‘Come and See’: an existential approach to received wisdom

Abstract

Experience and community have always played a central role in the construction of knowledge. It is upon reflecting on everyday life experiences, and sharing these experiences and reflections with one's community, that knowledge is filtered and transformed into wisdom. The same acts of reflection and sharing are part of human's capacity to transcend. This paper examines how past generations in the Near East region have dealt with the ultimate questions and how they have contributed to their spiritual quest. Of particular interest is to see how different people with different beliefs have influenced each other and particularly how they have influenced the ancient Jewish people, who have in turn passed their wisdom to present day generations through different traditions. This wisdom has contributed to the development and expression of particular spiritualities such as love of enemies. To be conscious of such wisdom is not only valuable in itself, but it is likewise important for us to be aware of the method of how it was developed, how it was understood to be a common language for all traditions of the time and above all, how it was transmitted from one generation to the next through the education of children and the formation of their spirituality. Such awareness does not allow this wisdom and it's method of construction and use to be treated as just heritage belonging to the past: it is instead kept alive to develop the younger generations' spirituality and to be in turn passed on to future young generations.

Children’s spirituality: Conceptual understanding of developmental transformation.

“…As such, children’s self-awareness of their capacities, developed through relationships, prompts social consciousness alerting children to the importance of relational connection and responsibility to others (Desrosiers et al, 2011; Halstead & Halstead, 2004). Therefore, relational connection to others serves to enhance children’s commitment to their communities and creates consciousness, engagement, and productive behavior in the preservation of life resources (Frendo, 2007).…”