One of the biggest ways my approach to Christianity has changed over the years has been the shift away from theology that focuses primarily on doctrines and ideas towards one that focuses on change and growth in persons and communities. It's not that I no longer uphold those doctrines — far from it. Rather, it's … Continue reading Growing with Intention: An Integral Perspective on Spiritual Growth
I began this series with a personal reflection on the need for an approach to Christianity that is "big enough to encompass all of my own experiences, but also the highs and lows, successes and failures, and future potential of the Christian tradition." Over the past few posts, I have introduced the basic elements of … Continue reading Integral Basics, Part 7: Integrating the Basics
One of my most profound memories is from the day after my youngest nephew, David, was born. It was the first time I had ever held a newborn and I was totally unprepared for the experience. It was in many ways such a normal thing — I had held babies, including his two older brothers, … Continue reading Integral Basics, Part 5: States of Consciousness
So far in this short series on the basics of Integral thought, we've looked at quadrants — the belief that we need to look at things from as many perspectives as possible — and lines of development — the belief that human growth and maturity involve the whole person. Together, these two aspects give Integral … Continue reading Integral Basics, Part 4: Stages of Development
About twenty years ago or so, I was taken by Howard Gardner's theory of "multiple intelligences." This was a theory that posited that we need to expand how we understand intelligence beyond the 'book smarts' represented by traditional IQ testing, to include natural aptitudes in other aspects of life: relationships, movement, self-understanding, navigating systems, and … Continue reading Integral Basics, Part 3: Life for the Whole Person
Matthew Root 