Tim Stanford wrote an informative and helpful article defining destructive patterns and solutions for dysfunctional behaviors within families. We all have some dysfunction in our family relationships. The link to his article is at the bottom of this page: Destructive relationship patterns can get passed down from one generation to the next. Here's how you can set a new precedent for your future family: Boys who witness domestic violence in their own home are three times more likely to … [Read more...] about 8 Steps to Breaking the Cycle of Family Dysfunction
Relationships
Freedom to Choose
I was talking with someone who was struggling to believe in the existence of God. His main arguments were regarding the sovereignty of God: “If God is an all-powerful, all-knowing God, then why didn't He know that Satan, or Lucifer at that time, would rebel and cause so much trouble for Him? And why did He allow Satan to pull so many spirit beings down with him. And why did He allow him to deceive mankind and mess up God's plan?” The broad answer is critical to understanding both how … [Read more...] about Freedom to Choose
The Algorithm and Ritual Religion
An algorithm is a set of steps for accomplishing a task or solving a problem. Typically, algorithms are executed by computers, but we also rely on algorithms in our daily lives. Each time we follow a particular step-by-step process, like making coffee in the morning or tying our shoelaces, we are in fact following an algorithm. In a digital world ruled by algorithms and dopamine rewards, it’s easy to think we’ve moved beyond ancient ritualism. But if you pay attention to how people … [Read more...] about The Algorithm and Ritual Religion
Laboring Amid Chaos
The late author Michael Crichton, famous for both novels and screenplays, originally trained as a physician. After earning his MD from Harvard Medical School in 1969 and completing a postdoctoral fellowship, Crichton practiced medicine. However, the rigid structure and emotional demands of medical practice limited his true passion for storytelling. His medical background was reflected in most if not all his novels which explored complex scientific ideas and ethical … [Read more...] about Laboring Amid Chaos
The Search for Relevance
Today, the entire world finds itself in a time of vast, uneasy change, where economic, social, political, and religious turmoil are the rule of the day not the exception. And now, we hear about the advent of AI. Our minds can only imagine how much that’s going to accelerate or increase what is already uneasy change. Already, the constant bombardment produces a toxic environment of unresolved stress. Unresolved stress leads to disconnected lives. Disconnected lives lead to helplessness. … [Read more...] about The Search for Relevance
Relationship Challenges
Due to the natural proclivity of the human mind to focus inward on self, relationships in “the world” are deteriorating. Nations are turning inward as are the communities that form a nation. We see the emergence of what is being called “Identity Politics” and the “New Tribalism.” This is a form of polarization which has as its underpinning an emphasis on self. This should not surprise us as we know the god of this world is a self-promoter. At the personal level, our present cancel culture is … [Read more...] about Relationship Challenges
The Book Of Life
According to those who take the pulse of societal trends, many people admit to having no meaning in their lives. That seems to be a big factor behind a lot of the anti-social activity we see. They don’t know what their life is about. Religion, politics, and the culture at large fail to give any essential meaning to life. However, understanding the Book of Life mentioned throughout the Bible does enhance the relevance of our Christian lives. King David is one who … [Read more...] about The Book Of Life