The moral law requires us to place the interests of others on equal footing with our own. It means seeking the highest good of others as we seek our own highest good. This is impartial benevolence, or goodwill.
Many traditions … Read the rest
The Moral Law
People tend to resist talk of law and sin, partly because they associate it with a particular religion. But it is not confined to any one tradition.
The moral law is built into human life. Everyone, upon reaching moral awareness, … Read the rest
The Gnostics Were Mystics
The Gnostics were among the earliest Christian mystics, seekers of direct knowledge of and union with God. This is important, because later mystics often had to distance themselves from them to avoid being labeled heretical.
The Gnostics were not simply … Read the rest
The Correct Understanding of Gnosis
The 1966 Congress of Messina wrongly defined “gnosis” as “knowledge of the divine mysteries reserved for an elite.” This mistake has been widely repeated.
Gnosis is not primarily rational knowledge. It is an intuitive process of knowing, an acquaintance with … Read the rest
Abortion and Moral Tension
Abortion is a difficult and deeply contested issue. A balanced view recognizes both the moral weight of human life and the complexity of real situations.
One thoughtful position holds that human life is sacred from its beginning, and that decisions … Read the rest
Feelings Follow Our Thoughts
One of the great lessons in life is to realize that feelings follow our thoughts. We can change the way we feel by changing the way we think. This is a great help in times of stress, grief, and loss. … Read the rest