Posts

How Religion Affects Inner Peace

Image
  Religion has always promised peace — peace with God, peace with others, peace within. Yet for many, it also stirs conflict: between belief and doubt, belonging and individuality, tradition and conscience. In 2026, that tension feels sharper than ever. Faith communities are splintered, doctrines debated, and spiritual seekers often stand at the crossroads between comfort and authenticity. Inner peace and religion are intertwined, but not identical. 1. Religion offers structure for peace Rituals, prayers, and sacred rhythms give the mind a place to rest. They remind us that life has order, meaning, and continuity. For many, this structure anchors the soul — a daily return to stillness amid chaos. Peace grows when the heart recognizes a pattern larger than itself. 2. Religion can also disturb peace When faith becomes fear — fear of punishment, exclusion, or error — the inner life contracts. Dogma can silence curiosity; judgment can replace compassion. Peace cannot coexist with anxie...
Post a Comment
Read more

Purgatory: What It Is—and What It Isn’t

Image
  Few ideas in Christianity are as misunderstood as purgatory. For some, it sounds like a second chance after death. For others, it sounds like a lesser version of hell. Neither is quite right. Purgatory is best understood as an answer to a very human problem: What happens if we belong to God—but are not yet fully ready to be in His presence? What Purgatory Is In the teaching of the Catholic Church , purgatory is: A state of purification For those who die in God’s grace But are not yet fully purified It is not a place where destinies are decided. That decision has already been made. Purgatory is not about whether you are saved. It is about being made ready for the fullness of that salvation. Who Goes to Purgatory? This is where clarity matters. Not all souls go to purgatory. Christian teaching distinguishes three broad possibilities after death: Immediate union with God (the “community of saints”) Some souls—those already fully purified—enter directly into heaven. T...
Post a Comment
Read more

From Deep Within (Dr. Susan Lewis) Selected as Category Finalist for Eric Hoffer Award

Image
  Congratulations to Susan Lewis for the selection of her book, From Deep Within, as a Category Finalist in this year's Eric Hoffer Award competition. Book Description: Criminals, innocent victims, perpetrators--all without a voice, driven by their demons to suffer a lifetime of serious mental illness-share their innermost secrets with the author, a clinical and forensic psychologist. Enter the dialogue: open to the first page. You won't stop reading! For more posts about Susan and her book, click HERE . To get the book at 25% discount, use code FF25 at MSI Press webstore . Want to buy this book and not have to pay for it? Ask your local library to purchase and shelve it. Sign up for the MSI Press LLC monthly newsletter (recent releases, sales/discounts, awards, reviews, Amazon top 100 list, author advice, and more -- stay up to date)   Follow MSI Press on Twitter , Face Book , and Instagram .   Interested in publishing with MSI Press LLC?  We help writers become aw...
Post a Comment
Read more