Chris Dierkes
I was raised in the US and now live in Canada (having emigrated in via marriage to my beautiful wife). I’m 31 years of age and a Christian (Anglican) priest. I hold a Master’s Degree in Divinity (MDiv).
Though I am a Christian and that lens ultimately is the one through which I see the world, I spent a number of years studying and practicing various practices from many of the world’s great religious traditions. I’ve written and thought a great deal about the relationship between religion, society, and politics in the contemporary world.
In the great debate between secularism and religion (as it is commonly understood and practiced) in our day and age, I feel like Leslie Nielsen’s Dr. Rummack in Airplane! When told that the passengers had the choice between fish and steak as their on-flight meal, Rummack responds, “Oh yes, I remember I had the lasagna.”
The fish of secularism and the steak of common religion will not do. Only the lasagna of post-postmodern religion will satiate. I hope you like Italian.
Get to Know a Deity: Shamash Edition
Get to know, Shamash, ancient Mesopotamian god of justice and the sun.
Sacred Sundays: Poem by Dogen
A poem by the great Zen master Dogen.
Happy St. Valentine's Day?
Today we remember people murdered for their religious beliefs by giving out candies and Hallmark cards...WTF? A meditation on love as martrydom.
Louis CK On the Nature of God
Louis CK on the nature of God as a s#@!ty girlfriend.
Art Contemplation: Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera's figure symoblizing the African race.
Saturday Night Jukebox: Songs of the Apocalypse
You've heard of songs of Freedom but what about songs of the Apocalypse? The Jukebox takes you there.
Sermon: The Real Meaning and Practice of The Apocalypse
A sermon on the apocalypse in a way you've never thought of it before.
Unique Self, Authentic Self, and The Flavor of Embodied Enlightenment
A comparison of the teachings of Marc Gafni and Andrew Cohen on the question of personality (or lack thereof) in the spiritual life.
Sacred Sundays: Jean de Caussade Godfather of the Creative Impulse
A look at Fr. Jean Pierre de Caussade's pioneering work on the creative impulse.
Logging On To the Cosmic Internet: Thomas Hübl on Creative Genius
A reflection on Thomas Hübl's teaching on hearing the call of the future and embodying our highest potentials.
Thomas Hübl: Downloading the Future
An interview with spiritual teacher Thomas Hübl on the nature of creativity and its role in the spiritual life.
Transcending and Including the College Bowl System
Why the beloved bowl system of my youth has been destroyed and it's time to have a college playoff system.
Reply to Gail Re: Xmas
A reply to some good questions from Sr. Gail on Christmas.
Art Contemplation: The Nativity
The Nativity by Albrecht Durer.
Why I Hate Christmas
A priest rants about his hatred of this supposedly holly jolly season.
Saturday Night Jukebox: I Hate Christmas
A few songs to rightly mock the fake commercialized crapola that is the Christmas season.
3 Books That Have Influenced You
A three books that have influenced me thread.
Mitt Romney: The First Post-Ideological Candidate?
A look at how Mitt Romney may be the first completely post-ideological candidate for President.
Sacred Sunday: Centering Prayer
An introduction to the practice of Centering Prayer with Thomas Keating.
Against Getting Into The Body
On relating to and as the body rather getting into it.