The changing landscape of marriage is explored as traditional religious membership declines and more individuals identify as spiritual but not religious. Donna Schaper offers insights into this shift, providing a roadmap for understanding the evolving meaning of marriage in a society where cultural and religious perspectives are no longer aligned.
Focusing on the transformation of religious institutions, the author explores the evolving identity of the church amidst rapid societal changes. By examining the historical context of church buildings and their significance, Schaper offers a thought-provoking perspective on renewing spiritual connections and sacred spaces. Her insights challenge traditional notions and encourage a reimagining of how the church can adapt to contemporary needs while honoring its past.
The book addresses the common struggle with the sensation of time scarcity, exploring both practical and spiritual aspects of this "time famine." Donna Schaper encourages readers to shift their perspective, aiming for abundance rather than deficiency in their relationship with time. Through her insights, she offers guidance on how to cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced approach to life's demands.
Help! I just don't have enough time! If this sounds like you, know that you are in good company. There is a time famine out there - a pervading sense that we have more to do than we can possible get done in the time we have - and most of us live with some version of it. The trick, of course, is to move from famine to feast, from a sense of not having enough time, to a sense of freedom, enjoyment, and fulfillmnent within the time we have. In Time: From Famine to Feast, Donna Schaper offers encouragement and advice on how to leave the land of famine and find a seat at the feast. Discussing and then moving beyond the systemic sources of the time famine, Schaper's ultimate goal is to explore "the inner way, the way we have internalized the commandments of multiple systems and feel bad or wrong or in violation or out of compliance if we don't obey our orders to be busy, active, connected, overworked, and time famished." This is a spiritual journey that will require us to be honest about just how starved we really are, as well as navigate our "work-family time dilemma," discern what "coheres" us, begin to use "spiritual technologies," and get comfortable with play. Of course, practice is required, so Schaper provides 52 of them - a "spiritual practice," in fact, for each week of a year designed to bring us to our place at the feast.
From making a will and planning a memorial service to finding peace in aging and illness, Approaching the End of Life offers practical and spiritual guidance to anyone wrestling with the end of a life. With sensitivity and humor Donna Schaper shares information on topics ranging from coping with illness to finding a spiritual home.
Focusing on personal faith development, this book offers a structured approach to spiritual growth during Lent. Each week features a Scripture passage, a brief reflection, and questions designed for individual contemplation or group discussion. Schaper's method encourages readers to engage deeply with their beliefs and explore themes that guide them toward a more profound Christian identity. The daily exercises aim to foster resilience and hope, inviting participants to "calmly plot the resurrection" in their lives.
Exploring the challenge of balancing enjoyment and social responsibility, this book combines how-to guidance with personal anecdotes. Through short, humorous chapters, the author discusses simplifying various aspects of life, including food, family, finances, and relationships. Drawing from her experiences in social change, she offers practical strategies and spiritual insights for living well while contributing positively to the world. The narrative encourages readers to embrace a fulfilling life without compromising their values.
This collection offers a diverse range of prayers and litanies specifically designed for the Lent and Easter seasons. It serves as a valuable resource for personal reflection and communal worship, enhancing the spiritual experience during this significant time in the Christian calendar. The prayers aim to deepen faith and encourage meaningful participation in the observances of Lent and the celebration of Easter.
Emphasizing the importance of spiritual leisure, this book addresses the pervasive issue of time scarcity in modern life. It advocates for reclaiming the concept of Sabbath, not merely as a day of rest but as a mindful practice to restore balance amidst busy schedules. By encouraging readers to make intentional choices about how they spend their time, it presents a path toward greater fulfillment and peace in a fast-paced world.
Exploring the profound impact of speech, this book offers a heartfelt perspective on using words in sacred and meaningful ways. It delves into the complexities of communication, highlighting the potential for speech to inspire and uplift. With an initial advertising and public relations budget of $20,000, the book is set to embark on a seven-city national tour, aiming to engage readers and promote thoughtful dialogue around the significance of our words.