Category: Spiritual Balance

19 Movers and Shakers in Human History Worldview (Part 2)

On Meditation Mondays we’ve been studying the big philosophical thinkers of all time on Meditation Mondays, and today, let’s look at the next 7 of the 19 most well known thinkers of all time. As before, we’ll specifically explore what they thought about God in human history.

The next 8 big thinkers—

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770 – 1831) Hegel, a German, aimed to turn the study of philosophy into a comprehensive science and re-create or rephrase Christian truth. He regarded all of human history as an argument, something to be disputed and wrestled with; and he believed the wrestling with and among the absolutes would bring forth life. (However he defined “life.”)

 

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788 – 1860) A German philosopher, like Hegel, Schopenhauer is considered to be a true pessimist. He believed life is evil to the core, and pain and suffering are unavoidable. He is the father of Existentialism, although the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Existentialism as chiefly a 20th Century                                                                              philosophy.

Existentialism, according to Merriam-Webster, defines it as

“a movement embracing diverse doctrines but centering on analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe and the plight of the individual who must assume ultimate responsibility for acts of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong or good or bad.”

 

Soren Kierkegaard (1813 – 1855) Kierkegaard, a Dane and deeply religious thinker, believed that God’s existence cannot be proven. But he believed that a religious leap of faith could make our lives bearable and meaningful. He is regarded as a Theist—someone who believes in a God as the creative source of the human race and the world who transcends the world but is immanent (being within the limits of possible experience or knowledge) in it. Most theists regard God as a creator who stands back from His creation without getting too involved it.

 

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 – 1900) Another German thinker, Nietzsche proclaimed that God is dead and that humans are creative and can use their own strength and intelligence to give their lives meaning. God would be unnecessary for that. He was considered to be exceptionally brilliant and prophetic.

 

 

John Dewey (1859 – 1952) An American! Dewey was considered to be a pragmatist—someone guided by practicality and that “the function of thought is to guide action.” He considered democracy to be a way of life, and that democracy should be promoted and pursued by a rational and effective educational system. Dewey has had a profound impact on both the American educational and political systems.

Dewey was one of the 34 signers of the 1933 Humanist Manifesto. Although humanism focuses on a positive attitude about the world, and is centered on human experiences, thought, and hope, this philosophy claims that moral values are properly founded on human nature (which, they believe, is essential good), and experience alone.

 

Albert Camus (1913 – 1960) Camus was an atheist who was an existentialist. He believed humans must establish their own dignity, despite a meaningless life.

 

 

 

 

C.S. Lewis (1898 – 1963) A former atheist, the British and Oxford don, Lewis, became the greatest Christian apologist of the 20th Century. He is the esteemed author of the famous Chronicles of Narnia series, as well as Mere Christianity, and was a close friend of the Lord of the Rings trilogy author, J.R.R. Tolkien. Both men were members of the Inklings, an informal literary discussion group associated with Oxford, England.

 

But what about Jesus? And Karl Marx. Darwin? They’re on the list, so you won’t want to miss next week!

 Next week we’ll look at these other movers and shakers who’ve influenced our thinking and helped shape our world views. And see how our beliefs align with or contradict theirs.

Until then,

Have fun thinking deep thoughts!

Blessings,

Andrea

May you prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 2).

Photos courtesy of Google Images

 

How to Forgive What You Can NEVER Forget

“On the day I forgave my father, my life began.”

                                                                                                —Pat Conroy

 

Do you find it hard to forgive what you can’t forget? Do you think you need to forget in order to fully forgive? Do you think you must automatically trust and reconcile once you’ve forgiven someone?

These are just some of the hard questions Dr. David Stoop covers in his priceless little book Forgiving What You’ll NEVER Forget. I picked it up in the Midway airport in Chicago while suffering through a ten-hour flight delay. (Now I’m sort of thankful for the delay!)

For those of you unfamiliar with Dr. Stoop, he is a clinical psychologist who can be regularly heard on New Life Live radio program. He founded the Center for Family Therapy in Newport Beach, California and is an adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary.

 

The back cover blurb says:

“Forgiveness is an essential part of being a Christian, but that doesn’t make it easy. What do we do when confronted with the unforgivable—an act that shakes our moral foundations to their roots, often committed by someone trusted and loved? Murder, sexual, abuse, adultery—all leave lifelong wounds. Thankfully, they are all trespasses that, through the grace of God, can be forgiven.

“Dr. David Stoop compassionately guides you down a biblical road, from the pain of bitter hurt to the peace found only in heartfelt forgiveness, even for the worst of offenses. In doing so, he opens up the way for you to experience the freedom that forgiveness brings.”

 

So just how do you forgive the unforgivable?

I think most of us have asked ourselves that question at one point, or many, in our lives. If you’re a follower of Christ, you feel obligated or moved by compassion and love of our Savior to forgive. If you’re not a believer, you might be more moved to get even or stay angry. Forever.

 

The 160-page, almost pocket-sized book contains chapters on—

  • Apology Not Accepted—including the definition of forgiveness, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and when it’s difficult to consider forgiveness
  • Myths and Truths about Forgiveness—this chapter includes some great questions to determine where you fall on the forgiveness spectrum and understanding common fallacies and myths about forgiveness
  • A Radical Forgiveness—this covers the history of God’s forgiving nature throughout Scripture, including the Old Testament and a comparison of Jewish and Christian teachings on forgiveness; and Christians’ tendency toward conditional forgiveness.
  • Choosing to Forgive—Stoop discusses the false paths of denial and bitterness we sometimes take. He also covers self-blame, obsession with the event, depression and shame along with seeking revenge and withdrawing. And he talks about the potential dangers of denial.
  • The Path of Forgiveness—Interestingly enough, forgiving often involves a path that looks like the five stages of grief, with grief, anger, sadness, action steps to achieve forgiveness, exploring the possibility of reconciliation, and then learning     to trust again, which can be a huge obstacle for some to overcome.
  • Forgiving Ourselves—This issue can be tough for a couple of reasons: sometimes we don’t think about doing it; and, sometimes our standards are higher than God’s.
  • A Step Beyond Forgiveness—This chapter contains some amazing stories on the power of forgiveness and prayer—to move toward forgiving someone who really doesn’t deserve it, binding and loosening sins, and being freed from bitterness. It’s about stepping out beyond what you thought, and knew, were humanly possible to see God’s power work in and through you to change lives.
  • The Benefits of Forgiveness—There are numerous benefits received when you forgive, including physical, emotional, relational and spiritual benefits.

 

Dr. Stoop wraps up the book by addressing some of the most common questions asked about forgiveness.

This little gem is a short read, but not necessarily an easy one. It could rekindle some pain and bitter memories you wanted to keep dormant. It could challenge your beliefs and behavior. It could move you to positive action. But if you work through the questions at the end of each chapter, and put into practice what the author counsels, I know you’ll feel free!

 

Forgiving What You’ll NEVER Forget is available on Amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle editions and on barnesandnoble.com.

 

 

 

Until next week,

May your heart and mind be lightened by forgiveness!

Blessings,

Andrea

May you prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 2).

The Power of a Story

On Easter Sunday, a site called Chat About Jesus (https://www.chataboutjesus.com) took out a full-page ad in major newspapers. The title of the ad was—

 

“LET THE AUTHOR OF LIFE

WRITE YOUR STORY”

 

Then they placed three little crosses (with the middle one being the largest) over the passage found in Jeremiah 29:11:

 

“For I know the plans I have for you, “ declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

 

—above an old manual typewriter. The passage looked as though it was being typed on paper inserted in the typewriter. It was a beautiful ad. Simple. Attention grabbing. Compelling.

And true.

 

What about your story?

So how about you? Do you like to write or tell stories? Are you writing a story now?

Did you ever consider that God is writing a story through you? What story have you kept to yourself that others need to hear?

 

Guideposts magazines—

Through this weekend, I’m going to be working with other Guideposts magazine contributing writers and Guideposts editors on writing good stories. Stories God is writing through people. A lot of them. Just like you.

It’s always amazing (and humbling) to me to read how God works in such astounding ways. Unusual circumstances. “Chance” encounters. Otherworldly guidance and protection.

Some of the stories we’re going to peruse are about season of life changes, love stories, how destructive poor body image can be and how long it can last, mule trains, and miraculous intervention and protection. Daily events that don’t at first glance appear to be extraordinary, until we looked more closely at them and see just how miraculous they are.

Sometimes we put God in a human box and forget He’s unlimited in what He can do, and does do in our lives. Even in the lives of those who don’t pay too much attention to Him.

And when we look carefully over all of our years, we all find something miraculous to tell.

And that’s what Guideposts does. We tell stories to uplift and encourage (because we all need encouragement in our daily living), explore the mysterious ways of the universe and God, observe how God uses all of his creation—including four-legged ones—to protect, guide and give us companionship. And they explore the Heavenly realm of angels and angelic encounters, which are more prevalent than we notice or think.

 

Start telling your story. You never know who might be awed, encouraged or brought to faith by it. And if you think it’s something Guideposts editors might like to share with millions of readers, contact their editorial board in New York.

We all need stories. They move us emotionally and spiritually and sometimes move us to action. They’re what make life rich. They make great family history.

 

NEXT WEEK—Free-for-All Fridays will be on hiatus until May 18. So until then, be thinking about the story you can tell.

Until then, write and tell your story. And don’t forget to tell everyone who the

Author is!

Make it a great weekend of story writing!

Blessings,

Andrea

“May you prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2).

Photo care of Google Images

19 MOVERS AND SHAKERS IN HUMAN HISTORY WORLDVIEW (Part 1)

The first eight big thinkers—

Today, let’s look at 8 of the 19 most well known thinkers of all time. We’ll specifically explore what they thought about God in human history.

 

MOSES (500 B.C.?)—Moses is considered to be the lawgiver, and the man who wrote the first five books of the Old Testament portion of the Bible (the Pentateuch). Moses identified God as an all knowing, all-powerful, all and everywhere present being.

 

PLATO (430 – 350 B.C.) —The Greek Plato is considered to be the first great Western philosopher. He believed that existing things are modeled on changeless, eternal forms. He also believed in a multitude of gods, who were very active in human affairs.

 

 

ARISTOTLE (384 – 322 B.C.)—Also a Greek, Aristotle was the first to systematically describe physics, biology, psychology, and the standards of literature. He was also the first true empiricist—one who believes in the scientific method of forming a hypothesis from observations and beliefs, asking a question, designing research to test the hypothesis, doing the research to gather data, and forming a conclusion based on the research findings. He is also identified as one of the first agnostics—someone unsure about whether there really is a living God.

AUGUSTINE (A.D. 354 – 430)—While St. Augustine of Hippo originally struggled to “find” faith in Christianity, he later became one of the most important and well-known theologians in Christian history. He also addressed the tug-of-war                                                                                                         between science and religion.

 

THOMAS AQUINAS (A.D. 1224 – 1274) Aquinas, a Catholic priest, wrote the famous work Summa Theologica. In it he offers proofs of the existence of God and outlined ways to blessedness. He was a strong Theist—belief in the existence of one God who is the creative source of the world and human race and who transcends that world while also functioning within it.

 

BARUCH SPINOZA (1632 – 1677)—Spinoza, who lived in Holland, believed that God is an infinite being who is identical with the world. In other words, God is alive and He is everywhere. Because He is everywhere, we are all part of                                                                                            the deity.

 

DAVID HUME (1711 – 1776)—Hume, a Scotsman, thought the entire world is formed from the perception of our sensory experiences and believed everything had to be measured and replicated in order to believed, He doubted that we could ever really know anything with certainty. Consequently, he believed that the miraculous, and whether God existed, were irrelevant discussions.

 

 

 

 

 

KANT (1724 -1804)—Kant, a German, believed the human reason creates a world where all events are causally connected, (cause and effect) and this connection enables us to act in moral ways. His focus on reason as the driving force behind action, led him to believe that the mind was god.

 

 

Have you heard of any of those guys? Moses, Plato, and Aristotle, probably. Maybe Augustine. Perhaps Thomas Aquinas. But the others? Even though you might not have heard of them, can you identify their beliefs as ones you’ve read about or been taught before?

 

We’ll stop with Kant today.

Next week we’ll look at other movers and shakers who have influenced our thinking and helped shape our worldviews. And see how our beliefs align with or contradict theirs.

 

Things to Consider—

Do any of the beliefs of the philosophers we gave overviews for today resonate with you?

Do any of your beliefs sound like theirs?

Do you disagree with their judgment?

 

 

And as we move forward, be thinking about the following truth:

All of these thinkers can be wrong, but they can’t all be right.

 

Until next week,

Have fun thinking deep thoughts!

Blessings,

Andrea

“May you prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2).

 

Photos courtesy of Google Images

Taking a Postmortemistic View of Life

Have you ever looked at your life postmortemistically?

 

Don’t try looking the word up in a dictionary, because it doesn’t really exist. A Google search will tell you postmortemistically doesn’t match any documents they have in their search engine. But it’s a great word The New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast invented and used in her priceless memoir Can’t we talk about something more PLEASANT?

The back cover describes the book as: “Roz Chast and her parents were practitioners of denial: if you don’t ever think about death, it will never happen. [It’s] the story of an only child watching her parents age well into their nineties and die. In this account, … Chast combines drawings with family photos and documents, chronicling that ‘long good-bye.’”

The story is heartwarming, heart-wrenching, realistic, candid, and laugh-out-loud funny. I loved it, and her.

 

I can relate to Chast: I’m an only child of older parents, sandwiched between still raising children and working while watching a parent slowly die; and now, nine years later, watch another parent still battle—in spite near total blindness, loneliness, depression, and ravaged hearing—to hang onto life at 96, and probably beyond.

As all of this is occurring, and you’re aging too, you start thinking postmortemistically, even if you didn’t know to call it that.

 

 Postmortemistically—a perfect word to describe what goes through your head when you’re cleaning out your parents’ “stuff” or getting rid of their “stuff” after they die.

Chast calls it a “transformative process.” And, indeed, it is. It’s a depressing, destabilizing, and physically and emotionally exhausting process.

She says, “Once you go through that process, you can never look at YOUR stuff in the same way.”

 

 Like—

You acknowledge, even if you’re not a hoarder, that you’re probably a typical consumer who’s accumulated your fair share of stuff. Stuff that, at some point, will probably have to be given away, thrown away, or sold at one of those edifying “Estate Sales” where other people decide your stuff is worth making their stuff.

 

 

And the big life dilemma and question—

 

One day, your kids will have to go through all of your stuff. What will they find worthy of keeping, as a wonderful memory of you and your life?

And that prompts you to wonder whether or not you should start shedding your stuff before your children have to endlessly paw through it to see if there’s anything they might want to make theirs. You know, as heirlooms.

It’s something for all of us to think about no matter what stage of life we’re in. And being a postmortemistic thinker means a dramatic paradigm shift for many of us that requires some brain re-training and habit breaking. Like not heading to the mall every time a favorite department store or boutique has notified you by email of a sale. Just so you can save some money.

 

I started thinking this way about a year ago, as another one of my birthdays (and my mom’s) rolled around, and the end of my life definitely looked a lot closer to me than the beginning. When a lot of my “stuff” started looking more like junk, dust bunny collectors and storage space-gobblers than cherished treasures. And then I started thinking:

I don’t want my kids to have to dig through all of this stuff and try to make sense of it or decide what to do with it. Or, worse yet, argue over who gets it! (Both of them told me they wanted my sports car after I’m gone, right after I got it ten years ago!)

Now I’m regarding all of my belongings and purchases with a postmortemistic mindset. Not morbidly, just thoughtfully. What’s giving me joy and edification right now, definitely will in the future (when my memory is in the toilet), and what’s just taking up space or ordering my life more than it should?

Thinking that way isn’t morbid, although the word has a morbid ring to it.

It’s actually rather refreshing. And freeing.

I hope you’ll give it a go!

 

Next week, I’ll tell you how my postmortemistic paradigm shift is going.

In the meantime, please share how you’ve handled getting rid of or keeping your deceased parents’ stuff. Is it on display, or stored in a box in the attic, with the hopes that one day you’ll have it all neatly displayed in some gorgeous album (or display case) you painstakingly assembled and explained, for everyone to look at?

And if you’re at that point in your life right now, or know someone who is, I highly recommend getting a copy of Roz Chast’s book. At the very least, you’ll be permeated with happiness and relief that you’re not alone, that there are others whose minds, and lives, go through the same contortions yours does during the agonizing goodbye journey.

 

Until next week,

Happy Reading (and thinking postmortemistically)!

Andrea

May you prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 2).

 

Photos courtesy of Google Images