Sometimes, I ‘m trolled on the Internet. In case you’re not familiar with the term, “Internet troll,” it’s slang for someone who attempts to create discord online with arguments or inflammatory posts for no other purpose than to be disagreeable. While I occasionally am trolled, I have one gentleman who’s… Read More »My Internet Troll
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to participate in a training for Cognitive Based Compassion Meditation. Based on the classic Tibetan writings that are the basis for mind-training (lojong), Geshe Lobsang Tenzin of Atlanta’s Drepung Loseling Monastery developed this protocol in conjunction with researchers at Emory University. As I… Read More »The Contemplative Path: Communion with the Beloved
Christian Rhineland mystic, Meister Eckhart, asked in a Christmas sermon, “What good is it to me if Mary gave birth to the Son of God 1400 years ago if I don’t give birth to the Son of God in my time and in my culture?” Recalling Eckhart’s words, I have… Read More »The Mythology of Holy Week for Today
In an earlier piece, I explored a basic process for meditation for those who are starting a meditation practice. Continuing on this theme, I’d like to explore some of the differences related to meditation between Christian and Buddhist approaches. Of course, each great religious tradition maintains a tradition of meditation.… Read More »Christian and Buddhist Understandings of Meditation
We got on the road early – well, at least early for us on a weekend morning. The plan was to drive north out of Atlanta toward North Carolina into the Chattahoochee National Forest. The goals for the day were pretty simple: see some autumn colors, take a few pictures… Read More »Faith: A Developmental Process
It’s a question in a variety of settings, from a variety of different people. I was surprised to read that a poll within the United States recently asked the very same question. The results were surprising to me. The question: is Christianity compatible with capitalism? The Public Religion Research Institute… Read More »Capitalism & Christianity
It was a curious comment. While I didn’t disagree with it, I was struck by it because it seemed out of context from anything else. The emailed comment simply said: “Finished reading a booklet … on Christianity and Islam. Very basic and does not get into a lot of issues… Read More »The Children of Abraham and the Government
A life insurance policy is a contract with an insurance company. In exchange for premium payments, the insurance company provides a lump-sum payment, known as a death benefit, to beneficiaries upon the insured’s death. Typically, life insurance is chosen based on the needs and goals of the owner. Term life… Read More »– Life Insurance – Finding Life in Critical Illness