From The Intelligent Optimist Magazine Summer 2016 The authors’ anthropological journey through European and Middle Eastern churches finds evidence—hidden in plain sight for centuries—that challenges conventional views of the origins of Judeo-Christianity. An excerpt from The … [Read more...] about The secret history of hallucinogens in Christianity
spirit
A new look at an old book
From The Intelligent Optimist Magazine Summer 2016 We live by our stories. And our most important story, the bestselling book of all time, is the Bible, with an estimated five billion copies in print. The Bible, as a messenger of truth, has influenced millions of lives. And yet, … [Read more...] about A new look at an old book
Courage is every day
Possibility Commentary From The Optimist Magazine Summer 2014 It’s easy to get pessimistic. We have large-scale terror attacks, the environment might have reached a “no going back” tipping point, and there’s always the next health crisis around the corner. In these moments, the … [Read more...] about Courage is every day
Humble Inquiry: Ask, don’t tell
From The Optimist Magazine Summer 2014 All too often, leaders think their job is to tell others what to do. But true leadership means asking questions. The other day I was admiring an unusual bunch of mushrooms that had grown after a heavy rain when a lady walking her dog chose … [Read more...] about Humble Inquiry: Ask, don’t tell
Rock on Buddha
From The Optimist Magazine Summer 2014 By Elleke Bal Stay awake. Watch and reflect. Work with careful attention. In this way you will find the light -within yourself.” This instruction for novice monks comes from the Buddhist -Dhammapada scriptures, but such careful attention … [Read more...] about Rock on Buddha