Articles written by Richard Harty

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About me - Richard Harty

You can read about me and my ideas at What is Spiritual?. A link to this blog is found in mylinks. I am a musician, film maker, and I work as a physical therapist.

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Religion & Spirituality > Self-Healing How to forgive and forget: 1 of 39
I think forgiveness is an extremely healing process. The definition of forgiveness that says it best for me is, "Giving up the need to punish." One does not need to forget to do that. I think it is important to remember life's lessons. I may forgive someone and let go of the emotional need to punish them or make them suffer,... More..
Sciences > Psychology Why people use drugs and alcohol as a means of escaping reality: 1 of 25
One of the models of addiction that has been helpful for me to understand why people use drugs or alcohol is often called the cycle of addiction. One starts this cycle feeling restless, irritable, and discontent. One then takes the drug or drinks alcohol and when this stops working emerges remorseful and makes a firm resolut... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Atheism & Agnosticism Reasons why atheism is actually a religion: 4 of 45
There is quite a difference between making the assertion that there is no God and stating that there is not enough evidence for a God. I don't know of any credible atheists that claim they have evidence for the idea there is no God. What I read is that they find no evidence to support the idea that there is a God as describe... More..
Arts & Humanities > British Authors Is J.K. Rowling turning the Harry Potter series into dark literature rather than youth literature?: 8 of 36
If we look at other authors that write what has been considered youth literature you will find similar themes. For example, in Mark Twain's books you will find murder and a number of scary and life threatening scenes. Many fairy tales have some rather dark antagonists. You have the big bad wolf who eats Grandma. And even the... More..
Sports & Recreation > Biking Stretching tips for cycling success: 4 of 17
Stretching properly before biking can significantly increase performance and prevent injury. When you don't stretch before going out to bike you end up creating resistance to your own movement. Shortened muscles are not able to perform at their full capacity and when they don't move freely the opposing muscles have to strain... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Political Values Art that mocks faith: Freedom of speech or slander?: 18 of 61
I have never heard of a drawing, sculpture, writing, painting, or piece of music killing anyone. If being offended is the worst thing that can happen from art, then I think we are pretty safe from harm. On the other hand one's faith can manipulate, brainwash, and motivate one to kill, torture, and mistreat those it considers... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Beliefs & Culture Who is Jesus and what does he mean to us: 13 of 41
I believe that a man called Jesus probably existed. I don't believe that the religion we call Christianity today reflects the original teachings of Jesus. I think that most Christians do not know how the modern religion of Christianity came into being. Jesus did not speak on many of the things that Christianity follows today... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Thoughts on God Does God exist?: 47 of 105
This question usually means, "Does the Christian God exist?" Do I believe that there are things beyond my understanding? Yes, of course. Does the fact that there are mysteries in the universe mean that the Christian God exists? Of course not. The Christian God has some very specific characteristics which have created some un... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Churches & Organizations The Book of Mormon: 14 of 28
The Book of Mormon is the story of various lost tribes of Jews coming to the American continents. They eventually split into two groups. Supposedly the good light skinned Nephites, who believed in Jesus, were wiped out by the bad dark skinned Lamanites, who rejected the teachings of Jesus, whose descendants are supposedly th... More..
Home & Garden > Home & Garden (Other) Granite fireplaces to enhance your home: 1 of 1
Choosing the look of your fireplace is a very individual decision. The fireplace is often a major feature of a room. Selecting the look and feel of the fireplace is important to the overall presentation of the room. The fireplace, in many homes, can serve an energy saving function if designed correctly. And today, with many ... More..