ad radicem :: to the root
Most people have some sense that spirituality is a tremendously important aspect of being fully human, yet the only voices speaking about religion seem to be shouting. So, jammed between the howls of the over-confident zealots and the nagging-but-inchoate sense that there is more to human existence than economic growth, regular folks are left trying to figure out the universe on their own.
Ad Radicem is like a Bible study, but with a loose enough structure that everyone finds a place in the conversation. Each meeting is built around a topic, a practice, a belief, or place of cultural confusion. A few short passages or quotes are put on the table (with a bit of commentary) in order to get momentum going. After that, discussion follows — the floor is open to everyone present. The more contributions, the richer the conversation. This talk is moderated to ensure that no one holds the room captive, that disagreements are held in fruitful dialogue, and that the conversation stays in the neighborhood of the intended theme, but there are very few constraints on what is possible!
What does “Ad Radicem” mean? “Radix” is the Latin word for “root,” so Ad Radicem means “to the root.” This seemed like a good phrase to guide conversations about being human and cultivating faith in a culture where life is often frenetic, superficial, and commodified. The “up-rooted” feeling of American life grates at the sense of identity, direction, and value of human existence. These conversations aim to share dirt and water for genuine growth — without descending into mud-slinging. Oh yes, and the name is pronounced “odd raw-diss-em” (but don’t call it “odd radishes”).
Ad Radicem meets in a restaurant/bar for several reasons. Sharing a meal or a few drinks often helps people share what’s on their mind, and it sets an open, casual, and friendly tone for the conversation. Second, we recognize that a lot of people are uncomfortable (for any number of reasons) coming near a church building. While our conversations are not utterly “neutral” (being totally neutral would be sterile and uninteresting), they are open to anyone and everyone who wants to connect and talk for a while.
When and where do we meet? (click here)
First Lutheran Church sponsors Ad Radicem, which is coordinated by Eric Daryl Meyer
