Contemplative Spirituality is a smaller discussion group that has explored various forms of spiritual expression and practice, such as meditation, labyrinth walking, mystical states of consciousness, and the various modes of communication with God and with one another.

Book Discussion Group
The Spiritual Exploration Project is a work in progress as we continue to address the relevant issues of our times. We begin a new expression of the Contemplative Spirituality group with a monthly book discussion that will focus on spiritual themes relevant to the times in which we live.

We are beginning with a study of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, a theological drama that addresses the problems of faith, doubt, and reason. The discussion group will meet on the second Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Kutztown. This is prior to the Contemplative Spirituality group which will meet at 10:30 a.m.

The discussion will be facilitated by Craig Bennett, a retired professor who has studied The Brothers Karamazov. The novel is divided into twelve Books and Epilogue. We will endeavor to discuss one section each month. You are invited to join us either as a reader or to simply audit, learn, and participate.
For more information, contact Dr. Harry L. Serio at hlserio@aol.com.

The Brothers Karamazov
Book One
Book One introduces us to the family of Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov, a local Russian landowner who acquires a small fortune as a result of “having dinner at other men’s tables.” Each of his children are different. Dmitri (Mitya) is the sensualist and profligate. Ivan (Vanya) is the reserved intellectual. Alexei (Alyosha) is the compassionate and spiritual seminarian. A fourth son, the illegitimate Pavel, raised by the servant, Grigory, has his own anti-social personality quirks.

Questions that we will discuss relate to family, human suffering, innocence and guilt, faith vs. reason, and the nature of morality.