James M. Wall
Unrepentant, unforgiven: Clinton's missed opportunity
Bill Clinton has served as our national pastor on many occasions, empathizing with those who suffer, comforting those who grieve, and deftly articulating people's sentiments....
Making theology cinematic: Connections: ‘Bulworth’ and ‘Mickey One’
Novelist John Irving quotes François Mauriac: “God doesn’t care at all--what we write--but when we do it right, He can use it.” I have a story I want to relate, but Mauriac’s admonition is intimida...
China syndrome: The incentive for trade
President Clinton gently urged Chinese leaders to try a little tenderness in dealing with dissidents....
Phony business: At the movies
Several entertainment and media conglomerates recently selected the top 100 films of the first century of the U.S. motion picture industry....
Reading aloud: Moments of Grace
The name of the ship on which Joseph Cinque and his fellow slaves rebelled against their captors was Amistad, which is the Spanish word for “friendship.” I had seen the movie and the opera...
Message to Israel: Hillary Clinton states the obvious
Hillary Clinton recently stated the obvious: the creation of a Palestinian state would be in the best interest of both the Palestinians and the Israelis....
Television angst: Stages on a scriptwriter's way
A new television season always begins in autumn, which is really a shame. Television needs a spring start, with buds bursting, grass growing greener, and trees coming alive....
Salman Rushdie: Newsmaker of the year
Newness always poses a threat. Whereas the old and familiar is reassuring and offers at least the semblance of personal control, the new is unpredictable....