Bishop Luonne Abram Rouse: On “The After-Party”
Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/
Bishop Rouse presents the idea that while many of our faith traditions are centered around major events such as holidays, birthdays, Christenings, weddings, Bar-Mitzvahs, etc., many do not have enough sustained focus on faith and spirit in what happens after the event, or–borrowing a phrase from the Oscars–what he likes to call “The After-Party.” Illustrating this idea with stories from his own childhood, he shows how important it is to have a model for children and adolescents growing up to bring the teachings of spirituality into the living of daily life, and not just to celebrations and special occasions. He highlights the key points important for living this way, and how he has taught and demonstrated this to his students and congregants throughout his career as a Methodist Minister.
He clarified that when he uses the word “Obedience,” he is not referring to blind obedience to dogma, but rather to really LISTENING to the positive role models one has in one’s life, as he was blessed to have with his parents, and as he tries to exemplify in the community and the world. His message is that such understanding is present in all faith traditions, but the emphasis on true spiritual values needs to be brought back to the fore, and that if people of all faiths can do this, they will see the same in one another, and thus bring about Peace in the World.
He clarified that when he uses the word “Obedience,” he is not referring to blind obedience to dogma, but rather to really LISTENING to the positive role models one has in one’s life, as he was blessed to have with his parents, and as he tries to exemplify in the community and the world. His message is that such understanding is present in all faith traditions, but the emphasis on true spiritual values needs to be brought back to the fore, and that if people of all faiths can do this, they will see the same in one another, and thus bring about Peace in the World.