Pop Theology
It’s time for another Pop Theology conversation. This time, Benjamin Griffin and Ryan Parker discuss the new Netflix arrival, High Rise, Ben Wheatley’s adaptation of the novel by J. G. Ballard. (more…) Read more
It’s time for another Pop Theology conversation. This time, Benjamin Griffin and Ryan Parker discuss the new Netflix arrival, High Rise, Ben Wheatley’s adaptation of the novel by J. G. Ballard. (more…) Read more
I’ve been reading loads of comics lately. Recently, I came across Ramzi Fawaz’ new book, The New Mutants: Superheroes and the Radical Imagination of American Comics, which sounded like a good academic companion. I was right. The New Mutants is not only one of the smartest critiques of comics I’ve ever read, it’s one of the most brilliant academic engagements with pop culture, period. (more…) Read more
Christian Piatt’s new book, Leaving A-Holiness Behind: From Pious Jerk to Not-So-Pious Jerk, works well, in part, because he admits what so few people faith are eager to admit. Namely, that he–and the rest of us–are a bunch of assholes. If that statement offends you, well, you definitely need to read the book. (more…) Read more
Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the final two episodes of Preacher on AMC. They talk about conversations with God, cowboys in hell, and the role of materialist theology. Take a listen after the jump. (more…) Read more
Of all the films, video games, TV series, comics, and books that I’ll consume this year, few will move me as deeply as Adam Haslett’s latest novel, Imagine Me Gone. (more…) Read more
This week, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the latest episode of PREACHER on AMC TV, Odin’s spiritual & theological crises, the last stand at the Alamo, and Jesse’s willingness to sacrifice his power for Eugene. Take a listen after the jump. (more…) Read more
Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss this week’s episode of PREACHER on AMC, the role of Cassidy as moral conscience, the brilliance of Ruth Negga (be sure to check out the trailer for LOVING), and what the hell Quincannon’s up to. Take a listen after the jump. (more…) Read more
When compared to friends and fellow writers C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, Charles Williams seems like an unknown. It’s a shame because I’ve always found his novels—also full of supernatural elements—to be more thoughtful and thought-provoking (theologically and spiritually) than Lewis’ or Tolkien’s. Thankfully, Williams has finally received the attention he and his work deserves in the form of a fantastic new biography, Charles Williams: The Third Inkling by Grevel Lindop. (more…) Read more
After a brief hiatus due to travels, tragedies, and holidays, Tony Jones and Ryan Parker are back to discuss the last three episodes of Preacher on AMC. In this episode, they discuss the nature of Genesis and its effect on Jesse, the loss of humility as a preacher’s downfall, and Eugene’s insight into guilt, forgiveness, and penance. Take a listen after the jump. (more…) Read more
In my reflections on the first season of Bloodline, I highlighted themes of unresolved grief, guilt, and the desire for revenge. I also argued that Danny (Ben Mendelsohn), the black sheep of the Rayburn family, functioned equally well as a ghost that haunted the family and a sacrificial lamb on which the family projected their fears and failings as he did an actual real, living character. While the second season “corrects” some of my misreadings of Danny’s intentions on returning home in... Read more
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