Rainn Wilson Gets Spiritual with Soul Pancake

Soul Pancake - From the get-go, I like the name of Rainn Wilson's adventure into cyber-spirituality. So what is it? According to the FAQ, Soul Pancake is in the business of making discussions of "Spirituality, Creativity, and Philosophy cool again." It is a place where users can "chew on life's big questions."

In order to be part of this spiritual experiment, you will need to register. Once you have selected the perfect user name, or the perfect user name1, you have access to all features of the website. Add as much or little personal information, including a photo, as you desire. Once in, you can start by asking a question that has been consuming you, browse other users' questions using a Google Map interface or browse questions posed by other users. As a geographer, my first venture into Soul Pancake is a click on 'The Questions Map'.

After zooming in and clicking on one of the numerous red baloons, my first question to answer is: "If you could spend one day with anyone, who would it be? A relative you never knew or one who was always nice to you! Some celebrity or even an athlete, Oprah Winfrey or a math geek! Excuse my horrible rhyming skills, I hope it doesn't give anyone the chills!" Not quite the heady spiritual discourse I am seeking. After not replying, I continue my search. Question number two, from another country: "The End of A Peaceful World? Recently I've been exposed to opinions of a Christian friend. Some people believe that Obama is against people that are Christian, and that he is going to drive the nation into Communism. People are also calling him an anti-Christ. I don't understand this. From what I know he is pro-change, and pro-equality, no matter anyone's race or religious background." Strike two on the spirituality front. Third time is a charm, right? Well, maybe not. Number three: "Can we prevent falling in love? It's something I feel I have been doing... even though the person right in front of me is perfect in so many ways..." O.K. so my quick trip to answer a spiritual question from the Questions Map leaves me wanting more.

Moving on to the 'Stuff to Chew' drop-down menu, I find a few choices. The first is 'Life's Big Questions.' There are some interesting videos and posts to ponder, even post a comment, but I continue onward. The 'Features' section is still in the development phase. 'Rainn Wilson's Metaphysical Milkshake' offers some interesting videos, including some clips featuring Weezer frontman, Rivers Cuomo. Next, I check out the 'Question Collective,' and think I have found what I am looking for, interesting discussions on spirituality, although there are some that do not fit this classification in my opinion. Finally, I take the leap and ask my own question. Now I will wait to see what the Internet masses have to say. You will have to visit Soul Pancake to try and find it. Use your Sherlock Holmes style detective work to see if you can find it.

Overall, I think this is a great concept. Kudos to Rainn Wilson for getting people talking about spirituality! The website is at the mercy of users, so let us hope it is a productive conversation, but knowing the Internet, I have my doubts. If you are looking for some answers, or wanting to sound off, I recommend you give it a quick look. Who knows, maybe it will help you to get in touch with your spiritual side.