On Jar Jar Binks, Neurodivergence, and The Value of A Nuisance

I recently read The Ultimate Star Wars and Philosophy: You Must Unlearn What You Have Learned, and was struck by near-universal hatred of the character of Jar Jar Binks. This is far from a new phenomenon in Star Wars fandom–the character was despised from his initial debut in Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace.Continue reading “On Jar Jar Binks, Neurodivergence, and The Value of A Nuisance”

Gnosticism vs. The Canon: A Comparison

I’ve been doing a lot of reading on a diverse number of topics during this pandemic and I found this little gem, the other day: A New New Testament: A Bible for the Twenty-first Century Combining Traditional and Newly Discovered Texts edited by Hal Taussig. I’ve long wanted to read the Gnostic Gospels to see whyContinue reading “Gnosticism vs. The Canon: A Comparison”

The Danger Of Full Solar Spirituality

I’ve been doing some reading of late, and I’m seeing a number of convergent messages. Recently, Mary Trump, the niece of Donald Trump, published her memoir Too Much and Not Enough: How My Family Created The World’s Most Dangerous Man that was revealing of the family structures in the immediate Trump family that shaped DonaldContinue reading “The Danger Of Full Solar Spirituality”

On Highs and Lows

The counselor looked me in the eye with great understanding as she said that I would probably have ups and downs, like a rollercoaster, for the rest of my life. There would be times I would be depressed, and there were times I wouldn’t, but they’d alternate throughout my life. This was 10 years agoContinue reading “On Highs and Lows”

Read, Watch & Listen: Recommended Media For Narratives of Blackness

Hi all! I’ve been asking myself, as many of you no doubt have, what I can do in these times of increased vehement discourse about racism and police brutality. A lot of organizations and individuals are doing really great work, sharing links and resources to excellent analyses and causes to donate money towards. My meansContinue reading “Read, Watch & Listen: Recommended Media For Narratives of Blackness”

On The Stockdale Paradox

I have a confession to make: I am finding it hard to find balance in my life these days, especially when living with my parents and having so many different demands on my time pulling me in too many directions. This morning, the reality is sinking in that I’m heading back down to Guelph inContinue reading “On The Stockdale Paradox”

Practicing Faith Alone: Lessons From A Christian With A Wicca Past

Hi all! I was inspired to make this post because many Christians, used to corporate worship, are struggling in this time of isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. I thought, as a Christian with a long history of solo worship, that I should some of the lessons I have learned in the hopes that they’llContinue reading “Practicing Faith Alone: Lessons From A Christian With A Wicca Past”

Just Enough: The Biblical Way

In church on Sunday, we were celebrating World Food Sunday. We talked about scarcity, and resource distribution, climate change, and a plethora of related topics. Throughout the service, I couldn’t help thinking on one of Kenneth C. Bailey’s quibbles with the Lord’s Prayer, which he covers in his wonderful book Jesus Through Middle-Eastern Eyes: CulturalContinue reading “Just Enough: The Biblical Way”

On Wicca, Witchcraft, And Christianity

I was finally baptized recently, and confirmed as a member of the United Church of Canada. As part of the service, I was given an opportunity to share my faith journey, which involved also emphasizing how important my time as a Wiccan was to finally being called to Christianity. And yet, I still encounter manyContinue reading “On Wicca, Witchcraft, And Christianity”

My Tai Chi Journey So Far: Looking Back At 15 Years Of Practice

Hi all! So, as I was walking to the park to practice my Tai Chi routines the other day, I realized that the 15 year anniversary of my Tai Chi practice had passed me by without me fully realizing it. So I thought I’d make a blog post about it, especially as I’m sure someContinue reading “My Tai Chi Journey So Far: Looking Back At 15 Years Of Practice”