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Spiritual Blogs
The gift that lives on
Beyond being a proud stepdad to three wonderful young adults, parenthood – the 24/7, down-and-dirty real thing – is not and will not be part of my life. But I know for certain one thing my parents did right for me: they took me to church. read more
Too much proof
In high school, I was friends with Shaun, an atheist. We would regularly get into lively debates about why God did or didn't exist. I tried to convince him that God was real because of what the Bible says, that the world was created and evolution had limited capacity, and that the historical record of Jesus' life proved his divinity. He tried to convince me that God couldn't exist because people made up the Bible, the world really did result from the Big Bang, and Jesus was only a man. read more
A tasty carrot or a nasty stick?
Now this is a curiosity. I wrote another Soul Chat essay about a survey indicating the promise of Heaven is far more motivating than the fear of Hell in encouraging church attendance and prayer. Kinda makes sense, right? The tasty carrot is better than the nasty stick, goes the thinking. Then I heard from an old friend, Tim Callaway, who’s doing university research and stumbled upon statistics that indicate a very different story. read more
God finishes what He starts
A lot of people who believe there’s a God out there also believe this God has washed His hands of them. I know I’ve had times in my life where this has happened; I imagine God saying “What? You’ve screwed up again? I’m so tired of having to deal with you . . . I’m out of here.” And with that, God throws in His spiritual towel and walks away. read more
The basic flaw of doubt
Canadian politician/author/inventor/journalist/broadcaster Charles Templeton was a mostly brilliant jack-of-all-trades. But I’ve left one “occupation” out because it’s poignant and sad, and perhaps, telling the story can help us thoughtfully consider our lives. read more
A place of confusion
The other day I came across this interesting poem by Katrice Balmer. read more
How much is enough?
When I was a journalist, I had the privilege of knowing and learning from Gord Legge. For many years, Gord was the faith & values writer for the Calgary Herald and that’s how I encountered him. Gord was a humble and gentle man; I knew little of his story, but I sensed he’d been through hard personal times and that’s what wore away any sharp edge of arrogance or smug self-righteousness. But it didn’t wear away at his faith, which sometimes happens when boulders and fallen trees make the road of life difficult and painful to travel. read more
Are you good enough?
Do you feel competent? Are you good enough? I know your first impulse is to say yes, but take a minute… Really think about how you feel deep down inside. Think about those times when you’ve felt down, depressed, belittled, disrespected. read more
Surrendering and surviving
Forrest Gump, the Academy Award-winning movie, bowled me over when it first came out in 1994. So when I encountered it while flipping channels the other night, I stopped and relived the magic of Tom Hanks portraying the slow-witted, über-innocent Forrest as he fights in Vietnam, meets presidents, runs across the United States, becomes a millionaire in the shrimp business, and fathers a son with the love of his life. read more
The carrot of Heaven, the stick of Hell
Ready to take the world’s briefest psychology test? Okay, here goes: which would persuade you to become a person of faith – the promise of Heaven or the threat of Hell? According to the results of a 32-country study by researchers at universities in Spain and Israel, it’s no contest. read more
Prayer: Does it make any difference?
Prayer is a big part of my life and I can easily construct an emotional tour-de-force that will tickle your ears and touch your emotions. But do my prayers, and the prayers of everyone else, make any difference? read more
What guides you through this life?
During the taping of an Oprah Winfrey show, audience member Margie spoke about discovering “Christ-consciousness”. She said it had a powerful effect on her, providing a deeper connection with the reason Jesus spent his life helping people and defying religious authority. Margie stated, “to be fully human is to be Christ-like.” read more
The cost of free will
You may have heard the phrase before: “God’s will for your life” or “The will of God”. It makes a clear case for God having a plan for you or for your family or for something else that we might deem important, such as the health of planet Earth. read more
Creating a taboo
Vancouver Sun religion columnist Douglas Todd discusses the topics we’re told not to mention in polite company: religion, politics, morality, sex, and more. But what constitutes a taboo, and where do they come from? Aren’t these topics most important? What are the benefits of avoiding them? read more
Where do you get your spiritual fix?
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most influential women in the world, one of the richest, and one of the most well-known, thanks to her multi-award winning talk show and magazine. read more
I am a practicing Christian and a part-time Atheist
“Atheism is, for me, a virulent virus, put into the world by the Evil One for our destruction, and I come down with it as on occasion I have come down with the flu,” writes Madeleine L’Engle in her 1977 book, The Irrational Season. Let’s be honest about this. No matter what we believe — in Allah, a personal Guru, Jesus, or ourselves — we all have seasons — some short, some long — of disbelief. To pretend this isn’t true is to do a disservice to our neighbors, and more so, to ourselves. read more
It’s all about faith: On needing proof of God
An irreligious former priest named Brennan Manning has this to say about needing proof of God: (everything following is one long quote) Trust that is at the mercy of the response it receives is a bogus trust. All is uncertainty and anxiety. All is precarious. In trembling insecurity the believer pleads for and even demands tangible reassurances from the Lord that his affection be returned. If he does not receive them, he is disheartened, frustrated, maybe even convinced that it’s all over or that it never really existed. read more
Do you consider yourself a person of faith?
Millions of people around the world profess a faith in God. You may be one of them. But what of this faith? Are there checks and balances? Is there a litmus test to determine true faith, in the true God? read more
Who am I?
I would like a job as tutor, teacher, and advisor to your family. I will never take a vacation. I will never be out of humour. I don't drink or smoke. I won't borrow your clothes or raid your refrigerator. read more
Contemplative Videos
Diamonds in Your Own Backyard: Truth To Go
"They say that diamonds are a girl's best friend. And man's best friend? Dog. If you doubt me, lock your dog and your wife in the bathroom for an hour. When you let them out, see who's happiest to see you." For more from the entertaining Phil Callaway, watch this video! Watch
Creamed by a Dairy Truck: Truth to Go
When life throws you a curve ball, you need to stand in the batter's box and take a swing. In this video, Phil tells the story of a family's response to a dairy truck that ends up in their kitchen. Watch
Rob Bell - Everything is Spiritual #2
The best that scientists can come up with, is that the universe at it's core is made up of some sort of relational energy that cannot be conquered, boxed, or measured. Watch
Rob Bell - Everything is Spiritual #1
The issue is not whether you are a spiritual being, or have spirituality. The issue is whether your eyes are open and you are aware of it. Watch
What is Christianity?
This video is a simple explanation of the important and complex topics that make up Christianity. Watch
Bridge to Life
DJ Promote and Fasm paint the Gospel in graffiti form for a video project dubbed "Bridge to Life". Watch
Jason Witten - I am Second
Jason Witten plays with the Dallas Cowboys as a tight end. In this video, he speaks about how his faith brings something to his life that National Football League success cannot. Watch
Outrageous Faith: Truth to Go
Phil Callaway is an award-winning author and speaker, known worldwide for his humorous yet perceptive look at life. He is teaching from his book, "Making Life Rich Without Any Money". He's got some fun, interesting things to say about life. Worth checking out! Watch