New Book on Nice Nihilism

Alex Rosenberg, philosophy professor at Duke, is throwing his hat into the atheist book club ring. But he says The Atheist’s Guide to Reality: Enjoying Life Without Illusions, has something different to say: “My book differs from all of them in that it is not another indictment of religion, not another brief on the irrationality of… Continue reading New Book on Nice Nihilism

Why are we grieving Steve Jobs?

Sounds like the headline for The Onion Info-graphic, but I ask it seriously. Perhaps I should add the word “personally” before “grieving.”  I sensed a real outpouring of love that evening on the internet, fleeting as it may have been. Many re-tweets and FB posts simply said the word “Sad” and then had a link… Continue reading Why are we grieving Steve Jobs?

I’m Back!

Read about my conference experience over at The Barn Door.  I am in the middle of the Nouwen book and the word “sweet” comes to mind.  Reminds me of a Bishop Tutu book I once read where every chapter started with “Dear Child of God.” I am also “composting” my new manuscript idea, plot, characters,… Continue reading I’m Back!

Moral Relativism

Science and Religion Today had an article this week that I enjoyed. It’s a quick read about Moral Relativism, really a book blurb, from Christian Smith, author of Lost in Transition. I will quickly let the Moral Relativism.com people define that for me: “Moral relativism is the view that ethical standards, morality, and positions of right… Continue reading Moral Relativism

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Categorized as Reflections

Nouwen November 1st

Hello All Book Clubbers!  I neglected to mention in the last post WHEN I would discuss what we’re reading.  No later than November 1st. Why so late?  Well, my first writer’s conference is coming.  I have been a little distant here on the blog because I have been feeding each duck old white bread crusts… Continue reading Nouwen November 1st

Want to read with me?

Here’s what I hope to read and reflect on before the end of 2011.  So come join the conversation and weigh in about these thoughtful books.  We’ll have fun ringing in the new year with some spiritual mind stretching.   Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World By Henri J. M. Nouwen… Continue reading Want to read with me?

Thinking of you

There were two things that bothered me about non belief — where to direct gratitude for life’s random blessings and the weak condolence, “thinking of you.” “Praying for you” meant religious folk got to send prayers up, together, compassionately and with intention. “Thinking of you” seemed to mean I’d consider your plight on my commute… Continue reading Thinking of you

Does A Villain Have Value?

I like to read up on the craft of writing and got some obvious advice recently that the book’s villain cannot be the mustache twirling antagonist of yore. Yes, noted. This is unrealistic unless you’re crafting a screenplay for Jerry Bruckheimer. The reason villains need to be real people in fiction is because villains are real people… Continue reading Does A Villain Have Value?

The Book Blurb

I tweeted of my horrible day of rewriting this book description (think back cover), and I had two kind offers for a rewrite.  One promised to improve it if the topic got changed to zombies.  Another said he’d rewrite it to be a secular fiction piece of atheist triumph.  I’ll take both offers. Anyone else… Continue reading The Book Blurb

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