(Information for this essay comes from the following sources: “Who Needs God” by Rabbi Harold Kushner and the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * In our frustrations and pains, we become upset with God. We are not sure what is …
Sources of Spiritual Strength: Simplicity, Silence, Solitude, Surrender
Don’t smother your life with clutter Why would we want to increase our spiritual strength? Albert Einstein explains, “When you examine the lives of the most influential people who have ever walked among us, you discover one thread that winds through them all. They have been aligned first with their spiritual nature and only then with their physical selves.” After …
Prayer
Does God answer prayer? Can we change God’s mind with our prayers? And what about those people who pray but did not get the right answer? I’m troubled by a story a Salvation Army officer told me a few years ago. A father had prayed for his daughter’s recovery. The daughter was sick. The daughter had made a full recovery. …
Believing in God
Let God Love You through Others, And Let God Love Others through You – (D.M. Street, 1884~1962) A 67-year-old reader from California is conflicted about his belief in God. You see, at the age of 35 he had a religious experience and became a born again Christian. Despite his faith, he had many obstacles to overcome. In fact, thirty years later …
What’s Wrong with Religion?
(Material for this essay comes from the following sources: “Personhood” by Dr. Leo F. Buscaglia, PhD, “Would You Believe” by Tom Harpur and “When All You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough” by Harold Kushner) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * What is it that people find offensive about religion? Today, …
How About More Spirituality
Is the Sky Falling? “Do you know the expression, `the sky is falling,’ asked friend of mine, “when someone jumps into the conclusion and causing himself and everyone else to panic?” “Sure, I do, but what do you mean?” I asked Jack, my long-time friend who is now having a hard time. “I lost my peace of mind,” said Jack, …
What Do You Mean I’m Violent
What Do You Mean I’m Violent. I’ve Done Nothing * * * * * * * * * * “If a soul is left in darkness, sins will be committed. The guilty one is not he who commits the sin but he who causes the darkness.” – Victor Hugo * * * * * * * * * * We …
Is It Time for Spiritual Psychology?
Lillian was hired as an office clerk. After several years of dedicated study and hard work she was promoted to middle management. A few years later, she joined another company to further advance her career. After further study and long hours in the office, she advanced as high as possible in the company. She then got a phone call from …
You don’t have to be a missionary to have a mission
In my mind, the true meaning of the word “missionary” is someone whose mission in life is to do good, someone who is determined to make the world a better place. Dr. Albert Schweitzer (1875 ~ 1965) is an example of a true missionary. His mission wasn’t to convert, but to heal, and his purpose wasn’t to teach doctrine, but …
What is the Role of Religion in Spiritual Growth?
Does Religion Help Spiritual Growth? A blind man left his village and followed the winding path through the forest. He was on his way to see his friend in the neighboring hamlet. After his arrival, the two friends spent many happy hours together. At last, it was time for the blind man to return to his village. “Here,” his friend …