The Seminary Explores

In this episode John Hartzell (retired attorney and Coast Guard Officer) talks about hiking the Appalachian Trail. He discusses his decision to undertake this life-long desire to experience this historic path. John talked about the planning that included his hiking partner, the difficulties along the trail, along with the diverse types of people he encountered. He shares the routine that developed during the experience including shelter, eating, purchasing food, and visiting the small towns along the way. John also shares the physical changes he experienced hiking along with the opportunity to reflect on life events during those alone moments. At the end, he gives suggestions for anyone who is considering hiking the Trail.

(Thumbnail Photo: https://appalachiantrail.org/our-work/about-us/media-room/ )

Pastor A. J. Domines from Christ Lutheran Church, Elizabethtown, PA talks about his recently completed pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James). He shares about his need to have time from the routines of ministry and become more prayerful and mindful of the presence of God in his life. He sees this pilgrimage to be helpful in reading and understanding scripture differently. He describes the history and legend of the pilgrimage along with the personal outcomes of the experience for himself. Domines also the planning and processes of undertaking this “way of St. James.” He sums the pilgrimage as “a walk of all Christians” longing for and experiencing the Kingdom of God.

Fr. Andrew Durbidge, Rector St. Luke and St. Matthew Episcopal Church in Brooklyn New York Joins us to talk about his recent pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James. Each year thousands of individuals start from various points in France, Spain, and other locations to take the journey. This pilgrimage dates from the medieval period. Durbidge used his walking time for meditation and reflection. The walk reinforced his own spiritual growth. He began his 60-mile journey from Camino de Portugues and culminated at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwest Spain. Ending the journey with worship at the Cathedral, Fr. Durbidge noted the emotional impact of the journey in the tearful eyes of his fellow travelers.

Pastor Annabelle Markey, Co-pastor Community Lutheran Church, Sterling, VA, while on a 3-month sabbatical from her parish she had the opportunity to fulfill her interest in traveling 490 miles on foot from France through northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago. The pilgrimage attracts people from around the globe: Christians and non-Christians, people in transition in their lives, walkers who are taking the time to discern, and non-believers.

She and her husband walked 10 to 18 miles each day going through various small towns. Upon reaching their designated walk, they would find various accommodations for sleeping and continue their pilgrimage the next morning beginning at 6 AM. She shares the history of this pilgrimage which developed in the ninth century with the discovery of the relics of St. James and about the personal outcomes of this pilgrimage for her which included learning to slow down and how to be present by listening to others without thinking about the next project or projects to do. Although it was a strenuous walk, she hopes to repeat this pilgrimage.

What do monks do all day and what is their value in modern society? Is a Protestant, specifically Lutheran monastery a contradiction in terms? Listen to the story of St. Augustine’s House, a Lutheran monastery in Oxford, Michigan and how Father Jude, formerly the Rev. Donald Motaka, found his way there with your host Dr.Christianson.

Dr. Largen continues her discussion with Bhante Sujatha about the founding of the Blue Lotus Temple in Woodstock, Illinois, which caters specifically to Western Americans, and why Americans are drawn to meditation and the Buddha’s teachings.

Dr. Largen has a delightful conversation with Bhante Sujatha about his personal story of becoming a Buddhist monk at age 11 and his subsequent  journey from Sri Lanka to the United States.