By: Alana Hayes on April 21, 2024
In the field of religious studies and the ideological analysis, Matthew R. Petrusek’s “Evangelization and Ideology” looks at exploring the intricate connections between not only evangelism, but our belief systems, and cultural narratives around the globe. Through the simple dynamics of outreach, persuasion, and conversion, the author also sheds light on the ways in which…
By: Alana Hayes on April 21, 2024
Nigel Biggars book “Colonialism; A Moral Reckoning” looks into the challenges and historical truths surrounding colonialism. In this book he presents an analysis of the multifaceted legacy of colonialism. By examining accounts of ethical considerations and also the contemporary perspectives Biggar goes through colonial interactions with the moral implications of imperial rule as well as…
By: Audrey Robinson on April 21, 2024
A Critique Rethinking Leadership: A Critique of Contemporary Theories is a timely book that evaluates the leadership theories that have been around for decades and have had minimal impact on changing corporate behavior. Annabel Beerel, the author, is an accomplished international corporate consultant on leadership and ethics, and she has published various books, several of…
By: Alana Hayes on April 21, 2024
Google Tom Holland and you get Spiderman. Alexa…Tell me everything about Tom Holland: -He is actually an actor from London. –Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe -Some publications have called him one of the most popular actors of his generation.[a] -Known for dating Zendaya Similar to all other things in existence… Merely stating its accuracy does…
By: Michael O'Neill on April 20, 2024
Me: As the semester drew to a close and my time as a student blogger neared its end, I unfortunately had to forgo writing this blog post two weeks ago. During the designated week, I managed to read a significant portion of the book and watched several YouTube videos related to the topic, however, my…
By: Michael O'Neill on April 20, 2024
Rethinking Leadership In Rethinking Leadership, Annabel Beerel explores various leadership theories and shortcomings, emphasizing the skills essential for leading effectively in uncertain times. She uses our concept of “leadership bankruptcy” as she opens up the book to question the apparent scarcity of true leadership. She asks, “What happened to all the leaders?”[1] Her experiences shaped…
By: Alana Hayes on April 19, 2024
In the midst of the pandemonium at work, I can’t help but ask, “What’s wrong?” Is it me? Are the staff members to blame? Is there a training problem? Is there a cultural issue here? Is everyone else experiencing chaos as well, or am I just overanalyzing things and making it seem that way? Most…
By: Michael O'Neill on April 14, 2024
I love learning a new word. My family and I often enjoy sharing new words we’ve learned, although I find it much more challenging than they (my mom and wife) do to weave them into my everyday conversations. I often write them down (I have pages of Dr. Clark’s ‘one-liners’) or highlight them in books.…
By: Audrey Robinson on April 13, 2024
Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution by Carl R. Trueman explores how some progressive thinkers were trailblazers and paved the way for the sexual revolution we are experiencing today. Trueman reflectively considers the ideas of Descartes and Rosseau, Marx and Nietzsche, Freud, and Wilhelm Reich, even though…
By: David Beavis on April 8, 2024
“How did we get here?” As a pastor, I often hear this exacerbated lament from people observing cultural conversations and political polarization. It is a valid question. Largely, this question is focused on the dialogue around identity. Identarian politics and practices, such as separating people based on race, gender, sex, or (less often) class, did…
By: Audrey Robinson on April 1, 2024
Tom Holland’s book Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind is a compelling work that traces the most enduring influences of Christianity from ancient Rome to the present day. It is an ambitious work that attempts to argue about who we are and how we came to be who we are.[1] According to Holland, Christianity…
By: Michael O'Neill on March 31, 2024
God is so good. Praise be to God, whose goodness knows no bounds! This Easter I’m reminded of this awesome privilege we possess in knowing God, communing with Him, and “doing life” with Him. I mean… what an honor? The creator of the entire universe is alive and active in our lives and provides everything…
By: Audrey Robinson on March 15, 2024
Nigel Biggar’s work, Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning, is an ambitious, thorough, and all-encompassing analysis of Britain’s historical relationship with colonialism. I can understand why the book has received mixed reviews. It was a complex undertaking, and I consider myself just a few inches left of the center. However, rather than go point by point with…
By: Michael O'Neill on March 14, 2024
Introduction This week I enjoyed frequent reading interval sessions using both audio and ebook formats of Nigel Biggar’s, Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning. Biggar’s treatment of history is both humble and enlightening, presenting a balanced perspective on the complex issues of empires, colonialism, and morality that feels both honest and reflective. By acknowledging his faith upfront,…
By: Laura Fleetwood on December 10, 2023
Identity politics is a charged phrase these days. For some, it elicits a prideful response, for others a snicker or sneer. Regardless of whether one is a fan of identity politics, we all must acknowledge that we want to be valued for who we are. It is this desire for recognition and respect that Francis…
By: Michael O'Neill on December 9, 2023
Introduction In Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s (NNT) groundbreaking work, Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder, the author challenges traditional perspectives on resilience and introduces the concept of antifragility. Rooted in both financial expertise and philosophical insight, Taleb urges readers to view “volatility, randomness, and disorder,” not as threats but as opportunities for growth.[1] He opens his…
By: Audrey Robinson on December 9, 2023
Controversy To say that Nassim Taleb’s book, Antifragile: Things That Gain From Disorder, is highly controversial is an understatement. Some have read his book and his prior two books, The Black Swan and Fooled by Randomness, and found Antifragile disappointing and sometimes contradictory to his earlier works. Then, a select group thinks he is “pretentious,…
By: Laura Fleetwood on December 7, 2023
It’s ironic to post about Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s book Antifragile during a time when I am very fragile health wise. Over the past 5 weeks, I have battled a treatment-resistant sinus infection that just developed a secondary infection this past week. After days spent in bed with swollen lymph nodes, pain and anxiety attacks, I’ve…
By: Michael O'Neill on December 3, 2023
Introduction In the institutional realm of church congregations and ministries, where the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and community joy reigns, an ominous force lurks in the shadows, threatening to undermine the very foundations of faith. This power is darkness, Night, death, and lies, and it targets its prey with careful execution over long periods when…
By: Audrey Robinson on November 29, 2023
Hillsong NYC During the height of COVID-19 in 2020, a mega-star Church pastor fell from grace and rocked the world. He was an instrumental mentor to Justin Bieber. This pastor sat with Bishop T.D. Jakes exchanged powerful insights into racism and how to guard against it and, more importantly, at the time, how to process…
