Change of character – Is it possible?

change of character

By Stephen Russell-Lacy New Year resolutions are quickly forgotten. What happened to that plan to gain control over an unhealthy habit? Where did the resolve go to be more tolerant of the noise and untidiness around us? When did we forget we were trying to find time for people who need us? It is all very … Continue reading Change of character – Is it possible?

Higher self – How to get in touch with it?

Higher self

By Stephen Russell-Lacy Just as there is an ego so there is a higher self.  But what is it? People often think that human beings are inherently good.  And that personal development simply involves getting in touch with one’s true self.  They believe a life, filled with compassion, joy, and peace, defines the true nature of … Continue reading Higher self – How to get in touch with it?

Cheap energy – What’s stopping it?

Cheap energy

By Stephen Russell-Lacy Climate change, risk of nuclear devastation, world poverty and global debt are all things that need to be addressed urgently. Cheap energy would be one important solution. Is the lack of significant progress is creating cheap energy due to random factors or human design? Or a bit of both. Climate change and … Continue reading Cheap energy – What’s stopping it?

Mindfulness – Swedenborg perspective

mindfulness

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Mindfulness is gaining growing popularity as a secular practice in daily life. It is a coming together of the  contemplative traditions, particularly Buddhism, and modern science Mindfulness is learned through meditation and other practices such as walking and eating mindfully. It involves paying close attention to what is going on in one’s … Continue reading Mindfulness – Swedenborg perspective

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?

Divine truth – Can all faiths be right?

Divine truth

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. How can there be one divine truth amongst the cacophony of conflicting views across the world’s religious and spiritual traditions? Some faiths teach self-realisation. Others promise enlightenment. Still others offer liberation or salvation. Some are theistic and some not. Even within each major religion there are numerous subdivisions which themselves vary in … Continue reading Divine truth – Can all faiths be right?