Today is the infamous US election day. The current polls seem to point to Obama winning the electoral college vote by 50–100 points. But what if these aren’t entirely accurate and Mitt Romney pulls away? What if America has the first Mormon president in its history? If the ‘Redskin Rule’ proves true, then Romney will be president. Of course, people have to actually get out there and vote for any of the polling to actually matter. So...
In light of Bryan Magaña’s recent confessions, I begged The Two Cities to let me confess my own “struggles”. Yes, it’s true, I sometimes vote for Democrats. I confess, I did donate money to Obama’s campaign at the chance of winning a trip to meet the Commander-in-Chief and Beyoncé. I do idolize Michelle Obama for her passion to fight for healthy eating in America. And yes, I’m in love with Obamacare. Some may think I’m...
Before I start, I would like to state, for anyone who does not know, that I am a conservative who typically votes for – and will likely continue to vote for – the republican party. That being said, I would like to address and issue that I find often being espoused in both parties’ political agendas but is most prevalent on the conservative side. That is, getting back to the ideals of the founding fathers....
Two weeks ago I wrote my review of The Casual Vacancy (CV) by J. K. Rowling. On the whole I wasn’t too keen on it and there I explain why. One thing that I didn’t want to do at the time was read other reviews of Rowling’s new book. I wanted to create my own thoughts first. So in the intervening time I’ve had a chance to read around a bit and here is some...
When it comes to sin (especially the darkest of them), confession is a terrifying thought. Yet, what is probably even more terrifying- and far more damaging for the church, and the individual- is to be found out. Thankfully, accountability to confession and to discipleship is available within the family of God. But, to what extent should our heart’s darkest struggles become public proclamation for world? This question is especially pointed when we consider pastors- should...
J. K. Rowling has written a new book. Did you notice something in that sentence? Those who know my affection for the Harry Potter series should immediately recognize that my opening sentence ended, not with five exclamation points, but with a period. Sadly, I am not too thrilled about this book. And this is coming from a self-proclaimed ‘Pothead’ (my endearing term for Potter fans). I have always been on the defensive for Rowling, arguing...
Last week, Bryan wrote an article entitled, I’m (Kinda Sorta Yeah Not Really) Gay. As you might imagine, the post got a lot of attention: good, bad, and ugly. There were many who offered words of affirmation and encouragement, but along with these came comments with a totally different emphasis. The most common and fundamental objection that many readers had towards the post was that “being gay isn’t wrong.” In addition, the most emotional responses...
Last week Mumford & Sons released their new album, Babel. It’s a great album. Not as great as Sigh no More, but I like it holistically. In many ways, this new album follows the strengths of the previous album, especially in utilizing the crescendo effect (though it is a bit predictable). The most intriguing aspect of the album is — once again — the odd association of biblical imagery alongside swear words. I’d like to start my review with...
Every fan of Harry Potter has envisioned themselves as belonging to one of the four houses of Hogwarts. Ask any fan and they’ll tell you. For myself, I know I am not courageous enough to be Gryffindor and so I’ve always identified with Ravenclaw; not because I am particularly drawn to characters from Ravenclaw — such as Luna Lovegood, Cho Chang, or Prof. Flitwick — but because of their emphasis on academics. For a guy...
“Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations.” I think anyone who has spent time in the church has had a life filled with experiences where the execution of both new disciple making and disciple deepening have been found dreadfully wanting. So, how do we move forward from here? In the last few decades, many oft-labeled “emerging” church leaders have sought to champion new approaches to engaging a post-modern generation with the Gospel. One...
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