Church / Society

The Reformer Who Wrote Erotic Poetry

History is full of odd tales, and nowhere more so than during the Protestant Reformation. We have, for example, the much beloved story of how Martin Luther’s future wife, Katharina …

Church

The Origins of the Protestant Reformation

Can you recall the first time you learned about the Protestant Reformation? In all likelihood, you were told a story somewhat like this. On October 31, 1517, a German monk …

Society

The Traitors in my Family

In this week just after Guy Fawkes Day, when the entirety of the American populace stands ready to go at each other with torch and pitchfork, it seems appropriate that …

Society

Revising (and Reviving) History through Fiction

  “History takes a long time for us to reach.” That rather obvious statement was made by a former president of the United States, George W. Bush, when reflecting upon …

Church / Society

The Worst Christmas Ever

Henry was having a terrible Christmas – possibly the worst Christmas ever. One might almost say he was experiencing hell on earth, and not just because he was in the …

State

Who is to Blame for the Rise of ISIS?

There are a lot of lessons that we can take from the alarming expansion of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Surely it is a parable, but what …

State

Scotland’s Referendum in Perspective

If I type the word “Scotland”, what pops into your mind? Kilted men playing bagpipes? “They may take our lives, but they can never take our freedom!”? A blurry image …

State

The Ukraine Crisis Explained in a Series of Maps

Ukraine has been in the news quite a bit lately. What began as a series of protests against President Viktor Yanukovych following his decision not to sign a trade deal with the …

Society

What was Missing in the Sochi Opening Ceremony (Other than the Fifth Olympic Ring)

The introduction to the 2014 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Sochi may have told us something about how much success women have had in Russian history. Is the United States …

State

The JFK Assassination: Where Are They Now?

  As you have probably heard, today marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, TX.  There has been no shortage of material …