Both religion and spiritual practice are sources of division among people. The divisions are often about what people believe as well as the ways people practice. The divisions are based on a binary set of options: one is right and the other is wrong. Yet, what’s true in all the… Read More »The Universal Truth in Religion and Spirituality
You believe something. Does that make it true? Others have told you something is true. But is it? When it comes to spirituality, how do we make sense of beliefs and dogma? Let’s be honest: we all have beliefs and, yes, dogma too. Are they real? Are they illusions? Or… Read More »Dogma or Belief: What’s True?
“The Bible says it; I believe it; that settles it!” That sounds like something from a bumper sticker. It’s a claim I find to be shocking whenever an Evangelical or Fundamentalist Christian makes. it. The statement reflects a belief that the Bible is the Word of God: words spoken by… Read More »The Bible: The Word of God? No.
Sir John Polkinghorne, the renowned particle physicist who, as a second career, became an Anglican priest, tells a story that’s very insightful. The members of his first parish weren’t sure if they would be able to understand sermons delivered by this very accomplished scientist. Dr. John Polkinghorne quickly changed that… Read More »The Truth about the Christmas Stories
For some time, there has been significant debate about whether or not the facts in the Bible are true. This debate has been framed in a variety of ways. In the early twentieth century, biblical scholars searched for evidence of the historical Jesus. School boards consider the merits of biblically… Read More »What Good Is Religion if the Facts Aren’t True?
A good friend emailed me on Monday evening and asked if I “happened to see the CBS Evening News, when Scott Pelley interviewed 3 seminarians studying at the North American Seminary in Rome.” I had not. But on his suggestion, on Tuesday morning, I went to the web site and… Read More »What is Truth?
I recently read a story about Sir John Polkinghorn, the renowned particle physicist who, as a second career, became an Anglican priest. The members of his first parish weren’t sure if they would be able to understand sermons delivered by this very accomplished scientist. Dr. Polkingham quickly changed that perception… Read More »The Truth about Christmas
She’s regularly in the news. She’s the current a pop sensation. She generates press by acting, dressing, and presenting herself as over-the-top. At age 24, Stefani Germanotta has achieved international fame within two years of the release of her first album. In the midst of the glamour and well-honed PR,… Read More »Lady Gaga: What is the Truth?