Divine Spirit speaks to each culture and age in a different voice. Same Truth, somewhat different expression. Here are just a few current trends that might be helpful.

TREND FOR 2011: Empathy. Research into empathy is uncovering how powerful an evolutionary force it is, in transforming humankind from a competitive species to one that is basically compassionate and empathic. The discovery of “mirror neurons” show that humans are hard wired to feel others emotions. Learn more from books and other resources on “homo empathicus.”

Evolutionary spirituality. Everyone knows Darwin’s theories. There also is a growing conviction in science, theology and medicine that a spiritual evolution, beyond matter, is providing powerful help in our growth. From simpler, self-willed and separate matter-based selves, we are transforming our thought to an understanding of higher universal values. Call it moving from the physical to the metaphysical or spiritual if you like. Or from the illusion of separateness, to the reality of oneness.
It’s not just within individuals. Evolution is evident in communities, in corporations, and in whole countries and cultures. Thought is evolving. Sometimes painfully, but it’s happening.
From this perspective, consider that we can’t be truly successful or happy ourselves unless we know our place in the evolving community, the world, the universal “consciousness.” Our rightful place in everything that God created.
Check out the latest books, articles and websites on Evolutionary spirituality to learn more.

Leaventrends. When Mary Baker Eddy discovered metaphysical healing and formulated her spiritual teachings that she named Christian Science, she spoke about the “leaven” mentioned in Matthew and Luke, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”
Eddy writes, in her perennial best-seller, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, that “this leaven is ever at work” in science, theology and medicine, correcting material thought and pointing the way toward Spirit as the absolute and ultimate healer of sin, disease and death.
Read the latest “Leaventrends” news.

Progressive Christianity. Also called emerging Christianity, this is a movement by a variety of authors and ministers to see Christianity in a more loving, selfless way, away from the doctrines of the elect, of man as a sinner. Brian McLaren, Philip Gulley, Bishop John Shelby Spong and others are prominent writers and thinkers in this movement.
Read the latest at Progressive Christianity.