Deconstructing the Hegemonic Utopia: An Intersectional Criticism of “War Room”

Recently someone in a Facebook group I follow asked about the Kendrick brother's Christian films. I responded that I had written a paper on their film "War Room" for a doctoral seminar. Several people expressed interest, so I am sharing a later, somewhat abbreviated version of that paper here. Its present form is what I …

Forgiveness,Critique, and Restorative Justice

Over the past week, my heart has been gripped by the trial, conviction, and sentencing of Amber Guyger for the murder of Botham Jean. For those who have been living under a rock, here is a brief summary of the event. Guyger – a white, female police officer – was off duty and heading home …

Only Right at First: On Herod, Worms, and Trump

The prophet faces a coalition of callousness and established authority, and undertakes to stop a mighty stream with mere words... the purpose of prophecy is to conquer callousness, to change the inner person as well as to revolutionize history. Abraham Heschel I am not the quickest wit in the land. My humor inclines to the …

Looking back at a Real and Present Danger: Lessons from Kristallnacht?

Ninety years ago tonight, German civilian and paramilitary fascists conducted the infamous Kristallnacht (Crystal Night, from the shards of broken glass), destroying 267 synagogues and more than 7000 Jewish businesses. At least 91 Jews were murdered (perhaps many more), and 30,000 were arrested and sent to concentration camps. The Nazis prepared the way for this …

A Snarky Take on Misogyny’s Manipulative Use of Male Fear: For Those with Ears to Hear

I have good news, men! You do not need to be afraid of false accusations any more! New (and old) data continually confirms that false accusations are rare. Indeed, very rare. Most sexual assaults never get reported. Even those that do get reported are seldom prosecuted, and many prosecutions do not result in conviction. Even …

Justice and Assault: A Restorative and Courageous Vision

This is powerful. I hope each of us would listen deeply to this courageous woman's prophetic question and vision: Do you think that he’s able to hold the pain of this country and repair it? THAT is the work of justice. The way that justice works is you recognize hurt, you take responsibility for it, …

Psychology, Truth, and Believability: Kavanaugh’s Anger and the Range of Possibilities

News outlets and social media are abuzz with opinions and conclusions regarding Christine Blasey Ford's testimony (here) before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding her experience of sexual assault and the subsequent testimony (here) by her alleged assaulter and would-be Supreme Court Justice, Brett Kavanaugh. With his nomination now apparently moving forward (here), the consequences of …

A Confessional Response to #metoo

The recent #metoo movement is a few weeks old now. I have not written a response until now, but my whole being has been deeply affected. Why has a response taken so long? It has taken courage, more than it should. The struggle for this courage, however, ultimately reveals my cowardice and need for a …

Black History Flashcards

I just ordered a set of my own! I am excited about this resource and the opportunity to delve into an aspect of American and global history that is often minimized if not overlooked entirely. Also, if you purchase a set through this link I get a 25% kickback: https://store.urbanintellectuals.com/black-history-flashcards-vol-1-pre-order/aff/mbeal.logos/. Let's educate ourselves! Thank you for …

How Long, O Lord?!

I heard about the horror in Vegas on my drive to the airport early Monday morning. My deep heartache and tears go out to those affected. And we are all affected, in varying ways. We all (speaking to my fellow Americans) share in a society that stands head and shoulders above the rest of the …