The Beatitudes Society @ Fuller Seminary

I must continue with my thoughts regarding this past weekend, there is so much to talk about!  And in order to do that I thought I’d start with a little about The Beatitudes Society and what it is.

A while back in the spring I think it was, I learned about this “society??? that has a few chapters in seminaries here in the States, Fuller is one of those schools.  I discovered this because one of my good friends Jamie Pitts became a member with them and had them help him get an internship with Sojourners in DC (which turned out to be a good experience for him).

Around this same time another good Mennonite friend of Aaron Weldon, told me about how he was in this group called the “Beatitudes Society??? and they sent him to DC for a conference on politics and spirituality.  Of course I became very interested.

So I read up a little on their website, paid the $10, picked out one of three “progressive??? Christian magazines and became a member.  It really was that simple and it’s great to be a part of a larger network of seminary students interested in similar things.

The group of leaders, Frannie, Anne, Randy and Stephanie all really like their jobs at TBS and you can tell that they enjoy working with seminary students (our next generation of church leaders).  They’re happy to act as a resource group for those who are interested in issues that flow out of Jesus’ Beatitudes and because of this it was hard to not feed off their excitement and energy.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.???

They state that their mission is, “to develop leaders across denominations who will use the prophetic power and spirit of the Beatitudes as their guide.???

And their vision states, “We are Christians in the prophetic tradition who love and seek to follow Jesus.  In the Beatitudes, he calls us to imagine a world free of injustice, poverty, loneliness, and greed.  A world governed by a desire for justice, compassion and peace.???

Some of the things they provide school chapters with:
1. Financial Support
2. Ideas for stimulating, east-to-organize activities
3. Assistance in obtaining speakers for larger events
4. Opportunities for members to attend national conferences
5. Opportunities to apply for internships at social justice organizations

Well not only are they after some really awesome things but they are all wonderful people, but we all had a great time hanging out together.
I was certainly grateful that they sent me to the conference this weekend, but even more than that it was great to connect with others who are committed to the message of Christ.  I was challenged to push my faith further, and continue to find ways to serve others.

So whether you are considering joining, just looking to find out more, or you want to help support the society I think it’s an all around great thing happening.

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