C.S. Lewis is one of Christendom’s most beloved authors, due to works like Mere Christianity, A Grief Observed, and of course, The Chronicles of Narnia. However, the Chronicles have resulted in Lewis being criticized for being “monumentally disparaging of women” (as Philip Pullman put it). However, a recent book by Monika Hilder aims to defend Lewis’s writings as presenting a “radical theological feminism.” Read more
Brief thoughts on songs that are on CaPC writers’ playlists. You can check out this week’s playlist on Spotify here. “I Love It” by Icona Pop feat. Charlie XCX This song expresses a love for youthful reckless abandon with no sense of mortality. One who cannot see beyond the fleeting emotions of the moment and connect to the infinite through a God who promises eternity. I got this feeling on the summer day when you were gone. I crashed my car into... Read more
"Even though the series played on tropes familiar to the genres of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, it was animated by a profound sense of humanity." Read more
Last week, Rachel Held Evans posted a piece on CNN about religious convictions, especially related to gay marriage, that used the Biblical story of the apostle Peter and the Roman centurion Cornelius as an example of how to be inclusive. Our very own Derek Rishmawy has posted a response on Mere Orthodoxy that, while appreciative of Evans’ overall point, nevertheless pushes back against Evans’ exegesis of that particular Biblical story. Read more
Things are tense in Egypt right now, as the 48 hour timeline set by the military for the Morsi government to meet with protesters has come and gone. Will the military overthrow the government? Will it remove the protesters? Will the government that remains or replaces it be any better for the freedoms of its citizens, including Coptic Christians? The coming hours and days will reveal a lot. Follow the New York Time‘s Lede for the latest updates on the... Read more
A quick round-up of some of our favorite songs from 2013's first half. Read more
Many American Christians love their country to the point of putting the national flag in their sanctuary. But is this a good thing? Christianity Today features a few arguments from notable Evangelical leaders who are either for it, against it, or somewhere in between. It’s a helpful take on the question of the relationship between American Patriotism and the Christian commitment to the Kingdom. Read more
"The 1812 Overture then, is not a story of American patriotism and triumph but the story of a God Who is sovereign and provident over all of human history." Read more
On July 4th, Americans will wave our flags proudly, belt out our national songs triumphantly, and consume our barbecue and lemonade a little too freely. Why? Because we live in America, the best nation this planet has had the privilege to host. I’m grateful to be an American, and I enjoy the many freedoms and benefits that come with my citizenship. Nonetheless, our nation’s history has a track record for taking patriotism beyond gratitude and into nationalist idolatry. Many Americans... Read more
Christ and Pop Culture
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ELSEWHERE: Terry Eagleton Reflects on American Sincerity
This week, Terry Eagleton joined a proud and storied tradition of European intellectuals by rhapsodizing about the American Experience. His thesis is that Americans need to tone down their sincerity in favor of a more ironical mien. Whether you agree with him or not, Eagleton couches his observations in prose that is—as always—entertaining and provocative. Read more