December 13, 2012
“We don’t want any adventures here, thank you!” – Bilbo Baggins, The Hobbit
When you’re a hobbit, adventures are “nasty disturbing uncomfortable things” that make you late for dinner, which a hobbit never wants to be. So you can imagine poor Bilbo Baggins’ frustration when an unexpected party of 13 hungry dwarves and one tenacious wizard (the only expected guest) showed up at his door craving food and drink, and then Bilbo’s company on their quest. (more…)
October 5, 2012
The idea for this week’s blog literally knocked on my door in the form of two Jehovah’s Witnesses. I didn’t pause to chat with them, partly because I was busy, but mostly because I panicked. I had no idea what to say to them or how to say it. Troubled by my lack of confidence, I went to RTB philosopher/theologian Kenneth Samples for tips on interacting with Jehovah’s Witnesses. (more…)
July 29, 2011
Just when you thought nothing could be more care-free than a day at the beach, Shark Week arrives. Beginning this Sunday, the Discovery Channel’s annual summer special will terrify and enthrall viewers with close, sometimes fatal, shark encounters.
But despite sharks’ fearsome reputation, we humans actually pose a greater threat to them than they do to us. (more…)
October 8, 2010
What was the first thing I did after getting home from seeing The Social Network? That’s right—I checked my Facebook page. (more…)
December 18, 2009
Scholars estimate the Magi arrived in Bethlehem up to two years after Christ’s birth.
My pastor has an issue with the three wise men. Movies, plays, crèches, and Christmas cards usually depict the Magi1 among the people present at Christ’s birth, despite Matthew 2:1’s clear statement that the Magi didn’t arrive in the area (Judea) until after that event. Because this discrepancy bugs my pastor so much, some congregants cut the wise men out of the Christmas cards they send him. (more…)
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