Socrates believed that we all carried our own wisdom deep within and that it just needed to be coaxed out, usually with a series of questions. He demonstrated this one day on a small boy walking by. He asked him a series of questions, the boy answered, revealing to Socrates’ disciples that he already had the knowledge. Jesus was no different. What did Jesus usually use in his teaching? Stories. Everyday stories that people already understood. Simple parables… like the... Read more
It is possible and I would even say necessary to have a spirituality outside of church. That’s my opinion of what a healthy church is anyway: a collective of uniquely independent spiritual pilgrims. Therefore, it comes down to how to have a healthy spirituality anyway, whether you go to church or not. Being outside the church is a valid and viable way of being spiritual. Right now I just want to share with you the first and most important step:... Read more
These guys are using the bible to hold God hostage. They are using the bible to affirm their own ideas about God, then imposing these ideas on God. Their God is not free, but a god who does everything they believe and say. Convenient and rampant. But catastrophic. Own the original drawing! Or buy a print of this cartoon. Check out my books. Read more
Spiritual transformation is very difficult. The mind is a very complex organ, bent on its own self-preservation, security and comfort. The brain’s primary purpose is to protect the organism. Once we see this to be true, then many other things make sense. For instance, the brain is an expert tweaker. We can see self-protection occurring in religion and spiritual growth. Often, what we think is spiritual growth is actually a slight modification of the thoughts already present. But the brain... Read more
I believe we all have a path. It is our life to discover it, explore it and walk it with joy. It is yours and yours alone, undefined and uncontrolled by others. Yours. But truth… that is another matter. As the great philosopher Krishnamurti said, “Truth is a pathless land.” No one owns it. It belongs to no religion, sect or group or power or people. The person in this drawing has discovered freedom. It is overwhelming and awesome. Truly.... Read more
I’m pleased to announce that this original drawing, “caught”, has sold and has found a home in California. I incorporated this drawing into my Sophia series. I’m always happy when an original sells. They aren’t cheap, and so it means someone loves it so much they are willing to make a commitment and invest in an original piece. It means a lot to me. Thank you! Several of my original Sophia’s have sold, and every time I carry them to... Read more
The questions have been gathered up and collected in a refugee camp on the outskirts of civilization. Who will release them to live among us, to be loved, and to have an equal voice in our world? Hear their voice! Release them! Before they become extinct. Own the original drawing! Or buy a print of this cartoon. Check out my books. Read more
Oh, if only I knew then what I know now! When I graduated from seminary (I actually did twice with two Master degrees!) I was determined to change the world to my way of thinking. I sincerely wanted to help. When I started pastoring churches, I was certain I would bend them to my will, or, I should say God’s will… which I believed my will represented. Oh my! I shudder to think. Own the original drawing! Or buy a... Read more
As gorgeous as this stained glass mask is, rich in its religious beauty, meeting the hungry expectations of those you support with your belief… it is just a mask. Lower the hand that holds it, and see the world as it is. Drop the pretention. Yes, they may drop you. But it is you. It is you. Finally! You. (I saw this mask in a dream many years ago. It changed my life. Although the original is sold, you can... Read more
I love Gotye’s song. This prayer from the cell can be taken many ways. Here’s a few options: Does it mean, flatly, that I no longer believe in God? Or, does it mean that the god I used to know is no longer a viable one, that it was more like an idol, no where near matching the actual God? Or, does it mean that God broke up with me, left me, abandoned me, and that I simply don’t know... Read more
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