apocalypse
The zombie war
Whatever else zombies are, they're a parody of Christian hope for the resurrection of the body.
Apocalyptic visions
Elaine Pagels's book repeats a winning formula: contrast the canon's controversial parts with more appealing Gnostic selections.
Melancholia
Lars von Trier has been churning out grim tales of human frailty and
moral depravity for almost 20 years. His latest is a disturbing tale of personal pain juxtaposed with an eerie end-of-the-world story.
reviewed by John Petrakis
Light the candles: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Luke 21:25-36
How odd that the most hopeful season of the Christian calendar begins in the midst of darkness! When we light the first candle on the Advent wreath, it will not be a second too soon. This Advent I feel an urgent need for the light that comes from God, and I do not think I am the only one.
First Sunday of Advent (Isaiah 64:1-9; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9)
The preacher must remind those who feel worthless already that Isaiah is not trying to make them feel worse.