The Archive

Every essay.

Jake MeadorEconomics and Business

On the Demise of Grantland

The demise of Grantland has many writers and readers wondering what the future of online writing will be. If Grantland can't make it, what hope do we have?

Berny BelvedereTheologyPhilosophyTheology and PracticeNarrativeRobert JensonKarl Rahner

What Narrative Can't Say: The Limits of Narrative Theology

Thought it has many values, there are limits to what narrative theology can tell us about God. Failing to understand that is a grave mistake.

JF Arnold

Mere Fidelity: Big Questions

Matt takes up the hosting role yet again, as Derek is still missing (don’t worry, we’re assured he’s alright, and his Twitter account still seems to be functioning). He’s joined by Alastair and Andrew, as per usual, to talk about […]

Matthew LoftusCulture War

The Blinkered Benedict Option

The Benedict Option is addressing real problems facing the western church but sometimes seems to be cut off from the experience of the global church.

JF ArnoldMere Fidelity

Mere Fidelity: 50th Episode (Ask Us Anything)

Last week, we gave you the opportunity to ask the crew some questions. You did so. And now, to fulfill the promise made, here they are, answering some of them.

Jake MeadorCulture War

Benedict, Patrick, Jeremiah, and Other Nouns as Well

Critics of the Benedict Option say that now is a time for deeper cultural engagement rather than retreat. But this is a mistaken criticism of the BenOp.

Jake MeadorembodimentFormation

The Strength of the Hills is not Ours

Wesley Morris's recent piece in the NYT considers the wide-scale identity crisis we have witnessed in 2015 without getting to the root of the problem.

JF ArnoldMere Fidelity

Mere Fidelity: Ask Us Anything (No, Really, Ask Us Here So We Can Answer Them)

We're approaching our 50th episode of Mere Fidelity, which is a little hard to believe.  We're so grateful for all your support and attention.  To celebrate,

Jake MeadorCulture War

The Benedict Option and the Pace of Middle-Class Life

One of the greatest challenges facing the Benedict Option is simply creating time to pursue the sorts of works necessary for its growth and maturation.

Jake MeadorBlogging

A Note on Mere O Notes

Hey all, so I’m still sorting through some of the things I want to do with Mere O as the lead writer. One thing I’ve been thinking about, and reading this book has pushed me further along in this thinking, […]

JF ArnoldKaren Swallow PriorMere Fidelity

Mere Fidelity: Animals

Matt, Andrew, and Alastair are joined this week by Karen Swallow Prior (welcome to Pulpit & Pen folks, who seem to follow her around!). The topic this week? The recent

Matthew LoftusPolitics

The Politics of Urgency and Limits of Policy

Good policy can solve many evils, but the limits of policy are such that other forms of challenging injustice and transforming society are necessary.