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Humanism and the musical “Into the Woods”

A popular movie musical that has just come out is “Into the Woods” with lyrics by Steven Sondheim.  It is always good to see humanistic thoughts and values which are expressed by popular media that is outside the realm of the Humanist community. 

Part of the storyline tells of how a witch has taken a child, Rapunzel, and raised her as her own.  Rapunzel says to the witch who has raised her in isolation in her tower:

“I am no longer a child. I wish to see the world.” Read more about Humanism and the musical “Into the Woods” »

"Let It Go" – A Humanist’s Perspective

I don’t have children and so I only have heard “Let It Go”, from the movie “Frozen”, one time – when I saw the movie when it first came out.  However I have heard that others, especially parents, have heard the song so many times that they are actually sick of it.  I read an article the other day that the producer of the movie actually felt the need to apologize for the success of the song to the point where it has gone far beyond the amount of appreciable saturation by the normal adult. Read more about "Let It Go" – A Humanist’s Perspective »

Thoughts on what (progressive) religion might be doing to matter personally – and to meet the needs of future generations and our ailing planet

Where I am coming from

To be honest, I have become disenchanted with even modern progressive religion, including Unitarian Universlism. I hope the following provides some constructive perspective. These are my honest thoughts on the needed role of religion considering the state of my mind and of the planet. They might be considered radical or revolutionary. They might also be considered essential. Perhaps all three (my view). This is a shot at what it would take for religion to be a meaningful part of my life. Read more about Thoughts on what (progressive) religion might be doing to matter personally – and to meet the needs of future generations and our ailing planet »

Science of the Brain - Altruism

The Science of the Brain – the Amygdala

I have written in several blogs here about the amygdala – a part of the brain located in the experiential brain (as opposed to the rational brain in the frontal lobes).  The amygdala is the seat of certain emotions including what we have talked about for years as the “fight or flight” syndrome.  But with scientific tests of functional MRI’s (fMRIs), the amygdala is seen as the seat of many emotions and the function of empathy.  Read more about Science of the Brain - Altruism »

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