Biblical Origins

But by what authority do you call the Bible the Word of God? for this is the first point to be settled. It is not your calling it so that makes it so, any more than the Mahometans calling the Koran the Word of God makes the Koran to be so. The Popish Councils of Nice and Laodicea, about 350 years after the time the person called Jesus Christ is said to have lived, voted the books that now compose what is called the New Testament to be the Word of God. This was done by yeas and nays, as we now vote a law.

The God Connection

According to two 2016 surveys, between 84% and 90% of Americans believe in the existence of God. (Slightly more respondents believe in "God or a higher power" but not enough to be statistically significant.) However many people this is, however, the numbers have decreased by about 10% since the first survey was undertaken in 1944.

I would guess that, having come to this page, dear reader, you are a believer. But what, exactly, is it in which you believe? Jehovah/Yaweh? Jupiter or Hermes? Ganesh or Shiva? Do you envision a somewhat petulant old guy with a beard, or a Universal Energy permeating Time and Space?

Prayer

If it is true there are "no atheists in foxholes" (debatable), then pretty much everyone has said at least one prayer in their lifetime. (And if "God damn!" counts, then that would be everyone.)

But, if you are like most people, and are honest (two independent requirements), you'll admit that your experience with prayer has been intermittent at best.

This section contains essays, based on my own personal experience, on how to increase your personal odds of getting your prayers answered.

Reincarnation

One of those annoying new acronyms, seen in text messages and on automobile bumpers, is YOLO. This stands for "You Only Live Once"; and is used to justify all kinds of reckless and inconsiderate behavior.

And is it even true?

Would it surprise you to know that early versions of the Bible included many quotes by Jesus supporting reincarnation, or that the early Church members, such as the great teacher and saint Origen believed in it?

Spirituality

Many members of some organized religions do not think spirituality is possible without membership in a religion…specifically, in their religion. Others are more enlightened. Not only is spirituality possible without religion; some religions actually make it more difficult! Still, with a little time and discipline, most people can benefit with these practices, proven by science to result in improvement of mood (relief from anxiety and depression), better sleep, and a feeling of contentment and love that no other practices seem to engender.