By Stephen Russell-Lacy. How can there be one divine truth amongst the cacophony of conflicting views across the world’s religious and spiritual traditions? Some faiths teach self-realisation. Others promise enlightenment. Still others offer liberation or salvation. Some are theistic and some not. Even within each major religion there are numerous subdivisions which themselves vary in … Continue reading Divine truth – Can all faiths be right?
Tag: heaven
Christian mistakes about life after death
This is the final script in a series of 6 podcasts on what is in store for us if we survive death. So far I have explored accounts of death survival, inner character, the concept of selfishness, and reasons for permanence of unhappiness in those who are basically selfish. I now provide a summary of … Continue reading Christian mistakes about life after death
Anxiety over Brexit – Deeper issues?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. British people have been expressing unease about the state of their country. One possible reason may be that nothing much else is happening in politics because of anxiety over Brexit. The prospect of economic recession is reducing confidence among many about their future prospects. At the time of writing, the governing party is … Continue reading Anxiety over Brexit – Deeper issues?
Team spirit – What causes it?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy Watching the matches in the FIFA world cup, I notice that the national line-ups apparently vary as to team spirit. You might wonder why this matters. Why is team spirit important? What brings it about? And what hinders it? Sweden’s team spirit After eliminating very good teams, Holland and Italy in … Continue reading Team spirit – What causes it?
Suicide bomber – Why no paradise?
Several factors probably help us understand why a desperate individual might choose to be a suicide bomber and blow themselves up to murder others – a history of exploitation by Western powers, Israel’s existence, government oppression, poverty, lack of education, and alienation. But what some fanatical preachers tell young people about their destiny is also … Continue reading Suicide bomber – Why no paradise?
Self-worth – How can I feel special?
Do you feel as if you do not matter much and have little to offer? What’s the point you ask yourself of making an effort. “Whatever I say won’t make much of a difference and I won’t really be noticed.” These are signs of low self-worth. Such a way of seeing oneself can lead to … Continue reading Self-worth – How can I feel special?
Aura – Why can’t I see mine?
In religious art a halo around a human head depicts spirituality. This may be because it is what some people have actually seen. In some forms of spiritual practice, an aura is thought to be a luminous field of energy extending a little distance from each living thing. Some healers say that colour in someone’s … Continue reading Aura – Why can’t I see mine?
What is our destiny?
In these days of social inclusion and non-discrimination, the idea of ‘judgement’ is such a suspect word. It means different things to different people and some of those interpretations can be scary. According to spiritual philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg, the notion of judgement in a next life is the process of sorting out a final and … Continue reading What is our destiny?
To go to heaven do I have to be religious?
When it comes to the question of whether you will go to heaven, like Woody Allen, you might want to keep your options open. “I don’t believe in an afterlife, although I am bringing a change of underwear.” (Woody Allen) And you may wonder if there really is a heaven, is religion of any relevance? … Continue reading To go to heaven do I have to be religious?
Fantasy: Dead again
For years after the death of my best friend and spiritual guide, I would dream about him being alive again. We would talk but I never got the chance or courage to ask him where he had been. So this is a fantasy extension of that dream. “The dream came back and you my best … Continue reading Fantasy: Dead again