God, Guns, & Family: Why ‘Bible-Believing’ Christians Have no Right to Self Defense, Pt. 2

Last updated on: June 25, 2016 at 1:19 am By Richard Lindsay

In my last post I proposed that, against the uniquely American theology of God, guns, and family, the Christian teaching of the New Testament doesn’t allow for self-defense at all. I started with arguments against defending property, which is the easier path, since we know Christianity is anti-materialist. But I want to expand on those thoughts to talk about why Christians also have no Biblically-mandated right to defend themselves or their family using lethal force. First, let’s look at the... Read more

God, Guns, & Family: Why ‘Bible-Believing’ Christians Have No Right to Self-Defense, Pt.1

Last updated on: June 25, 2016 at 1:21 am By Richard Lindsay

Again, we find ourselves in national mourning for horrendous loss of life caused by a man with a grudge and too-easy access to military-grade weapons. The loss is unfathomable, but not unexplainable. We continue to live in a gun-sick society. There is still a pervasive American belief that honors excessive gun “rights” at the expense of the health and safety of our people. I have hope for the future, if only because the demographics are in favor of stricter gun... Read more

#KillerSerials: PREACHER, “The Possibilities”

Last updated on: June 16, 2016 at 11:17 am By J. Ryan Parker

This week, Craig Detweiler (professor of communications at Pepperdine University) joins Ryan Parker to talk about the latest episode of Preacher on AMC. They talk about divine complexities, reading John Muir in a slaughterhouse, and how the series captures the best of Bonnie and Clyde and No Country for Old Men. Listen after the jump. (more…) Read more

If You See One Film on Video this Year, Make It this One

Last updated on: June 14, 2016 at 2:08 pm By Richard Lindsay

We have an extremely limited view of young people born with disabilities. We use the word “obstacles” a lot with them: “Look at the brave young disabled person overcoming obstacles.” But we don’t often think of them as just being people. Going through all the same personal trials as everyone else. Growing up. Getting an education. Screwing up and doing stupid things they later regret. And we never ever want to think of them as sexual beings. Having the pangs... Read more

Book Review: APOSTLE

Last updated on: June 13, 2016 at 9:43 am By J. Ryan Parker

Tom Bissell’s book, Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter, is not only one of the best books written about video games, it’s one of my favorite works of nonfiction. So when I saw that Bissell had turned his attention and wit to the apostles, I couldn’t wait to read the results. It’s as insightful, biting, and funny as I had hoped it would be. (more…) Read more

L.A. Film Fest: “Out of Iraq” Tells a Moving Love Story in Time of War

Last updated on: June 11, 2016 at 1:28 pm By Richard Lindsay

“And if there were only some way of contriving that a state or an army should be made up of lovers and their loves, they would be the very best governors of their own city, abstaining from all dishonor, and emulating one another in honor; and when fighting at each other’s side, although a mere handful, they would overcome the world.” – Phaedrus, in Plato’s Symposium. Sometimes it seems like staying together with the one you love means overcoming the... Read more

From the L.A. Film Festival: FREE CECE!

Last updated on: June 10, 2016 at 11:15 am By J. Ryan Parker

In 2011 Chrishaun Cece McDonald, a black transgender woman, was attacked by a group of white people while walking to the grocery store. In the conflict, she fatally stabbed one of her attackers. Cece was arrested and eventually served 19 months in jail, a sentence that was drastically reduced thanks to the support of a network of grassroots advocates. (more…) Read more

New Comics: RENATO JONES, THE FIX, & HOUSE OF PENANCE

Last updated on: June 10, 2016 at 10:31 am By J. Ryan Parker

Looking at a few new issues of some series we really like right now, Renato Jones: The One %, The Fix, and House of Penance. They range from comedy to horror but tackle some heavy themes like economic injustice, greed, revenge, guilt, and celebrity culture. Read on for quick takes. (more…) Read more

From the L.A. Film Festival: 11:55 and BLOOD STRIPE

Last updated on: June 9, 2016 at 8:12 am By J. Ryan Parker

Two films at this year’s L.A. Film Festival explore two sides of veterans’ experiences returning home after fighting overseas. The first, 11:55, considers the difficulties of limited opportunities at home in a gang take on a classic western. The second, Blood Stripe, features a female lead and explores the effects of PTSD on returning vets. Reviews of both below. (more…) Read more

A Summer of Comics Reboots and Rebirths

Last updated on: June 8, 2016 at 2:38 pm By J. Ryan Parker

Benjamin Drew Griffin surveys the superhero comics’ summer landscape and the reboots and rebirths that have just begun. More after the jump. (more…) Read more