My faith these days sometimes feels as thin and dry as that little wafer. So the presence of these familiar, faithful people—even if we can’t chat over coffee after the service—that presence feels like a balm. This whole pandemic disaster has taught me—probably many of us—how very weak we are alone, how much we need each other.
Is Congregational Worship an Endangered Species? Read More »
cultural commentary, spirituality
This week, I’ve been accidentally observing Epiphany season by following a strict regimen of anxiety-producing activities. This was not my intention. But if you, too, would like to induce a nice bout of depression-anxiety, I have a proven and effective plan for you.
Epiphany at the World’s Many Ends Read More »
climate change, cultural commentary
Art has the power to weasel behind our defenses, awaken us emotionally, disturb the smooth surfaces of our certainties.
Can Artists Help in the Climate Fight? Read More »
arts, climate change, cultural commentary
It’s heartbreaking to see the once-beautiful churches in these photographs encrusted with mold and junk and falling apart. Plaster crumbles from sanctuary ceilings, organs molder, pews gather coatings of dirt and dust, stairwells collapse into piles of beautifully carved, jumbled pieces.
The Aesthetics of Decline Read More »
cultural commentary, spirituality
Because when you live on the fault lines, you learn to draw boundaries.
Living on the Fault Lines Read More »
cultural commentary, politics, theology
What does a vote mean? What do we think it does? What is, you might say, our theory of voting? It seems to me that we Americans operate out of a variety of confused, mostly unconscious, somewhat conflicting theories.
Can we enjoy the process of puzzling things out when we’re not sure, at the end of it, that there’s an answer?
Six Letters, Starts with a P Read More »
cultural commentary, memoir, pop culture
Maybe this is why my favorite songs on the album are the most melancholy.
Cutover Dreams: Michigan Folk Songs Updated Read More »
cultural commentary, Michigan, nature, pop culture
Earlier this week, Gillette dropped a new advertisement called “We Believe: The Best Men Can Be.” Well, you would think they had dropped a match in a puddle of gasoline. Using all the slick production values a $17 billion corporation can muster—including a lush musical score and portentous voiceover—the ad directly affirms the #metoo movement.
On Shaving and Shaming Read More »
cultural commentary, pop culture
