Why?
Why is it a sign of philosophical ineptitude to “humanize” God but a sign of philosophical superiority to “mechanize” him? —Edwin Lewis (1931)
Finding Continuity
Religious states of mind contrast with those which are scientific or simply practical or moral in this respect, that whereas the scientific and moral are attempts at mastery over the not-self, to bring the objective material within the categories of the understanding or to bend it to the purpose of the will, in religion the … Read more
The Repercussions of a Good Deed
A right act strikes a chord that extends through the whole universe, touches all moral intelligence, visits every world, vibrates along its whole extent, and conveys its vibrations to the very bosom of God! —Thomas Binney (1798-1874)
The Object of Worship
Man has worshipped everything on earth, including himself, stones, hills, flowers, trees, streams, wells, ocean, and animals. He has worshipped everything he could think of beneath the earth, metals, caves, serpents, and under-world ghosts. Finally, he has worshipped everything between earth and heaven and everything in the heavens above, mist, wind, cloud, rainbow, stars, moon, … Read more
Survival Tip — Stay Focused
Where the eye is upon superfluities, either of quantity or quality, rather than bare necessities, there self-maintenance passes over toward self-gratification, and vanity-wants and pleasure-wants supersede hunger-wants. —W. G. Sumner and A. G. Keller (1927)
Noah’s Ark – A Modern Tale
And the Lord spoke to Noah and said: “In six months I’m going to make it rain until the whole earth is covered with water and all the evil people are destroyed. But I want to save a few good people, and two of every kind of living thing on the planet. I am ordering … Read more
The Gentlemen’s Bet
An American and an English officer were in the Officers’ Mess having a few drinks. After several of them, they hit on the idea to make the following (gentleman’s) bet: The one who could tell the biggest lie would win. They drew straws, and the American officer got to start: “Well,” he says, “there once … Read more
Forrest Gump Goes to Heaven
Forrest Gump dies and goes to heaven. He is greeted by St. Peter. St. Peter says “Heaven is so full that we have to give you an entrance exam to come in.” Forrest replies, ” I shore hope it isn’t too hard I’m not very good at tests.” St. Peter says: “First question, how many … Read more
Painting the Church
This man was painting the church one Saturday to get it nice and spiffy for services on Sunday. He had two sides of the church done when he realized that he didn’t have quite enough paint to finish. Since he was many miles from where he could buy more paint and he was running out … Read more
The Prayer
I want to thank you, Lord, for being close to me so far this day. With Your help, I haven’t been impatient, lost my temper, been grumpy, judgmental or envious of anyone. But I will be getting out of bed soon and I think I will really need your help then.