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Presents an excerpt from the book "Tortured Wonders: Christian Spirituality for People, Not Angels," by Rodney Clapp.

Discusses the issue on whether the phrase under God should be part of the Pledge of Allegiance. Reasons why the Elk Grove Unified School versus Newdow case deserves close attention; Opinion of Chief Justice William Rehnquist on the case; Arguments over the God-phrase in the pledge; Overview of henotheism.

The article focuses on the book "The Da Vinci Code," by Dan Brown. It stresses that the book became popular because it profoundly played into the manic milieu of truthiness, a term recognized by the "New York Times" as one of nine words defining the spirit of the age. The author claimed that he relied on 39 books in writing the novel. The book covers various topics including art history and architecture. A special edition of the book with color art and photography has been produced. INSET: Decoder key.

Challenges the book 'The Prayer of Jabez,' by Bruce Wilkinson, concerning its interpretation of biblical teaching. Comparison of the trajectories of the Lord's Prayer and the Jabez prayer; Analysis of the text of Jabez prayer; Clue to Jabez's significance.

The article discusses the works, views and career of the American Christian theologian and scholar Stanley Hauerwas, noting his retirement as of 2014. An overview of Hauerwas' literary output is given, noting his works addressing narrative theology, medical ethics, and theological politics. Anecdotes describing the author's friendship and encounters with Hauerwas are also included.

The article presents meditations by the author concerning the significance of the Eucharist in Christian church life. Introductory comments are given describing the author's home parish and its ministries. Three major facets of Eucharistic theology are then discussed, highlighting the presence of Jesus Christ, the individual offering of the celebrants, and the communion of the body of Christ as a worldwide fellowship.

The article presents the author's reflections on the Christian faith of his daughter Jesselyn. The author begins by describing how proud he is of her accomplishments as a grown woman, but highlights the singular importance of her being baptized and raised in the Episcopal Church. The importance of baptism and Christian identity over all other familial characteristics is stressed. Comments are then given asserting the importance of continued regular church attendance.

The article presents the author's reflections on his experiences visiting his grandparents in Oklahoma during his childhood and adult life. Details are given describing how stories told at meals were a source of entertainment and encouragement for the author. Sample anecdotes featuring his grandparents are included. Final comments are offered on how the author may become a grandparent himself soon.

The article presents a reflection on the Christian understanding of suffering and natural disasters, citing the response surrounding the 2013 tornado strike of Moore, Oklahoma. The extent of the damage and the religious community's disaster relief response are each described. The Biblical theology of suffering and theodicy as expressed in the Book of Job is cited. Conclusions are offered suggesting the most important Christian response to disasters is prayer.

The article reviews the film "To the Wonder," directed by Terrence Malick, starring Ben Affleck and Javier Bardem.

The author discusses the work of American short story author George Saunders, particularly commenting on the use of faith as a theme in his fiction. He addresses the stories "The Wavemaker Falters," "My Flamboyant Grandson," and "Escape From Spiderhead," dealing with Saunders' compassion for his characters.

The article discusses the Christian spiritual meditative practice of centering prayer. Anecdotes are presented describing the author's personal experiences working through the discipline. Commentary is then given describing the major features of centering prayer and its ultimate theological goal of being able to focus on the presence of God without distraction.

The article discusses the notion of puttering in relation to the biblical text Luke 10:38-41, which involves the characters Mary and Martha in relation to religious figure Jesus Christ. It is said that puttering is a way of doing work that is sensitive to the rhythms of time and is unrushed, unlike multitasking.

The article discusses the moral and social significance of film as a mode of entertainment from a Christian perspective. Comments from director Quentin Tarantino regarding his film "Django Unchained" are noted, and the relation between violence in motion pictures as fictional and violent events in society is addressed.

The article reflects on dependence on technology in relation to the role of technology in the Bible from a Christian perspective. Topics include the biblical story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, analogies between computing technology and ancient agricultural technology, and the propriety of prayer regarding technological problems.

The article presents the author's reflections on the popular devotional use of the Bible as a source of comfort. Introductory comments are given highlighting how many U.S. Christians use the Bible exclusively for comfort in times of difficulty. It is then suggested that such a perspective is incomplete and ignores the important confrontational and intimidating aspects of the Bible's teachings.

A personal narrative is presented that discusses the author's experiences of listening to music, noting artists including Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and John Coltrane.

The author reflects on the Christian views on evil, sin, and death. He states that two of the biggest dangers facing the world are sentimentally denying darkness, or evil, and godless nihilism. Comments from Christian author Flannery O'Conner on sentimentality, grace, and God's death. Other topics covered include the symbol of the crucifix, Christ's suffering, and Psalm 88.

The article discusses population decreases in rural agricultural areas of the U.S. Great Plains region. Topics include the depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer due to use in irrigation, the possibility of rapid change to either a wind farm are or a buffalo grazing region, and the deterioration of depopulated towns.

The article presents the author's reflections on his fear of snakes. Introductory comments are offered describing the author's fear of snakes and his disgust at their presence. Anecdotes are given describing his childhood in rural Oklahoma where he regularly encountered rattlesnakes. The author's antagonism against rattlesnakes is then contrasted with those of bullsnakes, which are less dangerous.

The article presents the author's reflections on air travel and the benefits it offers by teaching patience. A typical routine for an air flight is presented, outlining numerous places where the traveler must wait and endure delays and frustrations. The author points out his own sense of frustration with the process but also suggests that it could be treated as an exercise in developing spiritual discipline.

The article presents reflections on the question of whether or not animal pets will be present in the Christian view of the afterlife. Several quotations from Christian thinkers and from the Bible are cited to suggest a view of Heaven that includes animals, including reference to the writings of St. Paul, the paintings of the Quaker Edward Hicks, and the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins. Conclusions are offered suggesting that animals will be present in some way.

The article presents discussion regarding trends in American theology as of 2012, noting the conceptual re-examination of life after death as presented through the Bible and Christian thought. The author points out the growth of a conceptual movement which focuses more on the recreation and restoration of the cosmos rather than the dualistic separation of souls and bodies. Predictions are made regarding the future trajectory of this view.

The article presents the author's reflections on the place of the family as a central cultural institution within U.S. popular culture at the beginning of the 21st century. Examples are given citing the primary importance of the family as a theme in several popular television shows. Connections are then drawn to the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament regarding the relationship between family and the Kingdom of God.

The article presents the author's reflections regarding the social impact of the rise of online book selling websites such as Amazon.com and the closing of traditional bookstores. The author highlights the fact that in traditional stores there is an opportunity to browse and discover new books. Commentary is then given discussing the value of browsing in general.

The article presents the author's reflections on snow. Comments are given noting that in Chicago, Illinois snow is common during the Winter season and is a source of both frustration and joy. Anecdotes are given describing how snow caused automobile crashes in the author's memories. Concluding remarks are also given noting snow's metaphorical connection to subjects such as hope and holiness.

The article presents the author's reflections regarding the zombie trope in U.S. popular culture. Comments are given identifying some of the key psychological features of the monsters in films and stories, focusing on their impersonal nature and connections with death. Parallels are also drawn between zombies and the culture of corporate advertising.

The article presents the author's reflections on the philosophy of free market economics in U.S. society, pointing out its strengths and weaknesses. Introductory remarks are offered warning against the over-generalizing view that free markets are always the best system for managing resources. Several examples where free market principles do not apply, including issues such as environmental pollution, planning for future generations, or in Christian theology.

The article presents the author's reflections on the nature of patriotism in 21st-century American society. It is asserted that, like one's biological family, a person is born into a nation without any choice and therefore a kind of love for one's country is normal and unavoidable. It is further suggested that such a patriotic feeling does not have to be blind to the nation's faults or seek war.

The article presents the author's reflections on "dry periods" in the Christian spiritual life, or times where the presence of God is not felt strongly. Five responses are offered for people to follow who find themselves in such a position, including assertions that such periods are normal, that one should "trust momentum" and persevere, and to trust the judgment of others.

The article presents the author's reflections on the game of American football, describing the various elements of the sport which he loves and meditations regarding the violence involved in it. Anecdotes are provided from the author's youth when he was a football player and sustained a serious nose injury. Questions are then raised asking whether or not the sport matches with Christian morality because of the intrinsic violence involved.

The article presents the author's reflections on the nature of prayer and community in Christian life. An anecdote is presented describing how the author traveled to Egypt and was asked "where do you pray?" instead of "where do you go to church?" Discussion is then offered extrapolating the idea of community in prayer from the distinction between these two phrases.

The article presents the author's reflections on the use of physical gestures during Christian worship. The widespread use of what the author calls "worship calisthenics" in churches, regardless of denomination, is described. Several reasons for their significance are then addressed, such as enlisting the use of the entire body to pray and the states of mind which physical postures foster.

The article presents the author's reflections on the religious aspects of the 21st century American popular singer Lady Gaga's persona. The pop artist's thematic focus on being a "little monster" and being comfortable as a social "misfit" are highlighted. The author then connects Lady Gaga's message of counter-culturalism with the Christian gospel.

The article presents the author's reflections on the different ways in which fish and fishing are represented within the Bible and Christian history. Anecdotes from the author's travels in Canada to fish are included. Fish references are mentioned such as the Genesis creation account, to the flood of Noah, and the religious symbol and Greek acronym "icthus."

The article presents the author's reflections on his own ordeals having an enlarged prostate, needing a catheter, and being thankful to God for the physical aspects of the human body. Accounts are given describing the author's medical situation and his joy at recovering the ability to urinate. Comments are also provided regarding old Gnostic heresies which denied the physicality of Jesus Christ. It is asserted that as God created humanity, it is good to be thankful for all bodily functions.

The article presents the author's reflections on the role and necessity of government from a Christian perspective. A debate between the author and a friend is cited wherein they argued the merits of government in general. The theology of St. Augustine of Hippo is particularly referenced, making distinctions between criticizing the flawed systems which actually exist and the need to restrain and structure human behavior in general.

The article presents the author's comments on the company Amtrak and railroad travel in the United States as of 2011. Discussion is offered dismissing criticism often leveled against the rail sector over government subsidies and poor management. The advantages and successful elements of rail travel are also complimented.

The article presents discussion regarding superstition, particularly as manifested within contemporary American Christian life. Details are given describing an anecdote where the author found his doctors being superstitious. Further reflections are offered regarding the ways in which he has acted superstitiously towards God in his prayers. Exhortations are then given for an authentic, non-superstitious prayer life.

The article presents a reflection on the nature of prayer in Christian life, particularly the communal nature of interceding for and on behalf of others. The author describes a scenario where he was spiritually overwhelmed and needed to rely on others to pray "for" him instead of his praying himself.

The article presents discussion regarding the Christian publishing industry in the United States at the beginning of the 21st century. The author describes his own perceptions of the industry as an editor for a scholarly publisher. Several trends and issues of interest to the industry as of 2011 are mentioned, including blogging, studies of religion and race, and discussion of the afterlife.

The article presents commentary on Christian culture in the U.S., focusing on the events of Christmas. The highly commercialized nature of the holiday in American secular culture is criticized. The author then highlights the connections between Christmas and Easter, suggesting that a balanced understanding of them both would lead to a more proper celebration of the winter holidays.

The article presents the author's reflections on the U.S. September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks, criticizing the lack of definitive narrative seen within the popular nickname for the events "9/11." It is suggested that 9/11 is too broad a title with too little clarity in its meaning. Discussion is also given noting the dangers in assuming the U.S. War on Terrorism is a religious conflict against Muslims. Calls are given for specific labels and purposes for remembering such an event.

The article presents discussion concerning the use of torture by the U.S. Armed Forces and its intersections with Christian ethics. The author highlights the experiences of Sergeant Joseph Darby, Lt. Colonel Darrel Vandeveld, and Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch, all U.S. servicemen who protested the use of torture during the War on Terror. Commentary is then given addressing the political controversy over the topic, suggesting that it has not been refuted enough.

The article presents the author's opinions regarding smoking, particularly in relation to Christianity. The author names several prominent 20th-century theologians and Christian writers who smoked, such as C. S. Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and C. H. Spurgeon. The rise of anti-tobacco sentiment in Christian circles is discussed but criticized, suggesting the practice is aesthetic and not overly harmful.

The article presents the author's reflections on the difference between hearing and listening, particularly in relation to the practice of Christian life. Humorous anecdotes are presented discussing a family grandmother who was going deaf, a hearing exam, and the religious connotations of listening to the words of God.

The article presents the author's reflections on the status of television programming in the United States as of July 2010. The popular attribution of the 1950s and 1960s as the "golden age of television" is mentioned but criticized, suggesting instead that it is currently the golden age due to the potential and quality of cable television shows.

The article presents the author's reflections on several analogies paralleling Christian life and the Internet. The condition and nature of sin in Christian theology is compared to computer viruses, discussing its communal nature, its communicability, and the use of external software to correct its damage.

The article presents discussion regarding Christianity in the United States, focusing on the blurred lines between American popular culture and Christian religious discourse. A jeremiad speech given by President Abraham Lincoln after the Civil War is mentioned and analyzed, noting its religious language. The evolution of Christian calls to repentance into discourse criticizing secular civil society is addressed. Parallels are then drawn to contemporary 21st century debates in U.S. culture.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience with insomnia.