Can we practice unconditional love in a divided world? Sometimes, we judge others by their actions, but we judge ourselves by our intentions. For me, the more that I know about someone else’s intentions, the more that I understand their actions. Our society is sharply divided by politics and religion, among other things. I wrote about anger and othering here. Can we practice unconditional love in a divided world? Can We Love a Nazi? Once, a good friend... Read more
We develop insight when we deconstruct, since we know how we used to think and how we now think. We can either use that insight to fan the flames or to fight the fire. I want to be a firefighter. Sometimes, people ask me, “What are you, anyway? Are you an atheist, a Buddhist, a Christian?” Usually, I say something like, “I don’t know. Do I have to BE something?” It’s complicated. Of course, this happens in politics,... Read more
We can learn a lot by subjecting our beliefs to thought experiments. A thought experiment is a mental exercise that involves imagining a scenario to explore concepts. I guested on a podcast recently, which focused on one of the thought experiments in The Way that asked whether the virgin birth, Jesus’ divinity or the physical resurrection are essential beliefs. To me, these thought experiments are some of the most challenging and interesting parts of the book. The book encourages readers to... Read more
Nothing intrinsically exists apart from everything else. This is a concept that appears in both Eastern mysticism and quantum physics. Fifty years ago, Fritjof Capra wrote an influential book called The Tao of Physics: Exploring the Parallels Between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism that discussed these concepts. Currently, I’m reading The Quantum and the Lotus: A Journey to the Frontiers Where Science and Buddhism Meet. The book records a fascinating conversation between authors Matthieu Ricard and Trinh Xuan Thuan. Ricard... Read more
We are essentially interconnected and apparently separate, too. This is a real-life paradox, “both/and,” not “either/or.” We can make more sense of things if we can accept paradox and embrace mystery. Of course, if we want comfort, rather than clarity, then paradox can be frustrating. We can have a difficult time realizing that some answers are NOT simple, that we can NOT have all of the answers and that we can NOT trust those who claim otherwise. I wrote about... Read more
Serving others can transform us. There is a Bible story about a rich young man who asked Jesus how to attain salvation. Jesus told him to follow the law and to be a good person. Then, Jesus told the man to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Jesus. The man did NOT do it, and most Christians do NOT do it. I wondered if I could do it. I wrote about the rich young man here. The... Read more
In The Way, I wrote about historical cycles and interdependence. Do We Really Know or Do We Only Believe? I have a Zen practice that helps me to distinguish between what I know and what I believe. I used to believe that there was a personal and supernatural God; that this God established our purpose; that I had a self, a soul, and free will; and that everything would work out for the best in the end. Now,... Read more
Mindfulness and spiritual practice help us to realize our connectedness to everyone and everything. My spirituality is eclectic. I realize my connection to everyone and everything, and I can celebrate with anyone (atheist, religious, spiritual but not religious, etc.) who realizes this connection. Also, I can celebrate in any tradition (Buddhist, Christian, humanist, etc.) that realizes this connection, although I do NOT accept the doctrine or theological speculation of any tradition. I wrote about Zen here and here... Read more
Creativity and spirituality have a lot in common. My wife, Jill, an artist, recently spoke at a Unitarian Universalist church on “Creativity and Spirituality.” She began with some definitions: “A process of discovery, of paying attention. An act of deep listening to our emotions desires, and thoughts, deciphering truth in how we relate to the Divine, ourselves and others. It’s a journey.” “The ability to see the world from different views and in a new way.” “A worldview... Read more
I am impressed by the compassion and wisdom of other traditions. Different beliefs and practices can be insightful and enriching. Since I published The Way, I have talked to a lot of people about their spiritual journeys. This is really a privilege for me, I learn something from everyone, and I respect each person’s journey. Also, I have had some very powerful experiences in several different spiritual traditions. I wrote about my experiences in a Hindu fire ceremony here and... Read more
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