AEF Conference: Frederica Mathewes-Green

Frederica Mathewes-Green spoke this morning on "The Call and Christian Spiritual Formation"

She began her talk by referring to early and later Christian iconography, stressing that SO MUCH can be learned from the faces of the saints depicted in them (as well as the stories behind them).

Frederica emphasized that the word "spirituality" nowhere appears in Christian writings during the first century.  Rather, it's what Paul referred to as living "in Christ".  In developing her thoughts, Frederica seemed to especially to focus on living in Christ as a corrective to the narcissism that's so prevalent in our culture.

Frederica then presented her talk about "spirituality" by using a wonderful variety of icons, along with their corresponding stories.  This visual approach to learning was fresh, engaging, and thought-provoking.  Here's a brief video clip:

Frederica_1.wmv

And here are her closing remarks, after she reflected on the image (and life) of St.John the Evangelist, and the importance of living in love:

Frederica_2.wmv

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This was a presentation I'm definitely looking forward to re-listening to on CD, and digesting slowly.  Frederica brings her Eastern Orthodox perspective with such depth, eloquence, and a obvious sense of the Holy Spirit's power and joy in her life.  Outstanding.

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