I have loved many books in my life, but the ones that stand out for me have three ingredients: archetypal themes, emotional charge and X factor. And they are the ones which can indeed change the way you see the world. My three nominations will be grouped under the headings of the power they exertedContinue reading “Books That Shock, Move and Change Their Readers”
Category Archives: religion
The Double-Edged Sword of an Artist’s Silence
“If I didn’t make films I don’t know what else I would do, apart from playing jazz and making a nuisance of myself.” (Woody Allen) Woody Allen’s words above show the nature of passion for art. For many creative people cannot imagine giving up, retiring, or falling into silence, before they die. The master of comicContinue reading “The Double-Edged Sword of an Artist’s Silence”
Searching for Love… And Craving Celebrity
In my last post, on the case of Jimmy Savile, I wrote about the dark side of celebrity. We live in a society obsessed with celebrities – the gods of this secular age. And we try to convince ourselves that fame would guarantee entry into a perfect region of love, wealth and success. Yet theContinue reading “Searching for Love… And Craving Celebrity”
Seeking Personal Growth; and Sitting at the Feet of a Charismatic Guru
We find ourselves in a culture where many seek answers to the deep issues of life in spirituality, beyond the boundaries of organized religion. Different needs within people draw them to seek spiritual relief – and for some, esoteric New Age spiritual groups hold a strong appeal. You’ll meet some of those who are attractedContinue reading “Seeking Personal Growth; and Sitting at the Feet of a Charismatic Guru”
Offerings to the Water Spirit
“If there is magic on the planet it is contained in the water” (Loren Eiseley – American anthropologist, philosopher & natural science writer). I’m led to reflect on this every time I come upon a pool of water in a public place – whether that be the pool in the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew,Continue reading “Offerings to the Water Spirit”
People of Inspiration Part 3 – Susan Boyle, Who Made a Choice to Use the Gift God Had Given Her
As the third personality in my mini-series on People of Inspiration, step forward Susan Boyle. In the musical “I Dreamed a Dream” , which I saw at the Birmingham Hippodrome, I learned much about this gifted singer and deepened my knowledge of her life-experiences and background. The show starred Elaine C. Smith in the role ofContinue reading “People of Inspiration Part 3 – Susan Boyle, Who Made a Choice to Use the Gift God Had Given Her”
People of Inspiration Part 2 – Rabbi Lionel Blue, Wise Man, Humorist and Much-Loved Jewish Raconteur
Rabbi Lionel Blue 6 Feb 1930-19 Dec 2016 I was sad to learn of the death of Rabbi Lionel Blue on 19 Dec 2016 and here is my tribute to him, as originally published on my blog: As the second personality in my mini-series on People of Inspiration, step forward Rabbi Lionel Blue. This much-loved manContinue reading “People of Inspiration Part 2 – Rabbi Lionel Blue, Wise Man, Humorist and Much-Loved Jewish Raconteur”
A Spiritual Journey Starting on a Perilous Mountain Road in Queensland
On the border of Queensland and New South Wales, behind the Gold Coast, you may find the Macpherson mountain range, part of the Great Dividing Range – one of the places I love. The road leads from Southport via Nerang up through Mount Tamborine to the town of Canungra where you may continue your journey to one ofContinue reading “A Spiritual Journey Starting on a Perilous Mountain Road in Queensland”
Places of Inspiration Part 3: Ayers Rock/Uluru, Evidence of Spirit Ancestors
Here is an image of a famous landmark: How do you think of Ayers Rock (aboriginal name Uluru)? Do you think of it as that rock in the middle of Australia, which presents a climbing challenge to all tourists? Or do you think of it as a place sacred to the aborigines, a jewel at theContinue reading “Places of Inspiration Part 3: Ayers Rock/Uluru, Evidence of Spirit Ancestors”
Places of Inspiration Part 2: The Heavenly City: A View of London
What is your view of the city? Is it a place you work in, and suffer all the stress of commuting? Or perhaps it’s a place you live in? In my novel Zoe emails her sister with these words: Hi, you in crowded, stressed old London from me in the peaceful, perfect Cotswolds… But thoseContinue reading “Places of Inspiration Part 2: The Heavenly City: A View of London”
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