How does the Buddhist understanding of enlightenment compare with the Western Age of Enlightenment? People who we might now call children of the Enlightenment--Chomsky, Hitchens, Dawkins, deGrasse Tyson, Pinker, and so on--have a way of relating to ethical questions that is very similar to the teachings of the Buddha. There is an understanding that human suffering is a problem to be overcome, and that it can be overcome through understanding things as they are and engaging productively in the physical world, rather than getting caught up in metaphysical abstractions which, stemming from delusion, greed, and aversion, prolong cycles of suffering. [more inside]
posted by jwhite1979 at 6:56 AM - 33 answers

Ideas for a wedding Bible reading that isn't 1st Corinthians 13? [more inside]
posted by Pallas Athena at 6:13 PM - 16 answers

Looking for Christopher Hitchens audio files (debates, interviews, etc) [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 7:28 AM - 8 answers

Looking for: Religious conversion stories in literature, from Paul onward. Specifically: from non-belief to belief. William James covers this nicely. And I seem to recall Dostoyevsky addresses the issue at least once in his novels (which?). Also C.S. Lewis, I think, somewhere. Other thoughts?
posted by Hobbacocka at 7:22 AM - 20 answers

I am a virtual aunt to a young woman who has never masturbated. She believes that she needs to learn, but she is worried that god will stop loving her. [more inside]
posted by Fenriss at 5:46 PM - 14 answers

I have quite a few very smart friends. One or two studied some philosophy at uni, I didn't. I was hoping to start some kind of casual philosophy in the pub discussion amongst the interested parties of mostly newbies. But how?? [more inside]
posted by taff at 6:27 AM - 13 answers

"Now that I'm enlightened, I'm just as miserable as ever". John Cage repeatedly retold this story, attributed to Suzuki -- but where is the original? [more inside]
posted by susanvance at 7:53 PM - 5 answers

I'm looking for information on the supposed metaphysical bond created between two people wearing Herkimer Diamond gemstones. [more inside]
posted by jitterbug perfume at 1:12 PM - 3 answers

Dog recommendation for grandparents? [more inside]
posted by jmd97 at 5:39 PM - 29 answers

What if you don't believe in God anymore? What then? [more inside]
posted by triggerfinger at 7:09 PM - 63 answers

Idle curiosity about nuns. [more inside]
posted by fifilaru at 8:56 PM - 8 answers

Is there a prohibition or taboo against fictitious storytelling (written or spoken) in any religion or religious tradition that you know of? [more inside]
posted by cairdeas at 7:30 AM - 13 answers

Is it stealing to take things that are available free to the public? If so, how much would you have to take for it to be stealing? [more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 9:51 AM - 61 answers

Is there a cult that actually works? Better description inside. [more inside]
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 9:40 AM - 43 answers

I'm moving into a new office at work on Friday. The previous inhabitant has jokingly suggested I perform a ritual cleansing before I move in. I'm going to take him up on it. How should I go about it? [more inside]
posted by werty at 6:32 PM - 19 answers

What is Gnostic Christianity? [more inside]
posted by Philipschall at 7:44 PM - 22 answers

Please help me find good beginner texts in philosophy for teenagers. [more inside]
posted by Poppa Bear at 5:54 AM - 53 answers

What do we know about the origins of vehi she'amda from the Passover haggadah? [more inside]
posted by spbmp at 7:44 PM - 4 answers

Why does St Peter's Basilica have a stained glass image of the Holy Spirit instead of a Crucifix above the altar?
posted by helloimjohnnycash at 11:10 AM - 3 answers

This podcast episode has kindled new interest for me in the life and times of Ramesses (or Ramses) II. What's the best single book to read for an engaging and informative portrait of the man and his kingship?
posted by Vectorcon Systems at 4:26 AM - 2 answers