September (Web-only) 2013

A Good Story Needs More than Good Answers
Trevin Wax's tale of a doubting young man goes heavy on theology, but light on character development.

Peace Between Israelis and Palestinians—Really?
Why I refuse to be cynical about the current talks.

The Quick Take for September 27, 2013
Critics react to the new TV season, there's plenty to watch on Netflix, and Jay-Z and Will Smith are producing an "Annie" musical.

Some Christians Are Siding with Scientologists in a Key Abuse Case
One issue: Does California law hurt non-Catholic churches? Another issue: The allegations are horrific.

Blame-Shifting Away Our Sin
Our culture’s repeated cry that “it's not our fault” minimizes our understanding of the Cross.

Go Ahead, Ladies, Fight for the Faith
Is a fear of conflict keeping women out of apologetics?

Kevin DeYoung Has a Busyness Problem, and He Needs Help
That’s why the popular pastor wrote a book about staying God-centered amid the whirl of life’s demands.

This Is Your Brain on Google
When digital dependence takes over what we once knew by heart.

'I'm Afraid She'll Be Killed Very Soon if Nothing Happens'
A conversation with the French journalist who has followed Asia Bibi’s plight in Pakistan.

Beware of Baby Envy
Since biblical times, women have struggled to rejoice at another’s pregnancy.

'Prisoners' and 'Rush': The Good, The Bad, and The Evil
Sinister, playful, or somewhere in between: two of this week's movies look at the consequences of evil.

The Quick Take for September 20, 2013
Critics consider Ricky Gervais' new, oddly sincere Netflix show, Pixar postpones, and more.

What You Should Know About the Pope's New Interview
Francis’s comments weren’t just about abortion and gay marriage.

It's Inevitable: We're Human, We're Christian, and We're Lonely
How an over-connected, over-independent culture keeps us from the intimacy we all crave.

Before Surprise Resignation, Regent's Campo Saw Writing on the Wall
Exclusive interview: Carlos Campo on running Pat Robertson's place and what comes next. (Hint: It involves immigration...)

Can Carlos Campo Bridge Anglo and Latino Christian Cultures?
The son of famous entertainer went from valet parker to university president in 10 years. Now that he’s no longer leading Pat Robertson’s school, you’ll be hearing more from him.

The Pressure to Pretend We're Not Under Pressure
Do-it-all women are supposed to make it look easy, but it’s not.

We Don't Need Sexual Healing
Despite the compassionate heart of the surrogacy movement, sex is not a human right.

A Rich Christian in the Age of Food Stamps
Why food insecurity is every evangelical’s concern.

The Fruitful Callings of the Childless By Choice
Skipping over a procreative opportunity isn't a rejection of God's purpose for me.

TIFF Update - Day 10: The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him and Her, 1982, Faith Connections, and 12 Years a Slave
Finally: a film that just won't let go, on the last day of the festival.

The Quick Take for September 14, 2013
Prequels for Breaking Bad and Harry Potter, streaming picks, and more.

TIFF Update - Day 9: The Face of Love, The Liberator, and Therese
Films about obsession and revolution.

TIFF Update - Day 8: The Police Officer's Wife, A Promise, Blind Detective, and A Wolf at the Door
The latest from the director of INTO GREAT SILENCE, a boring adultery film, a fun cop flick, and more.

Moving Pains: The Disorientating Grief of Transitions
Tips for finding community when you still feel like a stranger.

Strong Is the New Skinny
A fitness movement that pushes women to understand the power of their own bodies? I’m in.

TIFF Update - Day 6: Friends from France and Under the Skin
A surprising sci-fi film and a historical drama at the festival mid-point.

The Bible Wine Tour
Two highly imaginative experts explore viticulture, the Bible, and Jesus’ taste in wines.

I Love You And I Don't Care Who on Facebook Knows It
Guidelines for PDA in the digital age.

The Psychology of Happiness
Even happiness research struggles to get us to the good life.

TIFF Update - Day 5: Devil's Knot, Night Moves, and The Dark Matter of Love
Films from Atom Egoyan and Kelly Reichardt, and a documentary about adoption and attachment therapy.

A Grown-Up, Not Sexed-Up, View of Womanhood
The dialogue we missed about Miley Cyrus and coming of age.

Remembering Robert Farrar Capon
The Episcopal priest and author died last week at age 88.

TIFF Update - Day 3: The Past, Violette, Young & Beautiful, and The Double
An awkward adaptation, an unsatisfying biopic, and two triumphs.

TIFF Update - Day 2: The Last of the Unjust and Mission Congo
Exploring the boundaries of moral and ethical responsibility - during the Holocaust, and in Pat Robertson's humanitarian operation.

The Secrets of a Giving Church
Why one denomination’s members give way more than your church's members do.

The $65,000 RSVP
Nonprofits say event registration company has disappeared, putting their groups in danger.

The Quick Take for September 6, 2013
There's a new Downton Abbey trailer, a new Marvel film on the way (with a twist), and more in this week's cheat sheet.

TIFF Update - Day 1: Closed Curtain
The first update from our critic at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The Overlooked Ethics of Reproduction
Why don't Christians see IVF and surrogacy as moral issues?

Our Shaken Faith in Football
Should Christian fans step away from such a physically devastating, violent sport?

The Real Housewives of Duck Dynasty
Behind every strong redneck duck-hunter is a strong Christian woman.

Can NoiseTrade's Free Downloads Still Save Music?
Why Derek Webb thinks his 6-year-old music site still beats the streaming services.

Boobs on the Boob Tube
Television done right can promote a fuller view of our bodies.

Minding the Thigh Gap
As digital "thinspiration" fuels our culture's body obsession, the church can offer help.