Many people are now referring to themselves as spiritual versus religious. They’re looking to free themselves from religious dogma and highlight the spiritual experience of faith. From his book, The Future Of Faith, Harvey Cox writes, increasing numbers of people who might once have described themselves as ‘religious’…want to distance themselves from the institutional or doctrinal demarcations of conventional religion…. It’s a trend that will continue, and for good reason. Read More >>

The question of the ages – what happens when you die? It’s a big question, but let’s at least clarify some misconceptions. The popular ideas we’re all familiar with are: nothing, reincarnation, or heaven. One is correct. However, our understanding of the options and what they actually mean need clarification. Read More >>

A lot of us tend to judge religious texts by modern standards. That is, we assume that they’ll be coherent, chronological, and without contradiction. It seems rational, right? I mean if we’re going to live life by the words in a book (and tell others to do the same), that book better damn well have it straight. The better question to ask is what should we have straight? Read More >>

Taking the lead ahead of God is a popular past time. I catch myself, often. I think that my agenda is most important and thus set to prayer and reflection hoping to realize my desires. I sulk, bewildered when nothing comes of it. Some of us take to blaming, leaving, even hating God. I’ve done this too. Read More >>

I saw a quote from the author Anne Rice. It stated: “In this country, Christians can teach toddlers to hate and to persecute, and we, through the automatic tax exemption for churches, foot the bill.” I’m not too clear on the economics of this argument, or what she deems the more serious issue (the hate or the money). What struck me is how many now view the church. Read More >>

The kingdom of the heavens that Jesus describes has been depicted as God’s reality. It’s where we can find wisdom, peace, joy, power, and fullness of life. In short, we find ourselves. There are, of course, other competing kingdoms. They also claim fullness of life and getting everything we want. One is the kingdom of the Mall. Read More >>

I’ve been having a great discussion with some Buddhist friends from Singapore. Among other things, we’ve been discussing some differences and similarities between Jesus and Buddha, and what the end game of each was. During a great Facebook thread, one asked, “What was Jesus’ point?” In other words, if you could sum up Jesus in a Tweet, what would it be? Read More >>