In the ‘Gethsemane’ scene in the 2003 rock opera !Hero that considers “What if Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?” Hero – played by Michael Tait – sings a powerful anthem that asks the question, “Who’s gonna do it, if I don’t step to it?” It is a formidable and intensely personal question. In my …
Category Archives: Spirit
Rights of the Child
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted and opened for signature and ratification in November 1989 by the UN General Assembly. It was officially ‘entered into force’ almost a year later in September 1990, over three decades ago. Article 42 states that governments must actively work to make sure children …
Unconditional Healthcare
unconditional Jesus and the leper
Sustainable Development
Together, we can save the world from itself. I am willing to join you in assuming this responsibility because I have concluded that no government, no organization, and no religious tradition has the leadership and capacity to save the world from itself. The closest it gets is the Roman Catholic Church under the leadership of …
Time Does Not Stand Still
One year ago as we entered the 11th year publishing this website, I wrote, “In 2021, we hope to corral the pandemic and turn our backs on the cultural and political discord that threatens to destroy the goodness that is inherent in each of us.” Alas, as a race, society, and culture, we failed on …
Clarence Oddbody on Each Man’s Life
Originally posted 12/20/2011… As Tom Shadyac professes in his film “I AM:” We are all connected. Each person on this planet is connected to every other man, woman and child, and it goes deeper still … all of creation is connected. Our connectivity mandates that we make good choices because even the least of our …
A Toy Story
As the Polar Express steams by Herpolsheimer’s department store – the England Brothers of my youth in Pittsfield, Massachusetts – the kids on the train stare in wonder at the store’s window displays filled with magical Christmas visions. “I want them all,” the ‘know-it-all kid exclaims referring to the abundance of extraordinary gifts and toys. …
Merry Christmas
Originally posted in 2020, I believe this is worth re-posting. Merry Christmas 2021. I believe that Jesus has influenced and continues to influence more human beings than any person who has ever walked the Earth. His message of unconditional love and forgiveness was and is plain and simple. That is how he lived, simply: he …
The Star Thrower Revisited
In recent days and weeks, I’ve revisited “The Star Thrower” story. This story from Loren Eiseley’s 1969 book The Unexpected Universe was the subject of one of our earliest posts a decade ago. Its value remains true and unquestionable: If you base your choices on what is right, then what you do will make a …
No One Should Be Lost
As I prepared to park at Dwight’s company this morning, two young men approached me and asked in barely discernable English if I was “Sandy *****.” When I answered ‘no,’ they asked if I knew him. I noted a parachute logo on one man’s jacket. Since we stood a stone’s throw from SkyDive Arizona, I …