John Beckett - Page 78 of 146 - Musings of a Druid, Pagan, and Unitarian Universalist.

The Three Centers of Paganism

June 17, 2013 By John Beckett

There are three centers to the Pagan movement. How can someone who identifies with all three develop an integrated spiritual practice that honors the gods, cares for Nature, and refines the soul? Read more

A Polytheistic Look at the Devil

June 13, 2013 By John Beckett

7 Comments

Is there a devil? For Pagans, the question is academic. For Christians and Muslims, the question can be quite personal. The Catholic saint Teresa of Avila said it best: “I am more afraid of those who are terrified of the devil than I am of the devil himself.” Read more

Yes, Belief Matters!

June 11, 2013 By John Beckett

21 Comments

Paganism has always emphasized orthopraxy over orthodoxy, so it is not surprising that recent theological discussions have generated a backlash against belief. While we should hold our beliefs lightly, the idea that experience makes belief unnecessary simply doesn’t work for most people, including most Pagans. Read more

Acadia

June 9, 2013 By John Beckett

5 Comments

All of Nature is beautiful, powerful and sacred. But whether they are especially powerful or if they are simply different from the places we are used to experiencing, some places make it easy to connect with the Source of Life itself. Acadia helped me remember who I am. Read more

Box Pews

June 6, 2013 By John Beckett

3 Comments

Box pews are an interesting artifact from the early Protestant era. They served a purpose, but that purpose was at odds with the general mission of the church. Make sure there are no box pews – literal or metaphorical – in your religious life. Read more

A Druid in Witch City

June 4, 2013 By John Beckett

5 Comments

Salem is a tourist town – set your expectations accordingly and you can have a nice time. But while you’re there, pay a visit to the Witch Trials Memorial, and remember. Read more

And I’m Back

June 2, 2013 By John Beckett

6 Comments

My recent travels have given me time to read and reflect on the gods-and-superheroes debate that’s had the Pagan internet all abuzz. It’s an exciting time to be a Pagan! Read more

Bloom Where You’re Planted

May 28, 2013 By John Beckett

5 Comments

We’re not all called to be famous heroes – some of us are called to be everyday heroes; people who make a small but meaningful difference in the lives of others. When we bloom where we’re planted, we begin to change the world for the better, one person at a time. Read more

The Good In Other Religions

May 23, 2013 By John Beckett

4 Comments

We need not agree with everything Pope Francis says and does to agree with his conclusion that recognizing the good those of other religions do is “a beautiful path to peace.” Read more

Ronald West Beckett (1948 – 2013)

May 22, 2013 By John Beckett

2 Comments

My brother Ron died this past Saturday, May 18. His passing was not a surprise, but it is still sad to realize my big brother is gone from this world. This is the eulogy I gave for him at his funeral on May 21. Read more