Talk:Studying this Material
Can you claim your modernized 'church' (where you enjoy attending) is not compromised by opinions derived from the world, so that you could honestly claim its leaders do the will of the Father in heaven?
Below is for discussion among ministers:
This course has no human "teachers". This may be disappointing to some. The teacher is the Spirit of God.
All who interact in this course need to lean on the Spirit of God. Studying the materials in this course is a means for engaging the student with God's Spirit, so that God's law may become reinforced in the student's heart. Leaning involves trusting. The still small voice of a student's healthy conscience is able to do the work of forming, shaping ... building what is good and tearing down what does not belong in the heart, soul and body of a student.
Most students automatically desire practical applications of the course content, and that is why it is so important for students to ask questions. Their questions allow them to relate the course content to whatever is in that student's mind at the moment. Additionally, balanced views develop from being very alert in the subjects of history and law.
Active listening is encouraged. Listen and respond, but please avoid wasting time with idle words or distractions.
Studying and meditating may gradually form ideas which are new in the student's mind. Moments of awakening yield the budding, the flowering and the bearing forth of good fruit.
Conformity to man's ideas leads to risks, while conformity to God's ideas leads to safety.
Ministers and leaders desire to patiently work with students. Each student may bring forth new ideas they had never before considered. The hand of God's Spirit gently leads those who choose to listen for His still, small voice. Ministers who serve Christ cooperate with Truth while reproving darkness.
Which of us are perfect? We may all blunder by our weaknesses, during interactions in the Course and while studying, and we may all learn to more effectively listen to the Spirit. Let desires of justice prevail, by which amends are made for all blunders. Effective studying does not allow one's own pride.