Sacred Pathways: Deeper Dive

            Initially, I explored a brief overview of the sacred pathways presented in Gary Thomas’ book. This week, I looked more in depth. First, I completed a questionnaire in which you rate, on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 indicating you strongly agree), various questions that help determine your sacred pathways.

Of the 9 different pathways (Naturalist, Sensate, Traditionalist, Ascetic, Activist, Caregiver, Enthusiast, Contemplative, and Intellectual), I scored highest as an Ascetic and Contemplative (28 out of 30 in each). Two other categories were nearly tied for second and third place: Enthusiast (25) and Naturalist (24). I was surprised that Naturalist wasn’t number one. Reading about the different pathways in Thomas’ book, I discovered key reasons why Ascetic and Contemplative soared to number one and Naturalist was lower on the list.

            As an Ascetic, I have a strong need for simplicity, some structure, discipline, and a generous amount of “me” time. “Solitude is essential in that ascetics live fundamentally internal existences.”[1] The challenge for me, in this regard, is to be externally focused at times. I can easily get lost in my own internal world, but I very much need to pull away from others into my own space to recharge. This is part of my personality and spiritual makeup that I have learned to accept; when I neglect pulling away into my own space to recharge and reconnect with the deepest parts of myself and the Lord, then I am less effective, approachable, and able to engage with others.

            Gary Thomas writes, “While sensate Christians are often distracted by their senses, ascetic Christians are often distracted by their senses so they will try to shut them out.”[2] There are times I feel so overwhelmed that I need to shut my mind and spirit down by just lying in bed. It can happen for any number of reasons: interacting with many people and situations throughout the day, overthinking things, thinking about too many things and/or multi-tasking all can contribute to sensory overload. Even watching too much entertainment or playing video games too long (one of my favorite hobbies) can contribute to this.

            Thomas also notes that it “is here where the ascetic may part company with the naturalists.” While the beauty of nature is exhilarating to my soul and refreshing, the reason I like to be outside is actually because of the solitude that often comes with it. The reason I enjoy being in my gazebo is it is a simple environment: wooden gazebo with a table and chairs surrounded by trees. The simplicity of the outdoor environment comforts me and doesn’t distract so that the eyes of my heart can see the things that the Holy Spirit wants to show me. Don’t get me wrong, I love the outdoors and like enjoying nature for the sheer beauty of what can be seen there: the colors, animals and plants, and sculpting of the landscape and sky.

            The other category I scored equally high in, Contemplative, is also one I practice chiefly through meditation of Scripture, but also through listening to worship songs, singing, and even writing songs and poetry. In my meditation and all this activity, I seek “to perform the first work of adoring God. God is known and described as the heavenly spouse in whom all the contemplative’s delight is met.”[3] Of the sometimes austere and disciplined way of living that contemplatives (and actually ascetics) employ, Thomas writes, “To enter the devotion of contemplatives, Christians must begin by emptying their lives of those things that choke out our desire for God.”[4] Where I often “but heads” with well meaning Christians is when they see me emptying my life and or severely restricting the time I devote to “fun things,” particularly video games and entertainment. What they fail to see is that, for me, these things “choke out” the space in my heart that wants to be passionate for God and needs to be protected and nurtured. That means not being overloaded by sensory input that may crowd out God’s voice. I value being able to discern and hear His voice above all else. As far as I’m concerned, all of my true ministry flows from hearing His voice. Thus it is vital I protect my heart and soul to be able to hear and discern. So if I am austere and discipline about NOT engaging in certain activities, it is not punishment nor saying that fun is bad, but recognition of what is truly valuable and needs protected.

           Another category I scored high in was as an enthusiast. Truly I enjoy worship experiences wherein I can feel and see the Holy Spirit moving in the midst of His people. I like to “let go and experience God on the precipice of excitement and awe.”[5] Like those with this temperament, I enjoy mystery (a LOT), celebration, and the supernatural. Having somewhat of an enthusiast temperament is probably what allows (as a contemplative) God to speak to me through dreams and visions, which are considered more “supernatural” ways of communication. He speaks to me through His still, small voice too. Listening and journaling are a very important part of my experience; in fact I practice “listening prayer” almost exclusively as my form of prayer. All intercession and other praying I do arises from that.

            Community is also very important to enthusiasts. “Enthusiasts, in general, will want to spend more time with others than without. They may pray and worship better in a group.”[6] This is in direct contrast to the ascetic side of me that enjoys solitude. When it comes to things like intercession, praying for others, and enjoying worship, I actually do all these things better in a group and enjoy them more with others. It is not as natural for me to pick up my guitar and worship alone, though sometimes I do it. I just do it less frequently than in my younger years. As I have grown as a Christian, solitude has grown in importance and I reserve praying for others and worship for gatherings with others.

Leveraging the Pathways into my Routine

            Simplicity is something I need as an ascetic. The room I currently use for studying is a little cluttered and that can contribute to some unease. Thus, I need to simplify this room some by removing things that aren’t necessary for study and reflection. This is especially important as we move into the winter months since my gazebo will not be usable. I can also simply go to my church, will has classrooms that are still set up essentially like classrooms in an old school (that is what our church building is).

            Ascetics are also unafraid of discipline, as are contemplatives. I actually really like that word, as do I the word intentional. One thing I am being challenged on by my counselor is to schedule the days I journal, to ensure that it happens. Generally, I try for my lunch hour, but on the days this doesn’t happen it needs to be in the evening. I am also considering a different routine of actually using a devotional book… I bought several after a seminary class in June that came highly recommended by professors for the variety and depth offered.

            As a naturalist, I do need to explore the outdoors in Indiana more. I recently learned of a trail that begins close to Marion and extends throughout other cities in Indiana. It offers bike and walking trails and beautiful sights. Soon I will be exploring this on a regular weekend outing that will last until winter.

---

[1] Gary Thomas, Sacred Pathways, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), 111.

[2] Gary Thomas, Sacred Pathways, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), 113.

[3] Gary Thomas, Sacred Pathways, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), 188.

[4] Gary Thomas, Sacred Pathways, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), 191.

[5] Gary Thomas, Sacred Pathways, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), 164.

[6] Gary Thomas, Sacred Pathways, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), 181.