Andrewtix
MY BLOGS
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The Quest for a Good Life
http://thequestforagoodlife.wordpress.com/
For the past 20 years, at least, I have dedicated myself to living a good life. This blog primarily is devoted to my reflections regarding this quest, and draws upon my Christian faith, knowledge of psychological science, and personal experiences. Topics vary, but include religion/spirituality, culture, happiness, relationships, work, and leisure.
LATEST ARTICLES ( 178 )
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Gays and the Church
Although the Supreme Court’s landmark 2015 ruling in Obergefell vs. Hodges seemed to settle many civil issues about same-sex marriage in the United States, the... Read more
Posted on 19 February 2019 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Letter to a Middle School Student
Last week, I was delighted to receive this Letter from a Middle School Student asking for my thoughts about the meaning of life. My response is below. I think... Read more
Posted on 05 February 2019 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Soulfelt
Craig is the worship leader at my church. To say his style is unique would be a great understatement.Craig mostly plays piano and sings at church, combining a... Read more
Posted on 10 January 2019 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Desiderata
“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Read more
Posted on 03 January 2019 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
The Courage to Create
This past summer, I spent a glorious month teaching at “the most experimental college in North America,” Quest University Canada, north of Vancouver, British... Read more
Posted on 31 December 2018 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
One Thing Among Many
I’ve been reading and discussing Parker Palmer’s new book, “On the Brink of Everything,” recently, and with great benefit. Many of my discussions seem to... Read more
Posted on 03 August 2018 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
My Journey with the Bible
I’ve written some personal essays before – these on death and the relationship between science and faith are examples – but below is maybe the most personal... Read more
Posted on 27 March 2018 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
When Religion Promotes Violence
In a survey released last week by U. S. News and World Report, over 21,000 people from all regions of the world most commonly rated religion as the “primary... Read more
Posted on 01 February 2018 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Mary Oliver, Poem #4
This is Mary Oliver’s most famous poem, which ends with one of the most important questions we ever could ask ourselves. I love how she frames it.***The Summer... Read more
Posted on 26 January 2018 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Religion Needs a Savior
A few weeks ago, a journalist from U. S. News & World Report called to interview me about new data showing that individuals across the world most commonly rate... Read more
Posted on 23 January 2018 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Mary Oliver, Poem #3
This part of a Mary Oliver poem deeply resonates, at least with me.“Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous to be understood.Let me keep my distance, always... Read more
Posted on 22 January 2018 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Mary Oliver, Poem #2
This Mary Oliver poem reminds me how such a complex universe requires multiple ways of knowing, and how our preconceptions sometimes influence what is possible... Read more
Posted on 18 January 2018 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Mary Oliver, Poem #1
The older I get, the more I am (to my surprise) drawn to poetry. When I read the Bible, I spend more and more time in the Psalms. A few years ago, I shared my... Read more
Posted on 16 January 2018 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Quaker Quotes
Several years ago, a student of mine shared with me an online survey to determine my religion: the “belief-o-matic.” According to my results, I apparently am... Read more
Posted on 12 January 2018 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Psalm 1: The Psychology of Meditation
“Blessed are those… who delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on his law day and night. They are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields... Read more
Posted on 08 January 2018 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Six Forms of Resolution
As we begin a new year, many of us find ourselves in a bit more contemplative mood than usual. What were our highs and lows in 2017? What do we want for 2018? W... Read more
Posted on 31 December 2017 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Top Posts of 2017
Another year is coming to an end, and it’s a good time to review what’s happening at this site.Over 11,000 people visited the blog this year, with over 15,000... Read more
Posted on 29 December 2017 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Christian Wiman’s Thoughts on Faith
In his op-ed, “The Subtle Sensations of Faith,” David Brooks calls “My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer,” “the best modern book on belief. Read more
Posted on 28 December 2017 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
The Psychology of Religion
One of my first memories happened at church. We always seemed to arrive early enough to say the rosery, but this one particular Sunday morning, my mom,... Read more
Posted on 15 December 2017 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY -
Quaker Prayer
I ask for daily bread, but not wealth, lest I forget the poor. I ask for strength, but not power, lest I despise the meek. I ask for wisdom, but not learning,... Read more
Posted on 12 December 2017 BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY