Expressing myself after fundamentalism and legalism

Last Sunday, I introduced my friend Cynthia B. to my favorite movie during my teen years, The Apple Dumpling Gang (1975), said to be the highest grossing Disney movie of the 70s. It’s slapstick comedy, but has complex characters. I’ve always admired Dusty, the stage driver. She’s the stabilizing influence for most of the town. When three orphansContinueContinue reading “Expressing myself after fundamentalism and legalism”

Missing the mark: Exploring the meaning of ‘sin’ beyond fundamentalism

I cry, Father, Father, forgive meYou say, Child, I already have.- Joy Williams, Beautiful Redemption I pulled back on the bowstring, my arm trembling to hold it taut. My friend Ashley gave me pointers from the other side of the archery pit. “Pull your finger back before you release so the arrow doesn’t catch.” “AimContinueContinue reading “Missing the mark: Exploring the meaning of ‘sin’ beyond fundamentalism”

Nudity on stage: Theatre D’Art’s Paradise Lost retells Adam and Eve story with more vulnerability, humanity

The midsummer air in the upper room theater stifled, and the box office offered complimentary water bottles. I chose to experience the play barefoot. I knew several members of the cast personally or had seen them in other Theatre D’Art productions, intensifying the experience. My friend Dastan played Lucifer, and Dana (per tradition from hisContinueContinue reading “Nudity on stage: Theatre D’Art’s Paradise Lost retells Adam and Eve story with more vulnerability, humanity”

Help my unbelief

I’m often told by friends and blog readers that my “vibrant Christianity” is inspiring, that I “maintain remarkable stability in the face of incredible odds.” But I wonder if they’d still say that if they knew the me who sometimes wonders if spirituality is real or just a coping mechanism for survival, the me whoseContinueContinue reading “Help my unbelief”

‘You’re not a victim because.’ | Unpacking the responses to exposing abuse in the Jeub family

Content note: victim-blaming Observing the backlash against my friend Cynthia Jeub’s blog series on family abuse has been quite informative for my journalistic aspirations. (Cynthia Jeub is now known as Artemis Stardust.) Cynthia and I worked at the campus newspaper as editors for two years, and we share a passion for investigative reporting. Together, we advocatedContinueContinue reading “‘You’re not a victim because.’ | Unpacking the responses to exposing abuse in the Jeub family”