The hottest Faith & Spirituality Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

Listen

Silentium • 159 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Mindfulness Silence Community Wellness
  1. Listening carefully helps you understand what is truly around you. When you really listen, you might discover new insights.
  2. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and understanding. Taking time to be silent allows us to connect with our thoughts and feelings.
  3. Joining a community for shared silence can enhance the experience. Being together in silence can create a supportive environment for everyone.

'Do You Believe Jesus Died for Our Sins?’ Richard Dawkins Confronts Jordan Peterson

The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins • 933 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Religion Existentialism Cultural Studies
  1. Richard Dawkins challenges Jordan Peterson about his beliefs on the Bible and whether Jesus died for our sins.
  2. Peterson compares the truths of Christianity to the complexities of quantum physics in a recent conversation.
  3. They discuss how Christianity has influenced human progress and what it means to believe in its truths.

Dear Pastors

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3816 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Church Politics Community Leadership
  1. Pastors should focus on their local congregations and their real needs rather than seeking attention on social media. The people in their communities need spiritual guidance more than viral posts.
  2. It's important for pastors to lead people toward Jesus instead of political idols. Encouraging love and prayer for neighbors and leaders can help foster unity rather than division in challenging times.
  3. While voting is a civic duty, true hope and redemption come from faith in Jesus, not political outcomes. The Kingdom of God is everlasting, and that's what should matter most to Christians.

Ross Douthat: Everyone Should Believe in God

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2179 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Belief Secularism Spirituality Conversion
  1. Many people are feeling drawn back to religion after a period of being more secular. It's like there’s a little spark in the younger generations wanting to explore faith again.
  2. High-profile figures are converting to religion, suggesting a trend where even the educated elite are rethinking their beliefs. This shows that curiosity about spirituality is growing, even among the skeptics.
  3. However, there’s a worry about why people are turning to religion. It's important to think about the reasons behind this interest in faith to ensure it’s meaningful and genuine.

The alms round

Silentium • 59 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Community Support Personal Growth Mindfulness
  1. The writer is asking for support to help cover the costs of running their work, including internet and equipment, as they prepare to move to a new location.
  2. They have experienced unexpected financial strains due to the relocation and the need for a new internet setup, among other things.
  3. The writer encourages readers to consider supporting their work through subscriptions, donations, or participating in their courses, emphasizing that even small contributions are appreciated.
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This is the work

Silentium • 419 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mysticism Meditation Spirituality Mindfulness
  1. The essence of the work is about finding stillness and emptiness within ourselves. It's like stepping into a quiet room where you can feel a strong presence.
  2. This path is not limited to one specific faith or belief; it is a shared journey among all mystics. Everyone can connect with this work, regardless of their background.
  3. To truly understand our place and existence, we need to look within ourselves and recognize our connection to everything. Silence and stillness are key to discovering this deeper truth.

Becoming prayer

Silentium • 659 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Prayer Silence Meditation Spiritual Practices Personal Growth
  1. Being in silence can help deepen our connection to prayer. It's a good way to focus and reflect on our thoughts.
  2. Taking time for quiet moments can lead to peace and clarity in our lives. It's worth making it a regular practice.
  3. Inviting silence into our daily routine can transform how we think and feel. It allows us to slow down and appreciate the moment.

Insights from a Week-long Silent Retreat

Superb Owl • 4945 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Self-discovery Mindfulness Spiritual growth Personal Development
  1. Taking a break from information, like phones and books, can really clear your mind. After a few days, many thoughts are about the practice itself, which helps you focus more.
  2. Meditation can lead to strange experiences, like hallucinations or feelings of disappearing. These moments offer new insights but can also feel intense and overwhelming.
  3. Building trust with meditation teachers is important. Having friends who support your practice can make you feel safer and more open to deep meditation.

Is It Better To Believe In Anything Than In Nothing?

Gideon's Substack • 28 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Belief Philosophy Ethics Culture
  1. Believing in something, even if it's not perfect, can be better than not believing at all. It gives people a sense of meaning in life.
  2. Skepticism is important; it's better to question and understand what you believe rather than blindly accept any belief, especially if it involves harmful practices.
  3. People often connect with beliefs not just through logic, but also through community and shared experiences, like enjoying meals together.

His positions all sounded so much less stable than I had remembered

The Common Reader • 1488 implied HN points • 25 May 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Beliefs Conversion Christianity
  1. Max's views on life and religion have become less certain over time. He feels lost and questions his beliefs, especially about God and the world.
  2. The author feels regret for not being present during an important moment in Max's life. Listening to their past conversation, they realize they misjudged Max's struggles.
  3. The book by Lamorna Ash explores why many people are turning to religion. She spends time with evangelical groups and attends events to understand their beliefs better.

The sacred pause

Silentium • 859 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Silence Mindfulness Spirituality Inner peace
  1. Taking a moment of silence can help clear your mind and bring peace. It’s like a reset button for your thoughts.
  2. Pausing can improve your focus and creativity. When you stop and breathe, new ideas often come to you.
  3. Embracing quiet moments in your daily life is important for your mental well-being. It allows you to connect more deeply with yourself.

The call of spiritual life

Silentium • 539 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Meditation Silence Religion Philosophy
  1. Spiritual life often invites us to find moments of silence and stillness. Taking time for quiet can help us connect deeper with ourselves.
  2. Engaging in spiritual practices can foster a sense of peace and clarity. These practices can be anything from meditation to nature walks.
  3. Embracing silence can lead to personal growth and understanding. It's a chance to hear our thoughts and feelings without distractions.

How Intellectuals Found God

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5958 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theism Philosophy Intellectualism Conversion Religion
  1. Many intellectuals, who once questioned or rejected God, are now finding faith. It's interesting to see a change in perspective among respected thinkers.
  2. One example is Matthew Crawford, who felt lost in his early life but experienced a spiritual transformation through personal connections and discussions about faith.
  3. The journey to finding God can often feel like a personal story of searching and discovery, rather than a simple acceptance of religious beliefs.

Defending Revelation

What Is Called Thinking? • 50 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Philosophy Ethics Community Tradition
  1. Religion offers a way for people to find meaning and morality, even if they aren't fully rational thinkers. It's not just about science or pure reason; it's about learning and growing through community and traditions.
  2. Philosophers who think reason alone can guide humanity miss that we all need help in understanding ethics and morality. Revelation helps guide us and keeps society connected.
  3. Even if science could come back without religion, the deep insights from revelation are essential for being truly human. It's not just about knowledge; it's about fostering humanity's good qualities.

Shrine of the heart

Silentium • 559 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Silence Inner peace Mindfulness Spiritual growth
  1. Silence can be a powerful way to connect with yourself and your emotions. Taking time to be quiet allows for deeper reflection and understanding.
  2. Creating a personal space for silence, like a 'shrine of the heart', can help you cultivate peace and focus in your life.
  3. Embracing moments of stillness can lead to greater clarity and insights about your thoughts and feelings. It's important to prioritize time for silence in our busy lives.

The Miracle of the Light

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3909 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism Religion Philosophy Tradition History
  1. In tough times, we look for hope and inspiration, often represented by light. The stories and symbols of Jewish history highlight the fight for life and dignity.
  2. A famous image from 1931 shows a menorah shining bright against a swastika, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil. It reminds us of what we stand for in the face of opposition.
  3. Some people mock traditional beliefs, like the miracle of Hanukkah, but these beliefs underline important values like human equality and the sanctity of life. Our spiritual heritage teaches us about more than just history.

The Early Christian Strategy

Astral Codex Ten • 31866 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Morality Game Theory History Philosophy
  1. The TIT-FOR-TAT strategy in a game theory setting shows that being cooperative at first and then matching others' actions leads to the best outcomes. This strategy teaches us that kindness can be more effective than constant distrust.
  2. Early Christians practiced extreme kindness, even to their enemies, which created strong community bonds and trust. Their approach involved helping everyone, demonstrating that selfless love can attract support even in tough times.
  3. While many groups struggle to maintain such selfless strategies over time, history shows that momentous change can occur when people commit to a COOPERATE-BOT mindset, suggesting that genuine kindness might be more powerful than we often believe.

Tom Holland on How Christianity Remade the World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3482 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity History Philosophy Culture Society
  1. Christianity has had a huge influence on the Western world, shaping many ideas and values we hold today.
  2. Despite differing beliefs about specific miracles, the message of Jesus is recognized as incredibly powerful and enduring.
  3. Within just a few centuries, Christianity became the main religion of the Roman Empire, showing its rapid spread and acceptance.

A Special Day, and a Heartfelt Thanks

The Status Kuo • 40783 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Story Gratitude
  1. The author found support and strength from the online community during a difficult time of grief and loss.
  2. Despite the sadness and challenges, the author decided to adopt a new puppy named Windsor to start a new chapter in life.
  3. The author still cherishes the memory of their late dog Hudson and feels her presence in starting this new journey.

Silence of the heart

Silentium • 439 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Mindfulness Silence Inner peace Spiritual Practices
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and understanding. Taking time to be quiet helps us connect with our feelings.
  2. Embracing moments of silence allows us to find peace and clarity in our busy lives. It lets us step back and appreciate our thoughts.
  3. Listening to our inner voice in silence can lead to personal growth and insight. It encourages us to think deeply about our experiences and beliefs.

Humanity Must Awaken From The Dream Of Separation

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2239 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Enlightenment Compassion Personal Growth Philosophy
  1. Many people think they are separate from others and the world, which causes a lot of suffering. We feel this even though our true nature isn't separate; it's just a belief we hold.
  2. We create problems as a society because we compete instead of collaborate. This competition leads to issues like poverty and war.
  3. If humanity can realize that we are not separate, we can work together and solve many of our biggest challenges. This realization has the potential to change everything for the better.

Does the West Need a Religious Revival? Join Us for Our Next Live Debate.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1187 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Debates Cultural Issues Society Mental health
  1. The West is facing issues like low marriage and birth rates, more depression and loneliness, and a general sense of unhappiness. Many believe this might be linked to a decline in traditional religion.
  2. FDR's four fundamental freedoms, including freedom of worship, are currently challenged by new societal problems like technology and economic inequality.
  3. A debate is happening about whether a return to religion could help with the current crisis of meaning, highlighting differing views on modern secularism versus traditional belief systems.

Conclave and the Antichrist

Kvetch • 84 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Religion Philosophy Ethics Culture
  1. One possible twist in the story is seeing the humble Cardinal become the ruthless manipulator behind the scenes, raising questions about the hidden ambitions of those in power.
  2. The election of Cardinal Benitez can be viewed as a moment of peace, but it symbolizes a deeper danger, suggesting that even peace can be used to mask destructive intentions.
  3. The film highlights a divided Church, where leaders are more focused on personal ambitions rather than uniting against external threats, showcasing how a lack of common ground can lead to vulnerability.

The Voivode's Mosque

The Abbey of Misrule • 272 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Orthodoxy Culture Architecture Heritage
  1. Romania has a rich Christian heritage that is still vibrant today. It's interesting to see how it differs from Western Christian practices and cultures.
  2. The Voivode's Mosque in Romania blends Orthodox Christian and Middle Eastern architectural styles. This shows the historical influence of different cultures on Romanian buildings.
  3. There are fascinating stories behind the construction of Romanian churches, like the one involving the architect who sacrificed his wife. These tales add a unique layer to the history of the buildings.

But desiring to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Philosophy bear • 328 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Christianity Ethics Charity Morality
  1. The Ordo Amoris suggests that love should prioritize those closest to us, like family, but this shouldn't justify neglecting others in need. We should still care for people outside our immediate circle.
  2. Christian teachings emphasize not just caring for our families, but also extending help universally, as true charity goes beyond just those we know or love.
  3. Arguments against charity often come from a misunderstanding of property rights; in reality, failing to help the needy can be seen as stealing from them, as the resources we have are meant to be shared.

How do I pray?

Silentium • 519 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Prayer Meditation Silence Spiritual growth Reflection
  1. Prayer can be a moment of silence and reflection. It's a chance to pause and connect with your feelings.
  2. Practicing prayer is personal and can look different for everyone. There’s no right or wrong way to approach it.
  3. Creating a quiet space for prayer can help enhance the experience. Finding a calm environment makes it easier to focus.

The Probability of God

Fake Noûs • 200 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Religion
  1. The existence of God is debated, especially around traditional views of a perfect being like an all-knowing, all-powerful entity. Many people question if such a being can even exist at all.
  2. There are arguments that challenge the idea of an all-powerful God, like how can someone be truly powerful if they can’t do everything or know everything. This raises doubts about the traditional definition of God.
  3. Determining how likely it is that God exists is tricky. People often struggle to assign initial probabilities to such beliefs before looking at evidence.

An Atheist Grief Observed

Skeptic • 65 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Atheism Grief Religion Mental health Philosophy
  1. Loss can be incredibly overwhelming, and sometimes it can lead to devastating consequences like suicide. The experience of losing a home and a loved one at the same time can multiply the grief.
  2. Being an atheist can change how one processes grief. Without a belief in a higher power, there can be less internal conflict and blame, allowing for a more straightforward acceptance of loss.
  3. Compassion and support from friends and family can help during difficult times. Even in the face of tragedy, the kindness of others can soften the experience of loss.

My Spiritual Evolution

Tao Lin • 679 implied HN points • 25 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual growth Religious Studies Cultural perspectives
  1. Materialism is a viewpoint that says only physical things exist and this idea has become quite common, often dismissing spiritual beliefs as outdated or silly.
  2. The author describes a childhood filled with fear of death, shaped by their family's materialist beliefs and a lack of spiritual discussions.
  3. After experiencing personal struggles and exploring altered states of consciousness, the author began to believe in a spiritual reality beyond physical existence.

Cairo Smith

Patti Smith • 28342 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Death Companionship Legacy Connection Love
  1. Cairo Smith was a unique and special cat who lived to nearly 22 years, showing unwavering love and courage.
  2. Cairo had a deep bond with Patti Smith, being her guardian, friend, and companion throughout their time together.
  3. Cairo's gentle and loving nature touched the lives of many, bringing comfort, affection, and joy to those around her.

Days of Awe

davidabell • 257 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Philosophy Science Mysticism
  1. Many people today struggle to feel awe due to busy lives and technology that makes us feel in control. It’s important to take moments to reflect and appreciate the greater universe around us.
  2. Science has revealed how vast and complex the universe is, but this should inspire awe rather than diminish it. We still have much to learn about the world, and the mysteries of nature can be humbling.
  3. There is a balance between questioning everything and accepting that some things are beyond our understanding. Accepting our limits and feeling awe can lead to a deeper appreciation of life.

God's Gardeners

The Abbey of Misrule • 228 implied HN points • 25 May 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Nature Eastern philosophy
  1. Eastern and Western Christian traditions view nature differently, and we can learn from these perspectives. Understanding these differences can help us better connect with the environment.
  2. As climate change and pollution impact our world, Christians are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with nature. It’s important to consider how faith influences our actions towards the environment.
  3. The talk explored how Christians can engage positively with the wild and green aspects of creation. Embracing nature might lead to more sustainable practices and a healthier planet.

Defending the Trinity

What Is Called Thinking? • 56 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Theology Existentialism Mysticism
  1. Memory, imagination, and identity shape how we experience time. They show us that our past influences our present actions and future hopes.
  2. Understanding ourselves and the world is a journey through our relationships and experiences. We are like bridges between our inherited meanings and our future choices.
  3. Philosophers like Augustine and Heidegger teach us that our identity is not fixed. It evolves as we navigate time and interpret our lives, making each moment meaningful.

A morning message

Patti Smith • 19458 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Loss Comfort Journey
  1. The author shares thoughts and emotions on a chilly autumn morning.
  2. The author reminisces about a beloved companion, Cairo, who has passed away.
  3. The author will continue to write and travel, sharing personal reflections along the way.