By Lisa Hoelzer I recently left the strict high-demand religion I belonged to for the past thirty years. The values and practices associated with my faith shaped every part of my life: family priorities, Sunday behaviors, clothing, friendships, political attitudes, and more. A few years ago, I began to be disillusioned not only with my … Continue reading If You Leave, Where Will You Go?
Stilling the Ripples
By Earl Smith One of the core ideas of Buddhism centers on the first steps on the path to self-knowledge. Here are some thoughts that might help you start on that journey. We’ll go together. *** Let your imagination transport you to a small pond somewhere within a leafy wood. Let’s say the time is … Continue reading Stilling the Ripples
LifeMart
By Susan Cleveland "Welcome to LifeMart. How can I help you?" Maggie inquired. Her first customer was a young man in his late teens. His blonde hair, clear complexion, and strong build emanated the look of good health. He approached her with a sheepish grin and eyes full of hope. "This will probably sound strange, … Continue reading LifeMart
SHE: An International Women’s Day Write-up
By Mehreen Ahmed Editor's Note: International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th each year. Mehreen Ahmed wrote this essay on International Women's Day 2022. When God created Eve, he had created not a companion, but a woman of power. One who would be instrumental to the creation of human history. Her act, a single … Continue reading SHE: An International Women’s Day Write-up
A Moment of Synchronicity
By Ruby Pressman Today, I was sitting outside a church with my friend Christina. "Do you think --" I paused. "Do I think that God really exists?" We both laughed. "No," I chuckled, "I meant -- do you think that life makes any sense?" "No, are you kidding me?! Of course not!" I thought she … Continue reading A Moment of Synchronicity
Mashed Potato
By Henry Tydeman The other children had already finished their tea and left the table. Michael sat with his short legs hanging over the edge of the chair, eating quietly, whilst his mother was leaning against the wall and speaking to her friend. Michael was concentrating on his mashed potato, and only heard snippets of … Continue reading Mashed Potato
More Than a Beer
By Omoruyi Uwuigiaren On a wet Sunday morning, I strolled by a church. Service was in full swing and it was a full house. There was hardly any space left for anyone to sit. It’s the culture in this part of the world for church service to be packed with humans seeking the face of … Continue reading More Than a Beer
God Realization
By Jegadeesh Kumar Have broken a coconut In front of Ganesha to Come flourishing in exams. Read theological comics, Debated who was powerful, Vishnu or Vinayaka? When the eye of reasoning opened, Discerned God is not many but one. With closed eyes, have knelt before the lord Praying for A.C.T.S, Until knees wore out, tears … Continue reading God Realization
The Philosophers on the Woods
By John Watts There were two philosophers, one a Christian, the other an Atheist, and they were enjoying a stroll deep in the woodlands of sunny Sussex, in serious discussion about matters which arrested the minds of philosophers, Christians and Atheists. The discourse and the arguments on both sides were the most profound and convincing … Continue reading The Philosophers on the Woods
The Oracle
By Mikhail Gladkikh It was dark, dry, and scary in the long corridors leading to the Hall of Corina. The familiar smell of rotten eggs and some other unidentifiable substances filled the dusty air. Jutta visited this place within the Shrine of Hepe every day, yet each time she felt goosebumps on her skin and … Continue reading The Oracle
Academy of the Heart And Mind 