Our Merried Life

"Only those who face facts and adjust them to ideals can achieve wisdom. Wisdom embraces both the fact and the ideal and therefore saves its devotees from both of those barren extremes of philosophy—the man whose idealism excludes facts and the materialist who is devoid of spiritual outlook." (160:4.14) How can married couples of today face the facts of an imperfect human existence and adjust them to the ideals of a more perfect marriage on high?

Can equality coexist with subordination and dependence in a marriage? How do we know we're correctly interpreting the divine truth behind these English words, anyway? Join us in this continued discussion of the "transcendent pattern" for marriages and family organization set by our Universe Creator Son and Universe Mother Spirit, highlighting Paper 33, section 3.

In Star Trek's sci-fi universe, the best of the best are not only extremely intelligent scientists, but also demonstrate excellent physical fitness. During his 12th year, Jesus appreciates demonstration of physical prowess among the Greeks, which troubles his father. We expand the conversation to consider the need for balance in body, mind, and spirit. We also discuss Jesus' experiences with his elders and mentors. What contributes to effective mentorship spaces? We cover Paper 124, sections 2-3.

Our local universe Mother Spirit subordinates to our local universe Creator Son and pledges fidelity and obedience, while the Son acknowledges his eternal dependence on the Spirit. Their relationship is, "in deed and in truth, the high ideal of the family and the human institution of voluntary marriage." What does this mean for marriages today?

Jesus enjoyed much educational freedom in "a splendid environment for working out his own life problems with a minimum of educational guidance..." When is "educational guidance" too much vs. too little? We also discuss the juxtaposition of Jesus' courageous willingness to challenge his teachers and defend his viewpoint, while also being "disinclined to defend himself...from injustice or...personal abuse." We cover Paper 124, sections 0-2. Audio quality was affected by technical recording issues.

Jesus was taught about God. We shouldn't "force a ready-made adult [religious] experience" on children (100:1.3), but we can also observe that Jesus' parents and religious community purposefully used stories, nature, and scriptures to help curate his religious education. How can we apply this as parents today? We cover Paper 123, sections 5 and 6.

We consider Jesus' seemingly innovative yet natural approach to prayer; the parenting technique which won his willing cooperation; and the significance of the "real education" he received through mingling with his fellow men. How does this apply to parents today? We cover Paper 123, sections 3, 4, and 5.

We consider how Jesus' earthly parents facilitated a "parental exchange" with his Father in heaven. What are the unique offerings of the mother-child relationship versus the father-child relationship for a child's religious growth? We cover Paper 123, Sections 2 and 3.

As two prospective parents, we're looking for family models. What can we learn from Joseph and Mary and the home education they provided Jesus of Nazareth? We focus on Paper 123, sections 0 through 2.