Category: Culture
The Abandonment of Muslim Refugees
This year, the United States is on track to welcome the fewest number of refugees since 2002, when 9/11 thwarted resettlement programs in this country. That year, about 22,000 refugees found homes in America. So...
Three Views on Tax Reform
With Tax Day nearly upon us–and a couple months removed from a significant tax overhaul in this country–I am reminded of the fascinating book I read at the start of this year: Arnold Kling’s “Three...
The Sin of Samwise Gamgee
When Gandalf first speaks to Frodo about Gollum, once called Smèagol, Frodo has nothing but disgust. What he knows about the creature comes from Bilbo, and it is all loathsome. “I can’t believe that Gollum...
The First Time Martin Luther King Saw the Power of Nonviolence
After the bombing of Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963—an act of terror that killed four young girls during Sunday School and injured 22 others preparing for the church’s youth day—Martin Luther...
How Did Martin Luther King Deal with Constant Threats?
Martin Luther King, Jr., was the subject of constant threats. Because of his position as the de facto leader of the civil rights movement, it is perhaps as unsurprising as it is unfortunate that so...
Miracles, Hell, and Creation—Without God
“Why Earth’s History Appears so Miraculous,” a new piece by Peter Brannen for The Atlantic, spins a mind-bending tale of multiverse mystery and cosmic luckiness. It’s something of a miracle that life on our planet...
Christian Seder Checklist
Christian seder suppers are growing in popularity–and with good reason. Celebrating Passover and the fulfillment of ancient promises in Jesus Christ is an occasion packed with meaning. How important it is to celebrate both the...
In Defense of a Christian Seder
At the end of Holy Week, some believers will take part in a Christian seder supper. This is a growing trend among Christians because the event is so deeply meaningful, because it reminds us of...
Plain, Honest, Straightforward Men
The challenges of our time wear people down like waves eroding shoreline. Surely, the same is true for all people at all points in history. The specifics of the difficulties change, but their existence and...
Reveling and Wrestling Through ‘The Heart of Man’
It’s a docu-drama that wraps a handful of deeply personal interviews around a sincerely affecting retelling of the story of the prodigal son. Watching the movie on a whim, without any prior context, I was...