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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. 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?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. This is the fourth script of a series of 6 podcasts asking how we can link ourselves with love and light: one of the great questions of life. In this episode we ask do myths in religious culture reflect a real humane side to transcendence? Listen to podcast Download podcast Love and … Continue reading Is transcendence humane?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. This is the third script of a series of 6 podcasts asking how we can link ourselves with love and light. One of the great questions of life. In this episode the question arises, if love and light are seen as a transcendent feature of existence, what might be the role of … Continue reading Contemplation – Linking to transcendence?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. This is the second script of a series of 6 podcasts asking how we can link ourselves with love and light. One of the great questions of life. In this episode the question arises, if love and light are universal, are they therefore transcendent? Play podcast Download podcast Although we want to … Continue reading Love and light – Transcendent?
Is ‘normal life’ returning or do bright promises of going places and getting out seem tarnished when we are forced to comply with a whole new raft of regulations? I’ve seen an article recently highlighting guidance that the volume of music in pubs, cafes and other such places is to be set at lower levels … Continue reading Serendipity
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
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. People fail. From time to time they mess up on the challenges of family relationships, life style, work etc. And when they blunder, they suffer adverse consequences. No wonder then that we speak of being kind and sympathetic to those who fail – who are struggling financially, emotionally, or interpersonally. But when it … Continue reading Self-compassion – Same as self-love?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Science and religion sometimes have one thing in common – blindness! There are people who have a blind faith in their religion. Like the fundamental Christians who believe in creationism, saying that the earth was made in just seven days. A point of view held in the face of overwhelming scientific evidence to … Continue reading Science and religion – Compatible?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. There are numerous examples of well recorded amazing things that we do not understand. These include spontaneous healing, incredible visions, and so-called poltergeist activity. One study in the British Medical Journal December 1983 on ‘inexplicable spontaneous healing’ found staggering examples of unexpected improvement or cure in patients suffering disease. Dr Rex Gardner … Continue reading Amazing things – Revealing higher reality?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. There is something about association football (soccer) that is very appealing. The game is played by over 250 million players in over 200 nations and has the highest television audience in sport. What is it that makes football so popular? Has it still got its sporting spirit? Unfair play I’m familiar with … Continue reading Football – Losing its sporting spirit?
