Reading Journal 2024: The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

Reading Journal 2024: The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels Author: Beth Lincoln It’s definitely fun, quirky, even cheeky when it comes to its use of the dictionary and word play. And for all the ways it caters to its upbeat and carefree nature, it also takes on some big ideas. It explores that intersection betweenContinue reading “Reading Journal 2024: The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels”

Reading Journal 2024: Stride Towards Freedom: The Montgomery Story

Reading Journal 2024: Stride Towards Freedom: The Montgomery StoryAuthor: Martin Luther King, Jr. “One of the sure signs of maturity is the ability to rise to the point of self-criticism.” For as prominant a figure as Martin Luther King, Jr. was (and is), he writes with the sure handed and grounded nature of someone whoContinue reading “Reading Journal 2024: Stride Towards Freedom: The Montgomery Story”

Blessed Are… Those Who See God

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”Matthew 5:8 “I allow the question to surface, if only for a moment, “What is God?” Not “who” but “what”? What are You, Lord? What is this Reality that transcends it all and yet graciously chooses to meet with us? “They shall see God.” WhatContinue reading “Blessed Are… Those Who See God”

The Season of Virtue: Expectation and Preparation In the Number 40 (Lord of Spirits Podcast)

Reflecting on the most recent episode of the Lord of Spirits podcast, titled The Season of Virtue. They point out that an oft neglected aspect of the season of Lent is the number 40. Without this number we miss the story that the scriptures are trying to tell. 40 can be measured differently (days, months,Continue reading “The Season of Virtue: Expectation and Preparation In the Number 40 (Lord of Spirits Podcast)”

Reading Journal 2024: Paul and Time: Life in the Temporality of Christ

Reading Journal 2024: Paul and Time: Life in the Temporality of ChristAuthor: L. Ann Jervis Theological shifts begin with someone willing to challenge the status quo. Paul Barclay is a great example of this, pioneering a necessary shift in how we understand the terms Law, grace and faith within the social customs of the ancientContinue reading “Reading Journal 2024: Paul and Time: Life in the Temporality of Christ”

Reading Journal 2024: My Selma: True Stories of a Southern Childhood at the Height of the Civil Rights Movement

Reading Journal 2024: My Selma: True Stories of a Southern Childhood at the Height of the Civil Rights Movement Author: Willie Mae Brown There are qualities that make this book compelling, and qualities that act as a deterrent. Beginning, perhaps, with the choice of perspective. This is a Memoir, and it is mostly told throughContinue reading “Reading Journal 2024: My Selma: True Stories of a Southern Childhood at the Height of the Civil Rights Movement”

Reading Journal 2024: The Beatitudes: Living In Sync With The Reign of God

Reading Journal 2024: The Beatitudes: Living In Sync With The Reign of GodAuthor: Darrell Johnson “On first reading [the Sermon on the Mount] you feel that it turns everything upside down, but the second time you read it you discover that it turns everything right side up. The first time you read it you feelContinue reading “Reading Journal 2024: The Beatitudes: Living In Sync With The Reign of God”

Film Journal 2024: Ordinary Angels

Film Journal 2024: Ordinary Angels Directed by Jon Gunn A perfectly good, above average faith-based movie based on a true story and boasting an advertising campaign that had it showing up everywhere for what feels like a solid six month period, is barely able to find an audience on its opening weekend. Meanwhile, no stoneContinue reading “Film Journal 2024: Ordinary Angels”