There’s a lot happening right now

I hope you are grounded and experiencing some hope despite the barrage of headlines these days. One of the things I appreciate about the Century is the consistency of our articles’ thoughtful theological reflections. Even though some of the subject matter is weighty or even troubling, our writers’ insights, expertise, and artistry often bolster me.

This week brings an eclectic mix of new essays. Their subjects and tones may vary widely, but they all speak clearly about important things. Rachel Mann reflects on Mary Magdalene’s encounters after Jesus’ resurrection and wonders if anything has changed for women in the last 2000 years. Cait West looks into the underbelly of Amish culture and how it connects to her own fundamentalist-evangelical upbringing. Laura Beth Buchleiter celebrates the LGBTQ solidarity in Derek Webb’s new album.

Our video of the week is with Hojung Lee, who chats with me about the fascinating (and prophetic?) religion in Octavia Butler’s Earthseed sci-fi novels. Plus scroll down for even more great content, like an essay about the newest wave of excitement for J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy writing.

Jon Mathieu
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Have things changed for women since the time of Mary Magdalene?

“Mary is the first witness to the new creation in the risen Christ, yet she remains, infuriatingly, a woman under question.”

by Rachel Mann

Evangelical fantasies in Amish country

“When I saw an advertisement for an upcoming play at the Blue Gate Theatre that pictured an Amish man standing on the front lawn of the White House, I knew I had to return and investigate.”

by Cait West

VIDEO: What can we learn from Octavia Butler’s Earthseed?

Jon chats with writer Hojung Lee about exactly what might help us in Octavia Butler’s invented sci-fi religion.

In the Lectionary for May 4 (Easter 3C)

John tells us the mother of all fish stories.

Derek Webb’s new album offers songs for LGBTQ solidarity

“Derek Webb is modeling what allyship and advocacy for LGTBQ people can look like. The time for subtlety has long since passed.”

by Laura Beth Buchleiter

Tolkien 2.0

“This explosion of new Tolkien-related material represents one aspect of Tolkien 2.0: the broadening artistic creation within Tolkien’s universe. But just as significant, and perhaps even more profound, is the growing academic and theological engagement with Tolkien’s works.”

by Clint Schnekloth