Jeff Some religious leaders provide leadership on disputed social, economic, and political questions; others do not. Jesus did not. The hot political topic in his day had to do with loyalty to the rule of the Roman government. Jesus’ enemies tried to trap him by posing the question to Jesus whether we should pay taxes to … Read more
When the complexity and demands of modern life press in upon us, many of us yearn for simplicity. We look at the clutter and wonder what we can throw out; we look at our list of commitments and wonder what we can eliminate. I came up with a different approach last week, and it … Read more
The past year has taught me much about healing, not instant and total healing, but getting better. The medical things I deal with are not major, though inflammation of the bladder was of serious concern a year ago. My experiences of healing have given me a new perspective on health with implications for other areas … Read more
On this thanksgiving day, I wish to express my gratitude to all who have participated in this weblog during its first months. Thanksgiving is an act of acknowledging something good for which others are responsible. Values, as we are normally busy with them are material and intellectual/cultural. One way of expressing the goal of this … Read more
Team practice Have you ever experienced a community where character growth was expected and effectively supported? If how, what do you do—or could you do—to promote such an environment in communities that you are part of? This philosophy of living addresses individuals, not social systems. It harmonizes with a phrase from the Confucian … Read more
Woman photographing herself in a mirror Have you tried to love yourself? What has been your experience? I am into love now like never before in my life. I neither love myself nor try to love myself. I have heard some people say that they love themselves, and more who express frustration about trying to … Read more
Love’s simplicity unfolds into a multiplicity. There is a long-standing discussion about different types of love. If divine love (agape) has the primacy that we have suggested, then we could say that divine love can be expressed in friendship (philia) and in a romantic bond (eros). In friendship or romance there may arise a … Read more
Love can pervade our character so fully as to motivate the exercise of all the virtues implied in the previous discussed segments of this philosophy. As we grow we become more like God, who enables us to participate in his goodness. This truth the Sufis celebrate: when someone loves God, “God beautifies his character traits, … Read more
Truly great people have appropriate expectations for the rest of us. Darwin did not expect every amateur who assisted his inquiry to dedicate his or her life to science. Socrates did not expect every conversation partner to drop his occupation and become a full-time philosopher. Jesus did not expect all of his followers to commit … Read more