Save the Baby!

Just as we can think of the lifeforce, which remains a mystery to science, as something that animates the myriad living forms in existence, we might also regard the countless forms of religion throughout human history as so many expressions of another mystery, called spirituality or spiritual life. And just as when the lifeforce “goesContinue reading “Save the Baby!”

The Recession of Compassion

Just last week, a guest in the Oval Office fainted during a White House announcement on the topic of weight-loss drugs, requiring the event to be cut short. President Donald Trump looked over at the fallen man with a small group gathered around to help him, and then turned to stare straight ahead, without evenContinue reading “The Recession of Compassion”

The American Slide

Back during Donald Trump’s first run for the White House, I pointed out something that no one else seemed to notice – at least I didn’t hear them talking about it. My observation was that, while Trump was running as the Republican candidate, he wasn’t (and still isn’t) a Republican. I predicted, in fact, thatContinue reading “The American Slide”

A World Worth Imagining

That little plant in the illustration to the left is rooted in a Mystery of deeper oneness named Being. It is also connected inside a Web of higher wholeness named Universe. If our plant knows any of this, it is not at some epistemic level of knowing, using logic and rational thought to construct aContinue reading “A World Worth Imagining”

Is the Christian Right Really Christian?

Lots of people do and say things that have the sound and appearance of being Christian. But holding (even reading and quoting) a Bible, wearing cross jewelry, pushing religious legislation, or saying a prayer with tears in your eyes doesn’t make you a Christian. Back in the day, Jesus himself criticized and condemned all ofContinue reading “Is the Christian Right Really Christian?”

Trumped-Up

“Trumped-up” (adjective): spuriously charged; fraudulent; fabricated. What happens to the moral fabric of society when members make misleading claims or lay false charges against one another? What becomes of social trust when leaders intentionally misrepresent the reality of what’s going on, so as to exploit the fear, uncertainty, or idealism of the people they haveContinue reading “Trumped-Up”

All and Nothing

It took a couple of centuries into the first Axial Age of the higher cultures (800-200 BCE) for the shocking realization to set in. In sixth-century Persia it came together in Zarathushtra’s idea of apocalypse, which regarded the world as a richly embroidered veil of illusion that must be pulled aside in our quest toContinue reading “All and Nothing”

What Made America Great

The recent assassination of conversative activist and influencer Charlie Kirk has once again stoked the fires of opposition in American society. Some who stood with Kirk on the same moral, religious, and political issues, believe that his murder was an attack on the truths they hold dear. Others, who regard him as a right-wing extremistContinue reading “What Made America Great”

E Uno, Plures. E Pluribus Unum.

When Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson agreed on the phrase “Out of many, one” (in Latin e pluribus unum) for the Great Seal of the United States, their idea was of the new nation as a manifold unity of individuals. America’s diversity would be the secret to its success – particularly as thatContinue reading “E Uno, Plures. E Pluribus Unum.”

A Way Through the Mess

In the degree we each lack peace within ourselves, the power dynamics between us will be misaligned, dysfunctional and mutually damaging, allowing for very little possibility of love lifting us beyond our differences into selfless goodwill and genuine community. The worldwide spiritual wisdom tradition known as Sophia Perennis holds a communal vision for humanity, saved,Continue reading “A Way Through the Mess”