“I believe that this profound human thirst for infinite happiness, which we all feel at times, is the most real thing there is. “To hope for it is to live in the real world,” insists Timothy Radcliffe, the former Master of the Dominican Order (1992-2001), who Pope Francis named when he announced the nomination of Read more
It is widely acknowledged healthy spirituality is good for mental health. Can the same be said for religion, Graham Redding asks. Awareness of the contribution that spirituality can make to health has come a long way. Spiritual care Aotearoa’s healthcare system adopts a holistic approach, often encapsulated in the Māori model of health, te whare Read more
There is a small faith-filled Anglican parish community in the Christchurch seaside suburb of New Brighton which, despite its meagre resources, daily offers the poor and the homeless food, a hot drink, clothing options and other essential resources. I don’t think they know much about ideology nor give much time to studying it. But they Read more
A popular hymn of the early 70s that remains in use today is known by its first line, Colours of Day, a hymn from the folk genre of the time. It is worth reflecting on some of its words these fifty years on. “Colours of day dawn into the mind, The sun has come up, Read more
Imagine a world where AI is omnipresent. It occupies your home, your car, your workplace, your pocket. Even your mind. Every aspect of your daily routine is seamlessly integrated with this sophisticated technology. It anticipates your needs, completes your thoughts, deciphers your emotions, plays your favorite songs, drafts your emails and even suggests your next Read more
As a nation, we’re still figuring out what to do with Matariki. Regional anniversary days or King’s birthdays are easy. Many have their own rituals and routines: beach, boat or bach for the weekend is the aspiration for most of us. In one sense, Matariki is a long-overdue move towards a confident national identity. Most Read more
Spirituality is a powerful resource that can help us thrive at work. “At its best, work provides us the ability to support ourselves and our loved ones, and can also provide us with a sense of meaning, opportunities for growth, and community.” So says the Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being. As Read more
In Europe, the number of church members is declining – but Christianity remains strong worldwide. However, the structures do not remain stable, but are constantly changing. Thomas Schlag is Professor of Practical Theology at the University of Zurich, where he heads the Centre for Church Development, where he conducts research into participation and church development. Read more
In the past 11 years, it has become clear that the United States is the capital of the organised opposition to Pope Francis. There is an institutional opposition that seeks to maintain the institutional status quo, a theological opposition that’s resisting “synodality”, the newest phase of the reception of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), and Read more
According to a recent survey conducted by Pew, 72% of individuals who identify themselves as religiously unaffiliated still believe in a higher power. Furthermore, about 20% of these individuals also believe in the God depicted in the Bible. In her 2020 book Strange Rites, Tara Isabella Burton examined how an “eclectic spiritual hunger” is expressed Read more