June (Web-only) 2014

Something, Anything: An Interview with Paul Harrill
The director of 'Something, Anything' talks about making a movie, shooting at a monastery, and telling stories about faith, doubt, and journeys.

The New Apocalypse
Recap and commentary for the pilot episode of HBO's new post-Rapture show, 'The Leftovers.'

Supreme Court Narrowly Rules For Hobby Lobby
(UPDATED) 5-4 decision on healthcare rules that the government cannot require faith-based organizations to provide contraception against their owners' religious beliefs.

Prayer, Dark Mysticism, and Flannery: A Conversation with Scott Derrickson
The director of 'Deliver Us From Evil'—and Marvel's pick for 'Dr. Strange'—talks about faith, evil, and why he makes horror movies.

Fair Trade in an Unfair World
Conflicted over bananas, button-downs, and now, smart phones.

The Quick Take - June 29, 2014
Should you really spend your money on another Transformers movie? Or would it be better spent on a non-musical Clintwood musical?

The Internet Never Forgets
European decision does more to preserve reputations than protect privacy.

Mythbusting for Foster Parents
Thousands of American kids need foster homes. Don’t let misconceptions keep you from helping.

This Rockabilly Christian Life
Retro style and the inescapable, human longing for times gone by.

A Field Guide for Suffering Well
Finding beauty and blessings in our spiritual deserts.

Tied Up in Our Own Preferences
How fear, not prayer, led us to choose sterilization… and regret it.

Sinister Tips for Mission Trips
What the devil may be up to as churches sally forth.

To Publish a Predator
What the regrettable Leadership Journal post reminds us about the nature of sexual abuse.

Why Jimmy Carter Was (and Is) a Rare Breed
Randall Balmer's new biography says the former president’s political and religious activism made everyone uncomfortable.

The Quick Take for June 13, 2014
The critics take on whether orange really is the new black and what’s streaming in this week’s quick take.

It's Never Too Late to Become a Great Dad
Focus on the Family’s Jim Daly has an encouraging message for fathers: You’re not defined by your past.

A Shooting on Sacred Ground
In the midst of trauma at SPU, I’m reminded that a Christian university is a holy place.

How Working on Wall Street Can Corrupt Your Soul
The financial industry’s amoral culture plunges young strivers into a spiritual abyss. Kevin Roose sounds a moral alarm.

Why I Blogged About Our Miscarriage
And how I learned that oversharing brings us together.

Thank God for Vaccines
The diseases they fight are worse than you remember. The people who oppose them are a bigger risk than you realize.

Baptizing the Dora Generation: Why Preschooler Faith Is So Controversial
Southern Baptist leaders would rather ‘the only consistently growing group in baptisms’ be shrinking.

Why ‘God and the Gay Christian’ Is Wrong About the Bible and Same-Sex Relationships
Matthew Vines rehashes older arguments for a modern audience. But those arguments still don’t square with Scripture.

Former Bergdahl Pastor Calls for Mercy for 'Prodigal Son' Bowe
"Christians are getting engaged in the lynching," he says. "In any other situation, we'd be hugging the parents."

Breaking All the Barriers
How the Spirit at Pentecost decimated humanity’s dividing walls.

The Spirit's Work of Ignorance
When you’re about the only white man in a sea of black faces, you learn strange things. A dispatch from the Hampton Ministers' Conference.

Have We Forgotten the Power of Touch?
Embracing healing touch in a culture that shies away from physical contact.

When We Close Our Wombs
Christian women face difficult decisions over sterilization.

Did Jesus Make Mistakes?
Mark Driscoll says yes, though Jesus never sinned. Experts weigh in.

Something's Wrong for Our Sisters
Beneath the stereotype of the angry black woman is an overlooked vulnerability.

Christian Comparison Isn't Pretty
Resisting the pressure to dress-up our lives for church friends.