With the Platinum Jubilee and associated holiday coming closer it is perhaps a good time to reflect on the idea of ‘lifelong service’ which the Queen placed at the heart of her vows when she began her reign. The tendency to respect others who embody some positive and admired characteristic is one we can recognise. … Continue reading The Queen: Why celebrate her platinum jubilee?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. According to mindfulness meditation we should adopt the outlook of ‘non-striving’ to deal with stress. But how can non-striving be a goal if we are encouraged not to strive for it? Stress and non-striving A part of my body might feel uncomfortable. For example churning in the stomach, a tense forehead, or … Continue reading Non-striving in mindfulness – A paradox?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy The British public, generally speaking, show deference to royalty and are scandalised, yet fascinated, by any of its human failures. However, after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, the royals were perceived, in the tabloid press, as cold and unfeeling when they did not participate in the outpouring of general grief. … Continue reading The Queen – Why so popular?
The idea of unconditional love sounds like caring for someone regardless of what might be in it for you. In other words loving others more than oneself. Giving generously with no conditions attached. But is this attitude possible? Can unconditional love exist? And if so is it desirable? Science Science can’t fathom any such concept … Continue reading Unconditional love – Can it exist and if so is it desirable?
Ever noticed someone in your team not pulling their weight, whilst you are working hard to get the job done properly? I remember one day when my side of the family were visiting us. I was expecting my wife to do all the practical things that needed doing whilst I just sat chatting. I even … Continue reading Mary and Martha – Are they in you?
Children love stories. David the shepherd When young David offered to fight the giant Goliath he said to King Saul that he was always able to protect his sheep by fighting lions and bears. He said that he caught the lion by its beard and struck and killed it. David trusted his God to deliver … Continue reading How to talk to children about spiritual matters?
A basic teaching of Christianity is that there is only one God but in three distinct divine persons, the Father, the Son of God and the Holy Spirit: each said to be God. Many Christian theologians themselves admit they have found it impossible to come up with a persuasive and rational explanation for three Gods … Continue reading Son of God — How to make sense of Christ’s claim?
In this controversial play, Son of Man, Jesus is portrayed as a hearty, fiery, well-meaning carpenter who believes that people should try to love their enemies rather than fight all the time, but who is afraid of the consequences of his ministry. It was broadcast by the BBC in 1969 starring Colin Blakely as Jesus, … Continue reading Son of Man by Dennis Potter
The Egyptian artist was never a literalist, but used symbols to represent inner concepts. He was free to combine human and animal parts, yet show the resulting image in a ‘seamless harmony’. A simple example of this is shown in Egyptian grammar. To write the single personal pronoun ‘I’ the writer would draw a human … Continue reading What was the mystical knowledge of Ancient Egypt?
The closer we look at the structure of even ‘simple’ plants the more we can begin to see of the way each petal or leaf is formed in a particular shape, has colours, layers and textures which suit it perfectly. Florists work with this variety to create their arrangements; a garden designer applies their knowledge … Continue reading What can plants teach us?