Discovery: Beginning a Spiritual Journey: Fear

Scripture tells us, “True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord” and “Fear of the Lord brings life” (Proverbs 9:10; 10:27). Yet we know fear can make us sweat or turn clammy cold, upset the stomach and make the heart race, that fear itself is frightening. Please join Professor Ann Ulanov to explore levels of fear, psychologically and theologically, and to discuss its central role in our spiritual practices. Prayer makes a place for fear and puts fear in its place.

Followed by guided discussions on Oct. 2, 9 & 16 in the Manning Room in Trinity Church with guest facilitator, Kim Schneiderman, LCSW

Ann Belford Ulanov, M.Div., Ph.D., L.H.D., is a psychoanalyst in private practice in New York City, the Christiane Brooks Johnson Professor Emerita of Psychiatry and Religion at Union Theological Seminary, and a prolific writer. Her most recent books are Madness & Creativity and Knots and Their Untying: Essays on Psychological Dilemmas.

More about this Series

This fall, discovery presents an 8-week exploration of the mysteries of the spiritual journey. Our September featured speaker, Dr. Ann B. Ulanov, will open a conversation on the role of fear in our spiritual lives. Our October featured speaker, David J. Allaway, will present a profound visual testament to wonder, the creative first step on the spiritual journey. In this new Discovery format, each presentation is followed by class sessions of guided discussion in the weeks that follow, to unpack and contextualize fear and wonder in relation to our lived experience of the spiritual life.