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Speaking of Noah

There is nothing that intersects Church and Culture as much as a Hollywood portrayal of a beloved Bible story. The reactions to the recently released Paramount Pictures film Noah has continued to prove this true. Upon hearing of the proposed production of the film many Christians preemptively began to be suspicious, simultaneously anticipating itsContinue reading “Speaking of Noah”

The Hapless Nihil

Those moments when you want to write, but feel lost in the sea of your own non ideas…As if every ounce of inspiration has been siphoned from your soul leaving you with nothing but a hollow spirit with clanging walls and cold diameters. And this is the nothing that is everything…the nothing that so stigmatizesContinue reading “The Hapless Nihil”

Antiques and the Refuse of Capitalism

A serene sense of dread floods my mind when I peruse the garbage dumps of late capitalism: antique stores. While many folks peruse the aisle and “booths” of a bygone era and admire the musty, dusty, smell, all I see is a bunch of old stuff that no one else wants…not even the owners ofContinue reading “Antiques and the Refuse of Capitalism”

When Writing is Impossible

Words, like statuesque monuments of brick and mortar foreclosed by economic eras past, struggle in vain to rise out of the rubble of their origins…stretching to the surface to breath, like Pauline prayers of souls that can only speak with moans. Recently, I have found that it is difficult to write, difficult to even produceContinue reading “When Writing is Impossible”

Be Free in Christ, Ditch the Rules

“One thing, and only one thing, is necessary for Christian life, righteousness, and freedom. That one thing is the most holy Word of God, the gospel of Christ.” –Luther And Jesus said to the masses, “Come to me all ye who are weary and heavy laden…and be introduced to my list of rules.” (Matthew 11.28)Continue reading “Be Free in Christ, Ditch the Rules”

Shiny New Humans: A Story & Theology of Personhood

The walls to the lunchroom were tattered and torn. It gave the feel of a war zone; it was. Just not the kind most people imagine. Floor tiles along the corridor were chipped and worn. The smell of paint filled the air, as if chemical warfare was present and I would stumble into a trenchContinue reading “Shiny New Humans: A Story & Theology of Personhood”

Jesus is NOT the “reason for the season”

First, there is Christmas… Then, there is farce… The subtle denial of a Holy-day that is held delicately in the balance of adoration and consumption, with the latter giving way to our actions while the former is trapped in our sensibilities. Our very way of celebrating it dialectically usurping its truest image. As weContinue reading “Jesus is NOT the “reason for the season””

Advent Sermon: God Comes into the Lights of Evil

Did you see it? Did you see them? All around us, in the darkness, there are lanterns. Lanterns in the darkness that surround us. We peer into the darkness, squinting our eyes, attempting to make out a shape or hear a sound. We peer into the darkness trying to see who’s there. We peer intoContinue reading “Advent Sermon: God Comes into the Lights of Evil”

Why You should Love Antiquarian Books

A prerequisite to loving old books is, of course, an enjoyment for reading. One can appreciate old books, collect old books, and admire the architecture of their spines and ornate cover designs without reading. But this is to love the value of the books or their aesthetic appeal. This is not the same as lovingContinue reading “Why You should Love Antiquarian Books”

Go and Sin…Bravely

As I prepared for seminary after finishing my bachelor’s degree, a well-respected and articulate professor of mine said, “Go to seminary, study hard, but have fun. Theology is pointless if you’re not having fun.” I’d like to think what I have done since then has been a quest in having fun…and reading Sin Bravely hasContinue reading “Go and Sin…Bravely”