To be an observer is to be responsive. We can understand our lives as a collective response to a world brought forth by the responsiveness of its observers. This is analogous to the principle in A Course in Miracles that “projection makes perception” (T-13.V.3:5), which gives rise to critical insight that “our function is toContinue reading “On the Inherent Responsiveness of Observers”
Author Archives: Sean
On Marianne Williamson for President 2020
I have been asked several times in recent weeks what I think of Marianne Williamson for President 2020. This post offers some thoughts on that, perhaps with more clarity than I’ve managed in person. Williamson’s political career and activism are a helpful model for thinking about A Course in Miracles, politics, social justice and advocatingContinue reading “On Marianne Williamson for President 2020”
The Absence Of Love Means Only That We Are Not Present
When we ask for love, we implictly acknowledge that the conditions we specify as loving are not present. But since love cannot be absent, as it is our fundament, “not present” means that we are not fully or properly in attendance. So the problem is not an external lack – circumstances not aligning in theContinue reading “The Absence Of Love Means Only That We Are Not Present”
On Obedience, Bias and Brokeback Mountain
Many years ago, while teaching Brokeback Mountain, I was approached by a student who professed that her religious beliefs obligated her to not read a text and to not participate in discussions that normalized what she – as a devout practicing Christian – considered “sinful behavior.” I appreciated her raising the issue with me andContinue reading “On Obedience, Bias and Brokeback Mountain”
A Brief Addenda on Certainty
I think an obvious argument with respect to my recent post about certainty and right / wrong thinking is captured in the spirit of comments to this old post about getting along and this one about helpful spiritual junctures: if somebody says to me, “hey I think the Holocaust was great,” am I going toContinue reading “A Brief Addenda on Certainty”
Reflecting Uncertainly on Certainty
I want to think out loud a little about certainty – how and why it arises in thinking, what function it serves, what it produces and so forth. Ultimately, I think certainty is basically a mirage, albeit a harmless one (so long as one is clear it’s a mirage). Say that I want to beContinue reading “Reflecting Uncertainly on Certainty”