Today, President Obama convenes a healthcare summit to discuss healthcare reform with Republican and Democratic leaders. In light of this event, I am republishing a previous posting from September 2009. With religious conservatives opposing health care reform, I ask: What Would Jesus Do? “There was a woman who had been… Read More »Healthcare Reform: What Would Jesus Do?
Yes, he’s a public figure. Yes, we’ve had a certain image of him. Yes, he was a hero to children. At the same time, the actions which led to Tiger Wood’s apology didn’t hurt the American public. Those actions hurt his wife, his family, and Mr. Woods himself. Tiger was… Read More »Tiger Woods: Apology and Forgiveness
Last Thursday morning, I listened to a presentation by a group of graduate students from the school of psychology where I’m faculty. The presentation was the group’s final project for a special course on ethics and diversity. This presentation focused on working cross-culturally with Native American clients. During the discussion… Read More »Spiritual Practices and Rituals for Integration
Over the past month, I’ve read a number of different blogs and spent time on Twitter in attempt to understand how writers on spirituality are using technology. Much of what I read could be described as “spirituality lite” because it is characterized by affirmations, positive thinking, and a wealth of… Read More »Spiritual Growth: Where Does it Lead?
Over the last few weeks, controversy has arisen about the Super Bowl ad to be aired on CBS with football player Tim Tebow and his mother discussing her choice not to have an abortion. The protests have arisen on two fronts: because women’s groups are sensitive to the heavy handed… Read More »Tebow, Abortion, and Choice
The movie, Avatar, presents multiple opportunities to consider spirituality. In this last posting of a three part series, I will consider the most dramatic illustration of spiritual growth which is embodied in the main character, Jake Sully. A former Marine who is left paraplegic from a battle injury, Jake replaces… Read More »Avatar, part 3: Open to Harmony
The movie, Avatar, depicts three archetypal characters that embody success in American culture. These characters, and the values they live by, are presented as a foil to the values of the Na’vi people of Pandora. The corporately funded mining operation is headed by Parker Selfridge. Clearly an accomplished manager, Selfridge… Read More »Avatar, part 2: Money, Power, and Knowledge
Having received raved reviews, the movie Avatar has proven to be an award winning movie which has left many people spell-bound, returning to the movie not just because of the special effects but because of the moral story found in the movie. While the movie provides a mesmerizing entertainment experience,… Read More »Avatar: What is Worth Living For?