From Odyssey Networks’ Faith on the Record series: Everyone’s been looking back at the “biggest” news headlines of 2015, but let’s reflect for a moment on how religion played a role in world events this year. For me, three stories come to mind: a) ISIS and radical Islamic terrorists, b) the influential Pope Francis and c) the U.S. Supreme Court’s marriage equality decision. Together, all three topics inspire me to consider a larger question, “How will we work out the balance between faith and freedom?” Watch my video for more insight and......
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On The Wisdom Daily this week (Dec. 14-18), we discussed the need to choose our language with care, the lawsuit over a major museum’s “racist” art, the impulse to tune out troubling news, the Star Wars fans blending science fiction into the Christmas story and more. Did you grow wiser this week? We hope The Wisdom Daily played a part. Talking About Donald Trump: Why We Should Channel George Orwell – Michael Bernstein Donald Trump makes me think of George Orwell, but perhaps not for the reason one might expect. My......
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Every week on The Wisdom Daily, we bring you our favorite reads from sources around the web. Topics on this week’s list include extending solidarity and compassion beyond the victims of terrorism in France, elevating with collaboration, rivalry driving motivation, the power of humility and more. Whatever’s transpiring in your life, may you find the words of wisdom you need. 1. Solidarity for all victims “Westerners are finally being given just a small taste of the constant fear that people from other nations have endured for generations. So solidarity with, and......
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On The Wisdom Daily this week (Nov. 2-6), we?discussed the popularity of conspiracy theories, keeping memories alive with sincere expressions of gratitude, a rabbi’s alleged crime against a teenager, a disappointing equal-rights defeat in Texas and more. Did you grow wiser this week? We hope The Wisdom Daily played a part. Why It Matters If We Love Conspiracy Theories – Brad Hirschfield The X-Files will soon return to TV for a six-part “event,” and even if you’re like me (and have never seen a single episode of the hugely popular 1993-2002......
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News & Politics, Spirituality & Faith, Wisdom Warehouse |
November 06, 2015
Stolen Wisdom, Shattered Trust
I was raised by two teachers. My parents taught me to respect and trust authority; to question with appreciation and understanding for those before whom I stood. They also taught me to be wary and discerning of people who might hurt or take advantage of me. Sadly, recent news reports have revealed chilling stories of clergy allegedly using their positions of power to sexually abuse members of their flock. Even as my parents cautioned me about the danger that might lurk in any human being, they stressed that in order to progress......
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On The Wisdom Daily this week (Oct. 26-30), we took a look at the latest social media app under attack, the intersection of joy and sadness, the new research on faith and science in America, the football coach in hot water for praying publicly, the everlasting appeal of a good ghost story… and more. Did you grow wiser this week? We hope The Wisdom Daily played a part. Yik Yak Is Back – Brad Hirschfield The popular social platform Yik Yak is back in the news. Not that it was ever......
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Spirituality & Faith, Wisdom Warehouse |
October 29, 2015
Whether Scientific or Religious (or Both), We’re All Human
The Pew Research Center has released a new study about how religion affects Americans’ views on science, and there are quite a few fascinating key takeaways. One important finding: The common refrain that “religious people don’t embrace science” is simply not true. Only 30% who were polled felt that their religious views conflicted with science – and even more interesting, non-religious people were more likely (than religious people) to think science and religion were in conflict. We can stop talking past each other and start talking to each other, and say: This......
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On The Wisdom Daily this week (Oct. 19-23), we examined why moments of boredom are profoundly beneficial, how blame can make serious crises all the more difficult to solve, what it takes to “go public” with your political beliefs, what secular students seek by formally studying religious traditions… and more. Did you grow wiser this week? We hope The Wisdom Daily played a part. Beyond Bored: Entering the Soul of Creativity – Adam Lavitt Recently, I introduced meditation to my high school spirituality class. I joined them, closing my eyes, peeking......
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Spirituality & Faith, Wisdom Warehouse |
October 23, 2015
What ‘Nones’ Know About Religion: There’s No Perfect Recipe
What’s the fastest growing category of religious affiliation in the U.S.? If you answered, “None,” you’re right. No, that doesn’t mean that there’s no fastest growing group at all. It’s a catch-all term for the increasing number of Americans who, when asked to self-identify with a religious label (including Jewish, Christian, Muslim and many more) instead check the box marked “None.” To be clear, “Atheist” and “Agnostic” are often on the list of options. So these Nones are not simply rejecting religion – they are doing something much more profound, and potentially......
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At this time of year, what is the importance of the sukkah? The temporary shelter stands with a roof made of branches that do not provide a full cover. If it rains, the inside is made unusable and a very strong wind may knock it down. And yet we plan the weeklong autumnal holiday of Sukkot to be spent eating (and in some places, sleeping) under it. The sukkah is also called tzila mehemnuta, or shadow of faith, not just because one has faith that the weather will oblige, but because the......
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