THEO 301 A Contemplative Course about the Fourfold Community of Being in Spiritual Motherhood
The Fourfold Community of Being in Spiritual Motherhood is a self-paced, on-demand Contemplative Course about key insights learned from the Fetzer Institute's initiative exploring spiritual motherhood. Engaging over 30 sacred-centered leaders from diverse religious and spiritual traditions, the Contemplative Course delves into the concept of 'wombing'—sacred-centered maternal care that fosters transformative connections. The findings are structured around the fourfold community of being: relationship with God, relations upholding Sacred Human Dignity, relations with social institutions, and relations with the natural world.
Certifying Organization
At the Fetzer Institute, we believe in the possibility of a loving world: a world where we understand we are all part of one human family and know our lives have purpose. In the world we seek, everyone is committed to courageous compassion and bold love—powerful forces for good in the face of fear, anger, division, and despair. Inspired by our founder John E. Fetzer, we encourage each other to discover new ways of knowing our sacred world and explore our personal spiritual journeys as we work toward transformed communities and societies in which all people can flourish. Each member of our team—and each of our partners committed to this common vision—brings a unique spiritual and religious lens, but all of us are drawn into community by our shared sense of sacred connection to ourselves, each other and our planet. And together, we inspire and serve a global movement transforming the world into a more loving home for all.
+18 enrolled Theological Education, Adult
What is a Contemplative Course?
Unlike academic courses on ReligionAndPublicLife.org that focus on building your professional skills and stimulating your intellectual development, faculty who design Contemplative Courses use readings and multimedia to cultivate your reflective spiritual practices and faith formation.
What are the best practices for taking a Contemplative Course?
First, approach this contemplative experience with a spiritual mindset. Unlike traditional courses that may come with self-imposed pressure, this is a journey, not a test. Treat it as a pilgrimage into a sacred space within and beyond you. It’s a gift to be unwrapped with care that you can savor and appreciate for its intricacies.
Second, it’s beneficial to keep a journal. As you engage with the narrations, reflections, and poetry, jot down key ideas. Then, focus your attention on what the content evokes within you. Your insights and personal experiences are valuable sources of knowledge that contemplative courses stimulate.
Third, listen for wisdom, not just knowledge. Unlike knowledge-centered courses that prepare learners to succeed at a particular task in a specific profession, Contemplative Courses invite you to listen with wisdom within and around the language shared.
Association of Theological Schools
THEO 301 meets the accreditation standards set by the Association of Theological Schools. This Contemplative Course is best used for private spiritual practices or within spiritual or religiously affiliated institutions. This faith-formation course does not meet the national and state standards to offer this content in U.S. public schools, as the other courses on this site meet.
