An afterlife – What is it like?

Exploring Spiritual Questions Poscast

This is the 2nd script in a series of 6 podcasts on what is in store for us if we survive death. So far I have introduced reasons for supposing that we will not perish at death. Now, I look at what an afterlife may look like if we continue to exist after we die. … Continue reading An afterlife – What is it like?

How do I find meaning and purpose for my life?

Meaning and purpose

A meaning and purpose for one’s life can be hard to find. According to legend, a prince was deeply agitated. He couldn’t make sense of the human affliction he witnessed outside the palace where he had led a sheltered life. His father the king had surrounded the boy with every worldly pleasure and kept him … Continue reading How do I find meaning and purpose for my life?

How good a parent am I?

Parent

Many a parent wonders how good they are at the job. According to the Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, many parents fail to impose proper discipline in the home and simply put children in front of the television rather than talk and play with them. Many studies have described a bad parent as being … Continue reading How good a parent am I?

Is free-market capitalism unethical?

Free-market capitalism

When things go badly wrong in the world of commerce, we ask about the ethics of free-market capitalism. Dangerous cracks had been spotted in the walls of the Rana Plaza building. This is a factory complex in Bangladesh. However, managers have ordered staff to continue working making clothes for lucrative export to the West. Now … Continue reading Is free-market capitalism unethical?

How can I give thanks when I don’t feel grateful?

Feeling grateful

Feeling grateful may be good for you. Research on feeling grateful, summarised by Dr Robert Emmons University of California, has been conducted on thousands of people around the world. Those who practice gratitude tend to be more creative, bounce back more quickly from adversity, have a stronger immune system, and have stronger social relationships than … Continue reading How can I give thanks when I don’t feel grateful?

Is all laughter healthy?

laughter

Who hasn’t responded with laughter to one of the most famous sketches in the history of British television comedy, the ‘Dead Parrot Sketch’ from Monty Python’s Flying Circus?     [youtube_sc url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6Lq771TVm4] Well, one person comes to mind. A rival political party had adopted the image of a bird for its logo.  Margaret Thatcher’s speech … Continue reading Is all laughter healthy?

Evolution theory – Does it fully explain our natural origins?

Theory of evolution

The theory of evolution is now universally taught in schools. The clash between science and religion was partly because religion got something badly wrong. This was religious people claiming that the Bible is literally true as a source of knowledge about our natural origins. The Darwinian view easily saw off the creationists within conventional academia.  … Continue reading Evolution theory – Does it fully explain our natural origins?

Heaven, Hell & Other Places

Spiritual questions

Film about Emanuel Swedenborg Written and presented by the novelist Philip Makatrewicz, the documentary explores the central themes of Swedenborg’s life and work, charting his journey from scientific genius to mystical savant – messiah to some, madman to others. Examining the influence his vast and varied writings have had in the spheres of science, literature, … Continue reading Heaven, Hell & Other Places

What can I learn from nature?

nature

Nature is a wonderful thing. Individuals and governments are committed to showing more respect for the environment rather than carelessly destroying it. Concern about the sustainability of the planet and its protection is a contemporary attitude that is becoming quite common. I feel it reflects a spiritual sensitivity to the goodness of the unspoilt natural … Continue reading What can I learn from nature?

How does control of breathing help with meditation?

Control of breathing

Control of breathing is related to meditation. When you are meditating you very probably have great difficulty attending just to one thing. The mind wanders off and it takes great practice to stay focused. You are distracted by extraneous sounds, random thoughts, an itch, a worry. The original centre of attention disappears several times. You … Continue reading How does control of breathing help with meditation?