Exploring Spiritual Questions Podcast

There is recent light about divine Providence explaining why a powerful loving deity does not stop innocent suffering. More at Exploring Spiritual Questions & Answers

If the power of love were to stop suffering, it would be the love of power. Instead love counterbalances hate so we can choose between them. More at Exploring Spiritual Questions & Answers

The evidence for a universal life force suggests there is a providence behind all things despite widespread suffering. More at Exploring Spiritual Questions & Answers

If there is a life force of love and light in the universe, this is incompatible with suffering. So what is the cause of suffering? More at Exploring Spiritual Questions & Answers

A sense of futility to life due to events of random suffering is countered by the meaning they offer in terms of spiritual challenge. More at Exploring Spiritual Questions & Answers

In linking to transcendence we need something we can focus our minds on. Is Swedenborg's term 'the Lord' a credible image for the divine?

Words such as 'Holy Trinity, sin, & salvation can imply some outdated assumptions concerning God.  These can act as barriers for non-religious people seeking to link with love & light. And so alternative understanding of these matters are here explored.  

The divine beings of religious myths suggest that the awareness of transcendence has a humane dimension. Is this true?

Do different forms of contemplation e.g. prayer and meditation link with universal love and light? If so, does it involve personal struggle?

Love and light are at the heart of what is deeply good in life. It is universally present in inspiring our feelings and thoughts leading to support, comfort and well-being. It is pictured in visions of those having a near death experience.     

This is the first of a series of 6 podcasts from Exploring Spiritual Questions asking how we can link ourselves with love and light. One of the great questions of life. This episode deals with our sense of awe and wonder, and compares this feeling with the attitude of science. Is  transcendence a fallacy or something we can recognise? 

This is the final podcast in a series of 6 on what is in store for us if we survive death. So far I have explored accounts of death survival, inner character, the concept of selfishness, and reasons for unhappiness. I now provide a summary concerning the fate of selfish people, and suggest some Christian mistakes about life after death.

This is the fifth in a series of 6 podcasts on what is in store for us if we survive death. So far I have explored accounts of life after death, our individual character in the next life, and the concept of selfishness. Now, if this concept is valid, I look at its consequences. Do selfishness and unhappiness go together and if so why?

This is the fourth script in a series of 6 podcasts on what is in store for us if we survive death. So far I have introduced the topic of death survival, focused on Swedenborg's account of life after death, and considered the implications of our inner character being revealed to others. You may be feeling uneasy about your future. What fate holds in store. And what will happen to you after you die if you happen to have a selfish character?

This is the third script in a series of 6 podcasts on what is in store for us if we survive death. I now ask about what we might we take with us after death? How will our individual character be seen?

This is the 2nd script in a series of 6 podcasts on what is in store for us if we survive death. I look at the evidence for what an afterlife may look like if we continue to exist after we die.

This is the first script in a series of 6 podcasts on whether we survive death and if so what is in store for us if we are a bit self-centered. 

Don't we just want to be calmer people who feel less anxious about the uncertainties of life? To also feel less anxious about our past wrong-doing? I have learned I can put my trust in the universe and its creator, and feel a sense comfort, reassurance and hope. Praying to our image of transcendence is also getting in touch with the divine presence within the soul. Here are 8 tips on how to do this. The script of this recording is here. A shorter version of the script is here.      

A neighbour or workmate who is at times rude, high-handed, over-critical. Or the sort of person who is constantly complaining about one thing or another or who makes a lot of demands on our time. Difficult people trigger tension in us and then misunderstanding more easily arises. We remember the odd occasion when this led to a sharp word, an unnecessary argument or even a full-blown row. Yet, we can get on better with difficult people, like those we cannot trust, or who are argumentative. We can do this using 4 psycho-spiritual considerations. This podcast illustrates how these can work.   The speaker is clinical psychologist Stephen Russell-Lacy   Exploring spiritual questions about relationships    

Coronavirus results in symptoms of covid-19. That's because viruses cause disease isn't it? Well yes. But what causes viruses? The point is, we cannot fully understand disease just by a study of the biological processes. I'll be asking whether disease is due to individual differences between people? Is it a direct consequence of industrialisation? And is it indirectly anything to do with the ethical quality of humanity as a whole? Included here is a spiritual theory stemming from the books of philosopher Emmanuel Swedenborg concerning three of his concepts - correspondence, world of spirit and influx. A framework of thought that offers hope for the future prospect of future health.   The speaker is clinical psychologist Stephen Russell-Lacy   Exploring spiritual questions with Swedenborg's teachings  

Because of the coronavirus pandemic our usual way of life has paused. After all, we have had more time on our hands. More chance to ponder carefully about things. Maybe even stepping out of our usual preoccupation with our own daily concerns. To consider what really matters: what is actually of lasting importance. After the pandemic we will get back to work, school and elsewhere. But will there be a new normal? A new start? Will any differences emerge following the enforced shutdown of usual business? This is now the chance to engage in some reflection about this. But how do we do it? The trouble is we can lose sight of the bigger picture of our life if we are caught up in the minutia of daily concerns. How then do we step out of endless negative thoughts that go round in circles getting nowhere? How do we stop being pre-occupied with our worries and gain a deeper perspective? Here are 6 tips on how to enter a state of reflection.    The author is clinical psychologist Stephen Russell-Lacy   Exploring spiritual questions about contemplative practices    

I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it's not like that. We are sailing in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.   Author unknown   Exploring spiritual questions about suffering      

Seeking spiritual help during very troubling times is common. But in this period of fear of coronavirus, with many people having moved away from religion, some are struggling to find words and connection that could provide support and encouragement.   Speaker is clinical psychologist Stephen Russell-Lacy   Exploring spiritual questions website      

Undue worry creates anxiety. Coronavirus anxiety is when our fearful thoughts get out of hand without going anywhere. Our negative thoughts end up going round in circles and create sleeplessness and nervous tension.This podcast offers a few suggestions on how to find relief. These come from the World Health Organisation, cognitive therapy and spirituality.     Speaker is clinical psychologist Stephen Russell-Lacy   Exploring spiritual questions website    

Social distancing rules in Britain, like around the world, mean all non-essential travel and public gatherings have to stop. Being on top of each other in the house is a real challenge. Lockdown means we are stuck inside our homes, forced to spend more time together than ever before. How can we reduce the risks of family disharmony?   Speaker is clinical psychologist Stephen Russell-Lacy   Exploring spiritual questions about healing emotions