Like many (many, many) people, I made a goal to lose weight this year. This isn’t new; I’ve been trying for years and only recently saw some success. But last year, I finally became aware of some unhealthy habits and, though it’s hard, I think I’m on the right track. Part of that involves waking up at 5 a.m. and trudging to the gym. It’s a pain and I can’t say I’ve been successful each day, but it’s become part... Read more
“They were The Beatles of Christian music.” Talk to anyone who grew up in ‘90s Christian subculture and you’re likely to hear this phrase when you mention dc Talk. There’s some truth to it. The trio of Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait and Kevin Max — formed while the three were students at Liberty University — was the closest thing the contemporary Christian music (CCM) industry had to a superband. Where Jars of Clay was esoteric, dc Talk was mainstream. Where... Read more
I will be completely honest: I wasn’t expecting much with “The Riot and the Dance.” A nature documentary featuring a regular contributor to Answers in Genesis, I worried it would be a lecture set to visuals, an argument instead of a celebration. As someone who doesn’t share all of the views of its main contributor, I thought I’d have an antagonistic response and would be unable to judge it fairly. Instead, I found myself wishing I was watching it on... Read more
One of the great enjoyments of my past year has been the creation of the CROSS.CULTURE.CRITIC. podcast. I co-host this show with Joe Yerke, best known as the frontman for the Christian ska band The Insyderz. Each week, we talk about a variety of things, from serious topics to nostalgic looks at Christian culture to whatever random thing happens to be on our minds. It’s been a lot of fun and I’m very proud of the work we’ve done... Read more
The new CBS sitcom “Living Biblically” (Mondays, 9:30 p.m.) ponders how hard it is to live by the Book. The show’s protagonist, Chip (Jay R. Ferguson), is trying to follow the Bible to the letter. That means praying without ceasing, throwing out false idols, not wearing blended fibers and possibly stoning adulterers. It’s Leviticus with a laugh track. Based on A.J. Jacobs’ best-selling book, in which he attempted to follow all of the regulations and guidelines that he could find... Read more
I have never successfully completed Lent. Usually I commit to walking away from social media for 40 days for Lent. I post a “goodbye for now” message, log out of Facebook and Twitter, and delete the apps from my phone. I settle in for several weeks of quiet and an escape from national turmoil — and, of course, start planning my return message, where I’ll talk about how beneficial this all was and how everyone should consider a social media... Read more
For over 20 years, Jon Foreman has been one of the hardest-working musicians in the business. The switchfoot lead singer and songwriter has crafted an eclectic career, singing about faith, relationships, beauty and life with a mixture of wonder and artistry that continues to evolve. He’s also an accomplished solo artist, with several EPs — including the collection that became “Limbs and Branches” and the four-album “Wonderlands” project — to his name. Last October, to promote “Wonderlands,” Foreman undertook an... Read more
I know, I know: The name might seem narcissistic. When I told my wife that I was going with “Mere Chris-ianity,” she rolled her eyes; “It sounds like you’re worshiping yourself.” But I’m sticking with it. Not only because it was suggested by an author I greatly respect (Jeffrey Overstreet, back when I was considering “Through a Smartphone Darkly,” suggested it in a Facebook group; my original idea was probably too close to the title of his fantastic book, “Through... Read more
Mere Chris-ianity
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