Are We Dumping “Experts”?

Last updated on: June 17, 2014 at 6:34 pm By Samuel James

Some folks are alarmed by what they see as “the death of expertise.” Writing for The Federalist, Tom Nichols worries that, while spheres of specialized knowledge are as prominent as ever, culture no longer sees itself as in need expert analysis: I fear we are witnessing the “death of expertise”: a Google-fueled, Wikipedia-based, blog-sodden collapse of any division between professionals and laymen, students and teachers, knowers and wonderers – in other words, between those of any achievement in an area... Read more

Jonathan Merritt Whiffs on Hobby Lobby

Last updated on: June 17, 2014 at 2:26 pm By Samuel James

If you think Hobby Lobby is a Christian company, you’re mistaken, says Jonathan Merritt. Actually, Hobby Lobby is conspiring with China, through trade, to keep millions in poverty and maintain China’s forced abortion regime: Turn over just about any trinket in a Hobby Lobby store and you’ll find a gold oval stamped with “Made in China,” a country that is one of the worst offenders of human dignity, unborn infant life, and economic justice anywhere in the world. As such,... Read more

On Rape Culture

Last updated on: June 16, 2014 at 3:14 pm By Samuel James

The Women’s Center at Marshall offers the following definition of “rape culture:” Rape Culture is an environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence against women is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture. Rape culture is perpetuated through the use of misogynistic language, the objectification of women’s bodies, and the glamorization of sexual violence, thereby creating a society that disregards women’s rights and safety. I would summarize that definition like, “Rape culture happens when... Read more

Movie Review: “Edge of Tomorrow”

Last updated on: June 14, 2014 at 4:10 am By Samuel James

Warner Bros presents a Doug Liman film. Written by Christopher McQuarrie, Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth. 113 minutes/PG-13 The title says “Edge of Tomorrow,” but the movie is really about yesterday. Here is a fine action film, crafted squarely within the best traditions of cinema sci-fi. If it weren’t for the 21st century special effects, you’d swear Edge of Tomorrow was a classic 1950s futuristic adventure. It’s about alien enemies, the military and a humongous sea urchin that holds the... Read more

My World Cup Predictions

Last updated on: June 12, 2014 at 7:23 pm By Samuel James

I love the World Cup. It’s one of the only sporting events in existence that deserves the word “epic.” It’s an unrivaled global festival, a showcase of atheltic talent that is diverse and exciting. I cannot imagine a true sports fan who can resist the pull of the World Cup. I’m awful at predictions in general and sports predictions in particular. But simply to say I did, I’ll throw out my general view of the WC field. Spain and Brazil... Read more

The Funniest Twitter Account Ever

Last updated on: June 12, 2014 at 2:31 pm By Samuel James

Twitter can be a rough place. Trending topics, hashtag activism, outrage culture, and selfies–that’s a veritable minefield. To keep one’s mental health above critical levels, I highly recommend following what I believe is the funniest Twitter account on the site. @KimKierkegaard posts daily mash-ups of things Kim Kardashian might say with quotes from existentialist philosopher Soren Kierkegaard. The results are hilariously concoted soundbytes of contemplative philosophy and pop culture absurdity. Here are some of my favorite posts so far: We... Read more

N.T. Wright on Same Sex Marriage

Last updated on: June 11, 2014 at 8:31 pm By Samuel James

Are these comments suprising? Not really. Wright enjoys talking down American evangelicalism’s theological categories, but he is still a conservative Anglican (In a recent interview in which he explains why he’s not an inerrantist, he also implies the views heard on the video). Nothing Wright says here is ground breaking, but it is articulate and a helpful summation of the strong case against same sex marriage. A transcript of the comments is up at First Things. Read more

Southern Baptists: Adapt Or Die?

Last updated on: June 10, 2014 at 6:08 pm By Samuel James

The Southern Baptist Convention is having its general meeting in Baltimore this week. The 160 year old denomination is the largest Protestant church in the US and one of most significant evangelical groups in the world. Nevertheless, the SBC is something of a crossroads. The SBC faces the notable decline of baptisms and monetary giving within its churches. On a larger scale, Southern Baptists find themselves in a changing cultural climate. Same-sex marriage is legal in twenty states and a majority... Read more

Abortion, the Center, and Honesty

Last updated on: June 9, 2014 at 12:37 am By Samuel James

Benjamin Corey has a thoughtful word on the abortion debate. Titled “What Both Sides Completely Miss In the Abortion Debate,” Corey sounds an articulate call on both the pro-life and pro-choice camps to try to understand the issues better. His worry is that both groups are talking past each other, and in the process, missing potential areas of agreement and progress. (more…) Read more

“An Apology For the Star Wars Prequels,” Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Last updated on: June 7, 2014 at 6:03 pm By Samuel James

Folks, I’ve had it. I’m tired of people bashing the Star Wars prequels. I’m not tired of hearing a well thought out, articulate explanation of why they aren’t as good as the originals (I agree). I’m not tired of hearing a true Star Wars fan say that Lucas made huge mistakes in his decision making (I agree). I’m not even tired of people saying Jar Jar Binks was a mortifying disaster (I don’t agree but am sympathetic). What I’m tired... Read more