This is the second of a 2-part series on spiritual transformation (link to part 1). After the article (below) we continue with an audio conversation between DT Strain and B.T. Newberg of HumanisticPaganism.com…   Is Extraordinary Transformation Possible? Granted, a more modest model of progress is essential, and perfection is most likely impossible. However, my experience in practice leads me to believe that, once one achieves a state similar to even an ambitious realistic model, once will tend to find... Read more

In this 2-part series, we will not only look at spiritual transformation in detail, but at the end of part 2 we will feature an audio discussion of the article between its author, DT Strain, and B.T. Newberg of HumanisticPaganism.com. Coming from a middle-American Christian background, one of the things that struck me as I learned more about ancient philosophy and Eastern schools of thought was the notion of one’s religion or philosophy being about a practice rather than merely... Read more

Job descriptions help us know that we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing. So what’s the JD for SN? This post is the first in a series examining SN through the lens of the work of Loyal Rue. For an overview of Rue’s basic concepts, go here.   Help wanted: Manager of human nature “The measure of a religious orientation,” says Loyal Rue in his book Religion Is Not About God, “is not whether it gives an accurate account... Read more

In studying ancient philosophy (the very thoughts that shaped the course of later ideas, culture, and history to come) it is impossible to really understand what you read without setting aside the modern day connotations of the words used. Many of the words like ‘spirit’, ‘gods’, ‘soul’, have been Christianized and taken on meanings that are subtly but significantly different. Instead, to get inside the minds and perspectives of early thinkers you must do as one little green Jedi master... Read more

This is the final part of a 4-part series which explains, in each part, one of four deceptive distractions to a core purpose of spiritual practice: cultivating, with applied practices, wisdom and a character that is more capable of flourishing. That is, addressing fear, anger, and greed; compassion for all beings and an inner happiness not dependent on external circumstance. Last time we covered the distraction of academics (link to part 3 here). This time we cover the fourth distraction:... Read more

This is the third of a 4-part series which explains, in each part, one of four deceptive distractions to a core purpose of spiritual practice: cultivating, with applied practices, wisdom and a character that is more capable of flourishing. That is, addressing fear, anger, and greed; compassion for all beings and an inner happiness not dependent on external circumstance. Last time we covered the distraction of the ego (link to part 2 here). This time we cover the third distraction:... Read more

This is the second of a 2-part series exploring a new technique for creating special time and space. Part 1 introduced the Center. Now, this part details the technique and its basis in psychology.   How do you work ritual with the Center? The basic technique is to choose an appropriate focal point, mark it as the Center, and mindfully circumambulate it three times. This may be supported with appropriate gestures, phrases, and/or hymns (see Samhain ritual script for an... Read more

I suggest that all the wisdom humans are likely to obtain has already been discovered. Further, I suggest that all of this wisdom can be stated in a handful of aphorisms or proverbs and that most of us are aware of these. If these two propositions are correct, then the problem of wisdom is very different from the problems of science or scholarship where one anticipates the next discovery will bring to light something new. Rather, the problem of wisdom... Read more

Community is important to Humanists. We just haven’t been traditionally very good at building them. This is odd because we are almost all in agreement that what gives our lives the most meaning and satisfaction is our relationships with others. In our defense, our movement is only 100-ish years old. And we are starting to build communities. The Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard is a good example as is the Humanist Hall in Berkeley CA. Regardless, groups of Humanists are finding... Read more