It is important to note that the spiritual growth process involves far more relinquishment than acquisition. In our culture, we are conditioned to expect growth to involve acquisition of new facts and understandings. . . . Although some new facts and representations may help us along the way. . . the essential process is one of transformation, not education. It is, if anything, an unlearning process in which our old ways are cleansed, liberated, and redeemed. . . . Obviously, we cannot “conduct” spiritual growth. At bottom, it is God’s work. It is grace.
(Gerald May, Addiction and Grace, 105-6.)
2 comments:
yes, i have found most of learning is unlearning; as most of who god has made me, the discovering or realizing of, is not so much a developing as an uncovering, an unearthing of what i have been given already in my being; perhaps an unhampering to begin freeing and moving in the being i was created to be? i am not sure yet
i know my god children were who they are right from the first day; it was evident in everything about them; 10 years later they are still them...just with areas of beginning to be covered and uncovered (as part of the process of socialization into our culture?); it is so obvious in children; yet i loose site of it with age; i loose site of it within myself
Powerful quote! Just a couple of weeks ago, a cousin recommended this book. Upon looking up Gerald May, there are several books now on my amazon wish list by May. This quote describes what the journey is for me, transformation and some unlearning... and lots of relinquising.
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