Emerson as Spiritual Guide
A Companion to Emerson's Essays for Personal Reflection and Group DiscussionBy Barry M. Andrews
- Theme and Description
- This study guide offers readers a structured, in-depth way to reflect upon and discuss the spiritual application of the essays of Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882). Emerson, a Unitarian minister turned Transcendentalist philosopher, writer, and lecturer, has been one of the most influential figures in American and Unitarian Universalist thought.
The first three chapters introduce readers to key themes in Emerson’s writing, and each of the remaining 12 chapters are meant to be a companion to a specific essay of Emerson’s. Each of the 12 latter chapters offers questions that can be used for reflection in a group setting or for individual reflection.
- Goals for Participants
- To understand clearly the insights and arguments in Emerson’s major essays, and the spiritual relevance they hold for UUs today.
To cultivate spiritual practices in the tradition of the Transcendentalists: contemplation, journal writing, conversation, reading, and appreciation of nature.
- Age Range
- Adult
- Size of Group
- Flexible
- Space Requirements
- A comfortable room
- Number and Length of Sessions
- None specified, however one-hour of discussion per essay is a reasonable guideline.
- Leader Training
- None required. Can be led by clergy or laity with group leadership and facilitation skills.
- Leader Preparation
- 1-3 hours, depending on whether the leader reads the original texts of Emerson's essays, which are not included in the study guide. The Essays are available at bookstores, libraries, or online at sites such as www.transcendentalists.com, www.emersoncentral.com and www.rwe.org.
- Strengths
- Provides an in-depth and accessible interpretation of Emerson’s key works, as well as connections between Emerson’s ideas and contemporary spiritual writers.
Addresses Emerson’s relevance to contemporary life. - Limitations
- Limited to reflecting and discussing.
Does not offer specific guidelines or structure for discussion leaders, other than questions for discussion. - Unitarian Universalist Values
- Consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles, this companion to Emerson’s writings supports a free and responsible search for truth and meaning, drawing upon the wisdom of one of the leading thinkers of the Transcendentalist movement.
Reviewed on February 15, 2006
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