“Good People” and Paradise
In order to get to heaven, is it only necessary that we be a “good person”? This is a question that has been asked, and slapped down, within Christian rhetorical circles on a regular basis.…
Category: Miscellaneous Nonfiction
Mary, Fatima, and the Sacred Feminine
In the month of May, Catholics focus particular attention on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of faith. On May 13th, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima is observed, commemorating…
How I Came to Grips with Not Being Normal
"I read your last blog and what you said about being sixteen and asking yourself 'why do I have to have my beliefs?' resonated with me. I'd love to read how you came to terms…
The Dala’il al Kharat and Islamic Spiritual Tradition
Over twenty years ago I converted to Islam with a group of Sufis in California with whom I shared many spiritual practices. We prayed together, fasted Ramadan together, and recited together which is called dhikr. …
Christ in a Waiting Room: An Early Spring Spiritual Epiphany
Christ comes to us in strange ways, in blessedly strange ways. I remember a day during the strange liminal space somewhere between St. Valentine’s Day and Lent, when the air still bites of winter but…
Who Loves Jesus More?: Christians, Muslims, and Asking the Wrong Question
Some observations on the "who loves Jesus more" issue between Christians and Muslims: I see it run on cycle sometimes, with both sides seeming to miss the whole point of the debate to begin with.…
Umar Ibn al-Khattab: The Chosen One and a World Leader
Throughout all of Islamic history, there are two figures who are hailed as the first and second most important persons in Islam. The first is, of course, Muhammad (peace be upon him), the last messenger…
Beauty and the Boundless Power of Good Over Evil
I want to tell you a story. I want to tell you a story of victory, of beauty, and of the boundless power of good over evil. A story where hope resounds and grace reigns,…
The Weight of the Cross
How can we ever truly know and understand the true weight of the cross? We can’t. But life can, and will, give us glimpses of that weight. I’ve felt some of that weight. I’ve looked…
The Crucifixion and the Resurrection: A Muslim’s Reflection on a Holy Time
We are currently experiencing a very Holy period of time. It is the time of Passover. It is the time of Easter. It is the time when we are preparing for the Holy Month of…