As previously reported, on Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending the event "Understanding Islam through Virtual Worlds" at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. The gathering featured Rita King and Joshua Fouts discussing their project to research how Muslims have been using virtual worlds as a medium to express their faith, find…
Category: The Spirit
How I center down during Quaker Meeting for Worship
It is always useful for me to learn how other Quakers get themselves into the meditative state that we call “centering down.” When Quakers gather during our Meetings for Worship, we are seeking to be in a calm, quiet, reflective, receptive state. In our rushed, complicated lives, achieving this state of “expectant waiting” is not…
Iranian hip-hop artist Yas performing at Islam & Virtual World event (video)
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the event "Understanding Islam through Virtual Worlds" at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs with about 50 other people. The gathering featured Rita King and Joshua Fouts discussing their project to research how Muslims have been using virtual worlds, particularly Second Life, as a medium to…
Dancing alone, dancing in community
Several people at Quaker Meeting today wanted me to share this message I spoke at Meeting for Worship this morning. So here’s the gist of it: Last night I attended two dances. I ended the evening at a soul party in Fort Greene. There was a certain kind of joy in the room, with a …
“Continuing the Dream of Dr. King” with spoken word, drum, and hip-hop violin
I have gotten around to uploading some more video from the past couple of days in DC for the presidential inauguration festivities. One of the coolest events I attended was a multi-arts celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King at the National Cathedral called "Continuing the Dream." About 1,000 people gathered for a series of spirited…
Martin Luther King Day in DC: A day of inspiration and anticipation
I had a remarkable day in Washington DC for Martin Luther King Jr Day. It started out with a wonderful series of performances at the National Cathedral to celebrate Dr King, including spoken word, drumming, a choir, hip hop violin playing and more. So inspiring and fun. The National Cathedral has always been one of…
DC Quakers offer inauguration day rest area : come in from the cold!
For those of you coming to Washington DC for the presidential inauguration this Tuesday, I'm sure you are wondering how you are going to keep warm and take a break during the chilly festivities. The local Quakers in DC have thought of this too, and are generously opening their doors to anyone that day who…
“Pray for Me, You Wrote” (poem)
Another old poem of mine has been springing to my mind, as of late. From one of my doubting, wandering phases, called "Pray for Me, You Wrote." [CC-licensed image by Steven Fernandez] Pray for Me, You Wrote Pray for me, you wroteUnawareOf my broken beads and lipsThat now only spit and chewSchmooze and curse
Chosen One (a poem)
Thinking about nontheist Quakers has brought to mind some of my older writings during my spiritual meanderings over the years. Here's a poem I wrote in 1997 called "Chosen One" that questions the belief in an interventionist, personal god. In a related now, it's nice to see my piece on Quathiests was republished on the…
New study on Islam and virtual worlds releasing findings on January 29 in NYC
Speaking of Islam and virtual worlds, it looks like Joshua Fouts and Rita King of Dancing Ink Productions will be unveiling the findings of their study on "Understanding Islam through Virtual Worlds" on January 29 in New York City, and then again in Second Life on January 30. Here's the info on the NYC event:…