Religious practice – What is the secret?

Religious practice

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  No wonder then that religious practice sometimes gets equated with hypocrisy and rigid beliefs in outdated doctrine.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?

Inner searching – But how?

inner searching

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 matters … Continue reading Inner searching – But how?

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?

Inner path – Just one universal journey?

inner path

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?

Universal truth – More than one kind?

universal truth

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Is there any correct understanding of character development? Or is there no one universal truth about the deeper side of life? In the western world an emerging minority of people seem to identify themselves as more spiritual than religious.  Perhaps you are one of them. By spiritual I mean seeing things around … Continue reading Universal truth – More than one kind?