Writing a book review for a rather obscure little book that was published thirty years ago may seem an odd pursuit, but such might be justified when circumstances give rise to fresh relevance in a given work. In the case of Douglas Coupland’s Life After God, published in 1994, I think this is a bookContinue reading “A Late Review of Life After God“
Tag Archives: religion
A Note of Self-Reflection
At the wise suggestion of my wonderful wife, I intend to take a summer break from this blog each year. Though I thoroughly enjoy writing these posts and truly attempt to do so for its own sake, there are weeks in which I have written posts merely to maintain my self-imposed goal of a postContinue reading “A Note of Self-Reflection”
Paternal Guidance
By my own power, I hope to flowerA life forg’d in the manner of true faith; Into the desert, no rain or shower,Ready to combat all demon and wraith. Hot sand trod upon, as I run along,Seeking all powers of Satan’s legion.Yet the mere sound of solitude does throng:Only my lonesome soul in this region.Continue reading “Paternal Guidance”
A Layman’s Consideration of the Binding of Isaac
When I was atheistic in my self-consciously held beliefs, I was dismissive of the Bible in many ways. As is the case for many non-Christian critics of Christians, I would accuse believers of never reading their Bibles; if they had read their Bibles, I would then trot out the usual panoply of complaints about theContinue reading “A Layman’s Consideration of the Binding of Isaac”
The Prodigal
Master, betrayed you not your own teachingTo keep our pearls in hand, away from swine?Perhaps you prepared for overreaching—A fault so unable to cause decline. Your gifts, us men trampled into the mud,Falling depraved into darkness profound;Not wholly cleansed even by raging flood,Begging for mere scrap, without any found. Returning home, no sacrifice to give—YouContinue reading “The Prodigal”
A Note on the ‘Individual’
Our age is, by and large, one that we might describe as individualistic. What precisely is meant by individualism is not always clear, though I believe there are some common tendencies in the way that this word is used today. This notion was perhaps best captured by J. S. Mill in his seminal On Liberty,Continue reading “A Note on the ‘Individual’”
Sunday
Without obligation planned:an early rise—we haven’t need.A swift clean, after first stand;out the door before we feed— immanent is the real food.Elevator descendedbefore a prompt turn just outthe door—road quickly ended—now a right to stay the route. City’s in its normal mood, though my steps along: diff’rent.For today, no rushing pace;need no great energy spentinContinue reading “Sunday”
A Tension of Christian Life
Much of my time is spent on a university campus. To be a Christian in such a context often devolves into debates centered around merely speculative theology and philosophy, typically forwarded as a means of defending one’s faith. Especially in the broader culture of twenty-first-century North America – of which the universities are arguably theContinue reading “A Tension of Christian Life”
Serious Play
Love creates by expressingEach blessing,AddressingAll man may feel distressing.Though such grace did he reduceTo mere use;With abuse:The eternal makes no truce.Thinking freedom to be foundWithout bound—Fate confound—Only bondage did abound.The man of utility:Never free;Strapped is heBy tall demands of Beauty.‘Hear the song writ in your heart,My own art;Now’s your part:Any time you want to start.’RememberContinue reading “Serious Play”
Mark 2:1-12
For the Second Sunday of the Great Fast Thanks to word causing a hum,Do they come. Capernaum, The place where he’s teaching from.Travelling with great hurt and zeal –All can feelEmpyrealPowers that are said to heal.Four men carrying a friend To portendHe attendTo a body needing mend. First, to be cleansed of sin – AllContinue reading “Mark 2:1-12”
Hoping for Clarity 