Aspirations

Welcome to my blog. 

I treat my blog as an extension of my own written diaries.  Unlike most diaries, my diary is not so much about the particulars of my daily life, as it is a collection of various aspirational thoughts which arise during the course of my life.  

As you will see, most of the content is either spiritually or religiously based.  The distinction between these is something which seems to be of great interest for our current epoch.  Many people claim to be non-religious but spiritual.  I think it is hard to be one without the other.  Historically most people considered themselves to be religious and often followed the stipulations prescribed by organised religions without objection.  With the rise of the modern mentality, this has changed.  Today people question their beliefs, mostly through the lens of a hermeneutics of suspicion and antagonism.  This is understandable for reasons which I will not discuss here, but I think that a position which denies the role or religion is somewhat ignorant of the fact it has been the main trajectory for spirituality throughout history.  We can become spiritual today, and claim to be non-religious, but this is like having a boat without an anchor.  Ultimately the two need to be held in some type of tension. 

My blog, therefore, tries to do this.  I consider myself to be a spiritual being, and whilst acknowledging the dangers of religion, I do not deny its place in my life and its role in shaping my spirituality.  I acknowledge that my own Catholic tradition has erred in the past but I recognise that it is a human institution, and like all things, requires my forgiveness rather than judgement.  I do not consider myself to be better than anyone else, and I am not willing to deny my heritage because of its failures, just as I do not choose to deny myself because of my own failures.  I work towards its fulfilment, as was promised by its creator Jesus Christ. 

I have also tried to discuss issues which are not directly religious or spiritual.  I am also a student of philosophy and it has had much influence on the way I think and the language I use to articulate my thoughts. 

Thank you for visiting and I look forward to your comments.