The visible and invisible dynamism was palpable on spiritual, intellectual, and practical levels. Spokespersons for religions largely presented themselves in terms of universal values, rather than advertising their own wonderfulness. And the overall goal was to mobilize a spirit of unity in the universal family, as we turn to cooperate in dealing with planetary … Read more
Philosophy’s role in bridging between religion and social, economic, and political issues: Example: the quest for world peace For the Parliament of the World’s Religions, Salt Lake City, Utah, October 19, 2015 This presentation focuses on the quest for world peace as part of a larger question: What is philosophy’s role in … Read more
Various people become my spiritual teachers for different lengths of time, from minutes to years. One of them recently sent me The Compassionate Life by Marc Ian Barasch. As I read, I found that the book added a strong layer of awakening to my motivation to serve. It is simply the best book I know … Read more
I went to Chipotle for a burrito and they gave it to me in a bag that had a short essay printed on it. I was captivated by it as I read. The title was “Two Minutes of Rambling Wisdom,” and it was by Judd Apatow, a successful writer, director, and producer of comedy films … Read more
Scientism reduces spiritual truths to lower level facts. Ethicism in the form of languageism handicaps spiritual truths by unbalanced devotion to worthy social and political values–for example, suppressing talk of the brotherhood of man by linking the phrase with sexism. I feel sad to see the language that expresses this grand concept be put down. … Read more
The best alternative I have read to my philosophy of living takes a contemporary and secular turn which stimulates us to think anew. I believe I serve you best here by simply setting forth the position rather than by adding my replies. John Kekes, in The Art of Life (Ithaca, New York: Cornell University … Read more
A friend of mine referred to a mutual friend as “Islamophobic” and I disagreed. I said, “Islamophobia” is a psychiatric diagnosis which you have no justification for making. It implies extreme fear. I support my friend’s intention to challenge stereotypes and to stand up for the humanity in every person. But the term he used … Read more
God is our Father—just think of it! Fortunately, when we do that, we are not thinking, just realizing, delighting, being. Being a son or daughter. We understand the Father through relating in the ways that are appropriate to who he is. Our Father loves us all. We learn about God by learning to love … Read more
After going forth to bless a brother and coming home with my tail between my legs, I realized that I failed to prepare myself in the power and momentum of faith. The duties of brotherhood may rise unpredictably, and our inner obstacles to faithfulness may rise higher and more quickly. How often do we walk … Read more