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The Argument from Beauty: Another Defense of Christian Universalism
A different take on Christian Universalism (or "Universal Reconciliation")
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Poem: Ephemera
i was told last night, by a woman whose life was passing her by that the card in my hand indicated that i was to be reborn now i sit with ink from a borrowed pen that i borrowed from a friend who also gave me his food as...
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The Night the Moon was Dark
awake now! Recite! Write it down, letter by letter the house of Holy is being built brick by brick, letter by letter, gem by gem my Spirit approached me by night with a vision of gladness a triumphant tiding born on a warm and...
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Sermon from Under the Earth
blessed are the fools who call themselves fools for others will call them wise blessed are those who cry out to the world with stammering tongues crouching aching and sweating over endless lines of gibberish that fall like drum beats...
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Ta Panta (The Re-enchantment of Chaos)
It's all imaginary it's all real it's all ephemeral all eternal every little gesture every racing emotion every breathless whisper every dark and mystical room overflowing with night air and moonlight nothing is...
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Suffer to Learn: Pagan Knowing and Openness to Experience
A psychosocial critique of Sabina Magliocco's book "Witching Culture: Folklore and Neo-Paganism in America."
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Drawing Together: Themes of Connecting in Neo-Paganism
A Review of Margot Adler's "Drawing Down the Moon"
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How State Ambivalence Towards Religion Profited Chan in Song China and Soto Zen in Tokugawa Japan
Religion throughout history has often had an ambivalent relationship with the state. I will argue that the relationships between the state and the Buddhist monastic institution in both Song China and Tokugawa Japan reflect this ambivalence, with...
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Birth and Rebirth: Emergence and Change in the Rastafari Individual and Collective
Charles Price, in Becoming Rasta, oftenrefers to “seeds” (134, 142, 163). This is an apt metaphor, pointing to the themes of conception and birth that inform Rastas' understandings of their identities. Rastafari don't picture their identity...
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Lessons from the Salem Witch Trials
Between June and September of 1692, in Salem, Massachusetts, nineteen persons were hanged and over one-hundred fifty were sent to languish in prison. One might say that all this was caused by some silly or malevolent little girls. Alternately, one...
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Complicating the Duel - Toward a More Complex Reading of Chan Self-Understanding in the Tang and Song Dynasties
In Seeing Through Zen, John McRae identifies various “dual/duel” bipolarities, which he describes as inextricably related pairs “simultaneously linked in collaborative and competitive relationship”1. While such polar “opposites”...
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A Light in the Darkness - A Commentary on Two Not Entirely Rationalistic Treatments of Religion
I find it fascinating that, although Max Weber and Emile Durkheim likely never knew of one another, they begin their respective works on religion in much the same way. Namely, they each state that a definition of religion cannot possibly be provided...
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End the War on Drugs
Education, Regulation, and Rehabilitation are the antidotes to the enormous costs we pay for our current drug policies, which violate our human rights and prevent us from mitigating drug-related harm.
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Gender and Asceticism in Early Christianity: An Ambivalent Relationship
Theodoret, in The Religious History, introduces his section on female ascetics by saying that they “are worthy of still greater praise [than the male ascetics], when, despite having a weaker nature, they display the same zeal as the men and free...
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Christian Orthodoxy and Heresy: Definition and Change
From very early on, certain Christianities, unlike the pagan religions surrounding them, placed strong emphasis on their exclusive claim to “the truth” (Ehrman, NT, 452). These groups, believing eternity itself to be at stake, attacked the...
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Confronting Buddhism in the Han Dynasty: Heterogeneities Interacting With Idiosyncrasies
Towards the Loss of an Illusory Holism
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Creating and Destroying, but Never Destroyed: Rastafari Mission and Survival
Bob Marley Songs: The meaning behind the songs. Bob Marley, the Rastafarian.
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A Church in Flux: The Shifting Ethos, Doctrines, and Organization of Christianity Between the First and Fourth Centuries
A Church in Flux: The Shifting Ethos, Doctrines, and Organization of Christianity Between the First and Fourth Centuries
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Parallels Between Maoism and Pre-Modern Religion in China
According to Rudolf Wagner, secular movements like the communist movement in China attempt to “match the religious structure with revolutionary institutions” (Wagner 378). In the case of communism in China, I would say that this was done quite...
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The Goals of Spiritual Practice in Lingbao Daoism
Every religious tradition can be analyzed in terms of the ultimate goal, or solution, that they offer their practitioners. In Christianity, this goal is salvation, and so the category of “soteriology”—the word is derived from the Greek root...
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The Philosophical and Religious Dimensions of Daoism
In attempting to analyze the philosophical and religious aspects of Daoism, I'll begin by looking at some of the more standardized definitions of the terms “philosophy” and “religion”. I will then examine philosophical Daoism and religious...
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Cells
remember when you sat in asylum and heard sounds from the other side when i soothed you with that children's song high above the lamentation up on the desert plain remember when you sat among the violent and heard through the haze the passionate...
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Iconoclast
i made supplication to my heart to my very heart thudding and flopping chambered apart i prayed to the flesh how the spirit gives way i set up my altar i found beasts to slay i asked only that the beat would go on my glistening,...
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When the Grass
tomorrow’s a new day when this night Will be forgotten And the light and the might of the eager armies surging to war we’ll have forgotten what the fight had been for and the wind whispers peaceful death over grass...
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Begging for Bread
is it my age-old blasphemies that keep you at arm's length? screaming for life begging for bread i sit by the silence wrapped in the shade the glories of youthful dreams beautifully fade my name in lights my name tonight forgotten ...
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Study Tips From a Straight-A Student. How to Study in College. Study Skills, and How to be Successful in College
Study Tips From a Straight-A College Student. How to study in college. Study skills, and how to be successful in college. A college survival guide to university success.
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Death Calls
death calls every heartbeat by name making each one the same this is your life this is your life this is your life this is your life the metronome, calling me home, ticking away, fading the day life can be so melodramatic like...
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Printable List of Books of the Bible with Commentary Afterward
Books of the Bible: List of books of the bible. Printable list of bible books, plus descriptions of the books in the bible.
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The “Do Unto Others” Bible Verse
This article discusses the "Do unto others" Bible verse. Matthew 7:12: "In everything, do unto others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." The Golden Rule Bible verse.
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A Commentary on Faith ~ 2011
A list of important Bible verses about faith. Bible verses on faith, with commentary.
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The “This Too Shall Pass 'Bible Verse'" Isn't Actually in the Bible
Many people think there is a “this too shall pass” Bible Verse, but this quote does not come from the Bible. List of commonly mistaken “Bible” quotes. God Helps Those Who Help Themselves "Bible Verse". Cleanliness is Next to Godliness "Bible Verse". Money is the Root of All Evil "Bible Verse".
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A List of Movies Like Fight Club, Plus Fight Club Summary and Quotes
Fight Club summary, plus my personal list of movies like Fight Club (amazing, deep, surreal). I also include my favorite quotes, Fight Club clips.
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Bart Ehrman Debate: Bart Ehrman, Jesus, & The Ehrman Project
Watch Bart Erhman debate other scholars. Learn what Ehrman says about Jesus. Bart Ehrman, Jesus, and The Ehrman Project.
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The "God Is Love" Bible Verse
1 John 4:8 - "Beloved, let us love one another . . . he who does not love does not know God, for God is love."
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My Hubpages Traffic Doubled in One Week
How my Hubpages traffic doubled in one week. How to increase search-engine traffic.
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Roman and Greek Mythology: Names, Gods, Planets, and Astrology
Have trouble keeping track of all the Roman and Greek gods? Look no further! Find here the names, pictures, and descriptions of the gods. Also, discover what planets are named after them and their influence on astrology!
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What is the Holy Book of Hinduism?
Hinduism: Holy Book of Hinduism? Do Hindus use one holy book, or many, and what’s in them? Do they consider them “divinely inspired”?
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Subliminal Ads - How Subliminal Advertising Exploits Spiritual and Existential Needs With Hidden Messages
How subliminal ads sell products by targeting the needs for higher meaning and life purpose. Subliminal advertising messages exploit the spiritual and existential components of the human mind.
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William Barclay: Commentaries, Beliefs, Legacy
William Barclay commentary. Learn about his beliefs: universalism, the nature of Christ, biblical inerrancy, and more. Barclay commentaries, autobiography, and what they reveal about his core beliefs.
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Why Pray?
Why should we pray? Does prayer work? It all depends on how you look at it, what you hope to get out of it, and how you go about it. Prayer is neither a magic ticket to wealth and pleasure, nor is it a duty to be born ritualistically by all the...
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Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Or “Dives” and Lazarus) - Luke 16
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke16:19-31) is one of Jesus’ most well-known parables, but is also one of the most difficult to interpret. For example, what...
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“Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind” Bible Verse Analysis
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 – Love is patient, love is kind. This is one of the most well-known verses from the Bible. Read on to dive deeper into the meaning behind this popular verse.
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Is Hinduism Monotheistic or Polytheistic?
Are Hindus polytheistic? Learn about the different lines of thought regarding Hinduism, including the panentheistic and monistic philosophies.
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Was There a Founder of Hinduism?
Was there a founder of Hinduism? Who were the most influential people in the development of Hinduism? Hinduism Founder?
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Greek Bible Words: Meaning, Translation, and Mistranslation
A discussion of common Bible words with their original Greek meanings, and the ways that those meanings have changed with translation and time.
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Bible, Control, and Culture- Bible Mistranslation, New 2011 NIV, and the Interchange Between Language and Religion
I talk about the 2011 NIV (2011 New International Version), and about how bible mistranslation can increase religious establishments' control over people.
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C. S. Lewis: Hell and the Heretic - The Great Divorce Movie and George MacDonald
About The Great Divorce movie, C. S. Lewis's views on hell, and his ties to the "heretic" George MacDonald (a character in The Great Divorce).
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Daniel Tammet: Christian -Savant’s Book on Faith in God, and Christianity (Fragments of Heaven)
Daniel Tammet: Christian. Savant's new book describes how he came to believe in God, and what faith means for him.
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Blasphemous Thoughts and Unforgivable Sin: A Hell Of Fear
True story: my horrific, uncontrollable blasphemous thoughts and terrors about the unforgivable sin. How I was completely healed.
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Legalization: A Case for Ending the War
Driving through a neighborhood I once called home, I stopped my car for a frail, elderly woman waving me down from the sidewalk. "No matter what she says, don’t let her know you have any money," said my friend from the passenger seat. The woman...
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I Was Homeschooled Until Highschool - Homeschooling Pros and Cons, Benefits and Need For Socialization
I was homeschooled from the youngest age all the way until high school. There is surely no universal answer to the question of whether homeschooling is “good” or “bad” for a child. I believe it will vary from one individual situation to...
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Learning Greek and Latin - Benefits Anyone Can Enjoy by Studying Classical Languages
Learning Greek and Latin: Benefits. Ancient Greek and Latin are called “dead” languages, because they are no longer spoken except in academic circles, and this term distracts many people from ever realizing just how they can benefit from...
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Hexakosioi hexakonta hexaphobia
i insist on suffocating slowly still i refuse to die imposing my will to weakness avoiding applying the "why" implications are closing in, opressive my mind is open, fluid suggestive interposing meaning and form with...
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Invocation
come now i welcome you and as the sign of my invitation i'll smear some of my blood over my thoughts before i write them down come burning like the ember at the end of my cigarette which i burn ritualistically like a sacrifice for sin come, i'll...
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"Ladder" & "Lacking"
Ladder every line bears this weight clumsy truth, crucifix-like and in bearing alone, they are born up and sing...
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Still Life
couple on a motor cycle with a death wish drum drops still pond early morning coolness broken pull that poison, pull it deeply deeply, deeply pull it deeply keep that breath, like memory bitter sweetly taste that lungs can know a good will,...
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The Four Corners
this four-cornered cave, i've been calling my home the sun has dried up and left bleached like a bone this bone i've been living in, like an old woman's shoe but i have no children and i have nothing to do this deed that i've done, it has been...
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My Lucid Nightmares - False Awakenings
I just woke up. My bed is a mattress on the floor, in a bedroom that I share with my younger brother. He sleeps on a real bed a few feet away from me. I don't mind that he has the real bed and I have the floor mattress. I prefer it that way. There...
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Stream
jet-stream, that trails jet-stream, clearly shown to us as the mark, as the mark of the one most awesome of gods, of the Creating Snail gentle, and generative, and ...
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Reverse Cosmogony
the stars are lying between layers of ether and projected purpose burdened with grandiose plans to toy with the dust bunnies that blow everywhere like tumbleweeds in a western flick just before final showdown the outcome depends on an angry...
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"Lord of the Rings" Trilogy: Analysis of Symbolism & Archetypes
The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy contains several elements of symbolism and archetypes. Here is my analysis of these areas.
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No Eternal Hell: More Scriptural Support for Universalism
This article is adjunct to my main article on the subject of Christian Universalism", the belief that, through Christ, God will eventually reconcile all people to Himself. Thus, no one will remain in a literally "eternal" hell. This article...
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An Argument for Christian Universalism: Why I Don't Believe in an Eternal Hell
Christian Universalism: Upon close examination, the scriptures do not seem to teach that hell lasts forever.
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Existential Psychotherapy, Viktor Frankl, and Jean-Paul Sartre - To Clear a Misunderstanding
Being an admirer of the existential tradition in psychology (particularly of the work of Dr. Viktor Frankl), I was eager to see how James Hansell and Lisa Damour, in their widely used textbook Abnormal Psychology, would portray it among the various...
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Epicurus: Gods and Death - To Be or Not To Be?
The renowned philosopher of ancient Greece, Epicurus, in his Letter to Menoeceus, says that "death is nothing to us, and to know this makes a mortal life happy". The first half of this statement is clarified by Epicurus' Principal Doctrine II:...
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Heraclitus and Parmenides--A Reconciliation of "Opposing" Worldviews
Heraclitus, well-called "the Obscure", presents a worldview that at first glace seems counter-intuitive and perhaps self-contradictory. He says things like, "Things taken together are whole and not whole..." (Fragment 22B10, Line 1), "...though at...
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A Sociological Analysis of the Movie "Crash" (2004)
Examining themes of race, gender, social psychology, and depth psychology in the movie "Crash" (2004).