURE aims to provide a space for spiritual seekers and inquirers that allows for continuous growth and maturation. Our spiritual impulses are not in competition with the spiritual offers of the churches or faith communities, but complement them meaningfully.
(1) cf. M. Rosenberger: Was der Seele Leben schenkt. Spirituality from the earth. Echter. 2021
" The inner peace of people has much to do with the care of ecology and the common good, because when lived authentically, it is reflected in a balanced lifestyle, combined with the capacity for wonder that leads to the deepening of life."
(Pope Francis, LS, 225)
BUILDING BLOCKS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH
The Christian tradition is rich in offerings for spiritual growth and maturation. We present here a few selected building blocks that should be considered in the context of striving for an ecosocial transformation.
Besides spoken prayer (e.g. adoration) and contemplative prayer (mediation), the Christian tradition also knows contemplation, silent prayer (Latin contemplare: to contemplate the mystery). Contemplation is a letting oneself be penetrated by the incomprehensible, as it is also known in other religious traditions. Contemplation is an integral part of Christianity, comparable to Zen, which originates in Buddhism. Christians for future encourages us to experience the presence of God in our hearts and in the universe around us through the mystical path of contemplation as an integral part of our Christian life. . Through the encounter with the divine, man experiences his true ground, his identity and the deeper meaning of his life. Self-knowledge and God-knowledge belong inseparably together. Only in this way can we become one with the cosmos, of which we are ultimately a part.
CONTEMPLATION
Discovering the secret in the state of love.
In our understanding, Christian spirituality is not something that can be reduced to one's own four walls, to "sacred" spaces, or to a Sunday lesson. As practicing Christians, we do not lead a double life, but use our spirituality as a driving force for our commitment to spiritual, social and ecological transformation. We relate the biblical mandate to bear responsibility for our fellow human beings and creation to ourselves. Our daily life in society, at work and at home runs authentically along this conviction. Christians for future sees in the protection of the environment and in the commitment for justice and peace the place of probation for our Christian faith. Humility, gratitude, simplicity and frugality are the cornerstones of our concept of life.
LIFESTYLE
Spirituality in everyday life as a prerequisite for a new attitude towards life.
Christians for future is primarily about the motivations that arise from spirituality to foster a passion for protecting creation. Traditionally understood ecology advocates that we limit destruction, but does not question the understanding of the earth and life as a resource. We can create lasting balance with all life on the planet only when human beings learn to understand ourselves as a part of nature, to submit to the laws of creation, and to mature that fraternity with all creation that St. Francis of Assisi lived so luminously. The close experience of nature shows us humans that we are only a small part of a gigantically large universe. This teaches us humility and frugality.
ECOLOGICAL SPIRITUALITY
Being one with nature and
with itself.
Transformational processes need threshold spaces and rituals that enable an upswing into a higher level of consciousness. Ancient cultures and religions understood the importance and power of group rituals. Without them there is no passing on of the founding myth for the following generation, no group cohesion and above all no transformation of people on the deeper levels of consciousness! Rituals order life, they condense experiences, accompany critical transitions and turning points of life. Christians for future is aware of the importance of symbols and rituals for individual and social transformation and promotes - in addition to existing cultural and religious symbols and customs - the integration of spiritual-mystical rites.
RITUAL
Tracing one's roots and putting life in order.