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Faith So Simple…As a Mustard Seed…So Why Does Religion Complicate Faith?
By
smcswain
Faith is so simple. So very simple. It is religion that complicates it. Why? Control, perhaps. Distinction from other religions, maybe. I’m not quite sure. What I do know is that faith is not about either control or distinction. Instead, it is about release, the turning loose of all attachments. When Jesus said, “If you…
The Single Greatest Spiritual Truth
By
smcswain
What Is the Single Greatest Spiritual Truth You Have Ever Learned? I got asked that question today and, after thinking for a moment, I suppose I would have to answer like this: “As soon as you are disposed to being alone with God you are…no matter where you are: in the city, in the monastery,…
Near Death Experiences…Heaven? Hell?
By
smcswain
NDE – Near Death Experiences. Heaven. Hell. Questions about whether there is actually life beyond the grave invite such debate. Immense emotion, too. Express doubt about whether there is a heaven and you’d better be prepared for the barrage of negativity that will come your way. Raise question about whether there is a hell and…
The Authentic Search for God
By
smcswain
In an authentic search for God, the cosmos of inclusiveness just keeps widening and expanding, not unlike the ever-expanding universe in which we live. That’s a bit of a paraphrase of something Fr. Richard Rohr says in his book Immortal Diamond. It has been my experience, too. It seems the more aware I become of…
Do You Have But One Blessing, Father?…A Father’s Blessing
By
smcswain
“Do you have but one blessing, Father? Oh, please, Daddy bless me too.” And Esau broke down and wept (Gen. 17:38) One of the most heart-wrenching scenes in all the Old Testament. Esau, first-born son to Isaac, was looking for his father’s blessing and I’m thinking, What child does not need… A Father’s Blessing? Most…
Looking for God Outside Yourself is Like…
By
smcswain
“If God is everywhere,” writes Fr. Richard Rohr, “then God is not anywhere exclusively.” Hold this thought in your mind this day…no, everyday…and see what happens. I suspect, among other things, 1. You will begin to honor spiritual truth wherever you find it – not just the truth which may come through your tribe or…
6 Questions Christians Should Just Start Asking…
By
smcswain
Since the article I wrote a few weeks ago was released, “6 Things Christians Should Just Stop Saying,” I have received a myriad of emails and comments. Most have appreciated my awkward attempts to share my feelings and concerns about the state of Christianity today. Others, however, were not so appreciative. In fact, some were quite offended.…
The Yellow Squash Does Sweat…
By
smcswain
“The yellow squash will sweat.” Or, so said the recipe. I bought some fresh, yellow squash day before yesterday. Grabbed an internet recipe off the web with instructions for making squash and sweet onion. The recipe instructed me to slice the squash, quarter inch in width, and place the pieces side by side on a…
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