Has God disappeared at Ghost Ranch? By John H. Adams The Presbyterian Layman Wednesday, September 9, 1998
More than 75 percent of the offerings posted by Ghost Ranch under its fall schedule promise art and exercise, nothing distinctly Christian. None of the fall programs listed a study of Scripture or theology. In fact, most of its retreats and conferences focus on the arts (painting, sculpting, writing) and recreation (hiking and biking). And some events would raise the eyebrows of many Presbyterians. One, Sept. 30-Oct. 4, is titled “The Goddess Returns to Ghost Ranch.” A flyer advertises: “The Anasazi Ancient Mothers are calling YOU to celebrate the sacred feminine Goddess in the Land of Enchantment … Honor the Goddess within each woman. Tell YOUR Herstory with art, voice, dance, ritual …” Another, scheduled Oct. 29-Nov. 1, is titled “God’s Wildly Inclusive, Extravagant Love: A Retreat for Gay Men, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transgender Persons, Their Families and Friends.” It will be led by two of the Presbyterian Church’s leading activists for homosexual causes, Howard B. Warren Jr. of Indianapolis and Lisa Larges of San Francisco. Warren has long been a sign-bearer for ordaining practicing homosexuals. Larges is a member of the executive board of Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. She is practicing as a massage therapist while seeking ordination in San Francisco presbytery. In the list of its fall activities, published on its denominational web site, Ghost Ranch does include a few spiritual retreats. But some of those seem contrary to Reformed theology and biblical orthodoxy. One, titled “Bio-Spirituality,” offers instruction in “bio-spiritual focusing.” Another, under the banner of “Fall Hiking,” promotes “spiritual movement, time with a Native American healer and lectures and discussions of earth wisdom traditions.” |
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| See related story: PCUSA, Burnett Foundation deadlocked over O'Keeffe property | |||
| The Presbyterian Layman, Sept/Oct issue | |||
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