Few movies elicit as wide a range of passionate and visceral reactions as Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life (2011). Most people either love it or hate it. It received both cheers and jeers on the film festival circuit. Many movie-goers simply walked out of the movie in frustration during its initial run in theaters. … Continue reading Beauty in the Mundane: The Cinematic Art of Terrence Malick
‘Not a Marxist’ & things I never dreamed I’d need to say, Part Two
The idea for this two-part series developed as I read post after post accusing Christian leaders I know and respect of being Marxists because of their responses to George Floyd's death and their calls for racial reconciliation. In each case, these leaders promoted nothing Marxist, only ideas drawn from Scripture. It is obvious that none … Continue reading ‘Not a Marxist’ & things I never dreamed I’d need to say, Part Two
The burden of constant vigilance
Each time June 1 rolls around, my attention becomes divided ever so slightly and it stays divided until late September. As the date approaches, whether I’m at home, in Israel on an archaeological dig, or in Oklahoma visiting family, I dread what that day means. I know that it will take a lot of energy. … Continue reading The burden of constant vigilance
Racism and the retreat to rugged individualism
Ninety-nine years ago today the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa was on fire. Fires of injustice are still burning across the U.S. today. On May 31 and June 1, 1921, a vengeful white mob destroyed one of the wealthiest, most influential black neighborhoods in the United States based on a false accusation against a black teenager. … Continue reading Racism and the retreat to rugged individualism
Mardi Gras in Black & White
Mardi Gras in New Orleans explodes with vivid colors and vibrant sounds. These sensory aspects are what most people associate with the parades ... and those are some of my favorite aspects as well. But Mardi Gras is also about community and people from various backgrounds coming together -- something that wasn't always the case. … Continue reading Mardi Gras in Black & White
A City with a Soundtrack
I heard music the very first moment I set foot in New Orleans. It was the breathy sound of a steam calliope atop a paddleboat on the Mississippi River. The sounds of the city (one that I would later call home) made a great first impression. New Orleans is a city with a soundtrack, and … Continue reading A City with a Soundtrack
‘Jesus is King:’ Kanye’s simple confession
I laughed. I cried. I worshipped. That’s my response to “Jesus is King” – the Gospel album that Kanye West released last week. After listening to previews of each song, we bought the album last Saturday and listened to it as a family. And we enjoyed it. The album is funny, serious, honest, heartfelt, and … Continue reading ‘Jesus is King:’ Kanye’s simple confession
Don’t Treat the Bible Like It’s Obsolete
I really enjoy old things – I guess that’s a prerequisite for an archaeologist. I own a group of fun, old things that could be properly categorized as "obsolete tech." I have a Victrola record player from 1915, a Smith-Corona typewriter from the late 1940s, two Canon cameras (a 1950s model and a 1970s model), … Continue reading Don’t Treat the Bible Like It’s Obsolete
In Defense of Cities: A Christian Perspective
People rarely have neutral feelings about cities – they tend to love cities or hate them. It is easy to see why. Cities bring out the best of us and expose the worst of us. The energy and vibrancy of cities stir creativity, music, art, design, entrepreneurial spirit, and even community – things of true … Continue reading In Defense of Cities: A Christian Perspective
You’ll Be Just Fine … Just Don’t Believe the Hype
As a self-proclaimed cultural observer, I keep an eye and an ear open to art and music. You can learn much about a culture by its art, especially from popular music. Sadly, in recent years, popular music has become an arid wasteland, especially on the lyrical front. I won’t name names because that would probably … Continue reading You’ll Be Just Fine … Just Don’t Believe the Hype
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