In 1742, George Frideric Handel composed what is arguably the greatest oratorio ever written. Apparently, he composed his Messiah in 24 days without getting much sleep or even eating much food. When his assistants brought him his meals, they were often left uneaten. His servants would often find him in tears as he composed. When he completed … [Read more…]
According to the latest Pew research poll on religious preference, 4% of the American population self-identify as atheists. Does this mean that the other 96% of the people are on some form of spiritual path? Do they walk in solitude, or have they joined the caravan of seekers that is very long and very old? … [Read more…]
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.†Matt. 19:14 When our four children were small, each year the best Christmas gift that they gave to my wife and me didn’t cost them a penny. It was offered freely and eagerly … [Read more…]
Watching the increasingly commercial emphasis during the Christmas Season, it is little wonder Albert Schweitzer described a kind of naïveté where people are unaware of the silent, spiritual battles within.  Although blatant commercialism was far less intense during the time Henry Thoreau wrote “Walden,†(1850) it probably contributed to his efforts to strive to avoid … [Read more…]
Although there is some doubt as to the author of the lyrics for “Jesus Christ The Apple Tree,†many musicologists have suggested that they were inspired by the Biblical book; “Song of Solomon,†2:3: “As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under … [Read more…]
[Feature article in National Geographic Magazine: Dec. 2015] Excerpt: Biodesign Out For A Walk, chap. 2, Looking For A Map. “The Smithsonian Institute and National Geographic Society were selected as curriculum models of study because of their goals of integrating the activities of plants, animals, and humans. Thus, plants, animals, and man became the first … [Read more…]
Excerpt: Biodesign Out For A Walk. On an unscripted whim, I had them close their eyes and asked
 them how many of them had a soul? Every hand shot up.
“Hands down,†I said.
“How’d we vote?†someone asked. 
I answered, “One hundred percent positive. I guess this class has a lot of soul.†“The soul is … [Read more…]
“WE have seen the highest circle of spiraling powers. We have named this circle God. We might have given it any other name we wished: Abyss, Mystery, Absolute Darkness, Absolute Light, Matter, Spirit, Ultimate Hope, Ultimate Despair, Silence. But we have named it God because only this name, for primordial reasons, can stir our hearts … [Read more…]