Category Archives: Exploration of the Self

Merton Week: As if I were a different kind of being

Who can escape the secret desire to breathe a different atmosphere from the rest of men? • • • And now I am thinking of the disease which is spiritual pride. I am thinking of the peculiar unreality that gets into the hearts of the saints and eats their sanctity away before it is mature.Continue reading “Merton Week: As if I were a different kind of being”

Another Look: From a “Separatists Anonymous” meeting

Hi, my name is Mike, and I am a recovering separatist. [Hi, Mike!] My separatist life started when I had a spiritual awakening at the end of my senior year in high school. That “conversion” was to me like rounding a bend in the highway and driving straight into a blinding sun so bright that it washed outContinue reading “Another Look: From a “Separatists Anonymous” meeting”

Clinical Depression vs. the Rich Tapestry of Human Experience

Yesterday’s comments prompted me to do some thinking, especially about one of the questions — “Does depression ever have a useful purpose?” My first inclination is to say, “No,” at least when we are speaking of clinical depression. There are different types of clinically diagnosed depression, and they all represent organic ailments that can disrupt life and leadContinue reading “Clinical Depression vs. the Rich Tapestry of Human Experience”

Another Look: Depression, the Bible, and the Perils of Being Too Spiritual

Originally posted in 2011. The other day I was reading a blog that will remain unnamed. I’m not interested in interacting personally with the author or “answering” his post. I simply want to use his take on a particular subject as an illustration to make a point here today. That point is: The Bible simply does not speakContinue reading “Another Look: Depression, the Bible, and the Perils of Being Too Spiritual”

Fridays with Michael Spencer: October 21, 2011

In Screwtape Letter 10, the senior tempter reminds Wormwood that, as much as possible, he should strive to have his patient lead two completely separate and parallel lives. It’s basic demonic advice, and few of us would need much explanation. Someone ought to add that’s there’s no good reason to stop at two separate lives. Three, four,Continue reading “Fridays with Michael Spencer: October 21, 2011”

Threescore and ? — Beginning the last lap

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. • Psalm 90:10, KJV • • • Well, I’ve gone and done it. Used up my threescore. TodayContinue reading “Threescore and ? — Beginning the last lap”

Best of Michael Spencer: Death – The Road that Must Be Traveled

Note from CM: Michael died on this day six years ago. O Lord, the God of mercies,  grant unto the souls of Thy servants, the anniversary day of whose death we are keeping,  a place of solace,  of peaceful rest,  of glorious light. Through Christ our Lord, Amen. • • • Death: The Road that Must Be Traveled  For this boy,Continue reading “Best of Michael Spencer: Death – The Road that Must Be Traveled”

Another Look: Depression and Delight

Note from CM: I’ve been in a funk for several weeks now. Functioning okay, but with little enthusiasm or joy. I needed to read this post I wrote back in 2012. I may need it again tomorrow, and the next day . . . • • • The opposite of depression is delight, being spontaneouslyContinue reading “Another Look: Depression and Delight”