top of page
Watercolor Paint

Culture & The Arts

Articles on contemporary society--its beliefs, values, and accomplishments; plus, original poetry and fiction

Mar 1, 2023

Credit Where Credit Is Due

"I would like to share how I create music, but more importantly, where my music comes from."

Credit Where Credit Is Due

Mar 1, 2023

The Lottery

“The state lottery is just about the only financial vehicle that offers certain folks a realistic opportunity to materially impact their economic circumstances.”

The Lottery

Jan 15, 2023

Educating Christians

“We must teach our children a totally counter-cultural model of nature. We must teach the doctrines of our Faith, not as exceptions to natural law, but as the highest expressions of natural law.”

Educating Christians

Jan 15, 2023

The Barrier-Breaking Power of Music

"We were both smiling from ear to ear, unable to communicate with words, music our only form of communication."

The Barrier-Breaking Power of Music

Jan 15, 2023

The Crucible Challenge Winner: Integrity vs. Life

We are thrilled to share with you the winning essay from our first Young Writers Challenge, this one conducted exclusively at Cabrini High School in New Orleans. Our winner, Grace Krzenski, answered the prompt, "Why do you think Arthur Miller decided to call his play 'The Crucible' and which definition of crucible do you think Miller had in mind when he wrote his play?" Grace's essay has also awarded her $100. Congratulations, Grace!

The Crucible Challenge Winner: Integrity vs. Life

Jan 15, 2023

That Time You Told a Sunrise Lie

"...words are also just hollowed statements to avoid the truth. It’s far too tempting a cover-up. We love ideals, but we don’t like what they require."

That Time You Told a Sunrise Lie

Nov 30, 2022

A Simple Christmas

"There comes a time when our souls need more respite than even the traditions of Christmas can offer us."

A Simple Christmas

Nov 30, 2022

Handel’s Messiah

"There is only one full proof indication that Christmas is coming: the endless performances of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. Yup, it’s that time of year!

Handel’s Messiah

Nov 30, 2022

‘Happy Holidays’ vs. ‘Merry Christmas’: A Twist

"The argument for the “Happy Holidays” greeting is that because Christians have been imperialistic, and have erased everyone else (including Jews) from American culture, they now need to include us."

‘Happy Holidays’ vs. ‘Merry Christmas’: A Twist

Nov 30, 2022

That Time You Weren't Exceptionally Divine

They say that a watched pot never boils. That’s a lie. It does boil, but do you know what doesn’t?

That Time You Weren't Exceptionally Divine

Oct 15, 2022

Pronouns

Next time someone asks you for your ‘pronouns,’ try telling them, ‘you/you’…see what happens.

Pronouns

Oct 15, 2022

Kandinsky: The Painter of Other Worlds

The role of the artist is to challenge “common sense,” to point out the unrecognized assumptions that underpin naïve realism and to suggest certain directions we might travel in pursuit of deeper truth.

Kandinsky: The Painter of Other Worlds

Oct 15, 2022

The Unexpected Sophistication of B Movies

Pulling that off was more artistic in his opinion than any of the “new age” stuff out there pushing the envelope.

The Unexpected Sophistication of B Movies

Oct 15, 2022

Be a Bee

Why ‘milk and honey?’ Why not ‘sour grapes and corn mash?’ Turns out, it’s all about the honey!

Be a Bee

Sep 1, 2022

Learn to Swym

“Language Endures. We Don’t” – now that is a bumper sticker!

Learn to Swym

Sep 1, 2022

Social Dynamics

So, the thousands of people out there in America outside the herd are finding each other.

Social Dynamics

Jul 13, 2022

How to Coach an Undefeated Football Team

If football is nothing else, it is a metaphor for life. The values of determination, responsibility, teamwork, flexibility, and focus apply to every aspect of life, not just football. This is a formula for success on a football field, but it is also a formula for success in life.

How to Coach an Undefeated Football Team

May 31, 2022

Haiku Corner

Does this formal rigor seem like it would be inhibiting? The reverse is true. It’s liberating!

Haiku Corner

May 31, 2022

Mary Poppins, Sufi Master

The story of Mary Poppins is the story of one small boy’s initiation into the teachings of Sufi spirituality and the secrets of Sufi mysticism. When the initiation of Michael Banks is complete, Michael has come, at least in some measure, to know the mind of God. Not bad for seven-years-old!

Mary Poppins, Sufi Master
bottom of page