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In graduate school, one of the most helpful concepts I learned about was narrative theology. The basic premise behind it is that theologies are rooted in a narrative, or story, that forms the lens through which a religion’s adherents interpret the world. Christianity itself is a story, one that captured the West’s attention for almost
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On Feb. 14, sweethearts of all ages will exchange cards, flowers, candy, and more lavish gifts in the name of St. Valentine. But as a historian of Christianity, I can tell you that at the root of our modern holiday is a beautiful fiction. St. Valentine was no lover or patron of love. Valentine’s Day,
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I have been asked many times what my favorite Merle Haggard song is. For me, that’s a lot like asking a mother to name a favorite among her children. But if I had to answer (with gun to my head) I’d have to pick the “Okie from Muskogee,” first recorded in July of 1969. Haggard got the
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A friend of mine recently saw the new Joker movie. As he explained the plot to me, it was evident that he was unimpressed. Perhaps disturbed is a better word. He found the treatment of older people, many of whom were portrayed as inept or disposable, particularly troubling. Unfortunately, such disrespectful treatment seems to be
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Senator Elizabeth Warren has said more than once she’s “with Bernie” on Medicare for All, a reference to Sen. Bernie Sanders’ ambitious plan to nationalize America’s health care system. Unlike Sanders, however, Warren is refusing to say how she’ll pay for it. Last week during ABC’s presidential debate, she dodged a question from George Stephanopoulos, who
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Today is Maundy Thursday of the Christian Holy Week in the West. Traditionally, the day remembers the Last Supper, Christ’s washing of the disciples’ feet, and the great mandate, which is where the name Maundy is derived. To begin, the name ‘Maundy’ is derived from the Latin word ‘mandatum’, which means ‘commandment’. From the
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