When I say the phrase “Christmas Movies,” what do you think of? Whether you think “Hallmark Channel” or It’s a Wonderful Life, a new classic has entered the scene just for you this year. In 1972, author Barbara Robinson published a short story in McCall’s. It took the country by storm. The subsequent book quickly sold over a million copies and gave birth to one of the most popular made-for-TV Christmas movies. Today, high schools across the country bring the... Read more
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 doesn’t have to be the day you play a drinking game as news anchors rush to declare states and electoral college votes for candidates. You don’t have to bite your nails or pace the floor. Instead, pop some popcorn, turn on a movie—or three, and chill out. God is in control. So laugh out loud and enjoy the irony of campaigning and governing in the 21st century. Citizens of our representative republic — like you and... Read more
Rich Mullins' music echoes despite his untimely 1997 death. Career-long fan Mark Whitlock spins a playlist for those who don't know his music. Read more
"The Forge" is beautiful, well-acted, with a critical message for Christians. But is the latest Kendrick Bros movie made of steel or pablum? Read more
Watch the 2006 movie, The Second Chance again for the first time. Megachurch meets innercity mission. Superstar meets servant. Suburbia meets street. Read more
Introduction My dad coached multiple sports throughout his career and loved to watch sports. So, naturally, we watched the Olympics on television. Jim McKay‘s and Al Michaels‘s voices were as familiar to me as those of baseball announcers Vin Scully, Pete Van Wieren, and Skip Carey and football announcers Keith Jackson and Howard Cosell. By 1984, I had started running Cross Country and Track and dreamed of running one of the distance races. The organizers for the 1984 Los Angeles... Read more
Will Steven Curtis Chapman's new single, "Do it Again," be a #1 hit? How does it fit his discography? Mark Whitlock ponders in this Patheos article. Read more
Job hunting? Invest time in personal growth. Mark Whitlock outlines 4 lessons learned while working at Home Depot during his career search. Read more
Birthdays are more contemplative as one grows older. Patheos writer Mark Whitlock offers five thoughts, lessons, and songs upon turning 55. Read more
A “Worship Experiment” Article Spiritual disciplines are essential to spiritual growth. Most can and should be practiced daily or weekly, but one discipline is dangerous and volatile. It’s rarely included in the literature on the topic. Have you been taught how to have a quiet time? Quiet times are beautiful. They connect us with God. They are the rom-com movie of your spiritual life. They are the fireplace in your spiritual home. Sometimes, however, in our spiritual lives, we need... Read more
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