Cosmically Curious: Perceptions from a Speck Called Earth

Cosmically Curious can be a convincer for being very curious about everything. It can change ones views of existence, which can be fun, strange, or creepy. Len Jepson, a longtime pastor and lifelong philosopher, draws upon philosophies, theologies, and physics to reveal new curiosities about consciousness. He observes that if there is anything we feel with certainty, it is that the world we experience is real. Each morning we take for granted that the iPhone with the alarm set is real, because we can see, touch, and hear itand turn it off. We can climb into a vehicle and drive to work. We can observe the yellow arches of McDonalds still lighted in the predawn grayness and a myriad of lighted arch rivals. It seems without question that out there, around us, independent and apart from us, exists a physical world. But what if our assumptions are wrong? Join the author as he questions reality, explores unknowns, examines a spectrum of spirituality, and encourages everyone to be very curious.

Len Jepson sets the stage for peaceful, better lives with his improvisational personality. He develops and maintains relationships that are built on compassionate models that are supportive instead of competitive. In other words, improvisation is open to enjoy the treasures of diverse people and communities. Instead of looking out for ones own isolated beliefs or views, improvisation is a collaborative effort that delivers new life experiences for everyone. On an average day, social environments and relationships change hundreds of times, especially in recent times with our ever-increasing pluralistic cultures. Improvisational leadership responds to less-than-ideal considerations for peace and justice by introducing relaxed and open thinking, choosing to be optimistic by seeking creative possibilities. He is motivated with the improvisational model, the art of embracing the surprising instead of the expected results. This teaches how to take risks instead of being satisfied with the ways things are. Improvisation develops a contagious mind-set promoting curiosity with radical openness, flexibility, and the desire to build strong relationships, the building of bridges instead of barriers. His administrative disciplines for communities bring richer, clearer, and wider parameters. With his growing passion for ecumenical and then interreligious leadership, he was a Lutheran synodical representative in major local and national dialogues. He also served a blended Lutheran/Episcopal parish and taught world religions at Bellarmine University. Living on the border of Michigan and Indiana, called Michiana, Lens personality spills over and mixes with new friendships. People not only are brought to laughter with sermons filled with puns, but they become punsters as well; his office became known as the training room for kids, with a model railroad circling his desk. Lens improvisational resources were enhanced in 2008 as he studied emerging Christianity, which considers the dynamics of changing cultures. These travels included studies in Helsinki, Germany, and Hong Kong. Len and his wife, Linda, live in Mishawaka, Indiana. Their daughter and son-in-law, Abby and Mat Berry, live in Englewood, Colorado.