There’s a recent opinion article over on Glenn Beck’s platform “The Blaze” that takes issue with Bandit Heeler, the dad from the wildly popular children’s show, Bluey. When I say “popular” I mean “phenomenon.” Bluey accounts for over 25% of total streaming hours on Disney Plus. Take that, Marvel. If you haven’t seen the show, that’s ok. ItContinue reading “Ah, Biscuits.”
Category Archives: Culture
“Just Asking Questions”
This piece reflects on suspicion, propaganda, and disinformation. The catalyst is the current (and dangerous) propaganda laid by JD Vance on the Haitian community in Ohio, who now find themselves at the center of the election news cycle. Before we dive in, I will add: I’m wary of always commenting on every single thing. I’m preferringContinue reading ““Just Asking Questions””
When The Name Christian Meant Something
I thought I’d share an insight from my research today. I think it helps us resist some of the ways “Christian” has become associated with racism, bigotry, and violence (i.e. with antichrist). In my upcoming dissertation, I have a whole chapter on the label “evangelical” — what it’s meant, where it’s come from, how it’sContinue reading “When The Name Christian Meant Something”
We Built This City On Conspiracy Theory
There’s a ‘new’ conspiracy theory emerging on digital spaces like TikTok and Instagram. (Just search the hashtag.) Today, I want to offer a few quick thoughts on what it is, and what it means for our politics and our future. What is a 15 Minute City? The conspiracy theory is a reaction to an urbanContinue reading “We Built This City On Conspiracy Theory”
Fortune & Glory and Nostalgia
As film technology advances, the way we use it says something about our deepest longings. How theology intersects with de-aging in our favorite films and franchises… Get ready for more fortune and glory, kid. The trailer for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny dropped this week. It’s the 5th installment of a franchise that started back inContinue reading “Fortune & Glory and Nostalgia”
Why We Better Call Saul
The series “Better Call Saul” wraps this week on AMC. Over the last 6 seasons “Better Call Saul”—with its tale of Jimmy McGill turned con-man lawyer Saul Goodman—took on a life of its own. It was more than a spin off of the original “Breaking Bad”. It steps out from the shadow of Walter WhiteContinue reading “Why We Better Call Saul”
Jesus & Jedi Master
One of my favorite places at Walt Disney World is the Sci-Fi diner. In true Disney fashion, the restaurant is themed like you’re outside. You walk in, and suddenly you’re under the stars, sitting in fin-swept neon cars— at a drive-in movie theater in the Fifties. Your table is your car. And you watch theseContinue reading “Jesus & Jedi Master”
Our Evangelical Betrayal
Recently, I watched Netflix’s 2019 film, The King. The film depicts English King Henry V’s victory over the French in the Battle of Agincourt. It all happened 606 years ago today, October 25th, 1415. What I didn’t expect was the end of the film. It brilliantly illustrates a challenge that continues to derail US EvangelicalsContinue reading “Our Evangelical Betrayal”
The Power of Myth
Today fewer Americans than ever identify with a formal religion, just 47%. Yet, Americans remain overwhelmingly religious. The same Gallup poll also found a record number of Americans choosing to identify as “religious” with no affiliation. America is more religious, even as it grows less ‘Christian’. Christianity isn’t facing persecution in America as much asContinue reading “The Power of Myth”
Christian Presence As Politics
The winds of policy in the United States have turned in favor of abortion. Recently, President Biden signed an executive order repealing the Mexico City policy. The policy, put in place by Reagan in 1985, withholds Federal funds from overseas heath organizations who perform abortions. How ought Christians respond when the winds of policy change?Continue reading “Christian Presence As Politics”
Jared Stacy 