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Sin and the Question of Pleasure: A Reflection on James 3.13-4.3, 7-8

As I write this, the news here in Canada is dominated by two major stories: tomorrow's federal election and protests by a small but very loud contingent of people opposed to ongoing public health measures to help our society withstand the COVID-19 pandemic, especially proof-of-vaccination measures for accessing non-essential services. The theme of both of … Continue reading Sin and the Question of Pleasure: A Reflection on James 3.13-4.3, 7-8

Growing with Intention: The Body

In this series on engines of spiritual growth, we've looked at how we can use our hearts, minds, unconscious wisdom, and actions to push us forward in faithfulness. But none of this would be possible without the body in and of itself. So I can't leave this series without giving some thought to this beautiful, … Continue reading Growing with Intention: The Body

Growing with Intention: ‘Perfecting the Universe’ (or, Bearing Good Fruit (again))

So far in this series on practices and behaviours we can use to grow in faith, we've explored two ways of engaging transcendence (through 'spiritual' experiences and beauty), two ways of expanding the mind (through dialectical epistemology and value metabolism), and ways of bringing what is hidden into our awareness (especially through dream work and … Continue reading Growing with Intention: ‘Perfecting the Universe’ (or, Bearing Good Fruit (again))

Insiders and Outsiders: A Reflection Mark 7.24-37 and James 2.1-17

A recurring theme in the Sunday lessons this Summer has been the question of insiders and outsiders. We saw this playing out in the Acts of the Apostles of few weeks ago, when Peter received a lesson from the Holy Spirit that the rules of engagement had changed and that the old ritual markers of … Continue reading Insiders and Outsiders: A Reflection Mark 7.24-37 and James 2.1-17