https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-m5yqr-1045afa Rev. Dr. Ryan Burge is the Assistant Professor of Political Science as well as the Graduate Coordinator at Eastern Illinois University. He is author

Times of crisis reveal what dwells deep within our souls. The ongoing crisis of COVID-19 has shined an uncomfortable light upon our private and communal lives, putting our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual competencies on trial. When communal calamities occur, our weaknesses are exposed, and long ignored wounds surface. Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, Stop AAPI Hate, gun control, immigration, voting access, creation care, and other failings are symptoms of much deeper issues. Our collective response becomes a gauge for our social and moral health. As with all such crucibles we discover a mix-bag of fellowship and division, hope and horror, and anxieties and affirmations.

A version of this article first appeared at Word&Way November 3, 2021 The story of how Netflix replaced Blockbuster is a well-documented and prominently cited

This reflection first appeared at Word&Way Unsettled Advent Series December 19, 2021 “He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination

My first book reflection for 2022 is the new collection of essays entitled The Pharisees edited by scholars Joseph Sievers and Amy-Jill Lavine. This book is a much needed addition

I enjoy reading and writing. However, I have not written about reading in a while. Beginning in 2022 I anticipate writing helpful summaries of the

A version of this article first appeared in Christian Citizen Dec 14, 2021 There are so many holidays on our annual calendar it is might be