"For us and for our salvation" is one of the sweetest phrases in the Nicene Creed. As we close out the 1,700th anniversary of that great confessional statement, I examine what it has to say about the Incarnation, and how it corrects misconceptions.

Get all the great books in the 1517 store, including my new novel Face to Face, 25% off today!

It's a special Black Friday treat! My consideration of that all-important question: "Does it matter if we win 'The Game'?" Along with a bit of personal history and thoughts on why we play sports anyway.

“In this world of isolation and loneliness, when friendship is cheapened and disregarded, the grief one feels at the loss of a great friend is a sweetness unique to the times.” My latest at Sub-Creations.

What good does it do to crown a king on earth while trampling the King of Kings underfoot? None! His reign is assured, his kingdom is coming, and he makes the sign of blessing over all his inheritance. Yes, Lord, save your people! Bless your inheritance! (Christ the King Sunday)

Hollywood films made between 1939-45 that are set in England are wild. “Here’s Greer Garson and a bunch of Americans not even bothering to try a correct accent!”

My review of Ryan P. Tinetti’s book The Quiet Ambition is now available at 1517. How should we live as Christians in this chaotic world? What did Thoreau get wrong in his book Walden? These questions and more are answered!

Now that Face to Face has been out for a week, I think I can safely reveal the titles we rejected… 2 Face 2 Furious Reformation 2: Divine Control Reformation: Episode 2 - Attack of the Peasants Into the Bible Verse Reformation 2: Judgment Day Reformation II - The Wrath of God

Why did a woman in Berlin declare a “defeat of the male sex”? How is the “myth of ‘Man’” different from standard patriarchal thinking? All is revealed in my latest Sub-Creations article!

I was on the Doth Protest podcast again talking about my new Reformation novel, Face to Face. Also rabbit trails about other things of clear interest to humanity. Have a listen:

Is there any true virtue in our days? Or merely different kinds of vice being pitted one against another? Scripture says that those chief virtues - faith, hope, and love - will abide forever. We know this is by the power of God alone, who preserves goodness on earth.

One more day until these books will be together forever! (And not just in my head.) I can't wait to share Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation with you all. Erasmus, Luther, Melanchthon: I love you all, and I loved telling your stories!

When Luke Skywalker asked, "Is the dark side stronger?", he said what we all wonder from time to time. Do we need to go dark to get things done? After all, they're offering us cookies. All this considered in today's Sub-Creations article.

People who would walk 1,000 miles for you: - The Proclaimers, in 500 mile increments, if they can fall down at the end - Vanessa Carlton, as long as you’re available tonight - Jesus, if you ask him to walk 500 miles in 1 mile increments

Release day is almost here for Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation! Follow the stories of Erasmus, Luther, and Melanchthon in the year 1525 as they search for divine peace in a world spinning out of control. Order your copy today!

I’m on the Storymakers podcast today discussing my Reformation novels. It was a lot of fun talking with Mel.

My latest episode for Mockingbird discusses how an episode of Bluey encouraged me as a parent by providing absolution instead of advice. For all the discouraged parents out there.

My review of J.C. Scharl’s new play The Death of Rabelais is now up at @mereorthodoxy.bsky.social. I have tremendous respect for what she is doing with this project.

Today at Sub-Creations, I consider the example of recusant families in England and how it is virtue that allows us to survive difficult times: particularly the God given virtues of faith, hope, and love.

It’s Reformation Day. Time to treat yo self! Why not indulge 😉 in a fun novel about the Reformation? Yes, history is fun. I can’t believe you would even question that. 😆

With SNAP benefits potentially coming to a halt this weekend in the U.S., please consider donating to a local food bank. This is a great way to love your neighbor and bless others as God has blessed us.

Every time you purchase a copy of this genuine paper book written by a fallible human, AI weeps. Make AI weep.

Lord, we pray for safety for those in Jamaica as they endure Hurricane Melissa. 🙏🏻🇯🇲

I had a great discussion with @ginadalfonzo.bsky.social about classic films. You can watch the recording at the link.

This is your friendly reminder that we are only a couple of weeks away from the release of my newest novel, Face to Face! Check out the trailer and pre-order today. You know, if you like fun stuff.

This photo reminds me of one of my favorite song lyrics… “Oh, where do we begin: The rubble or our sins?” Let every one of us begin with OUR sins. Let’s own our part of the problem and realize that the ultimate solution is the grace of God, forgiveness of sins, and resurrection from the dead.

The story of how and why Martin Luther received his doctorate is more interesting than you might think, for it stands at the heart of two of the most important (and painful) relationships of his life. I wrote about it for 1517. Tolle lege!

I am immensely grateful to 1517 for putting together this beautiful trailer for my novels, Broken Bonds and Face to Face. (Link for purchase below)

In honor of Theresa of Avila’s feast day, here is a recent article in which I referenced her.

It was the episode that made us all squirm. I’m over at Mockingbird talking about “Scott’s Tots” and what it can teach us about God’s promises.

“I am called to use my agency for the sake of others—to extend my open hands in the full knowledge of what is likely to happen, under no illusions, trusting in the sovereignty of God.” My latest at Sub-Creations.

My latest article for 1517 is an historical introduction to Martin Luther’s work “The Bondage of the Will,” the first in a series with several writers more expert than myself. Check it out!

Celebrate the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s work ‘The Bondage of the Will’ by reading the story of how it came into being! My book ‘Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation’ is available for pre-order now, delivering November 11.

My article on “Parenting an Autistic Child in 2025” is now up at Mere Orthodoxy. Hopefully it will be an encouragement to those who read it.

My review of Elizabeth Oldfield’s book “Fully Alive” is now available over at Sub-Creations. Tolle lege! @brazospress.bsky.social

In my journey through old films, I have come to the Knute Rockne biopic. You know, the one with the Gipper. I wanted to see if Reagan could act. But guys, he’s in this film for all of 15 minutes. Only halfway through, and he’s already kicked the bucket and gone into politics.

The Iceman Cometh

Some say my previous visits to the sceptered isle were equally destructive. I can neither confirm nor deny.

It’s Therese of Lisieux’s feast day, and I really ought to be sharing a contemplative quote from her or something, but what I really want to do is show you this photo of her dressed as Joan of Arc, because it will never not be awesome.

My review of “Why I Am Protestant by Beth Felker Jones is now live at Modern Reformation. Tolle lege!

When I wrote “Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation” back in 2022, I figured things would be intensely crazy in 2025 and I emphasized themes to speak to that craziness. So, did 2025 end up being crazy? If so, you may wish to order this book from the 1517 bookstore:

Today is the feast of St. Michael. Who is he, what does he do, and how does it give us comfort in this life and the next? My latest for 1517.

Today at Sub-Creations, a consideration of the biblical meaning of martyrdom prompted by the discussion surrounding Charlie Kirk’s murder. (But don’t worry - This article isn’t really about politics!)

Animal services are one of my favorite Anglican traditions. One such service currently streaming live at Ely Cathedral.

The Old Testament prophets reveal that God expects two things from the rulers of this world: justice and righteousness. These are precisely the two things rulers tend not to deliver. Thus, we sing with Luther, “That Word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them abideth.”

Amazing news! So grateful to medical researchers who work to bring us life-changing treatments like this.

Amazing news! So grateful to medical researchers who work to bring us life-changing treatments like this.

Things I’ll have to explain to my son one day: “And then Disney would put the movie in a special vault and keep it there for years, and the only way I could see Sleeping Beauty was by renting the tape from the one store that had it when I visited great grandma and grandpa.”

Dealing with a medical difficulty is never any fun. It’s even less fun when that particular medical difficulty becomes a political football. Autistic people and their loved ones could use your prayers. Yes, we want answers, but mostly we want support and love.

The Lord’s Prayer is spectacular in its ability to refocus us on the kingdom of God rather than the kingdom of this world, to remind us we are sinners living among sinners and dependent on God for everything we have, including our good deeds. A pledge of allegiance to God alone.