Providence – A new understanding

providence

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Play or download podcast of this post We are bewildered and indignant at the widespread extent of apparently arbitrary and undeserved suffering in the world. And many ask the reason why the universal power of love and justice doesn’t stop suffering. In the world of religion, this is known as the theodicy … Continue reading Providence – A new understanding

Power of love – No control over suffering?

power of love

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Play or download podcast of this post If there really were a power of love behind the universe, why doesn’t it stop widespread suffering in the world? The struggle to find a compelling argument for the existence of both pain and disease and a loving powerful God puts many people off religion. … Continue reading Power of love – No control over suffering?

Futility to life – A mistaken idea?

futility

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Play or download the podcast of this post Is suffering pointless or can any meaning be found in it? This is one of the great questions. Whether there is a futility to life? “I have seen too many times the arbitrariness of a world in which an incredibly kind and wonderful person … Continue reading Futility to life – A mistaken idea?

Cause of suffering?

suffering

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Play or download the podcast of this post We find around us misfortune and misery. What causes some people to have horrible experiences and pain whilst others escape this fate? Innocent people can be the victims of tragic circumstances. Here are some possible answers offered from the perspective of Swedenborg’s spiritual philosophy. … Continue reading Cause of suffering?

Life force – Is there universal goodness?

life force

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Play or download podcast of this post We notice a seeming random hurt and misery in the world. This suggests there is no life force behind the universe: no power of justice, goodness, or love. Is there no divine source for existence? Despite the reality of suffering in the world with its … Continue reading Life force – Is there universal goodness?

The same boat podcast

Exploring spiritual questions podcast

Listen to episode here I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it’s not like that. We are sailing in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa. For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, … Continue reading The same boat podcast

Source of life – Gives hope in adversity?

The Source

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. As we know, social disorder and personal problems exist in human society and in our individual circumstances. We could end up immersing ourselves in negativity about this if we are not careful. Keeping ourselves awake at night with worry. Cursing fate for our plight. We might doubt whether there is any source … Continue reading Source of life – Gives hope in adversity?

Disappointment: a blessing in disguise?

disappointment

The disappointing terrorist attack of 9/11 was clearly not a blessing in disguise. Evil got its way and many people were very badly physically and emotionally hurt. Nor in any conceivable way can many a disappointing setback be described as a piece of good fortune even if tiny morsels of something positive might be salvaged … Continue reading Disappointment: a blessing in disguise?

Suffering – Is it really good for the character?

suffering

Almost on a daily basis we watch television news and hear about civil war, terrorist activity, or political oppression going on in some part of the world. Atrocities cause immense human suffering whether it be due to the loss of home, community or livelihood, the sudden grief of family bereavement, or a state of terror … Continue reading Suffering – Is it really good for the character?

Are we a victim of circumstance?

victim of circumstance

Do you believe you are a victim of circumstance? This attitude can develop when you feel out of control of your life? That events and the situations around you  dictate how you feel. That your appetites or fears are in charge of you rather than you being in charge of them. That you are not … Continue reading Are we a victim of circumstance?