*As a major disclaimer: This post will be negatively critiquing the act of suicide. However, it in no way is meant to diminish or attack the individual character of those who struggle with it, have attempted it, have lost a loved one to it, or have actually committed it. I will be painting with a... Continue Reading →
An Arcane Christian Connection: Jinx, Silco, Love, & God
Warning: Massive Spoilers for the Netflix Series Arcane (Photo Credit: Riot Games, Netflix) In our current media saturated, entertainment driven culture, it is not always easy to find something that not only goes against the trope saturated grain of mediocrity, but that does so with dynamic visual story telling, diverse and unique characters types, rich... Continue Reading →
Should Christians “Just Preach the Gospel”?
In certain circles, the phrase “Just preach the Gospel,” functions more as a conversation stopper rather than any kind of genuine appeal. “We need to talk about racial justice.” Just preach the Gospel. “Have we considered if our message and evangelism is contextualized to our culture while remaining faithful?” Just preach the Gospel. “I’m concerned... Continue Reading →
“Scars That Remain”: A Poem on Structural Racism and Christian Responsibility
A people taken from their home in the not so distant past. Millions die as they are shipped in chains to a foreign land. Once on the soil they are exploited daily, no end to the demands. Their efforts and labor bear only fruit for their oppressors, day after day distancing the chasm of prosperity... Continue Reading →
Harry Potter and the Hope of Resurrection
*Spoiler Alert! Major spoiler for the last Harry Potter novel ahead. The theme of resurrection is dominant in the last of the seven original Harry Potter books. One of the three great “hallows” is literally called the resurrection stone. Harry himself undergoes a physical resurrection of sorts after sacrificing himself for those he loves. The... Continue Reading →
The Masks We Wear: Paul Laurence Dunbar and the Human Condition
Recently, I posted a blog with one of my favorite quotes about literature which states that, “Literature [is] the laboratory of the human condition.”1 How often I’m reminded of just how true that is! Last night I was reading some selected poems from three late American poets who each reflected various "experiments" into what it... Continue Reading →