Just Turn the TV Off? Reflections on the Paris Olympic Opening Ceremonies
July 30, 2024 “Just turn the TV off!” That’s the advice Whoopi Goldberg gave in response to Christians outraged by the apparent depiction during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony of da Vinci’s The Last Supper by a troupe of drag queens. First of all, Goldberg explains, it wasn’t meant to be the Last Supper. It […]
In the Shadow of Apocalypse: Reflections on Marvel’s “Loki”
“Apocalypses are points of revelation.” I pulled the above quote from an Instagram post by Rich Villodas, pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, New York. This quote was not inspired, as you might expect, by the books of Daniel or Revelation. This preaching point originated from the newest addition to the Marvel Cinematic […]
What Makes Life Meaningful? Reflections on Disney’s “Soul”
What makes life meaningful? What is worth doing during our time on this earth? How do our talents relate to our identity? As a young, recently-graduated-from-college adult, I’ve spent a lot of time asking questions like these. The transition period between adolescence and adulthood seems like a fitting season for such existential ponderings. When the […]
Rhett, Link, & Kingdom Building
(This is the final article in this series. Here’s Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5.) As I’ve studied Rhett and Link’s spiritual deconstruction, one particular point of irony has become apparent: Cru placed Rhett and Link on the path to fame and success. It was during Rhett and Link’s involvement with […]
The Problem of Sin and Rhett & Link’s Deconversion
(Here’s Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, & Part 4 in this series.) Given that I spent a large chunk of the last post talking about my own personal failings, this is a perfect time to talk about sin. At its core, sin is simply choosing our way instead of God’s way. Because God is the Creator, […]
Facts, Faith, Feelings, and Rhett & Link’s Deconversion
(Here’s Part 1 and Part 2 in this series.) As I listened to Rhett’s Spiritual Deconstruction, it became abundantly clear that logic played a central role. One section of Rhett’s story is particular insightful in this regard: “I had placed a lot of faith, not just in God, but in these people who helped me […]
Relationship and Rhett & Link’s Deconversion
(For Part 1 of this series, click here.) Rhett starts his story by asserting the validity of his relationship with Jesus, saying, “I believed Jesus was the Son of God, that a personal relationship was the only way to be saved, the only way to go to heaven when you die. And this belief defined […]
Lamenting and Learning from Rhett & Link’s Deconversion
Over the last few days, I’ve become engrossed in the YouTubers Rhett and Link’s spiritual deconstruction narratives. While I can’t claim to have been a fan of their channel, Good Mythical Morning, I’ve been well aware who they are and seen random videos shared online for many years. However, because of their ties to Campus […]
