I would call the yearning for no programs idyllic rather than naïve. I say this because I am not naïve about programs, but still yearn for such a world. I would like to think that I don’t need someone else to tell me what to do and then to check and see if I did it. But without such a person or system, I would be a disaster, and I might add, so would you. I have heard it said by people I respect that you can’t program transformation, it is too organic and authentic to be organized. When the yearning for no programs becomes a philosophical position then the word naïve is appropriate.  Normally this position is based on the loftiest of goals, that much prayer and mediation will replace the need for study guides and meetings. I would be the first to agree that a mere structure with materials that are not designed to enlist people in the proper spiritual exercise are sure to fail. By fail, I would mean to allow people to stay fixed where they are. This kind of failure is the norm, very few among us are hungry or desperate enough to break out of non-productive patterns. Frankly, most of us require pain to consider changing our behavior and attitudes. For example, preventative health care is a tough sell, it asks you to submit yourself to some unseemly medical procedures. On top of that you are exhorted to exercise regularly and eat right. Only about 30% of the population take up any of this good advice. People will admit that it is right, “ I should do those things, but I never seem to get around to it.” There is the same kind of challenge for the general Christian public when they are asked by their spiritual leaders to exercise spiritually, to be disciplined with a good spiritual diet. If it doesn’t hurt,then why change? Most of us don’t naturally think about the disease and trouble we avoid by taking preventive measures. Empirical data on the health benefits of not eating brownies is not yet available. The exquisite joy of a warm brownie in one’s mouth while listening to Silent Night is.  Merry Christmas