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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.
I know a lot about the complexity of a tree; its biology, evolutionary position and physical make up. Everything that science is saying about trees is true but where is the logic that says “since I know a lot about a tree, I know everything about that thing?” Another entertaining video from offTheLeftEye
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?
If we generally agree that losing our temper at someone means that we have some more growing up to do, why would we think that God does it? Another very watchable short video from offTheLeftEye
If the human soul is something spiritual can we not understand it in terms of science? Although the derivation of the word ‘psychology’ literally means study of the soul, science has failed to pinpoint the location of the soul in the body and contemporary psychology is now defined as the study of mental processes and … Continue reading Soul of a person – How to understand?
With the improvements in technology, close up and dramatic footage of behaviour of animals has become a top focus for television documentary programmes. Behaviour of animals We are amazed by the myriads of flying starlings forming beautiful patterns like clouds in the evening sky, the protection and encouragement of its cub by the polar bear, … Continue reading Animals – Can they teach us spiritual lessons?
With the growth of information technology, more of everyday life activity involves our interaction with computers and smart phones rather than face to face with people. Examples are doing banking, shopping, work assignments, and social interaction. The question arises as to whether all this involvement with computers, and mobile phones may be reducing our ability … Continue reading Information technology – Toxic to spiritual life?
It might be tempting to keep quiet about what you really believe or hide behind a book that gives your view rather than talking about it yourself; especially if you are afraid if you share ideas they might be discarded or even trampled on. But don’t we each have some sort of responsibility for freely … Continue reading Share ideas – How to talk about beliefs.
Both religion and science make truth claims about ultimate reality. For that reason there is growing interest among scientists, theologians, and laypeople to ask if science and religion can both answer the same questions about reality and have real points of interaction. I like to think of myself as part of this exciting and stimulating … Continue reading Science and religion
Do you need to find a new direction in your life? One sign is when you feeling a bit empty or discontented. Lacking much in the way of a sense of fulfillment in what you do? Perhaps you are drifting through life without a clear sense of where you are going. Having a meaningful sense … Continue reading How do I find a new direction?
There are many religions. If there really is a God, shouldn’t there just be one religion? Like the right one? Are all these conflicting faiths and world views evidence that there is no omnipotent being running quality control? Why are there so many religions? Another interesting short video from offTheLeftEye
