Posts

What is fullness of life?

      I find the phrase "fullness of life" very compelling and suggestive. For me, it is a biblically inspired phrase. As I contemplated writing a blog after publishing my book, this phrase emerged and felt right. I certainly have my insights and beliefs around its meaning(s)—and they will inform this blog—so let's begin with a reflection on it. (I do ask my readers to please read at least 5 of the blogs before making a decision to continue or to stop following this blog. I also aim to keep each blog short, roughly a page in length).     Fullness of life?  What might that be?  Be a billionaire, having it all, and able to do it all; Have a great family life, and also some good friends; Have a rewarding and meaningful career; Meditate, study, become something of an expert/guru Have a 'thrilling' life—climbing high mountains, sky diving, scuba diving, exotic destinations, adrenaline rushes, etc.; Become famous in some way—a rock or rap star, a star athlet...
Post a Comment
Read more

New Life

     Who doesn't want to have fullness of life? Of course the immediate question is: how do you define that phrase? My intention for this blog is that it will be an ongoing reflection on what fullness of life might mean, or better yet, what does it look like—and then the examples, reflections, discussions all are attempts to define fullness of life. Note:  I believe this phrase or title overlaps heavily with the phrase 'the meaning of life.'  We shall see.     I begin using a moment in the life of Jesus. We know that he walked through towns and villages, teaching, healing, and forgiving. He causes a great stir wherever he goes. He is from the Jewish faith. In his time, there are hundreds of religious laws and observances. Jesus enters the house of a religious leader, a Pharisee. A 'woman of the city', apparently a prostitute, hears of this and follows Jesus into the house. The religious traditions of the time hold her to be 'unclean' in a religious sen...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Fullness of Life

      I have titled this blog "The Fullness of Life Blog" because it is such a rich, deep, and compelling phrase. It is not original. It emerges from the Bible, and perhaps in other books or sources. I believe this idea is universal—who does not want to have fullness of life?—even though I have not defined or discussed it yet. I ask the reader to resist categorization and assumptions, which we all have when we delve into faith, values, religion, and spirituality.      I have been privileged to enjoy a career in education and ministry. I taught courses in mathematics and also in religious studies. I have retired from teaching, but am still doing faith informed voluntary work.     My blog arises now as a follow up to a book I have just published entitled Jesus Beyond Religion / the Truth that Sets You Free.  Once the name of Jesus is mentioned it sets off countless thoughts and ideas particular to our life experience, religious (or lack of) exp...
Post a Comment
Read more