The Feast – Finding Common Ground in Abraham’s Legacy
On the 26th of October 2012, it was the Feast (or Eid ul Adha) symbolizing the culmination of the pilgrimage by Muslims to Mecca (the Hajj). These few days of light and love are supposed to characterise meditation, blessings and prayers for peace. It also serves as a symbol of unity in diversity as Malcolm [...]
Google, Artificial Intelligence, and What Makes Us Human
While the debate about internet-based technologies and the plasticity of the brain rages on, we find ourselves drawn to Google’s quest to master artificial intelligence. What kind of brains are we “re”-creating through AI?
The Death Penalty and Innocence
Every day I read The New York Times. Feverishly I flip through the pages, catching up on “all the news that’s fit to print.” Reading the news and learning about current events helps me more deeply understand my faith. With this in mind, in Section A of Monday’s (March 19) Times there are two stories about the death penalty, but the same theme emerges in both: are we killing the innocent?
Death of a Legend: Judaism and Steve Jobs
Many have heard me joke, “I have two religions: Judaism and Apple.” In Jerusalem last summer, I purchased a kippah with the “Think Different” Apple logo embroidered on its black, velvety surface as a way of signifying the coming together of the two. While this statement is mostly said in jest (though I actually did buy the kippah), it is true that when I speak of Apple, I am often overcome with the same kind of deep, glowing passion as when I speak of my tremendous love for Judaism. As a seminary student, it is difficult for me to admit this–blasphemous, even. And, usually, I would never do so…especially in writing. However, today is different…today, my defenses are down…today, I am trying to find words…
When a hero dies, the hero becomes a legend. But what happens when one who is a legend dies?
I am who I am: Why I am not an atheist
Stop labelling me! I am far too suspicious and skeptical to be an ‘ATHEIST’. I am not Australian but I have two passports, New Zealand and United Kingdom. I’ve never believed in gods or religions but that doesn’t make me an atheist of any sort at all. I have always been fascinated, and sometimes moved, [...]
Contributing Scholars
Ian BurzynskiIan Burzynski served as the first Assistant Director of Operations for State of Formation. He is a non-profit worker, intercultural communication practioner, and secular advocate for intertraditional engagement. He has worked with Pathways for Mutual Respect and the Cordoba Initiative and now serves as Chief Development Officer at Distressed Children & Infants International.
Zahid Shahab AhmedSince 2003, Zahid Shahab Ahmed has been working with national and international NGOs on peace-related projects, in particular in Asia. He has obtained MA in Peace Education from the United Nations mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica, and presently he is a PhD candidate at the University of New England in Australia.
Andrew BowenAndrew Bowen, once a fervent enemy of religion, is now a perpetual student and champion for inter-religious peace and reconciliation. In 2011, Andrew created Project Conversion, a year-long personal immersion into the culture, practices, beliefs, and rituals of 12 belief systems from around the world as a personal intervention after years of animosity toward faith.