Arts and Humanities Commons^™

What We Talk About When We Talk About The Soul, Stephen Asma

Stephen T Asma

The author discusses the popularity among college students of the concept of the soul, and attempts to place it in its proper context. He dispenses with orthodox theological arguments and New Age arguments as scientifically untenable. He takes a so-called Wittgensteinian approach, noting soul's linguistic significance. He analyzes expressions which use the concept of soul and concludes that they are qualitatively different from testable factual expressions. He notes that soul talk is about hopes and aspirations, inspiration, or feelings deeper than friendship. He assigns it meaning outside of scientific concepts. He likens expressions of soul to creative and ethical acts, …

Integrity Of Creation: Approaches To The True, The Good, And The Beautiful, Scott Kelley

Scott Kelley

When Pope Paul VI established the Pontifical Commission for Justice and Peace in 1967 he did not include Integrity of Creation as part of the title. Social justice has long been a topic in papal encyclicals, but in recent decades the connection between social justice and the integrity of creation has received greater attention - especially under the leadership of Pope Benedict XVI, "the green Pope" as he is sometimes known. An important aspect of this growing awareness is the profound correspondence between “knowing and known," so that "structural features of the one are bound to be reflected in the …

Why I Am A Buddhist, Stephen Asma

Stephen T Asma

Profound and amusing, this book provides a viable approach to answering the perennial questions: Who am I? Why am I here? How can I live a meaningful life? For Asma, the answers are to be found in Buddhism.

There have been a lot of books that have made the case for Buddhism. What makes this book fresh and exciting is Asma's iconoclasm, irreverence, and hardheaded approach to the subject. He is distressed that much of what passes for Buddhism is really little more than "New Age mush." He loudly asserts that it is time to "take the California out of …

Green Guilt, Stephen Asma

Stephen T Asma

The essay discusses the more neurotic aspects of environmentalism, involving guilt over failure to recycle or turn off the lights. It notes that those most prone to these sensibilities are those who have left traditional religion. It quotes philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche who states that religious emotions such as guilt and indignation are still present in a post-Christian world. The essay argues that we should certainly save the planet but avoid the neurosis that often accompanies it.

Rev. Of Roger Lundin, Believing Again: Faith And Doubt In A Secular Age, Clifford Davidson

Clifford Davidson

Thinking Otherwise: Theology, Inculturation And Climate Change, Glenn J. Morrison

Glenn J Morrison

Journeying Towards The Heart In The Spirit Of St. Augustine, Glenn J. Morrison

Glenn J Morrison