Christmas–Carnival–Theology

Excerpt: BOFAW, Chap. 19, Carnival.   carnival, n: an organized program of entertainment. Merriam-Webster Dictionary Although, for some people, Christmas is a Holy event, for most it includes some aspect of the spirit of “carnival.” I have a friend who is an avowed atheist. He regards believers as religious nutcases, but that does not interfere … [Read more…]

Epiphany!

           Although many Christians celebrate “Epiphany” on Jan.6th people can and do experience epiphanies any time of year. They are related to “eureka” and “a-ha” moments of revelation. They can be small and playful or an overwhelming explosion of physical, mental and spiritual synergism. For many mysterious reasons, John Muir and … [Read more…]

Thanksgiving In Napa Valley

         For many mysterious (and some might claim unjust) reasons, the Thanksgiving Day challenge for an overwhelming number of American families, will not be of starvation or a meager food supply; the challenge will be how to limit the menu while ensuring that each attending guest gets to enjoy his/her favorite dish. … [Read more…]

Lily Tomlin—Chimpanzees and Darwin

          “Great men are those who see that the spiritual is stronger than any material force, that thoughts rule the world.” R.W. Emerson Excerpt: BOFAW, Chap 1, “Lettie’s Question.”   The students were working out of lab guides and only had occasional questions. As I approached Lettie, a bright, highly motivated … [Read more…]

Sex in Paradise—Darwin—Wallace—Intelligent Design

        Sex in Paradise—Darwin—Wallace—Intelligent Design  WARNING: One of the scenes in this video is sexually explicit and intended for mature viewers only.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIYkpwyKEhY Excerpt BOFAW: Chap. 26, “Soul Medicine.”  I pointed out that in both lions and humans sexual behavior is driven by a phenomenon we call instinct. To illustrate the point, … [Read more…]

Happy Halloween!

        Trick or Treat?  Native Americans enjoyed the fact(?) that the raven, crow, coyote and fox all display behavior that suggests that they appreciate a sense of humor. During a wonderful encounter with a fox pup, Loren Eiseley wrote, “Yet here was the thing in the midst of the bones, the wide-eyed … [Read more…]

(Untitled)

        John Muir and Darwin Discuss Evolution (Kinda) (Bust sculpted by Rob Hampton 1985) I have read and reread Muir’s writings for over 40 years. And while I don’t recall that he discussed evolution, he often described “gloriously beautiful monuments of nature” (many in Yosemite) as “sparks of the divine soul.” In … [Read more…]