One of the most unfortunate phrases in the English language is “He’s only human.” The assumption lurking behind it is that humanity is akin to weakness, like a crutch, and is therefore something to be ashamed of. I touch on this in the book I am currently writing: A proper Christology reminds us that receiving heavenly […]
Category: Humanity
Of Mysticism Sacred and Secular
I was recently watching HBO’s new documentary on Scientology, Going Clear, and was astounded at how so many wealthy, powerful, and seemingly intelligent people have bought in to L. Ron Hubbard’s bizarre and sci-fi inspired vision of the world. 75 million years ago some god called Xenu transported a bunch of humans to earth in a […]
Vengeance, Vindictiveness, and Valar Morghulis
In George R. R. Martin’s epic series A Song of Ice and Fire (on which the Game of Thrones TV show is based) one character, Arya Stark, goes to sleep each night muttering the names of those on whom she vows to get revenge: Every night Arya would say their names. “Ser Gregor,” she’d whisper to her […]
The Artist as Foolhearted Masochist
I am reckless. I don’t mean to be — in fact, I often go out of my way to remind myself not to be. I tell myself to hide, to self-preserve, to keep the strap of the mask tight and the thoughts of my heart impregnable. I have spent the better part of my adult […]
“Now I’m Just Turning Tricks….”
I have been a fan of Bright Eyes, and of their lead singer/songwriter Conor Oberst, for a little over a decade. Despite his being a bit off his game when I saw the band live (drunk), and despite his not having the best voice out there (understatement), his powers with a pen are admirable to […]
“Musings of a Misfit Catholic”
I know, I know: It has been ages since I last posted anything here. I have been wanting to reboot this site for a while, so we’ll see how that goes. For now, though, I just wanted to give a quick update on the status of the book I have been working on for Random […]