Taking rituals and ceremonies that aren’t yours and using them contrary to their original purpose: this form of cultural appropriation commonly happens with spiritual practice. In a time when interspirituality has become common, what is important to consider about the appropriation of the beliefs and rituals of others? The following… Read More »Spiritual Appropriation: Exploiting the Rituals of Others
I’ve had my share of hard times. There have been good times, too. That’s true for most people. But facing hard times balanced by good times has helped to shape what I believe to be true. Join me as I share in this video how life’s ups and downs have… Read More »How Good and Bad Times Shape Our Beliefs
We gathered around a table for a small group discussion. The topic of the workshop was professional ethics for clergy. One of my colleagues shared: “I have a problem I’m not sure how to approach. A woman in my church, a leader and active member, emailed and said that she… Read More »Politics and Religion: Pastors’ Perceptions
“So, what are you, anyway?” That was the question he asked. Catching me off guard, I wasn’t sure how to respond. Here’s how it all happened. We were sitting on a living room sofa. It was a Saturday evening party at a friend’s home. The young man, perhaps in his… Read More »What Are You, Anyway?
Because I spend time with people from a variety of spiritual and religious traditions, I often hear people say, “I respect all paths.” Respecting all paths is an interesting concept. It conveys an acceptance of beliefs that differ from one’s own — a kind of affirmation of the universality in… Read More »Respecting All Paths