Today’s culture, we as Christians can agree, is riveted by postmodern thought. Morals and truths are relative to experience and perception, one would claim. And in response, Christians, historically, have made efforts to combat this kind of thinking (although even this is now a subject of debate, sadly). But one problem I’ve always had, as an artist myself, was reconciling objectivism (or the view that universal truth exists apart from the mind) with art. “Who...
Nothing gets me giddy like going to an academic conference. For those who are involved in the academic study of the bible/theology/religion like myself, the big event – “conference time” – takes place in mid-November with the annual meetings of ETS/IBR/SBL/AAR. It is always a blast to present and listen to papers, meet new people, connect with old friends, and do a bit of traveling too. But it’s this last part – traveling – that can make...
On a recent visit to Reality San Francisco, I couldn’t help but feel that a large movement had begun throughout their community. Though there was over a thousand people in attendance, it was easy to feel the small community within the Mission District Middle School that Sunday morning. Usually Reality SF holds more services, but in January they are trying “slow church” – one service, the whole body, and lots of good vibes. As I...
A few days ago, I thought that this post you are now reading would be about Lance Armstrong. But today, there was a new story that capture America’s attention. A story that received more hype than a more threatening situation- the French deployment of troops to confront the uprising of Islamic militants in Mali. A tale more popular than the discussion that could actually affect the interpretation of your American right to property and self-protection...
As a student of medical social work, I oftentimes end my days with many serious stressors on my mind. My work involves situations of life and death, and other very heavy events. Because of this, I often find myself coming home and at the least watching one television show to get my mind focused on something funny and light-hearted. My friends and family enjoy giving me a hard time because some of my favorite shows...
If you haven’t seen the new Les Miserables motion picture, finish reading this post first, then grab your tickets on fandango. The music, and the story, is stunningly beautiful. It is emotionally vigorous. It is theologically rich. And it is soul-transforming. Ok, maybe these promises are a little high, but for one who was wondering if Hollywood couldn’t produce anything except super-hero remakes, endless sequels to previous blockbuster mega-hits, or anything with vampires… although Les...
There has been much clamoring surrounding the fiscal cliff of late. Interest groups of every shape and color want to make sure they aren’t the ones to feel the blunt force of spending cuts or tax increases. One interest group has caught my eye amidst the commotion. This is the adoptive families interest group. For months now, politically active Christian groups have been raising quite a stink about the adoption tax credit (standing near 13k)...
As I am writing this I am currently recovering from celebrating New Years Eve at Times Square in New York City with co-blogger Caleb Johnson. Nearly ten hours of waiting in the cold on Broadway… It was a lot of fun, but I’m completely exhausted. Yet before I went to bed I wanted to reflect a little on the best posts here at The Two Cities from the past year. By far the best post...
We’ve all heard it before—Bill O’Reilley’s rants over the “War on Christmas”. Bill doesn’t like when people call Christmas trees, “Holiday Trees”. He thinks gender-neutral toy commercials offend the little baby Jesus, and don’t even think about taking the “Christ” out of Christmas. But I am here today to tell you about a different war on Christmas — a war that impacts over 19.7 million people every year. This war is so painful, and brings...
For many in Newton, Connecticut, the idea of celebrating Christmas ideals of cheer, joy, and peace seem inhumane this December 25th. Smiling and happiness in the face of massacre, pain, and mourning… doesn’t seem right. In fact, celebrating amidst such darkness almost brings on a feeling of shame. To do anything other than to grieve almost seems to heartlessly make like of the situation. To turn a blind eye to such atrocity would certainly...
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