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2025-04-22T15:23:57-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

He Led From Courage and Grace

Last updated on: April 22, 2025 at 3:23 pm By Dr. Ahriana Platten

I couldn’t write this yesterday. Even today, my heart feels a quiet ache. The passing of Pope Francis marks the end of an era – one that dared to bring compassion back into places where doctrine too often shouted louder than love. I have not been a practicing Catholic for years, but I grew up Catholic and, for me, Pope Francis was a hero. Not because he was perfect, but because he was brave. He stood in the shoes... Read more

Progressive Christian

2024-07-16T11:15:05-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Who Will You Be? A Letter to Community

Last updated on: July 16, 2024 at 11:15 am By Dr. Ahriana Platten

I don’t believe I have ever so greatly regretted scheduling a Sunday away from the pulpit as I did this week. On the day after the assassination attempt on a former president, I was committed to training a church board for another community – and I kept my commitment. The extra time before responding to what happened has been a gift. Perhaps there was value in the delay because it allowed me to see the memes that wished the bullet... Read more

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2024-03-21T13:33:32-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Unraveling the Mystique: Do We Live in Multiple Dimensions?

Last updated on: March 21, 2024 at 1:33 pm By Dr. Ahriana Platten

In the realm of the extraordinary, where science meets the spiritual, lies a concept as intriguing as it is controversial – multidimensionality. On the surface, it’s a fascinating idea, but what exactly does it mean to exist in multiple dimensions? Is it the stuff of science fiction, or could there be a sliver of truth to this concept? Let’s dive down the rabbit hole and take a look at scientific theories, spiritual beliefs, and the tantalizing possibilities that lie at... Read more

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Science and Spirituality

2024-02-29T18:31:00-07:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

From Certainty to Wisdom: Its A Life Journey

Last updated on: February 29, 2024 at 6:31 pm By Dr. Ahriana Platten

Let’s just start with “I don’t feel that old.” It surprises me how far I have to scroll back into the last century to find the year I was born when I fill out something requiring my birth date. Age is a funny thing. It creeps up on you – and with it comes all kinds of change. Does age impact our spiritual beliefs? The short answer is — yes. Our spirituality will undergo significant transformations as we age. These... Read more

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Aging and Spirituality

2024-02-11T14:19:42-07:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Cultivating Wisdom: The Spiritual Call to Elder Care

Last updated on: February 11, 2024 at 2:19 pm By Dr. Ahriana Platten

My mom is in her mid 80’s. She’s lively, active, and interesting – and she’d probably argue about all those descriptors. She simply doesn’t see herself from my point of view. More and more, I find myself surprised by the gentle way she moves through the deeper challenges of aging with as much compassion and care for herself and others as she can muster. Watching her invites me to consider both the struggle aging can be, and the need for... Read more

Relationships and Religion

Family, Parenting and Religion

2024-01-26T10:38:52-07:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Its Time to Bless the Seeds of Spring

Last updated on: January 26, 2024 at 10:38 am By Dr. Ahriana Platten

January is nearly over, and shelves are already stocked with heart-shaped boxes, just in time for the American “Month-of-Love” to arrive. Around the world, various religions and cultures are planning ceremonies that celebrate the blessing of seeds and the return of light. This period, signaling a soon-to-end winter and the onset of spring is rich with the symbolism of renewal, rebirth, and rejuvenation. Diverse ceremonies feature unique practices and embody similar teachings. Here are just a few: Imbolc – Celtic... Read more

Progressive Christian

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2023-12-28T11:22:06-07:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Finding Peace and Growth Amidst Challenges

Last updated on: December 28, 2023 at 11:22 am By Dr. Ahriana Platten

With the door to 2024 swinging open and the challenges of 2023 quickly dissolving into the past, I find myself reflecting on how to talk about what I’ve experienced. It’s been a year! I could easily describe 2023 as a feral swamp thing who tore through my life with a vengeance, leaving slime and mud as its signature – and there would be truth to that story. But it’s all about perspective, isn’t it? And perspective is a choice.... Read more

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2023-12-07T19:47:01-07:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

What Does It Mean to Walk the Path of the Spiritual Innovator?

Last updated on: December 7, 2023 at 7:47 pm By Dr. Ahriana Platten

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I recently heard reinvention strategist Marshawn Evans ask, “Are you an echo or a new sound?” Talk about a question that challenges you to step up your game! Being an echo is akin to being a cover band at a rock concert; you know all the words, but the crowd’s waiting for the original artist. In a world dominated by repetition and mimicry, to be a “new sound” is to embrace a path less traveled, a journey of bold exploration... Read more

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Women in Religion

2023-12-01T16:44:07-07:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Let’s Ditch Consumerism for a Soulful Approach to the Holiday Season

Last updated on: December 1, 2023 at 4:44 pm By Dr. Ahriana Platten

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The leftover turkey is in the refrigerator. Friends and family have gone home, and the season of gratitude has been replaced by twinkling lights, snowflakes, and merry melodies. At this time of year, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of sales catalogs and shopping mania. But hold on to your reindeer hats and jingle bells, folks! Before this gets out of control, let’s take a step back and consider the true essence of the upcoming winter holiday... Read more

Progressive Christian

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Family, Parenting and Religion

2023-11-19T12:45:52-07:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones from Cult Involvement: A Guide

Last updated on: November 19, 2023 at 12:45 pm By Dr. Ahriana Platten

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We all crave love and connection, but sometimes this desire can lead us down a dangerous path. I recently watched the eye-opening documentary, Escaping Twin Flames. This documentary sheds light on self-proclaimed spiritual leaders, Jeff and Shaleia, who claim their group is not a cult. Without giving away too much, watching Escaping Twin Flames is likely to make you a bit more cautious when choosing mentors, coaches, and spiritual advisors. If you’re a parent, it will also encourage you to... Read more

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