2016
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Science, the Divine, and Holy Culture
At plot level, Orphan Black is dealing with high level themes of genetic modification, women’s bodies, and agency, with deeply empathic (female) characters. At a theological level, the relationships that develop among the clone “sisters” offer a secular and very… Continue reading
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The Binding of Isaac and a Call to Argue
What if we’re making the wrong assumption about the “testing” happening in the story of the binding of Isaac? What if the “testing” isn’t about Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, but is about his willingness to engage with God about… Continue reading
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White Supremacy and “the Ordinary Man:” Steve Bannon Is Not a “Populist”
Today The New York Times ran a story emblazoned with a headline that proclaimed Steve Bannon, the President-elect’s right hand man, a “populist.” A sub-heading near the end of the article adds detail to this portrait, describing him as one… Continue reading
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The Liberative Theology of Silence
I’ve recently been thinking about the connections between Gustavo Gutiérrez, the incomparable theologian who was integral to the development of liberation theology, and the novelist Shusako Endo. More particularly, I’m interested in the implications found in the connection between liberation… Continue reading
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From the Wells of Disappointment: Listening to Leonard Cohen at the End of the World
It seems fitting that Leonard Cohen—one of the world’s greatest lovers of beauty—slipped away the night before America’s grotesque election. Unfortunately for us, we are left to sort through the rubble with one fewer beautiful dreamer to call upon for… Continue reading
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There Is No Such Thing as “the White Working Class”
Why Donald Trump’s 2016 victory had nothing to do with “class.” Continue reading
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Initial Thoughts On the Impending Reality of a Donald Trump Presidency
The election has not been decided yet, although it looks as though Donald Trump will win. I offer the following thoughts, which I hope will not become reality. Some might say that this is the time for more caution and… Continue reading
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No, U.S.A., you are not the center of the world – let alone of the Kingdom.
I recently had an old friend from high school – one of my first evangelical childhood friends – comment on one of my election Facebook posts with the following: “the worst candidates we’ve ever had running…just shows where our country… Continue reading
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The Religion of America
“Ole Satan’s church is here below; Up to God’s free church I hope to go.” –Harriet Jacobs, Narrative of a Slave Girl, 1861 My research for my book project introduced me to the rich history of slave narratives, many of… Continue reading
