A blog is born...

Consider this a statement of purpose.

This blog is an experiment of mine. I plan to use it as a space where I can post my thoughts and critique on the ongoing conversation between personal spirituality, the mission of the church and the shared narrative of American popular culture. I hope to make these writings both accessible and thought-provoking. I aim to challenge both the reader and the author (that's me) on the understood and accepted boundaries we have set up between the secular and religious life. My firm belief is that the role of the Christian church is not to reject the culture that it lives in, but rather to view it through a counter-cultural lens. By critiquing and dissecting our culture, we can discover new religious experiences unique of the 21st century. If we reject popular culture as unholy or irrelevant, we as believers shut ourselves out from a very important window into our shared culture.

I am indebted to the writings of Tom Beaudoin, Rodney Clapp, David Dark and Greg Garrett. Their bold and groundbreaking writing on serious religious contemplation of popular cultural is both inspiring and intimidating. I walk humbly in their footsteps and hope I can only do the trail they are blazing proud.

I am also grateful for the mentoring of Rabbi Jay Holstein, who opened my eyes to the interconnections between holy scripture and popular film and literature. I am thankful for the pastoral leadership and guidance of Dan DeLeon, Wallace Bubar and Marcus McFaul. I would not have the strength of faith and eagerness to question and learn that I have today if not for their example and ministry.

And finally, thanks be to the almighty mystery that is our God, embodied in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May my works through this blog glorify the greatness that is the Creator, Son and Holy Spirit, and may his will be done through the contemplations of my heart. Amen.



Just to give an idea of what to expect, my first short essay will be on the redemptive narrative of Kathryn Bigelow's daring sci-fi film noir, Strange Days.