Category Archives: Culture

Peer Pressure by Design

Posted on June 20, 2012 by Matt

Peer pressure is generally considered a bad thing.  We usually hear about it as some mysterious force that makes kids want to have premarital sex, do drugs, and so forth.  It was certainly placarded as a major villain back when … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, The Modern Church | 1 Comment

In Defense of Thomas Kinkade

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Matt

First, let me make it clear that I am not defending Thomas Kinkade’s artistic talent or sensibilities.  I am neither an art critic nor an art conisseur, and am entirely unqualified to make such a defense if, indeed, one is … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Lutheranism, Theological Pietism | 1 Comment

In Which a Stream of Consciousness Overflows its Banks, Devastating the Local Ecosystem

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Matt

The other day, I was told about about Disney’s new Habit Heroes–an extremely short-lived Epcot exhibit that sought to combat obesity by teaching kids healthy habits.  It included heroic and fit characters like Will Power and Callie Stenics who need … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Politics, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

You got religion in my Jesus! You got Jesus in my religion!

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Matt

Another excellent video from Rev. Fisk, addressing a pro-jesus/anti-religion video that’s making the rounds. People who claim to love Jesus but hate organized religion and the institutional  church must keep their faith shallow and ignorant for the simple reason that … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologetics, Christian Youth, Culture, The Modern Church | Leave a comment

Tales from Flyover Country

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Matt

Since I am one of Iowa’s newest residents, I suppose I should finally comment on professor of journalism Stephen Bloom’s screed against my poor benighted state.  In a nutshell, he takes about 6000 colorful words to argue that Iowans shouldn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture | 2 Comments

Which is Witch? Discerning Halloween

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Matt

As Halloween comes around once again, it has inspired the usual debate over whether it is appropriate for Christians to take part in such a distinctly pagan festival.  Inasmuch as Halloween celebrates communion with dark powers, Christians are obviously obligated … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Ethics, The Modern Church, Tradition | 1 Comment

Let’s Remain Pure. Oops, We’re Having Sex!

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Matt

An upcoming article in Relevant magazine is making the blogosphere rounds already (e.g., CNN & First Thoughts).  It would seem that multiple studies are indicating that despite all efforts by the Church, most young Christians simply are not waiting until … Continue reading →

Posted in Chastity, Culture, Ethics | 2 Comments

Patriarchy and Sexist T-Shirts

Posted on September 3, 2011 by Matt

It seems J.C. Penny recently caused a small controversy with a rather ill-conceived t-shirt design.  The shirt, apparently targeted at schoolgirls, reads “I’m too pretty to do my homework so my brother has to do it for me.”   Their website … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Feminism | 1 Comment

When Movies Aren’t Bloody Enough

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Matt

So the other night, I finally saw The Crow, the 1994 cult-classic starring Brandon Lee.  I found myself rather disappointed with the film by the time the credits began to roll.  Given how the typical complaint is that movies like … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Gospel, Law | Leave a comment

Keynes vs. Hayek

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Matt

If your economics program was like mine, Keynes was the only economist you were taught about in college.  Take a few minutes and rectify the “oversight” with this brilliant video.  It manages to be fun, fair, and cover the salient … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Politics | Leave a comment