The human face is a jumbled mishmash of sensory organs, but it can also be quite pleasant to look at, and can communicate in ways beyond words. Much of our communication today is faceless and voiceless, like text messages and email, and the lack of tone and expression can make it harder to understand what … Continue reading Your Smiling Face

Before there was Netflix, there was the Eclipse, a light-show in the sky that inspired great feats of human imagination and storytelling. As the solar eclipse approaches, we’ll be exploring the significance of eclipses in world religions and mythologies. john (the lower case is intentional) is a frequent guest preacher at UU Amherst. Heteaches classes … Continue reading Eclipse

We’ve all heard about the serpent in the Bible, but who are some other prominent snakes in world mythologies? And despite this creature’s bad reputation, can it also be a sign of life and peace?john (the lower case is intentional) is a frequent guest preacher at UU Amherst. He teaches classes in religion at Canisius, … Continue reading Here Be Dragons

Winter has come and the birds are heading south. We’ll examine some religious beliefs about our fine feathered friends, and look forward to their return in spring. john Snodgrass teaches religion courses at Canisius University, and has written numerous books including “Supernatural Shakespeare” and the sci-fi comedy novel Thirteenth Moon. He lives in Buffalo with … Continue reading “For the Birds”

If the Snake in Eden wasn’t Satan, then who was it? Where else in the Bible do we find other fantastical snake fables, and how do serpents continue to play an important role in some faiths? john Snodgrass teaches religion courses at Canisius College, and has written numerous books including “Supernatural Shakespeare” and the sci-fi … Continue reading Great Snakes!

Is there a rabbit on the moon? And if so, how did it get there? A surprising number of religions share the belief in bunnies as symbols of generosity, trickery, and creativity. And some say they can see a rabbit on the surface of the moon.john Snodgrass teaches religion courses at Canisius College, and has … Continue reading “The Rabbit on the Moon”

In the modern world, the word “Medicine” generally means synthesized chemical pills with Greek names in plastic bottles. But indigenous cultures use the word “Medicine” more broadly, it can mean a song, a story, an embrace, or a spiritual gathering. We’ll look at some of the ways in which a ritual can be medicinal.j. Snodgrass … Continue reading Good Medicine

As maple sap rises in late winter, we’ll explore some indigenous traditions about trees and maple syrup. john Snodgrass teaches Religious Studies at Canisius College, and he is the author of numerous books including “Sun Dance: Plains Life in Balance” and “Jolly Holidays.” He lives in Buffalo with his bride and their four children. On … Continue reading “Thanks to the Maple”

A look at sacred cows in Viking myth, Hindu Religion, and the American midwest.john Snodgrass teaches Religious Studies at Canisius College, and he is the author of numerous books including “Sun Dance: Plains Life in Balance” and “Jolly Holidays.” He lives in Buffalo with his bride and their four children.

When the Indigenous Peoples of Western New York celebrate the Midwinter festival, the gathering begins with a communal thanksgiving to the elements and forces of nature that support life on earth.John Snodgrass teaches Religious Studies at Canisius College, and he is the author of numerous books including “Sun Dance: Plains Life in Balance” and “Jolly … Continue reading The Words That Come Before All