Did you know that even though the weeping willow came from China, its scientific name associates it with Babylon… because of the Bible? Diana Wells explains in her new book The Life of Trees that it’s called Salix babylonica because of the biblical tradition of Jews weeping for Zion after being taken into exile by their Babylonian conquerors. Think: Psalm 137 […]
Weeping Willows of Babylon Read More »
I wish I’d had the presence of mind to bring a notebook with me to “Sherlock Holmes.” I should know better — that the Bible shows up everywhere. This movie was no exception. A fun flick — a little cerebral, lots of action, and a sobering reminder that what may seem to be convincing magic is sophisticated manipulation of the
The Bible and Sherlock Holmes Read More »
I’m talking about money. Money money money… and the Christian soul. Of course the relationship between religion and material wealth isn’t one that only Christians debate, but the “prosperity gospel” has gained lots of converts over the past several years. And with the recent financial crisis, its basis and wisdom has gained new critics. Of
To Have or Have Not Read More »
The Christmas story, whatever one does or does not believe, is a story of reversals. It’s a story of tipping things over to set things right. Yet it all seems so familiar that we forget how much it requires wild imagination. The starring actors a poor family, the grand setting a tiny backwater town, heavenly angels
Upside Down to Right the World Read More »
Wonder and awe, wise men and shepherds, and the angels say, “Fear not.” These are the days of extraordinary happenings, and in their very marvelousness, unnerving. The angels say, as biblical angels do, “Fear not,” even while they dazzle and disturb. These are also the days, in pop culture, of vampires — terrifying and dangerous. They, too, go
Vampires and Angels Read More »
Huge snow in VA, cold days clear down to FL, these are the days for books. Any form, any genre, grab a fav or something new and settle in. Want something fun to share with family gathered over the holidays? Or maybe you need a break from the mayhem. Perhaps you’re going solo this year
For the Love of Books Read More »
Driving north on 95, my dad caught this MPR chat with MN’s own Chemberlin and FL mega-church pastor Hunter re the changing role of churches and religion, in general, these days. Gives a person all kinds of hope for a measured and sensible approach by religious leaders to the challenges we face today and the future
From MN to FL Whence Goes the Church? Read More »
In this time of glad tidings, there’s also no small amount hand-wringing on the one, er, hand, and disdain on the other. While some cry for a return of a Christ-centered to Christmas, others say “hey, it’s not our holiday, so buzz off.” Brit Robin Parry calls for a distinction between Advent and “Mad-spent,” Christmas and “Wintermas” in his Christ-out-of-Christmas post, which finally is shares
Christ in or out of Christmas? Read More »
I’m sitting in a cafe on 58th and Broadway, far from home. So far from home,… and yet. It’s Christmas time in New York, and I’m here for a quick turn-around visit, counted in hours. Breakfast this morning at a little scandinavian cafe. nothing fancy, but good good good. It brings to mind the picture-perfect holidays
Far from home? Scandinavian Christmas in NYC Read More »
As my dear friend and colleague Jack Spiro says of this and other Jewish holidays, “They tried to kill us. We survived. Now, let’s eat!” Good wishes to Jewish friends and family celebrating this Festival of Lights! Latkes for all. You may enjoy this column by Ben Romer, a Richmond-area rabbi — a thoughtful meditation on the season. Did
