Questions in the Religion & Philosophy category.
Displaying 1 through 20 of 2215 (random). Subscribe:
August 2
Optimism comes before a fall
How do you maintain the proper balance between 'optimism' and 'getting your hopes too high'? [more inside]
July 23
Navigating hypocrisy
I am constantly identifying ways in which I am a hypocrite, and it's unsettling. [more inside]
July 9
What is the best Greek mythology book (in my chosen categories)?
I'm looking for a book on Greek mythology with the best retellings, the best cultural/historical info, and -- most importantly -- the best art. I mean Classical relics, Renaissance paintings, maps, everything. Not just Edith Hamilton with some line drawings. Classical Myth from this question looks pretty good, but is there anything else?
July 6
How to say yes to more things.
I overthink everything and doubt every little decision. I end up invariably playing it safe, saying no, and then regretting it. The result of this is that over the past 5 years I have made no real 'progress' with anything in my life. I think there are advantages to thinking things through, doing your research etc. But I'm seeking advice about how to not blow everything up into a big deal, taking a few risks, biting the bullet etc. How do you just go ahead and do the thing? [more inside]
June 16
Tibetan Healing Ritual/practice
Hello! I remember reading a book on Tibetan medicine where a practitioner would put a healing 'patch' on someone. The 'patch' had a healing script or mantra on it. Maybe it was after someone had moxibustion. I remember the image in a book that had vivid photos, so this was not a dense book, it was more an overview of different healing ancient Asian practices-, I think. I also remember in the book, the patient had inking like Angliena Joile (not henna). Do you know what this practice is? Trying to learn more. [more inside]
June 7
So, what do Christians do in heaven?
It's my understanding that for Christians, after they die, they go to heaven and live there for all eternity, that's the belief system correct? I'm not knocking it, simply trying to understand it better.
But what do the people do in heaven, once they're there? Is that mentioned anywhere? Does it vary among denominations, like the Lutherans believe X, while Methodists believe Y?
Yes, I'm totally serious with these questions and mean no disrespect, just looking for understanding of what the Christian faith believes people do while in heaven.
May 21
Is this quote apocryphal?If not, where specifically is it from? (Lacan)
I was listening to an audiobook of Stephen Mitchell's Can Love Last (sounds like a silly self help book, is a well regarded book by a psychoanalyst) and he quoted Jacques Lacan as saying (I thought) "Love is giving something you don't have to someone you don't know." [more inside]
May 9
Can I convert to Judaism without siding against Palestinians?
I am in a period of spiritual questioning, and I am thinking about converting to Judaism. But I believe that Israel often acts unjustly toward Palestinians. Is this a deal-breaker? [more inside]
April 22
What are the options for a questioning Catholic?
I was talking with someone raised Catholic whose children are now learning the catechism. Trying to answer the children's question, made her realize that she had real doubts about basic tenants like the virgin birth and the resurrection. I'm sure this must be a common experience - I would like to help her find some resources for how she can think about these questions as a Catholic. Or is it even possible to stay Catholic if a person decides they don't believe in some parts of the faith as expressed in the catechism? [more inside]
April 20
Finding Faith and Understanding Prayer
I am a middle-aged man working a job far below my capabilities due to COVID layoffs. I was baptised Baptist last summer alongside my wife, and at the time I felt something that I attributed to something bigger than myself in the months prior, but its faded and doubt has clouded my heart. How did you find faith and how do you recommend someone find faith? [more inside]
April 10
Where is that famous MeFi comment where the people that survived war...
Where is that famous MeFi comment where the people that survived war/shelling actually helped each other rather than fought each other? It was during the Balkan conflicts I think. In the future how do I find such famous MeFi content?
April 9
good books/docmrntaties on an absurdly specific topic
Can you help me research something? [more inside]
March 31
How do you interpret Maimonides' levels of charity in a modern context?
I'm putting together a financial plan that includes giving away a lot of money. I'm a very unobservant Jew, but Maimonides' levels of tzedakah is a framework that's always resonated with me, and I'm trying to use it as a framework (leaving out the stupid parts like only giving to other Jews). I'm struggling with how to interpret the top two levels in a modern context, with the laws and norms around charitable giving. [more inside]
March 24
Please share your remembrance rituals
I would like to honour the memory of a friend who passed away, but can't really think how. It would be nice to have a private tradition I could do annually, in remembrance. What are some ways you have found to honour people you have lost? [more inside]
March 12
Books that inspire cosmic vertigo / perspective spiral / ego breakdown
I have found myself with an entire week off, and there's no better way to spend it than to scratch a literary itch. I want to be immersed in that feeling you get when you think about the vastness of the universe, the complexity of consciousness, the sheer strangeness of "existance" -- I want to read things that make me feel this way. Where can I start?
March 8
What is my ethnic heritage?
This is something of a nagging philosophical question. My late mother’s long-deceased immigrant Jewish father died when she was in her teens. When she described him, she would say he was Russian from near Kiev, which was all she knew. Fast forward to 2020 when I started getting interested in genealogy, and suddenly I am confounded by what I’ve learned. Can you help me frame my heritage? [more inside]
March 4
"No opinions" Rapid life change
What have you done when life feels as though it's on a rapidly changing course? [more inside]
What is the word for our relationship with art?
I have been thinking about Parasocial Relationships (PSR), but not from the angle of "creepy obsessive fans". Instead, I want to explore the human relationship to art itself, and then how that is projected onto the artist to form the basis of a PSR.
To begin, is there a term (or concept) for the relationship between audience and art?
n inextricable part of your personality. [more inside]
February 18
waiting for bad news
How do you cope when you are waiting for bad news? [more inside]
February 17
What kind of Roman Catholic wedding should I ask for?
I am engaged to a wonderful woman. Her family is Roman Catholic. First, I would like to accommodate her family's desire that our marriage be recognized by the Roman Catholic church, but I need help setting certain boundaries based on my own beliefs. Second, I want to know what sorts of promises the priest will require me to make as a condition of going through with this ceremony. [more inside]