"Our God is a God of surprises... Am I open to the God of surprises?"-Pope Francis, 2014 Responding to this challenge, Surprised by God explores what it means to reflect on life and how we reflect theologically about our journey of faith.Theological reflection has been primarily used in academic training for ministry preparation, but it is a tool that is critical for any person pondering Pope Francis' questions. Christina Zaker provides an in depth look at the foundational elements of theological reflection including definitions and guidance through various methods. Offering a lens for reflection based on the unique way Jesus' parables surprise and invite listeners to collaborate in the kingdom of God, the book foregrounds the importance of honest spiritual reflection. Reveling in the many ways God surprises us, we learn how to respond to the invitation of faith with open minds and hearts.
Christina Zaker is director of field education at Catholic Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. Her past experiences in Campus Ministry, as the Executive Director of Amate House for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and in parish ministry lend to her ability to journey with students in their field education experiences. Zaker also teaches in the Spirituality and Pastoral Ministry Department. Family Spirituality is the cornerstone of her research in spirituality, primarily exploring how the spirituality of a family unit adjusts through life. She has written numerous articles and is a frequent speaker and retreat director. She is the publications director for the Association of Theological Field Education and is a member of the National Association for Lay Ministers.
Introduction Chapter 1: Breathing Deeply: Noticing God in the Midst of Life Chapter 2: Cultivating the Heart: Carving out the Space for Reflective Practice Chapter 3: Developing Ears that Can Hear and Eyes that Can See Chapter 4: Exploring Parables as a Lens for Reflection: Key Frameworks for Reflective Practice Chapter 5: Connecting: Reflective Practice, Solidarity and the Spiritual Life Chapter 6: Practicing Reflection: Reflective Practice through the Lens of Parable Epilogue: Finding Hope in Family During COVID-19 Appendix A - Theological Reflection in Parabolic Mode Quick Reference Appendix B - High School Service Journal
Christina Zaker expertly equips and encourages readers on the journey of a reflective life. Theological field educators and their students will appreciate her adaptable framework for reflection and the many helpful examples. The reflective practice she commends alerts us to be attentive to the movement of God at work and joyfully join in.--Matthew Floding, director of ministerial formation, Duke Divinity School, former chair, The Association for Theological Field Education Christina Zaker shows that everyone searching for meaning in life engages in some form of reflection. Her study is grounded in solid theology, sensitive to the dynamics of human psychology, and creative in the way she weaves all these insights together. It is an excellent text for theology classes and those interested in reflective living.--Dianne Bergant, CSA, Distinguished Professor Emerita of Biblical Studies, Catholic Theological Union With the wisdom of an experienced parent, the instincts of a theological educator, and the heart of a practical theologian, Christina Zaker inventively reminds us why the art of reflection is an indispensable spiritual practice. Be prepared to be surprised, be prepared to be "parabled." This is certainly the most accessible introduction to theological reflection available today. Bravo!--Edward Foley, capuchin, Duns Scotus Professor Emeritus of Spirituality, Catholic Theological Union
