It’s happening – and happening around the world: an increasing number of people no longer participate in traditional religious groups and label themselves as not affiliated with religion. It’s not a new trend. In Europe, the shift became noticeable after World War II. However, people in the United States are… Read More »Church Participation and the Growing Number of Unaffiliated
I don’t know him very well. The truth is, if it wasn’t for Facebook, I probably wouldn’t know him at all. He’s a young man in his twenties living in another part of the world. We’ve exchanged a few emails and other chat messages. He’s bright, educated, well versed in… Read More »Music and the Human Spirit
Yes, it’s a familiar story. The young man was out with his friends. Looking across the room, he saw someone who caught his eye. Carefully watching, he became more interested. His friends encouraged him: “Go over and introduce yourself.” After some time, he found enough confidence to make his move.… Read More »It’s a Familiar Story
“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?
Her story was familiar to me. Having grown up as an active member of a church from her family’s Christian denomination, she continued to attend church as an adult with a group of her friends. She enjoyed the network of activities and the opportunities to do things for others through… Read More »How Gladys Got Her Grove
Every time I see it, it makes me chuckle. The saying turns up on bumper stickers, t-shirts, buttons, and other novelty items. I’m sure you’ve run into it as well: “My karma ran over your dogma.” The play on words carries the implication that dogma, often viewed as rigid and… Read More »Karma vs. Dogma
How do you want to live? What values do you aim to hold as guiding principles for your life? What makes for a good society in which to live? Most of us were raised with a set of values. As children, we were taught that we should share our toys,… Read More »Values to Live By
