Category: Culture
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Theological Ethics and Self-Help Books
Read more: Theological Ethics and Self-Help BooksIf I have learned anything from my four years at university, it would be that most things which are written and published are merely variations on pure BS. I use a scale of BS in cultural criticism that ranges from Pure BS (10) to Moderate BS (5) to Tactful BS (1). The higher something falls on…
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My Dear Wormwood
Read more: My Dear WormwoodDear Wormwood, Seeing as your Uncle Screwtape is busy after being promoted to a particular world leader, he has handed you over to me. Now, my dear Wormwood, I see that the possibility of a human war, and all that leads up to it, has enticed you. It is of vital importance to your mission…
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Evangelicals, Ex-vangelicals, Christians: A Lenten Reflection on the Politics of the Cross
Read more: Evangelicals, Ex-vangelicals, Christians: A Lenten Reflection on the Politics of the CrossI follow Paul, I follow Peter, I follow Apollos, I follow Christ. So Paul famously describes the leader-based factions developing in the Corinthian church. Like many of you, I like to think that if I were there, I would be in that Group 4 that says, “I follow Christ.” Maybe Group 4 was earnest, maybe…
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Fruit of Lips
Read more: Fruit of LipsEugen Rosenstock-Huessy’s Fruit of Lips is biblical theology done in the mode of T.S. Eliot. The Four Quartets is the only thing like it that I have read. The title comes from the promise in Isaiah 57.19, “I create the fruit of lips,” and its fulfillment in ecclesial life in Hebrews 13.15, “Through Jesus, let us continually…
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Manchester Honours Alan Turing
Read more: Manchester Honours Alan TuringAlan Turing (1912–1954) is kind of a big deal around Manchester, especially at the University. Whenever I have guests visiting me here, I always make it a point to tell them about Alan Turing and to show them some his old office on campus. I’ll give a (very) brief bio about Alan Turing before mentioning…
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When the Bad Guy Gets It Right: Reflections on ‘Black Panther’
Read more: When the Bad Guy Gets It Right: Reflections on ‘Black Panther’(Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t seen Black Panther, this post definitely has some spoilers.) In most movies, bad guys aren’t usually right. Especially in superhero movies, the hero always prevails against the very evil villain. The theme of good vs. evil is one that resonates with us, because we want to see the good guy…
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Is Lent Really Worth It?
Read more: Is Lent Really Worth It?Part of what comes with moving across the world is the acquiring of new traditions. For instance, just as the language is slightly different, so are the holidays. There is certainly no Independence Day on 4th of July, but England does have its own “Bonfire Night” or “Guy Fawkes day” which conversely memorializes the failure…
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23andMeandGod
Read more: 23andMeandGodI’m not sure about you, but I’m not a fan of holiday shopping. I either do it early in-person or do it all online. When I do give gifts, I can tell the recipients that I’ve been planning all year! In all honesty, it’s somewhat true because in my mind, a snapshot of previous year’s…
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‘Thoughts and Prayers’ without Works is Dead
Read more: ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ without Works is DeadLet the one who has ears to hear, hear; and the one who has the power to act, act. What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say ‘thoughts and prayers’ but do not have works? Can ‘thoughts and prayers’ save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of…
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How to Succeed After College
Read more: How to Succeed After CollegeThree years ago today, I envisioned that 2018 would consist of finishing a Master’s degree and beginning a Ph.D. program in Theology and Christian Ethics en route to becoming a professor of Christian Ethics at a prestigious university’s divinity school. Two months ago, I envisioned that 2018 and the few years following would consist of a…