Q&A with the Director of the Film “EntheoMagus”

Last updated on: August 8, 2024 at 2:28 pm By Alex Koritz

The theory that Joseph Smith Jr. employed the use of psychedelics in early Mormonism was first popularized by Robert T. Beckstead, PhD., a retired professor of Emergency Medicine at Idaho State University. The cause has since been taken up by researchers Bryce Blankenagel, Alex Criddle, Cody Noconi, and Michael Winkelman who co-authored a paper with Beckstead in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies to further flesh out the theory that is gaining traction among scholars and raising the ire of LDS... Read more

May The Fourth Be With You: Dharma, Karma & Star Wars

Last updated on: May 7, 2024 at 1:13 pm By Alex Koritz

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As we celebrate “May the fourth be with you,” we ponder a universe teeming with mystical energy, moral dilemmas, and spiritual undertones. At the heart of the Star Wars saga lies a tale fastened with elements borrowed from various cultural and religious philosophies, notably Hinduism and Buddhism. Central to the Star Wars universe is the concept of the Force, an energy field created by all living things, connecting them and influencing their actions. This concept bears a striking resemblance to... Read more

The Workplace as a Spiritual Practice

Last updated on: April 10, 2024 at 6:22 pm By Alex Koritz

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I imagine I’m not alone in the feeling that I spend too much time at work. The trussell between our work and personal life is unavoidable in today’s modern world. And because many of us spend up to 90% of our day at the office, it’s critical to use some of this time for other important aspects of our lives, such as our spiritual development. Instead of viewing the workplace as a competitive bloodsport, embracing it as a spiritual practice... Read more

Should We Really Celebrate St. Patrick?

Last updated on: March 29, 2024 at 3:42 pm By Alex Koritz

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Today is St. Patrick’s Day which is celebrated worldwide with parades, wearing green so one doesn’t get pinched, and partaking in Irish food and drink. The fun festivities aside, there is a historical undercurrent that suggests a more complex, even dark legacy of St. Patrick. St. Patrick is the Catholic patron saint of Ireland as he led the Irish to Christianity in the 5th century. This “celebrated” conversion came at a significant cost to the ancient spiritual traditions of the... Read more

The Fascinating Life of Rudolf Steiner

Last updated on: February 28, 2025 at 11:17 am By Alex Koritz

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Mystic, Educationalist, Architect, Biodynamic Agriculture Pioneer Rudolf Steiner’s mystical and intellectual world spanned a vast array of disciplines, reflecting a holistic understanding of the human condition on earth and the human soul in the cosmos. Born in 1861, this polymath’s early work in philosophy and natural science laid the groundwork for his later explorations into mysticism, education, biodynamic agriculture, architecture and even the arts. Steiner’s homebred philosophy of Anthroposophy revealed in the early 20th century, was anchored in various Western... Read more

The Michigan Relics: A Controversial Family Legacy

Last updated on: February 27, 2024 at 10:44 pm By Alex Koritz

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The story of the Michigan Relics is inseparably connected with my family. This legacy — packed with controversy and historical mystery — has united believers, divided scholars, and ignited intense debates everywhere in between. These relics, once in the trusted custody of my grandfather, Milton R. Hunter, continue to be labeled either as a hoax or a lost, sacred collection of religious artifacts that deserves to be studied. A Family Thing In addition to being a University of California, Berkeley... Read more

Chakras & Cauldrons: The Body’s Spiritual Energy Centers

Last updated on: January 23, 2024 at 8:11 am By Alex Koritz

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The Chakra system, most notably found within Hinduism, is an ancient spiritual energy framework that can play a vital role in a person’s spiritual path. The term “chakra” originates from the Sanskrit word meaning “wheel,” referring to the spinning energy centers at various locations within the human body. The Chakra system is deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy, evolving over thousands of years to become a significant component of Vedic spiritual practices, yoga, Ayurveda, and overall well-being. Origins and Early Mentions... Read more

Voices from the Hills: The Tabernacle Choir’s Welsh Roots

Last updated on: July 8, 2025 at 12:21 pm By Alex Koritz

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Some weeks ago, I had the opportunity to experience the 2023 Christmas Concert by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, the world-famous singing group’s annual holiday celebration. The grand stage was adorned with old-world Christmas decor, creating an ambiance that harkened back to Christmases long past. The centerpiece of the evening featured Broadway star Michael Maliakel, whose deep, resonant voice filled the elegant concert hall. Accompanying him was the talented Lesley Nicol, known for her role in “Downton Abbey,” who... Read more

Can Buddhism Save the World?

Last updated on: December 12, 2023 at 10:36 pm By Alex Koritz

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Admittedly, the title of this piece is a little hyperbolic, but hear me out. Deep polarization is the driving force in today’s politics and its accompanying cultural debates. And that’s not just confined to the United States. According to Pew Research, we’re seeing deep political divides in the Netherlands, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Spain, France, Sweden and Belgium. In addition, Pew found that many traditionally democratic countries are growing deeply dissatisfied with their governments, and large democracies like... Read more

Who Were the Three Wise Men? Unraveling Centuries of Myth and Tradition

Last updated on: December 7, 2023 at 10:42 pm By Alex Koritz

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I’ve always been fascinated with the Three Wise Men of the Nativity Story. While growing up, my family maintained a Christmas Eve tradition of gathering around the fireplace and reading The Story of the Other Wise Man, a fictional tale written by Henry Van Dyke. The touching story features a Magi named Artaban who sees a sign in the heavens that he hopes will lead him to the Messiah. Artaban takes with him three precious gifts to present to the... Read more