“Confound it! The batteries are dead!” I chuckled a little as I watched Batman (played by Adam West) look from the useless gadget in his hands to the torpedo dashing toward him and Robin. Yes, it’s a silly joke. Adam West himself admitted the 1960’s “Batman” TV show and movie were supposed to have a …
If you've read many of my blogs, you probably know I enjoy writing about Christians who are also artists and how churches sometimes struggle to connect with them. In this article, recently published by the Odyssey, I suggest some things churches can do to better connect with artists. Enjoy
In an article just published this afternoon, I talk about 7 things I learned about traveling light from my trip to China and Mongolia. Many of these tips apply to traveling through other continents as well.
What happens when a costumed crimefighter doesn't have enough bucks for a Batcave? In a new satirical piece, published by the Odyssey on May 18, 2017, I answer that question. Captain Unbeatable, the relentless defender of an obscure American city known as Hooverville, resorts to sending out a newsletter for donations
In my latest article, published by Area of Effect magazine, I discuss a 1980's comic book story where Superman's friend arrive at his Fortress of Solitude ... to discover someone's defeated him. Without using Kryptonite. Along the way, I discuss how the past creates who we are today, and how we can reconcile with it. …
Continue reading How Do You Defeat Superman Without Even Touching Him?
(Part 4 of 4, based on a workshop on fitting faith-based themes or symbols in mainstream stories. Here's Part 3 for those who missed it). Method 4: Talk about spiritual ideas openly, but in different words. The 2016 movie Dr. Strange (co-written and directed by Scott Derrickson, whom I mentioned in Part 1) shows this idea very …
Continue reading How to Fit Spiritual Themes in Stories (Part 4)
(Part 3 of 4, based on a workshop on fitting faith-based themes or symbols in mainstream stories. Here’s Part 1 and Part 2 for those who missed it). Method 3: Include spiritual themes/symbols along with other themes/symbols in the story. Grant Morrison's graphic novel Arkham Asylum provides a great example of how to do this. For those …
Continue reading How to Fit Spiritual Themes in Stories (Part 3)
Since I'm taking a Business Writing class at Taylor University, I had to give a professional-level presentation on a topic of my choice. I chose to present my upcoming book (currently titled Beside Me), a memoir about my 2015 trip to Asia. I also got to speak about my …
For a Christian, thinking about the end of the world isn’t always bad. The belief this world is temporary and Jesus is returning soon comes up multiple times in Paul’s epistles and can encourage Christians to always share their faith. One could argue the End Times focus of Revelation is encouraging, a reminder that …
(Part 2 of 4, based on a workshop on fitting faith-based themes or symbols in mainstream stories. Here's Part 1 for those who missed it). Method 2: Explore characters who, by design or the role they play in stories, naturally have spiritual themes to them. great example. One great example of this is Superman. As …
Continue reading How to Fit Spiritual Themes in Stories Part 2
