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History and Religion

2025-01-09T08:05:13-06:00

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.

Reality is Fluid, Holistic, Intangible and Relational

Last updated on: January 9, 2025 at 8:05 am By Larry Jordan

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Nothing intrinsically exists apart from everything else. This is a concept that appears in both Eastern mysticism and quantum physics. Fifty years ago, Fritjof Capra wrote an influential book called The Tao of Physics: Exploring the Parallels Between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism that discussed these concepts. Currently, I’m reading The Quantum and the Lotus: A Journey to the Frontiers Where Science and Buddhism Meet. The book records a fascinating conversation between authors Matthieu Ricard and Trinh Xuan Thuan. Ricard... Read more

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2025-01-02T07:02:14-06:00

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.

Are We Interconnected, or Are We Separate?

Last updated on: January 2, 2025 at 7:02 am By Larry Jordan

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We are essentially interconnected and apparently separate, too. This is a real-life paradox, “both/and,” not “either/or.” We can make more sense of things if we can accept paradox and embrace mystery. Of course, if we want comfort, rather than clarity, then paradox can be frustrating. We can have a difficult time realizing that some answers are NOT simple, that we can NOT have all of the answers and that we can NOT trust those who claim otherwise. I wrote about... Read more

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Education and Religion

2024-12-27T19:39:10-06:00

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.

Serving Others Can Transform Us

Last updated on: December 27, 2024 at 7:39 pm By Larry Jordan

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Serving others can transform us. There is a Bible story about a rich young man who asked Jesus how to attain salvation. Jesus told him to follow the law and to be a good person. Then, Jesus told the man to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Jesus. The man did NOT do it, and most Christians do NOT do it. I wondered if I could do it. I wrote about the rich young man here. The... Read more

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Education and Religion

2024-12-20T08:19:05-06:00

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.

The Pendulum Swings: Historical Cycles and Interdependence

Last updated on: December 20, 2024 at 8:19 am By Larry Jordan

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In The Way, I wrote about historical cycles and interdependence. Do We Really Know or Do We Only Believe? I have a Zen practice that helps me to distinguish between what I know and what I believe. I used to believe that there was a personal and supernatural God; that this God established our purpose; that I had a self, a soul, and free will; and that everything would work out for the best in the end. Now,... Read more

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2024-12-13T09:43:57-06:00

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.

Zen, Connection, and Mindfulness: A Journey Beyond Doctrine

Last updated on: December 13, 2024 at 9:43 am By Larry Jordan

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Mindfulness and spiritual practice help us to realize our connectedness to everyone and everything. My spirituality is eclectic. I realize my connection to everyone and everything, and I can celebrate with anyone (atheist, religious, spiritual but not religious, etc.) who realizes this connection. Also, I can celebrate in any tradition (Buddhist, Christian, humanist, etc.) that realizes this connection, although I do NOT accept the doctrine or theological speculation of any tradition. I wrote about Zen here and here... Read more

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Education and Religion

2024-12-13T07:47:37-06:00

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.

Creativity Meets Spirituality: Finding Flow in Everyday Life

Last updated on: December 13, 2024 at 7:47 am By Larry Jordan

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Creativity and spirituality have a lot in common. My wife, Jill, an artist, recently spoke at a Unitarian Universalist church on “Creativity and Spirituality.” She began with some definitions: “A process of discovery, of paying attention. An act of deep listening to our emotions desires, and thoughts, deciphering truth in how we relate to the Divine, ourselves and others. It’s a journey.” “The ability to see the world from different views and in a new way.” “A worldview... Read more

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Education and Religion

2024-11-29T12:29:01-06:00

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.

Compassion and Wisdom from Other Traditions

Last updated on: November 29, 2024 at 12:29 pm By Larry Jordan

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I am impressed by the compassion and wisdom of other traditions. Different beliefs and practices can be insightful and enriching. Since I published The Way, I have talked to a lot of people about their spiritual journeys. This is really a privilege for me, I learn something from everyone, and I respect each person’s journey. Also, I have had some very powerful experiences in several different spiritual traditions. I wrote about my experiences in a Hindu fire ceremony here and... Read more

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Education and Religion

2024-11-24T01:45:10-06:00

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.

Myths About Religious Deconstruction

Last updated on: November 24, 2024 at 1:45 am By Larry Jordan

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Do you wonder why people leave church? Just ask them. Do NOT rely on the assumptions that those who are still in church make about those who have left church. Anger and Freedom When I meet someone who has left their church, I always ask if they are still angry. Invariably, they either say, “Of course, I’m still angry.” Or “Well, I used to be angry, but I’m almost over it.” No one has ever said (as you... Read more

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myths about religious deconstruction

2024-11-14T12:00:03-06:00

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.

Challenges of Religious Deconstruction

Last updated on: November 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm By Larry Jordan

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Readers teach me a lot about the challenges of religious deconstruction. These conversations help me to talk and write about my book in ways that are more relevant to readers. Religious deconstruction involves reexamining beliefs and practices. Many people leave their religions because of some of the supernatural beliefs, speculative doctrine and unkind practices of 21st-century Christianity. Others leave because of religious trauma (emotional, financial, physical, and sexual abuse.) Sadly, one-third of adults report experiencing religious trauma. In... Read more

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Education and Religion

high-control religion

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2024-11-08T18:47:57-06:00

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.

Open-Hearted and Open-Minded Spirituality

Last updated on: November 8, 2024 at 6:47 pm By Larry Jordan

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Spiritual inquiry requires open-heartedness and open-mindedness. My work is more reporting than apologetics or polemics. In my speaking and writing, I ask a lot of questions, and I leave a lot of room for differing interpretations and varying worldviews. Realizing that all religion is cultural and that all theology is speculation, I know one thing, namely that everyone is related, and everything is connected. I do NOT believe too many things. Most people are asking questions themselves, and... Read more

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Education and Religion

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