It used to be that equipping the teachers meant securing an adequate supply of chalk and textbooks. Then equipping the teachers expanded to include computers and regular software updates. The calamity at Sandy Hook has made it clear that it is time to take the next step in teacher preparation: the provision of semi-automatic weapons. […]
satire
How long, O Lord? An Advent meditation on suburban injustice
“Americano. Grande. Extra room.” The emphasis was crucial. Failure to include it and “extra room” could easily become mere “room” resulting in three shots of espresso hopelessly diluted in excess hot water with no room for cream. It was a delicate balance, one that I thought I’d secured by the carefully placed emphasis. “Americano. Grande. […]
Was Tim Tebow cheating?
Denver Broncos starting quarterback Tim Tebow’s star was tarnished a bit after Sunday’s loss to the Patriots but few can deny that the football player had an incredible season. Given Tebow’s rather flamboyant penchant for wearing his faith on his shoulder pads, the question has inevitably been raised: has God been helping Tim Tebow out? […]
Why You Should Use Humor When Trying to Dialogue with Triablogue
As you know, in the last few days I’ve mixed it up with Patrick Chan of Triablogue. Some of my readers appreciated the efforts. Apparently not all did however. Kor wrote: “I was saddened to see this string of posts on your own blog, as they seem to run counter to the message of the […]
Patrick Chan and “The Comeback”
Wow, the boys at Triablogue are having a field day. Check out Patrick’s latest shot across my bow. (And they’ve had at least two other posts about me since then.) Patrick has definitely been putting a lot of time and effort into formulating comebacks to my witty posts. But is it too much time and effort? […]
Patrick Chan of Triablogue defends Randal Rauser with biting satire
As you probably know, the folks at Triablogue are not my biggest fans. But now Patrick Chan has come out and published an absolutely scathing satire which completely takes apart the cynical misinformation of Steve Hays and his epigones. The article is called “Church of Uncertain” and I suggest you take a look so you can […]
Reflections on Ricky Gervais, satire and sarcasm
I am a Ricky Gervais fan. His work on the BBC series’ “The Office” and “Extras” in particular was sharp, witty, and edgy. (Not that I recommend you show either series to your church youth group. They are also at times rather vulgar.) “Extras” in particular was an incisive critique of celebrity culture and the wider culture of […]