In God's Image : Author and Professor : Craig Detweiler

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of recommending iGods, a book that explores the history of some of our modern ubiquitous technology as well as its affect on our lives. The book's author, Craig Detweiler, became head of Biola University's Mass Communications department during my last year in the screenwriting program, and he continued to hold that position when I returned to the university as a staff member two years later (we have since both moved into new employment). 

Though we never developed a relationship while we were both on the same campus, Craig always seemed approachable, and I always heard of his doing excellent work for the school. Given this Biola connection, I contacted him during Stronghold's release, and we have corresponded here and there since that time. Following my recommendation of iGods, I asked Craig to participate in 3LC's ongoing "In God's Image" series, and he took some time to share with thoughts on his work, his goals, and his faith. 

Just Crossed a Deadline, So I Am Back...sort of.

Hi All,

Thanks for sticking with the blog despite my dereliction to post regularly this month. Truth be told, I have a fair amount of content in the pressure cooker, but I was on deadline to revise To Retreat From Romance by August 16, and that took the bulk of my writing time, effort, and energy the last few weeks. That being said, I have reviews, interviews, and articles on deck for the coming weeks. Please stick with me and check back!

Additionally, I don't know about you, but the world has had a hold on my heart these last few weeks. ISIS, ISIL, ASL, Ferguson...the issues of our day are truly tragic. Frankly, it's in days like these that I feel equal parts depressed and hopeful.

The pain of those in the situations must be horrific, and I am saddened by not only my inability to affect real change but my ineptitude at participating in the small change in which I can. These matters are complex, difficult, and tragic; and I wish I could do more. At the very least, I know that I should do more than stand on the sidelines and say nothing.

Thankfully, others with more compassion than me have been moved to action, and they've done powerful things. And I take solace in the fact that all of these hardships are part of a grander, larger narrative that God is integrating into a story of human redemption across time. I know that sounds cliche, but it has helped me through some of the harder moments of these current events. Sometimes I just need to hold onto that truth.

I hope this finds you well, and I look forward to posting some new pieces in the coming days.

Thanks again for stopping by my corner of the internet,
C

Recommendation: Book of God by Kingstone Media

Book of God is my second review for Kingstone Media, whose comics, Jonah and Job, I recently recommended. I was provided a free e-book version of this graphic novel for the purpose of this article. 

If you know me personally, you know I have a few eclectic tastes--one of which is films that eschew standard narrative storytelling to provide a different viewing experience (Koyaaniquatsi and Slacker being the two best examples I can offer off the top of my head). Well, I would place Book of God in a similar vein.

The graphic novel is unlike any other I've encountered to date (though I'm hesitant to claim it's the only one of its kind). It's almost a docucomic--a seeming shot-for-shot storyboard outline for an interesting 4-part documentary series on Biblical historicity. And it works. The panel-to-panel movement creates an easy read, and the insert drawings of historical persons and events serve as perfect cutaways while narration continues.