May 2011

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Evolution

            Darwin’s explanation of evolution through natural selection was a watershed moment for our self-understanding. Since his day, evidence has multiplied concerning the evolution of the earth and humankind. Progressive religions have had to rethink their theologies since the scientific breakthroughs of Galileo and Darwin. Earth is no longer the center of the solar system [...]

Nature

In our lifetime we have become much more aware of dangers to the earth. Pollution of air, water and land makes us wonder about the welfare of generations to come. Dire warnings are everywhere: melting ice caps and poisoned waters. Yet these somber realities encourage us to look at nature with new respect. As spiritual [...]

Faith

Ever more archeological finds confirm very early traces of religion in our species. Humans have sought answers to the meaning of life in primitive rituals and shrines all over the world. Most of us learned about some form of belief and practice from our childhood. If our upbringing was not formally religious, we absorbed some [...]

Memories

Older people run the risk of living in the past. Yet our memories can be valuable helps for engaging life in the present. Some reminiscences will please us with joy and insight while others bring back sad feelings of failure, suffering and loss. To be fully human requires holding all these sentiments in a dynamic [...]