AMTIFY™

  ≈≈  In Today’s World, What is the Role of Religion?  ≈≈ -  Dangerous topic? Let’s see. - If you look at the percentage of wars throughout history fought primarily over religion, the number is surprisingly low, about 7%. That’s not to say religion hasn’t been used as a pretense, or that it isn’t deeply intertwined with ethnic identity, nationalism, or power. Who’s right, who’s wrong, whose G-d is the real one, if there is one at all. Religion is woven into our culture , politics, family, and identity, so it’s impossible to fully separate it from how we interact with one another. But, in the final analysis, religion is statistically far from the predominant driver of conflict. Up front: I’m a devout atheist. That puts me in a mixed marriage, as my wife is solidly Jewish. And yes, as they say, some of my best friends are of different faiths (although some may deny the “best” part, some even the friend’s part). They pray differently, believe differently, and even p...

Thursday’s Thoughts – Background and Residual Nuance ~Six Quotes~ “It’s a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy.”  Lucille Ball. For younger readers, Lucille Ball was the 1940s–50s Beyoncé. Smart, fearless, wildly talented actor, entertainer and   businessperson. Women weren’t supposed to own much of anything in Hollywood, Lucy owned a movie studio. She got there because she was hell bent on doing what made her happy and the obstacles of her era were just part of the journey. That quote of hers has always stuck with me, and it was one of the earliest Thoughts I sent to my granddaughter. Years ago, when she started high school, I inadvertently started a tradition. No master plan. No long-term intent. I just knew high school was stressful, confusing, and loud, and I wanted to put some stuff out there for her to think about. A little perspective, some diversion, a little guidance, and, TBH, a little staying connected. So, every week, I sent her an ema...