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Start Over Subject Despair

1. SEBTS Kendrick-Poerschke Lecture - Adrian L. Van Kaam and Susan Muto March 26, 1986

Description:
Adrian L. Van Kaam was a Roman Catholic priest from Duquesne University. Susan Muto was the Director of the Institute of Formative Spirituality. The service begins with organ music (0:00:00-0:02:43). There is a moment of prayer (0:02:44-0:04:30). A welcome is extended to the guests (0:04:31-0:05:33). Adriam L. Van Kaam and Susan Muto are introduced as the chapel speakers (0:05:34-0:07:54). Muto reviews what was previously taught (0:07:55-0:09:01). She introduces the new obstacles to formative spirituality, which she names discouragement or burnout and anger (0:09:02-0:11:36). Muto discusses the feeling of discouragement or depletion that many people feel in their life and that one must ask introspective questions (0:11:37-0:22:09). Van Kaam argues the cause of inner despair is the temptation to believe that one’s works are capable of sustaining one instead of God (0:22:10-0:27:40). Van Kaam uses the testimony of a Jewish woman to illustrate that one must go through suffering before realizing that one cannot be sustained by one’s own works and the renewing of faith (0:27:41-0:31:55). Van Kaam speaks about how the Lord performs miracles in people that may only be revealed in eternity, putting smiles in people’s hearts and springs in their steps (0:31:56-0:40:45). Muto explains that faith is difficult to share if one does not have it for themselves (0:40:46-0:42:40). Muto explains that when a minister becomes so focused on others that they don’t minister to themselves, which can build up anger (0:42:41-0:46:35). Muto shares that one should go to the Lord instead of blaming others (0:46:36-0:47:52). Van Kaam states that nothing eats more at physical life than unrighteous anger (0:47:53-0:49:30). He explains that forgiveness is healing, especially considering that much anger is born from religious strife (0:49:31-0:55:17). Van Kaam argues that one cannot force others to have the same opinion, and one should not let anger get in the way of civil conversation (0:55:18-1:01:18). The location for further discussion with the chapel speakers is announced (1:01:19-1:02:05). The service closes with a benediction (1:02:06-1:02:22).
Subject:
Anger, Psychology, and Despair
Creator:
Muto, Susan, 1942-, Van Kaam, Adrian L., 1920-2007, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Owner:
archives@sebts.edu
Location:
Wake Forest (N.C.)
Language:
English
Date Uploaded:
02/12/2026
Date Modified:
02/13/2026
Date Created:
1986-03-26
Resource Type:
Audio
Identifier:
SEBTS_Kendrick-Poerschke_Lecture_Adrian_L_Van_Kaam_and_Susan_Muto_1986-03-26