On the anniversary of September 11th and the global controversy surrounding the building of the mosque in New York, I'd like to respond with another excerpt from Thomas Moore's book, Meditations...

In an age of profound cultural transition, religion itself appears to be going through its own rite of passage. For some it is in a time of crisis, for others a period of vibrant change. I see religion moving toward a diminishing of dogma, authority, membership, and belief and an increase in everyday ritual, poetic theology, social engagement, guidance in comtemplation, care of the soul.

In this new setting monasticism, too, can become more than a spirit than an institution, one element among several in establishing a soul-centered life, and a style that invites beauty and culture into a life of pragmatism and efficiency.

- Thomas Moore, "Meditations: On the Monk Who Dwells in Daily Life"