WINGED WORDS WEEKLY
Compiled & Edited by Rob Chappell
(@RHCLambengolmo)
Editorial Associate: Sabrina Saelind
Editorial Assistant: Jessica Breckinridge
Vol. 3, No. 38: Week of July 31, 2024
July Theme: Science & Spirituality
Episode #4: In Conclusion
Editor’s Note
During the month
of July, our blog’s focus has been on science and spirituality – two spheres of
human experience that have often been at odds over the centuries. And yet, as
our esteemed authors have reminded us this month, these two areas of our lives
overlap quite a bit, and they have the potential to enrich our world all the
more as they begin to reconverge after a long time apart.
This week, we
conclude our reflections with a healthy mix of poetry and prose to celebrate
harmony and convergence between science and spirituality.
“A Worldview in a Haiku”
By Lauren Matthias, Staff Writer
Science and Spirit,
Two sides of the same coin;
Harmony found within.
Author’s Note: The main idea is that science and spirituality are not mutually
exclusive, but rather, they can coexist and even complement each other!
“Omnism: A Universal Philosophy of Religion”
By Viviana Rivera, Staff Writer
Omnism is a
fascinating and relatively unknown religious philosophy that values all
religions as having equal worth and sees all religious paths as part of the
same whole. It recognizes the shared wisdom and beauty found in the teachings
of Jesus, Rumi, Buddha, and Lao Tzu, among countless others.
The term “Omnism”
comes from the Latin word “omne,” meaning “all.” Therefore, an Omnist believes
in the truth and validity of all faiths and creeds, recognizing the
interconnectedness and universality of spiritual truth across all religions and
cultures.
Omnists recognize
that each faith has valuable lessons to offer and that no single religion holds
all the answers to life's mysteries. They believe that there is truth and
wisdom to be found in all paths and that these paths ultimately lead to the
same ultimate destination, which can be called God, the Tao, or whatever else
one chooses to name it.
Omnism is not
confined to a set of beliefs or practices but encourages followers to draw from
and appreciate the wisdom of multiple faiths. In essence, an omnist sees the
world's religions as facets of the same jewel, each reflecting one aspect of
the truth.
Practicing as an Omnist
often involves exploring different faith traditions and synthesizing what
resonates with one's own spiritual journey. An Omnist may, for example,
incorporate prayers from Christianity, meditation practices from Buddhism, and
mindfulness rituals from Native American spirituality, creating a unique
personal belief system that blends elements from various sources.
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Omnism's openness
to diversity and its rejection of religious dogma often lead to a higher degree
of tolerance and acceptance of others. By recognizing and valuing all faith
systems, an Omnist embraces the rich cultural and spiritual plurality of our
existence. In doing so, they become a part of a broader movement of interfaith
understanding and cooperation, working together to create a more harmonious and
peaceful world.
Omnism's inclusive
and flexible nature also allows it to adapt to the changing needs and
situations of the individual. As the world and our understanding of it evolve,
an Omnist can embrace new insights and philosophies, knowing that they do not
have to discard what came before but build upon it. This ever-expanding and
growing worldview reflects the true meaning of spiritual evolution and
adaptation.
In many ways, the
practice of Omnism can be seen as a spiritual journey toward a deeper
understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. It invites us to look
past the superficial and dogmatic differences between religions and to
recognize the universality of truth and wisdom found in each. In doing so, we
can begin to realize that we are all part of the same divine journey, walking
different paths but ultimately heading in the same direction.
In a world where
religious strife and discord seem to be rampant, the philosophy of Omnism
offers a unifying beacon of hope. By recognizing and celebrating the spiritual
truth in all belief systems, an Omnist can help bridge the divisions between
people and work towards a world of understanding, acceptance, and love.
Therefore, as we move forward on our spiritual journey, let us remember the
wisdom found in all religions and work together to create a more harmonious and
unified existence.
"Interfaith Bridges: Connecting in Unity and
Kindness"
By Claudia Vesper, Staff Writer
In the family of faiths we stand,
Interfaith bridges of understanding
Connect us with ties that bind,
Respect and love in our hearts entwined.
All paths leading to truth's embrace,
The light of wisdom on each place.
In diversity, unity we find,
A global community of kind.
“The Gorgonopsids:
Prehistoric Predators of the Permian Age”
By Audrey Palmer, Staff Writer
Gorgonopsia is an
extinct order of temnospondyl amphibians that lived during the Late
Carboniferous and Early Permian periods, approximately 300-250 million years
ago. These ancient creatures were carnivorous, possessing sharp teeth and
powerful jaws that allowed them to catch and kill their prey. They are known
for their unusual skull shape, which resembled a snake or gorgon’s head, hence
their name.
Gorgonopsids were
among the largest terrestrial vertebrates of their time, measuring up to 12
feet in length. They had short, robust limbs and a long, slender body. They are
considered predecessors to mammals and can be seen as a transitional stage
between reptiles and mammals.
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Gorgonopsids were
once believed to be the apex predators of their time, but recent fossil
discoveries suggest that they might have been outcompeted by other carnivorous
amphibians such as the seymouriamorphs. However, they are still considered to
be one of the most successful and diverse groups of temnospondyl amphibians.
There are several
different species of gorgonopsids that have been discovered, each with their
own unique characteristics and adaptations. One of the most well-known species
is Dimetrodon, which is characterized by its sail-like structure on its back.
This sail is thought to have been used for thermoregulation, allowing the
animal to maintain a stable body temperature in its warm, tropical environment.
Gorgonopsids went
extinct at the end of the Permian period, around 250 million years ago, when a
mass extinction event wiped out the majority of species living on Earth. This
event is often referred to as the “Great Dying,” and it's thought to have been
caused by a combination of volcanic activity and climate change.
Since their
extinction, gorgonopsids have been a source of fascination for scientists and
amateur enthusiasts alike. Their unusual appearance and intriguing features
have made them the focus of many popular culture depictions, including movies,
books, games, and TV shows.
Gorgonopsids are
just one example of the many fascinating creatures that have roamed the Earth
throughout its history. They remind us of the wonders of science and the beauty
of nature. Discoveries like these fill us with awe and wonder, and lead us to
thanksgiving for the diversity of life on our planet. Science and spirituality
intertwine in the study of our world, and together they inspire us to be
stewards of the planet and live in harmony with the forces of nature.
Ivy Elwanda (pictured here), a paleontologist and
paleo-artist, created a painting of a Gorgonopsid to accompany this article by
her cousin, Audrey Palmer. (Image Credit: Digital artwork created by the
Editor.)
“Science and Spirit”
By Kendall Alverna, Staff Writer
In the vast, complex universe,
Where science and spirit both reside,
Harmony reigns, a glorious tune,
Where each unveils the other's prize.
No longer in oppositional stance,
But in synergistic dance,
Science and spirit embrace,
Revealing greater depths and expanse.
“Some Concluding Thoughts on Science &
Spirituality”
By Penelope Harmon, Staff Writer
Science and
spirituality often appear to be opposing forces, but in reality, they
complement each other rather than contradict. While science provides us with a
rational understanding of the material world, spirituality explores the
intangible realms of inner peace, compassion, and transcendence. When science
and spirituality are brought together, they can help us lead more balanced,
fulfilling lives, giving us a deeper awareness of the interconnectedness of all
things.
Weekly Words of Wisdom
By Viviana Rivera, Staff Writer
The concept of
interconnectedness in science and spirituality suggests that everything in the
universe is intimately connected. This idea can be seen in quantum physics
through the concept of “spooky action at a distance.” In spirituality, this
interconnectedness can be seen in the idea that we are all part of a larger
whole, intimately connected to each other and the universe itself. This idea
can inspire us to cultivate a sense of compassion and care for all beings, as we
realize that our actions ripple out into the world and impact others in
profound ways.
Heraclitus of Ephesus (ca.
535-475 BCE, pictured above) observed: “One who hears not me but the Logos will
say: ‘All is one.’” (Image Credit: Detail from Raphael’s The School of
Athens – Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons)
Stoic Proverb of the Week
Contributed by Amy Kendrick, Staff Writer
For this week's quote, I have
chosen Epictetus' quote, "If you wish to measure your progress, do not
count the days, but instead count your virtues."
Epictetus was a former slave
turned Stoic teacher, and he believed that we should not measure our progress
in life by counting our days, like years, months, weeks, or even days. Instead,
he suggested that the best way to measure our progress is by identifying and
cultivating our virtues.
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