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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. The ancient mariners navigated their sea route at night by the stars. These tiny twinkling bits of knowledge high in the night time sky offer useful information. The same could be said for our spiritual journey. Likewise, navigation is important for finding a path for the soul. We need higher knowledge intuitively … Continue reading Deeper perception – What to do with it?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. According to the New York Times, Jordan Peterson is the most influential intellectual in the Western world right now. His book “12 Rules for Life” is an international best seller. However, if you happen to be sympathetic to a fundamentalist type of Christianity you may not like it. Peterson comes over as … Continue reading Jordan Peterson “12 Rules for Life” – Review
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. As we know, social disorder and personal problems exist in human society and in our individual circumstances. We could end up immersing ourselves in negativity about this if we are not careful. Keeping ourselves awake at night with worry. Cursing fate for our plight. We might doubt whether there is any source … Continue reading Source of life – Gives hope in adversity?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Most of us want a sense of well-being. But this term ‘well-being’ seems hard to pin down. What exactly is it? And how does it come about? Clearly it is to do with an absence of bodily discomfort and emotional distress. Perhaps it comes from finding pleasure in one’s activities and possessions. … Continue reading Well-being – What causes it?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Do you have mixed feelings about the Christmas season? Typically, people say that they had a stressful time, despite also being satisfied. The very phrase ‘the spirit of Christmas’ evokes a sense of goodwill and cheer. Yet the idea can sound a bit hollow if we live alone and have no … Continue reading Christmas – Not looking forward to it?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy People vary as to what they understand by the term ‘miracle’. For many, miracles smack of things caused by the supernatural, like a magical or mythical power. The term has religious connotations and the secular mind may be sceptical about miraculous phenomena seeing them as possibly due to superstitious perception. Others may … Continue reading Miracles – Do they happen?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy We can find plenty of goodness in the world. Human patience, generosity, forgiveness, and tolerance abound. It’s just as well. How else could we hope to tackle crime, moderate the effects of tyranny, lessen terrorism, and decrease warfare? Bad things if left to themselves will go their own ‘unsweet way’ and cause … Continue reading Goodness – Where does it come from?
No one expects to be happy through suffering hardship and troubles. But of themselves, an easy life, good health and fitness, do not mean we are necessarily joyful. Joy is surely more than just being born with a sunny disposition. More than just experiencing the joy of one’s sports team scoring a goal, or feeling … Continue reading Joy – What brings it to our lives?
When we feel really vibrant and full of the joys of spring then energy seems to rise up in us. We find ourselves singing our lives. Inspired to see the truth in nature, in other people and in ourselves. Readily noticing vitality of growth, and beauty of form and colour in our surroundings. Newly seeing … Continue reading Truth – Only private & subjective?
“I am a deeply religious nonbeliever – this is a somewhat new kind of religion.” (Albert Einstein) If you are spiritually orientated, you may welcome the notion of a deeper universal truth that applies to all people in all circumstances. However these days there is often an uncertainty about religion. North-western Europe is no longer … Continue reading Religion – Does it have anything to offer?
