Archive for January, 2007
From Vampires to Jesus
As you may recall, I am a fan of Anne Rice’s novel about the childhood of Jesus. Here is a terrific review on the book by Dr. Gene Veith.
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What is Next?
I just finished reading the latest Michael Crichton novel. It’s called Next. I am a pretty big fan of Crichton’s books but this one was disappointing. It deals with the dangers of genetic engineering and gene therapies of the possible future.
His other recent cautionary tale, Prey, about nano-technology, was quite a [...]
Faith and Good Works
Martin Luther once famously wrote that you can no more separate good works from faith in the Christian than you can separate heat from light in fire. This pertains to classic Reformation teaching next to traditional Roman Catholicism (and ironically much of “evangelical” protestantism).
I think a Roman Catholic would want to stress that we [...]
Bono on Elvis
If you enjoy the popular music of the last fifty years, you will love this feature from an issue of Rolling Stone magazine. The editors selected fifty legendary musical artists of the rock era and asked current stars to write brief reflections about them. It is a fun and fascinating read.
My favorite is [...]
Seminary Chapel Real Audio
If you would like to hear our seminary choir, the Kantorei, singing tune to the Concordia Theological Seminary website to listen. Click on Thursday. I was the preacher.
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Downers in the Media
Yesterday I posted an explanation of my appreciation for certain contemporary books and movies that deal with dark and depressing subject matter. And while a lot of current media do come from a particularly nihilistic mindset, dark and depressing have characterized great works of art for centuries.
Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. Man sleeps with [...]
Dark and Depressing Books and Films
Sometimes people ask me why I “like” books and movies that most people consider dark and depressing. I’m sure there is a sophisticated psychological reason, but my response is more theological.
I appreciate some books and films that examine disturbing subject matter. Occasionally, someone will quote St. Paul to me: “Finally, brothers, whatever [...]
Prime Time TV
I was happy to be on Issues, Etc. today to discuss trends and issues with current prime time television. Go and take a listen.
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Going Home
The seminary Kantorei tour is now ended. I’m sitting now in Boston’s Logan Airport waiting to begin the trek home to Fort Wayne.
What a terrific tour! It was a joy to be the preacher for our wonderful seminary choir. The people at the churches we visited responded so warmly and generously. [...]
Stieg in Mahattan
That’s Manhattan, NY and not Manhattan, Kansas, in case you were confused. Traveling with the seminary Kantorei, they sang and I preached last night at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bayside. Tonight we go to Greenwich, Connecticut which is only about 25 miles away. This meant that both yesterday and today, we had [...]
