24
12
2007
As we put the finishing touches to our home for the upcoming Christmas celebrations, I can’t help notice the overflowing stack of gifts bulging from under the tree. What’s more, these are just from my immediate family - three of us. The other seven family members who will be joining us tonight will all contribute to the collection. Thousands of dollars are represented here, and across Australia, the NSW Business Chamber estimates $6 billion have been spent on gifts in the past month. It seems the march of commercialisation progresses relentlessly each passing year.
While all of this giving is well-intentioned, both the Bible and Buddhist teaching speaks of gluttony and the ultimate dissatisfaction of material possessions. One wholesome alternative to buying Uncle Stevo another pair of socks is Karma Currency:
Instead of giving platters, socks, photo frames and other useless gifts our initiative allows companies and individuals to give the gift of Charity Gift Vouchers. This Charitable voucher can be sent to families or friends, customers or colleagues, empowering them to give the donation to the charities they care about most. In short; our aim is to make karma currency the most soulful, meaningful, environmentally friendly and enjoyable gift you can give.
Peace be with you and your family this holiday season.
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Categories : Life
28
11
2006
Last week’s interview with the Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr on ABC Radio’s Religion Report left quite an impression on me. Richard Rohr, of the Order of Friars Minor, is a famous figure in American Catholicism and is the founder of a spiritual retreat in New Mexico, USA. In his discussion with Stephen Crittenden he echoed much of my own criticisms of the Catholic Church, particularly the distinction between dogmatic religiosity and true spirituality, and the politicisation of the Church. These are not unfamiliar concepts in agnostic circles, but coming from an insider are given additional weight. Allow me to share some of the more poignant quotes from this discussion. Read the rest of this entry »
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Categories : Life
17
08
2006
The issue of premarital sex is a complex one, and ties closely with one’s spiritual beliefs and ideals. All of the world’s major religions consider the act of physical love a serious matter, and many bluntly forbid it outside the context or marriage. A couple’s decision to have premarital sex depends on whether they hold any prerequisites such as love, their willingness to gamble on the validity of this love, and the potential consequences should the love later prove misplaced.
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Categories : Life
