Several stories about traveling to Mars came my way from multiple sources; with all that is going on here on Earth, maybe everyone is thinking about getting away. Also, a new round of mission simulations is beginning, to answer questions about whether humans have the right stuff for the long voyage and relatively isolated experience on-planet. Some concerns are physiological, while others are psychological and sociological -- will the minimal human contact drive the astronauts mad, and will they get on each others' … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Mission to Malacandra
monasticism
Christian Devotional Classics: Spiritual Friendship
Aelred of Rievaulx (1110 – 1167) on Spiritual Friendship St. Aelred of Rievaulx (1110-1167) was a twelfth-century Cistercian abbot and well-known spiritual writer, whose treatise "Spiritual Friendship," is widely considered a classic of Christian spirituality. Inspired by Roman statesman and orator Marcus Tullius Cicero's philosophical dialogue, "On Friendship," Aelred approaches his subject from a decidedly religious standpoint, examining both the theoretical and practical aspects of friendship in the light of … [Read more...] about Christian Devotional Classics: Spiritual Friendship
Christian Devotional Classics: The Rule of St. Benedict
If time permits, I offer to you The Holy Rule of Saint Benedict for your consideration on this day of rest and through the coming week. Note: As the Christian Devotional Classics series builds chronologically, be sure you have at least given the first part of Thomas Merton & the Desert Fathers a look before reading further. Also, you may have interest in exploring the larger question of What is a Christian Devotional Classic? Finally, as I have already mentioned, please share your insights so that we can improve … [Read more...] about Christian Devotional Classics: The Rule of St. Benedict