The idea that God created human beings in his image with certain capacities and an element of eternity in our hearts (a spark of the divine, if you will) can explain why almost all peoples and civilizations look for meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life through things such as community, the virtues, self-reflection, deep thought, personal achievement and expression, and various forms of spirituality. That every person is the embodiment of an idea in the mind of God gives rise to the notion that there is something within all of us and all cultures that contain elements of an original truth or sets of true things that can be shared. And this is why it is so important to work at humbly listening to and learning from everyone including and perhaps even especially those from different backgrounds, ethnicities, eras, belief systems, cultures, etc. since their perspectives can help sharpen ours.

In this episode I share some helpful insights I have gleaned from The Book of Five Rings written in the 17th century by Miyamoto Musashi, a Japanese swordsman, philosopher, and strategist. I found it fascinating how many of his thoughts track well with and at times compliment those that align with my Christian worldview.

Attributions:

"Friendless" by Oklou.

https://soundcloud.com/oklou93

https://oklou.bandcamp.com

"Nycterine" by Echo Grid.

https://soundcloud.com/echogridmusic

https://echogrid.bandcamp.com