A seminar offered by Charles and Jean Pfeifer Saturdays February 26, March 5, 12, and 19, 2011 Ray Charles is credited with the musical sound we call soul. He once said, “Soul is like electricity – we don't really know what it is, but it's a force that can light up a room.” Geoffery Fisher, Archbishop of Canterbury 1945-61 said, “Until you know that life is interesting – and find it so - you haven't found your soul.” Our hyper-charged society, burdened by fear and distrust, lacks soul. Small groups of elites manipulate whole economies for their personal gain. Religious groups demonize one another in the name of God. Many of us yearn for compelling reasons for living. We want to believe that the better angels of humankind will prevail. Theologian, Walter Wink in his landmark work, The Human Being, argues that we humans are more than we think we are. He points to the fact that Jesus referred to himself as The Son of Man or the Human Being and not the Christ or the Son of God. By this Jesus seemed to imply that his life exemplified what it means to be truly human. For this reason, Jesus' life and teachings can be available to anyone seeking to engage this greater human potential, to live life with soul. This seminar enables participants to engage their deep humanity in this context. Using dialogue and the insights of Jungian depth psychology, participants will examine the humanity of Jesus as described in the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke and compare it to their own humanity. The dialogue will be complemented by art, sculpture, dance, journaling and the insights of other spiritual traditions. Past participants state that the seminar process is transformative. It provides a safe environment in which people from a variety of belief systems can struggle with profound personal and social issues while honoring the humanity and integrity of all present. No previous psychological, Biblical, or religious knowledge is required. The seminar is limited to twenty participants. It is offered on four Saturdays at Holy Wisdom Monastery. Noon meals are provided. Total Cost is $225. To participate, send a registration fee of $50 to Charles D. Pfeifer, 2154 West Lawn Avenue, Madison WI, 53711. For further information call 608.251.3125 or email
