Background: In my first year of uni/college study, I was having a late night coffee with some fellow students and a professor, and the discussion became very thoughtful.  We were putting long hours into study, I think we all felt highly driven to pursue our goals. ...

Background: Many years ago, as a young man in a new church, I was in a group that was invited to offer consolation to a young mother.  She was looking for answers to why her baby, less than a year old, had just died. I listened to what the older, established members...

Background: There is a painting by the French artist Paul Gauguin which has the longest and most interesting title that I know of, consisting of three questions. The painting doesn't give any answers to those ultimate questions of life. But neither does our modern...