Timothy Stoner

Feasting in an age of Fasting

Posted on 25. Nov, 2009 by Tim Stoner.

Why on this wonderfully solemn and happy day is there such an abundance of food? Why always much more than can be eaten in one sitting? While there is such a sin as conspicuous–or immoderate–consumption, (once known as the sin of gluttony), the occasional and regular feast days do not seem to fall under that prohibition. There is something about these celebrations that we intuitively recognize as not only acceptable but appropriate and, somehow, almost holy. These occasions are more than permissible, they are, seemingly, essential. Why?

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“Spiritual–but NOT Religious!”

Posted on 14. Nov, 2009 by Tim Stoner.

To say “I am spiritual but not religious”, is like asserting, “I believe in sex but not marriage.” Marriage tames the wild, undisciplined (ultimately selfish), free-spirit and provides beneficial boundaries which help direct the flow of life-energy in a strong, focused, and societally healthy direction. (Or at least it is meant to.) Its legal and moral constraints place restrictions (rules, if you will) around the irresponsible sexual drive that runs amok in pursuit of personal pleasure rather than committed love. Religion serves spirituality in much the same way. It helps the savage become a saint.

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