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Below we explore spiritual questions about the meaning of life.
These tend to look at the ‘why’ questions. What is meaningful in why innocent people suffer? Why is there social evil? The posts look at these and other issues in terms of deeper principles applied to science, personal relationships, the experience of being human, and a religious meaning of divine presence.
It seems that the meaning of life depends on who you are and what you want. See Meaning of Life – What do we live for?
We speak of mental health as a desirable state. Is the concept of spiritual health any different?
Is virtue really achievable? Are some people just bad through and through? How does one consider how good or bad one is? How can one change one’s character?
Where does what is good in human beings come from? What about the origin of cruelty, pride, laziness and other vices?
Is there such a thing as the soul? Does my pet have one? Or is the Buddhist idea of ‘no self’ correct?
What about immortal life? Living for ever sounds a bit daunting.
Are there any deep differences between male and female? Posts look at the idea of gender as a universal idea as opposed to one simply made up by our culture.
Given the widespread incidence of human misery the question arises as to whether people are victims of circumstance. One alternative view is that we are responsible for our lives in some way. Which is correct?
One view is that suffering can be good for the development of character. If so is disappointment really a blessing in disguise? How one might face personal tragedy?
It is sometimes thought that the symbols found in various ancient traditions like astrology or religion have some relevance today. What about the western esoteric traditions? Are myths and legends anything more than superstitious beliefs? Do biblical images like light, pathways, battles, help communicate a higher awareness of spiritual matters?
Does the world of nature symbolise anything meaningful in human terms? Articles address what we can learn from animal behaviour. What plants can teach us. Whether food and colour have meaning for us.
Trap of contemporary values. Why do people differ in their beliefs? Does it matter what one believes? Is conviction or doubt more healthy? What might be an enlightened view of truth. How to think of enlightenment?
Religious superstition. On what can we pin our hopes on? Is the Divine only a matter of subjective and not objective truth? Blind faith. Has religion anything to offer? Atheism. Is being spiritual but not religious a good thing? Religious education. Is there really any higher power to put one’s hope in? Where is Providence in turbulent times? How to think of the Divine Source? What use is theology? Who was Jesus Christ? Value of prayer.
Is materialistic thinking rational. Does science invalidate religion? What findings of weird science true? Does evolution theory explain our origins? Does the brain fully explain consciousness? What is the relation between science and religion?
When we are on our inner journey, beginning to be healed of negative states, perhaps starting to experience enlightened understanding, and a sense of meaning and purpose to our lives. Here you will find posts about more positive inner states of mind. Well-being, happiness, joy, humility, fulfillment of fatherhood, delight in effective communication of ideas we cherish.
By Stephen Russell-Lacy Spiritual philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg introduced the doctrine of ‘conjugial love’ to express the deeper side of a lasting sex relationship. Sexual loyalty Swedenborg emphasized the importance of faithfulness in a lasting sex relationship. Loyalty creates a foundation for trust and intimacy, helping couples navigate life’s challenges together. Infidelity, whether through physical actions … Continue reading Sex relationship – When does it last?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy Dogmatic religious believers give religion a bad name. No wonder then that religious practice sometimes gets equated with hypocrisy and rigid beliefs in outdated doctrine. Perhaps not surprisingly, researchers persistently find that about 25% to 30% of individuals in Western cultures identify themselves as spiritual but not religious. The very word ‘religion’ … Continue reading Religious practice – What is the secret?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy If we have an inner searching attitude then I’m sure a growing number of higher thoughts will come alive in daily life. In practical terms, you might help this happen by: Talking about ethical issues with people you know. Reading spiritual books including sacred writings Joining discussion groups concerned with important … Continue reading Inner searching – But how?
David Moffat talks about whether our opinions matter This is an excerpt from a longer talk for Swedenborg Community Victoria here
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
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?
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?
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 … Continue reading Cause of suffering?
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?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Many people find that their religion both guides and strengthens their lives. Prayer, ritual and faith for them are crucial components of their journey. Others speak of a non-religious inner path to meaning and happiness. Universal spiritual ideas Professor of psychiatry, philosophy and anthropology, Roger Walsh has observed a common way of … Continue reading Inner path – Just one universal journey?
