Concepts like tradition, scholarship and practicality compose the very core of University life. The Office of Admission strives to find the most driven and goal-oriented students. So where then does a concept like spirituality come into play?
Speaker Joni Overton-Jung is here to answer that question.
In her speech entitled "Spiritual Responses to Life's Challenges," Overton-Jung will discuss the importance of spirituality and its place in student life.
"Spirituality is something that all of humanity has in common," Overton-Jung said. "The talk is just an opportunity for people to come and explore the potential and possibility of what spirituality can do for our lives."
Although spirituality has its roots in Christianity, according to Overton-Jung, it is in no way intended to be denominational.
Overton-Jung, who lives in Toronto and runs a Christian Science practice, will speak to University students tonight at 7 in 118 Monroe Hall.
The basis of Overton-Jung's speech stems from a book written in 1875 by Mary Baker Eddy. The book details Eddy's lifelong journey to find the deeper meanings to life's difficulties and questions.
In 1866, Eddy suffered an accident that resulted in chronic debilitating health issues, internal injuries and paralysis from the waist down.
"She went to the Gospels and began to look at some of the healings that Jesus had done and began praying for answers," Overton-Jung said. "What came to her is that God is not separate from us. God is not absent or abstract, but is the very core and substance of all life."
One day after her accident, Eddy was praying and reading the scriptures when miraculously her paralysis healed.
"The feeling returned to her legs, and she was able to get out of bed that day," Overton-Jung said. "This healing was a turning point for her, and she spent the next three years in a deep study of the Bible."
The premise of her speech is that spirituality is relevant to any issues that humans may confront. The concepts are intended to be helpful for everyone, regardless of where they are in their spiritual lives.
Overton-Jung has spoken to a variety of audiences, including members of addiction centers, prisons, universities and women's centers. Her intention is to reach all audiences, allowing humankind to find the connection between the divine and material worlds.
"As our thoughts and lives are spiritualized, we find healing," she said. "Spirituality is really the lens through which our lives come into focus, that we'll find real happiness, security and peace"
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