tractsofrevolution

Once More Into Religion

Many people think that religion is about believing in god, going to church, doing the right things, and getting to heaven when you die. Every one of those elements has been contested through the centuries. Whose god? What church? Which things? Where is heaven, if not just above the clouds or over the moon? NeedlessContinue reading “Once More Into Religion”

Crossroads

Part of me really wants to believe that human destiny holds something more in store for us than just more of the same. I mean, more than just strapping ourselves inside spaceships and taking our problems somewhere else. Human destiny will entail going beyond ourselves somehow, but populating some distant planet isn’t likely to bringContinue reading “Crossroads”

Jesus and “Don Colossus”

The invitation had called it The Patriotic Dedication Ceremony for the Golden Age of America. The banners called it A Historic Tribute. The souvenir hats called it TRUMP THE GREAT. But as Jesus stood at the edge of the enormous marble plaza, listening to the brass band blare a triumphant rendition of “God Bless theContinue reading “Jesus and “Don Colossus””

A Family History of the Passions

We like to think that we act the way we do, believe what we believe, and curate a philosophy of life based on rational choices. We thought it all out and made a decision. Where we stand on things and how we feel about it is the product of careful consideration and common sense. Right.Continue reading “A Family History of the Passions”

IEDs on the Road to Civilization

In Bringing Up a Racist I detailed the steps every parent needs to take if their goal is to raise a bigot. It won’t just happen on its own. In fact, a child who is brought up in a healthy home environment will very naturally develop into a grounded, secure, kind and responsible person. So,Continue reading “IEDs on the Road to Civilization”

The College of Unconditional Love

I don’t get it perfect every time, but with practice I’m getting better. Over the years working in higher education with students who are trying to find their path, I’ve come to understand what they are seeking as “vocational clarity” – not a major, not an occupation even, but a freely chosen path of purposeContinue reading “The College of Unconditional Love”

The Wonder of It All

What our planet of nations needs, almost more than anything else right now, is a shared image of existence – a sacred mandala that can guide a deeper contemplation of the universe and of our own human nature. If we had such an understanding of ourselves and all things, I am sure that most ifContinue reading “The Wonder of It All”

A Glossary of the Spiritual Life

It is common to assume that since religion is such a complicated topic, spirituality should be as well. The sprawling variety of deities, symbols, rituals, sanctuaries, traditions, customs and beliefs across the landscape and history of world religions might lead one to conclude that the spiritual life of humans is just as variegated. We mayContinue reading “A Glossary of the Spiritual Life”

Our Human Adventure

I can absolutely guarantee that after a short orientation, you will be able to find yourself on the map illustrated above. Now, whether you build on that discovery and successfully find your way to the fulfilment of your human journey, also known as self-actualization, salvation, and the liberated life, is entirely your choice. You mightContinue reading “Our Human Adventure”

The Three Stages of Spiritual Power

One theory of meditation sees it as a portal to peak experience and enlightenment, providing access to transcendental dimensions of being and consciousness. People spend decades perfecting the mindset and techniques that facilitate these breakthroughs, dedicating great amounts of time to the discipline of meditation. Another theory sees meditation as a conditioning routine for meetingContinue reading “The Three Stages of Spiritual Power”