ZA MAGAZINE // blog

discuss: christians and secular causes

I know there are different opinions on this issue and no easy answers, which is good for this kind of setting.
There are plenty of organizations out there that are willing to help the world out. Walk for Diabetes, blood drives, United Way, you name it, there’s plenty of stuff out there to make the world [...]

on the internet: saint batman?

I found this article because a Facebook friend had posted it. I’m generally not that into pulling spiritual stuff out of movies that really don’t have a lot of spiritual intentions, but this was good.
It’s about the latest Batman film and the Joker’s ideology in it. He is whimsical, chaotic, but he has a credo [...]

reflections on “giving up your rights”

As I write these articles, I find that I don’t want to inject too much Brendan into them. I’ll tell a story or something, but I want the articles to have a timeless element to them and I don’t want to be a narcissist. However, I’ve felt restricted at times with this, so I’ve been [...]

discuss: christians and “south park”

When I saw that a South Park episode had won an Emmy, I wanted to check it out. The episode that won was the one where they make fun of the Warcraft culture, and, while watching, I began to appreciate the cultural phenomenon that is “South Park.” I watched a few more episodes because, when [...]

on the internet: reevaluating Jesus

In the computer age, Killinger argued, religion moved from a belief in doctrines to a quest for self-fulfillment drawing on useful tidbits from an eclectic variety of faith traditions.
“Doctrine isn’t the driving force to many people today” except “to the fundamentalists who insist on it,” Killinger said. “But doctrine is a thing of the past [...]

discuss: christianity and the revolutionary war

We’re a couple of weeks past the 4th now, and I know I’ve got some Aussies in the audience here, but I thought this was a fascinating subject for discussion.
American Christians like to wrap themselves in the flag and proclaim America as a Christian nation, but have we considered our origins? The Bible tells Christians [...]

on the internet: knowledge puffs up?

While I was putting the finishing touches on the article “Concealing Knowledge,” I came across this article, and I thought it was really good. It begins with a reminder that you can’t build a doctrine on one verse, which is why if you read my articles you’ll find that anything I teach with any kind [...]

reflections on “concealing knowledge”

There are a couple of things that I find amazing about what happens when I teach, be it a Bible study at school or an article here. First, I find that when I start writing about a subject, I see it going on either in my life or all around my life. Second, I get [...]

discuss: Jesus as a drug

I’ve come across two songs in my music library lately that talk about a correlation between Jesus and drugs.
You’re better than drugs
your love is like wine
Feel you comin’ on so fast
Feel you comin’ to get me high
You’re better than drugs
Addicted for life
Feel you comin’ on so fast
Feel you comin’ on to get me high
- Better [...]

discuss: christians and swearing.

Okay, so this week’s question is about a topic that I find to be quite fascinating. It’s generally accepted that Christians shouldn’t swear, but the Bible is uncharacteristically vague about what you can and cannot say. The smoking gun that I always use come from Colossians 3:8:
But now you must put them all away: anger, [...]

on the internet: obama and religion

Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t really like to talk politics in a Christian realm. I really don’t even like arguing politics much anymore, preferring civil discussions and the “agree to disagree” thing.
So I’m not endorsing a candidate here. Truth be told, I don’t know who I will be voting for in the [...]

quick update.

I’m returning to America soon! The journey begins in about half an hour. I guarantee no presence on ZA for a day or three; we’ll see how the travelling and the transition goes.
Welcome Ken Johnston to the site! Read his article on eisegesis and exegesis when it’s published tomorrow. Two obscure little Greek words that [...]