My Favorite Finds Around the Internet

Explore the unexpected world of organized food crime, uncovering how cunning thieves pulled off massive gourmet cheese heists and exposed vulnerabilities in the global market.

Discover the poignant history of handcrafted Canadian quilts sent overseas to comfort Second World War victims, and learn how these forgotten textiles are returning home.

Delve into the quiet magic of bookstores, examining how these welcoming community third places foster serendipity and timeless flow in an increasingly hurried, digital world.

Join this literary podcast discussion exploring C.S. Lewis’s scholarship on eccentric Tudor poet John Skelton, analyzing medieval humor, unique poetic rhythms, grief, and memorable verses.

Discover creative craft projects that give damaged children’s books new life, transforming worn pages into charming bookmarks, decorative coasters, greeting cards, and fun toddler puzzles.

Learn how to create fragrant stovetop potpourri blends using fresh citrus, spices, and herbs to naturally infuse every room in your home with delightful aromas.

My 19th (!) year of teaching starts soon. I’ve spent a lot of time this summer reading up on background information for my classes.

Reading schedule for An Experiment in Criticism by C. S. Lewis:

• by September 14, read chapters 9 through the appendix

Reading schedule for A Preface to Paradise Lost by C. S. Lewis:

• by October 12, read chapters 1-6

• by November 16, read chapters 7-12

• by December 14, read chapters 13-19

“The way to love anything is to realize that it may be lost.” - G. K. Chesterton

Recently On My Blog

👩🏻‍💻 A Survey of World Religions: Indigenous Religions

👩🏻‍💻 A Survey of World Religions: Atheism

👩🏻‍💻 A Survey of World Religions: Agnosticism and Secular Humanism

What I’ve Been Reading and Watching

📖 Beowulf (translated by J. R. R. Tolkien)

📖 The Epic of Gilgamesh

🍿 The Lego Movie

This month, may the quiet beauty of the season fill your heart with rest, and may your home be filled with warmth, good cheer, and abundant grace.

— Laura 

Neither agnosticism nor secular humanism is a formal religion. Agnosticism is an epistemological position regarding the limits of human knowledge (specifically that the existence of God or the ultimate nature of reality is unknown or unknowable). Secular Humanism is a non-religious life stance that emphasizes human reason, ethics, scientific inquiry, and compassion without relying on supernatural beliefs.

1. Worldview: Origins, Meaning, and the Afterlife

* How the World Began: Both rely on modern empirical science (such as astrophysics, the Big Bang theory, and biological evolution) for natural explanations of the cosmos and life on Earth rather than supernatural creation myths. Agnostics emphasize epistemic humility, maintaining that the ultimate metaphysical origin of the universe (and whether a higher power played a role) remains unknown and unprovable. Secular Humanists operate strictly within an affirmative naturalistic framework.

* The Meaning of Life: Both reject divinely revealed or pre-ordained purpose, holding that meaning is human-constructed and grounded in personal experience, reason, relationships, and curiosity in the present world. Secular Humanists explicitly define this self-constructed purpose through ethical living, personal development, scientific inquiry, and working toward collective human flourishing.

* The Afterlife: Both reject traditional religious certainties regarding heaven, hell, or reincarnation, centering the significance of human experience on our current, lived existence. Agnosticism formally suspends judgment, treating what happens after death as fundamentally unknown. Secular Humanism takes a definitive stance, viewing death as the permanent biological cessation of consciousness.

2. Practices and Community

Neither position involves dogmatic worship, sacraments, or clergy, though both engage in ethical and community-oriented practices.

* Reason-Based Ethics and Personal Autonomy: Morality and personal decisions are guided by reason, empathy, human experience, and mutual responsibility rather than divine commandments, using universal human rights and reciprocity as core benchmarks.

* Epistemic Humility and Critical Thinking: Approach claims with open-minded inquiry and healthy skepticism, questioning assertions that lack verifiable empirical evidence while avoiding dogma.

* Secular Milestones and Celebrations: Life events (such as weddings, memorials, baby-welcoming ceremonies, and coming-of-age moments) are marked through personal, non-religious formats centered on human relationships, community, and memory.

* Civic Engagement and Human Flourishing: Active participation in society focuses on advancing scientific literacy, protecting civil liberties, defending the separation of church and state, and supporting humanitarian and environmental causes.

3. Major Religious Texts

* T.H. Huxley’s Essays: Biologist Thomas Henry Huxley coined the term "agnostic" in 1869 to describe his method of demanding evidence before accepting truth claims.
* Humanist Manifestos (I, II, and III): Landmark documents (published in 1933, 1973, and 2003) articulating the evolving principles of modern secular humanism.
* The Amsterdam Declaration: The founding manifesto of Humanists International defining the core values of global humanism.

Now Available: Elements of Life, A Collection of Poetry. This collection explores the intersection of atomic precision and the infinite soul, weaving the rigid structure of the elements into the fluid tapestry of human experience. Through these verses, the fundamental laws of science become a new liturgy for understanding the quiet miracles of daily existence.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Growing in Love: What Does It Look Like to Follow Jesus? An Exploration of the Letter of 1 John. Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

Atheism is not a religion, ideology, or unified belief system. Rather, it is a single stance regarding a single question: the absence of belief in the existence of deities. Because atheists share no central creed, holy books, or institutional authority, their individual perspectives on existence, ethics, and meaning vary widely and are typically grounded in secular, humanistic, or scientific frameworks.

1. Worldview: Origins, Meaning, and the Afterlife

Without a central doctrine, atheists rely on empirical science, philosophy, and rational inquiry to understand the universe.

* How the World Began: Atheists rely on scientific explanations rather than supernatural creation. Cosmology and astrophysics (specifically the Big Bang Theory and modern physics) explain the origin and evolution of the physical universe, while evolutionary biology explains the development of life on Earth over billions of years.
* The Meaning of Life: Because atheists do not believe life was constructed by a divine creator for a predetermined purpose, the meaning of life is viewed as self-constructed. Many align with Secular Humanism, Existentialism, or Nihilism, holding that individuals create their own purpose through personal relationships, learning, art, community, and improving human well-being in this life.
* The Afterlife: Atheists generally do not believe in an afterlife, a soul, heaven, or reincarnation. Death is understood as the natural and permanent cessation of consciousness and biological functions. For many, this view makes the current life uniquely precious and urgent.

2. Practices and Community

Atheism has no religious rituals, sacraments, or worship. However, many atheists participate in secular community spaces and ethical movements.

• Secular Humanism and Activism: Many atheists participate in secular organizations (such as the American Humanist Association or Secular Student Alliance) that advocate for the separation of church and state, scientific literacy, human rights, and social justice.

• Secular Ceremonies: Life milestones (such as weddings, naming ceremonies, and funerals) are celebrated using secular, non-religious formats focused on personal story, community, and human connection rather than divine invocations.

• Daily Ethics: Ethics are derived from empathy, reason, human experience, and social responsibility rather than divine commandments.

3. Major Religious Texts

While atheism has no “holy books,” there is a rich tradition of philosophical, scientific, and literary works that explore secular thought, rationalism, and critique religious dogma.

* Ancient Philosophical Roots: Works by ancient Greek, Roman, and Indian philosophers who promoted atomism, naturalism, or materialism.

* Enlightenment & 19th Century Philosophy: Key foundational texts on rationalism, skepticism, and humanism by thinkers such as David Hume, Baron d’Holbach, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Bertrand Russell.

* Modern Science & Secular Humanism: Books and manifestos advocating for a scientific understanding of the universe and secular ethics (e.g., Carl Sagan, Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins).

Now Available: Elements of Life, A Collection of Poetry. This collection explores the intersection of atomic precision and the infinite soul, weaving the rigid structure of the elements into the fluid tapestry of human experience. Through these verses, the fundamental laws of science become a new liturgy for understanding the quiet miracles of daily existence.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Growing in Love: What Does It Look Like to Follow Jesus? An Exploration of the Letter of 1 John. Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

Welcome to our second discussion of An Experiment in Criticism by C.S. Lewis.

I found this podcast episode and two articles covering our reading insightful:

• An Experiment in Criticism, Ch. 5-7

• C.S. Lewis: An Experiment in Criticism

• Review: An Experiment in Criticism

Read more

Because “Indigenous religions” encompasses thousands of distinct traditions across North America, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia, there is no single dogma or creed. However, these traditions share common worldviews rooted in kinship with nature, oral tradition, and sacred landscapes.

Below is an overview focused on common patterns found across Indigenous traditions, with specific examples primarily drawn from Native American and First Nations traditions (such as the Anishinaabe/Ojibwe, Lakota, and Haudenosaunee).

1. Worldview: Origins, Meaning, and the Afterlife

* How the World Began: Creation stories are localized and deeply tied to specific geography. Many North American traditions feature Earth-Diver myths (where animals dive into primordial waters to bring up mud to build the land on the back of a giant turtle, hence “Turtle Island”) or Emergence myths (where humans emerge from lower underground worlds into the present world). The universe is viewed as living, conscious, and interconnected.
* The Meaning of Life: Life is centered on maintaining balance, reciprocity, and harmony with all living things—human, animal, plant, and spiritual. The Lakota phrase Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ (”All My Relations”) encapsulates this worldview: humans are not masters over nature, but equal participants in a vast web of kinship.
* The Afterlife: The focus of Indigenous traditions is primarily on living well in this world rather than securing a spot in a distant heaven. Death is viewed as a natural transition rather than an end. Many traditions hold that the spirit journeys along a path (often associated with the Milky Way) to join the ancestors, where they continue to watch over and guide the living.

2. Religious Practices

Indigenous traditions are generally lived practices tied to community, land, and season, rather than belief systems centered on fixed doctrines.

• Oral Tradition and Storytelling: History, law, ethics, and spiritual wisdom are passed down orally by elders and storytellers through legends, songs, and performance rather than written books.

• Sacred Ceremonies: Ceremonies mark life transitions, seasonal changes, and community needs. Common practices include:

  • Smudging: Burning sacred herbs (such as sage, sweetgrass, cedar, or tobacco) to purify people, spaces, and objects.

  • Sweat Lodge (Inipi): A purification ceremony held in a dome-shaped lodge using heated stones and steam to cleanse body, mind, and spirit.

  • Powwows and Dances: Social and spiritual gatherings featuring ceremonial drumming, singing, and dancing (such as the Sun Dance or Green Corn Ceremony) to honor traditions and strengthen community ties.

• Reciprocity and Offerings: Offering tobacco or small gifts before harvesting plants, hunting, or asking an elder for wisdom is a universal sign of respect and balance.

3. Deities and Divine Figures

Indigenous traditions typically do not fit the Western concept of single, anthropomorphic "gods." Instead, they recognize a spectrum of spiritual forces.

• The Great Spirit / Supreme Being: Many traditions acknowledge a primary, overarching creative force known as Wakan Tanka (Lakota for “The Great Mystery” or “Sacred”), Gichi-Manidoo (Anishinaabe for “Great Spirit”), or Orenda (Haudenosaunee).

• Mother Earth: Revered as the living, nurturing entity that sustains all physical life.

• Ancestors and Spirit Helpers: Spirits of deceased relatives, animal spirits, and elemental forces (like the Thunderbird or Wind) act as guides, guardians, and protectors.

• Culture Heroes and Tricksters: Figures like Coyote, Raven, or Nanabozho appear in stories as creator-figures or tricksters whose mistakes and adventures teach humans moral and practical lessons.

4. Major Religious Texts

Indigenous religions do not have sacred written books like the Bible or the Quran. The teachings are embedded in oral narratives, songs, winter counts, wampum belts, and the landscape itself. However, many oral traditions, speeches, and creation narratives have been recorded in text by Indigenous scholars, elders, and historians.

* The Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace: The oral constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy, outlining ethical governance, diplomacy, and spiritual law.

* The Popol Vuh: The sacred creation narrative of the K’iche’ Maya people of Guatemala, detailing the creation of humanity from maize and the adventures of the Hero Twins.

* Anishinaabe Religions: Feature sacred migration stories, generational oral traditions, deep interconnectedness with the natural world, and guiding values like the Seven Grandfather Teachings.

Now Available: Elements of Life, A Collection of Poetry. This collection explores the intersection of atomic precision and the infinite soul, weaving the rigid structure of the elements into the fluid tapestry of human experience. Through these verses, the fundamental laws of science become a new liturgy for understanding the quiet miracles of daily existence.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Growing in Love: What Does It Look Like to Follow Jesus? An Exploration of the Letter of 1 John. Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

To celebrate the official release of my newest poetry collection, Elements of Life, I am hosting a giveaway to thank you all for your incredible support!

One lucky winner will take home the ultimate Legacy Bundle, packed with goodies to fill your bookshelves and your heart.

The prize package includes:
✍️ Signed copies of Grace upon Grace AND Growing in Love
📱 A Kindle copy of Melanchthon's German Catechism (translated into English)
🔖 An exclusive bookmark
🎨 A beautiful washi tape set

Enter by August 11, 2026 (11:59 pm Central Time).

To enter, purchase your copy of Elements of Life, take a screenshot or photo of your receipt, and email the proof of purchase to thewallenator at gmail dot com with the subject line "Elements of Life Giveaway." The giveaway is open to US addresses only. One winner will be chosen at random from those who enter and will be contacted directly on August 12, 2026.

Elements of Life, A Collection of Poetry: This collection explores the intersection of atomic precision and the infinite soul, weaving the rigid structure of the elements into the fluid tapestry of human experience. Through these verses, the fundamental laws of science become a new liturgy for understanding the quiet miracles of daily existence.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Growing in Love: What Does It Look Like to Follow Jesus? An Exploration of the Letter of 1 John. Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

My Favorite Finds Around the Internet

In West Sulawesi, Indonesia, journalist Muhammad Ridwan Alimuddin launched the Perahu Pustaka (Book Boat) in 2015 to combat low literacy rates. Using a traditional sailboat called a baqgo, Alimuddin delivers thousands of colorful children’s books to remote fishing villages and tiny islands where resources are scarce. Funded by donations and personal money, this mobile library instills a joy for reading in isolated communities where books were previously non-existent.

Featuring a nutritious, flexible wheat berry salad, this recipe combines chewy whole grains, fresh vegetables, herbs, walnuts, and pomegranate arils. The vibrant, vegan-friendly dish is tossed in a tangy lemon and pomegranate molasses dressing, making it perfect for gatherings.

Add a touch of summertime nostalgia to your refrigerator with the Rifle Paper Co. Seaside magnet set. Packaged in a gold-foil accented gift box, the collection features six illustrated, glass-domed magnets with nautical designs.

Curated by Sadie Seasongoods, this collection offers inspiring, budget-friendly DIY tutorials for creating nautical home decor. The round-up features creative upcycling projects that transform thrifted finds into coastal items like faux buoys, sailboats, garlands, and signs.

Highlighting historic real estate opportunities, here are some former Carnegie libraries currently listed for sale in the United States. These historic, Gilded Age buildings include unique architectural landmarks, some of which have been beautifully converted into single-family private residences.

Driven by online platforms and a desire for meaningful experiences, literary tourism is booming globally. Bibliophiles are increasingly planning “book-cations,” including book retreats, festival visits, and trips to iconic settings from their favorite novels, to emotionally connect with stories and explore the world.

I saw this very Wisconsin-coded quilt during a trip to Madison in July. Blue Bar Quilts is an adorable quilt store.

Reading schedule for An Experiment in Criticism by C. S. Lewis:

• by August 17, read chapters 5-8

• by September 14, read chapters 9 through the appendix

Reading schedule for A Preface to Paradise Lost by C. S. Lewis:

• by October 12, read chapters 1-6

• by November 16, read chapters 7-12

• by December 14, read chapters 13-19

“If you can sit in silence with a person for half an hour and yet be entirely comfortable, you and that person can be friends.” - L. M. Montgomery

Recently On My Blog

👩🏻‍💻 A Survey of World Religions: Eastern Orthodox

👩🏻‍💻 A Survey of World Religions: Roman Catholicism and Protestantism

👩🏻‍💻 A Survey of World Religions: Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses

👩🏻‍💻 A Survey of World Religions: Islam

What I’ve Been Reading and Watching

📖 The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

📖 Green Leaf in Drought by Isobel Kuhn

📖 Patriot by Alexei Navalny

This month, may the remaining warmth of summer fill your days with abundance, peace, and the gentle grace of fruitful new beginnings.

— Laura 

What does it look like to follow Jesus? I’ve written a book that walks through the Letter of 1 John and offers practical guidance for spiritual growth.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

Islam is one of the world's largest monotheistic religions, founded in the 7th century AD in the Arabian Peninsula through the revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad. The word Islam means "submission" or "surrender" to the will of God, yielding peace.

1. Worldview: Origins, Meaning, and the Afterlife

The Islamic worldview centers on the absolute sovereignty of God (Allah) and a linear view of human history.

* How the World Began: Muslims believe that God created the universe out of nothing by His divine command: "Be," and it is (Kun Faya Kun). The Quran describes creation taking place over six distinct periods or stages (ayyam). The physical world is viewed as a canvas of signs (ayat) reflecting God's wisdom, power, and beauty.
* The Meaning of Life: The purpose of human life is to worship and serve God (Ibadah) and to act as His moral trustees or stewards on Earth (Khalifah). Life is viewed as a temporary testing ground where individuals exercise free will to choose between righteousness and sin.
* The Afterlife: Islam teaches that this life is followed by Akhirah (the afterlife). Upon death, the soul enters a transitional state (Barzakh) until the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah). On this day, all human beings will be resurrected and judged based on their faith and deeds. The righteous will enter Jannah (Paradise: a realm of eternal peace and bliss), while the wicked will enter Jahannam (Hell: a place of spiritual and physical torment).

2. Religious Practices

Islamic practice is anchored by five fundamental acts of worship that shape a Muslim’s daily life and communal obligations.

* Shahada (Faith): The central declaration of faith: “There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” Sincerely reciting this statement is the sole requirement for entering Islam.

* Salah (Prayer): Obligatory ritual prayers are performed five times a day facing the Kaaba in Mecca. These prayers involve physical postures of bowing and prostrating, keeping the believer consciously connected to God throughout the day.

* Zakat (Almsgiving): The compulsory charity required of wealthy Muslims, typically calculated as 2.5% of their accumulated savings and assets annually, is distributed to the poor and needy.

* Sawm (Fasting): Mandatory fasting from dawn until sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations to develop self-restraint (Taqwa), spiritual focus, and empathy for the hungry.

* Hajj (Pilgrimage): The annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that every financially and physically able Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime.

3. Deities and Divine Figures

Islam is strictly monotheistic. The foundational concept of Islamic theology is Tawhid: the absolute oneness and uniqueness of God.

* Allah: The Arabic word for God, referring to the unique, supreme, omnipotent, and incorporeal Creator. God has no partners, no children, and no physical form. In Islamic tradition, God is described by 99 Beautiful Names (such as Al-Rahman, the Most Merciful; Al-Hakim, the All-Wise).

* Prophets (Anbiya): While entirely human and strictly not worshipped, prophets are deeply revered as divine messengers chosen to guide humanity. Islam recognizes a long chain of thousands of prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.

* Muhammad: Revered as the Khatam an-Nabiyyin (the Seal of the Prophets), the final messenger sent by God to deliver the complete and uncorrupted guidance for humanity.

4. Major Religious Texts

* The Holy Quran: The central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal, verbatim word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in Arabic via the Angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. It is divided into 114 chapters (Surahs).

* The Hadith: A vast compilation of textual records documenting the sayings, actions, and silent approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. The Hadith provides the practical context and interpretation for the laws outlined in the Quran. The two most authoritative collections in Sunni Islam are Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

Coming August 4: Elements of Life, A Collection of Poetry. This collection explores the intersection of atomic precision and the infinite soul, weaving the rigid structure of the elements into the fluid tapestry of human experience. Through these verses, the fundamental laws of science become a new liturgy for understanding the quiet miracles of daily existence.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Growing in Love: What Does It Look Like to Follow Jesus? An Exploration of the Letter of 1 John. Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

While both were born out of the 19th-century American religious revival movement, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often historically called Mormonism) and Jehovah’s Witnesses have vastly different, distinct theological structures that set them apart from mainstream traditional Christianity.

1. Worldview: Origins, Meaning, and the Afterlife
* How the World Began (Mormons): God did not create the universe from nothing, but rather organized existing, eternal matter. Before Earth, humans existed as literal spirit children of Heavenly Parents. God presented a "Plan of Salvation" to create the Earth so these spirits could gain a physical body and be tested.
* How the World Began (Jehovah’s Witnesses): Jehovah God created the spiritual realm (including Jesus, his first creation) and then created the physical universe and Earth over vast epochs of time. They reject evolution and believe humans were created directly by God in the Garden of Eden.
* The Meaning of Life (Mormons): To gain physical experience, form eternal families, and learn to choose good over evil. This path allows humans to progress toward Exaltation (becoming like God).
* The Meaning of Life (Jehovah’s Witnesses): To vindicate Jehovah's sovereignty, witness to His name, and do His will. Humans were meant to live forever in a perfect earthly paradise, a purpose disrupted by Adam and Eve's sin but soon to be restored.
* The Afterlife (Mormons): Upon death, spirits enter a spirit world to wait for resurrection. Ultimately, nearly everyone is assigned to one of three degrees of heavenly glory: the Celestial Kingdom (the highest, where God resides and eternal families stay together), the Terrestrial Kingdom, or the Telestial Kingdom. Only the exceptionally wicked enter "Outer Darkness."
* The Afterlife (Jehovah’s Witnesses): They do not believe in an immortal soul that leaves the body; death is a state of total unconsciousness ("soul sleep"). They completely reject Hell as a place of torment. Following Armageddon (which they believe is imminent), God will resurrect the dead. Exactly 144,000 chosen individuals will rule in Heaven with Christ, while the rest of the faithful will inherit a restored, physical paradise on Earth. The wicked will face permanent annihilation (ceasing to exist).

2. Religious Practices

Mormons
* Meetinghouses vs. Temples: Weekly Sunday worship (sacrament meeting) takes place in local meetinghouses and is open to all. Temples, however, are considered highly sacred spaces reserved only for members in good standing. Inside temples, they perform unique ordinances, including the baptism of ancestors by proxy and the "sealing" of marriages for eternity.
* Missionary Work: Young adults are famously encouraged to serve full-time, self-funded missions (usually lasting 18 to 24 months) across the globe to proselytize.
* The Word of Wisdom: A health code that strictly prohibits the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and illegal drugs. They also practice regular tithing (giving 10% of their income to the church).

Jehovah’s Witnesses
* The Kingdom Hall: Congregations meet for Bible study and discourse at local buildings called Kingdom Halls. Services are highly structured and do not feature altars, crosses, or religious imagery.
* Door-to-Door Ministry: Evangelism is a core obligation for every member. They are well known for preaching publicly using carts and knocking on doors to distribute literature like The Watchtower.
* Strict Separateness: To remain "no part of the world," they do not vote, join the military, or run for political office. They also do not celebrate holidays or birthdays (including Christmas or Easter), viewing their origins as rooted in false religion.
* Blood Transfusions: They strictly refuse blood transfusions based on biblical commands to "abstain from blood," opting instead for bloodless medical alternatives.

3. Deities and Divine Figures

Mormons
* The Godhead: They reject the traditional concept of the Trinity (one essence in three persons). Instead, they believe in a Godhead composed of three physically distinct beings: God the Father (Elohim), Jesus Christ (Jehovah), and the Holy Ghost. Both the Father and the Son possess glorified physical bodies of flesh and bone, while the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit.
* Jesus Christ: Revered as the Savior of mankind, the Firstborn of the Father's spirit children, and the creator of the Earth under the Father's direction.

Jehovah’s Witnesses
* Jehovah: The single, supreme, almighty God and Creator. They are strictly non-trinitarian. * Jesus Christ: Jesus is not God, but rather God’s first and only direct creation. In his pre-human existence, he was Michael the Archangel. He became a perfect human to offer his life as a ransom sacrifice for mankind and is now the reigning King of God's heavenly kingdom, subordinate to Jehovah.
* The Holy Spirit: Understood not as a person, but as God's invisible "active force" or energy used to accomplish His will.

4. Major Religious Texts

Mormons
* The Holy Bible: They primarily utilize the King James Version, read in tandem with modern revelation.
* The Book of Mormon: Subtitled Another Testament of Jesus Christ, it is a record of ancient prophets who lived on the American continent.
* The Doctrine and Covenants: A collection of modern revelations and divine declarations given mostly to the prophet Joseph Smith.
* The Pearl of Great Price: Contains selections from Joseph Smith’s translations of ancient texts and a declaration of their basic beliefs (Articles of Faith).

Jehovah’s Witnesses
* The Holy Scriptures: The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT) is their official, customized translation of the Bible, which systematically restores the name "Jehovah" to both the Old and New Testaments.
* Watchtower Literature: While the Bible is the sole inspired scripture, they rely on the voluminous publications of the Governing Body (the leadership council based in New York) to interpret scripture correctly.

Coming August 4: Elements of Life, A Collection of Poetry. This collection explores the intersection of atomic precision and the infinite soul, weaving the rigid structure of the elements into the fluid tapestry of human experience. Through these verses, the fundamental laws of science become a new liturgy for understanding the quiet miracles of daily existence.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Growing in Love: What Does It Look Like to Follow Jesus? An Exploration of the Letter of 1 John. Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

1. Worldview: Origins, Meaning, and the Afterlife
* How the World Began (Roman Catholicism): God created the universe out of nothing (creatio ex nihilo) out of love. Catholicism explicitly states that faith and scientific inquiry (including evolutionary biology and the Big Bang theory) are compatible, viewing science as the mechanism of God's creation.
* How the World Began (Protestantism): Like Catholics, Protestants believe God created the cosmos out of nothing. Views on the mechanism vary widely across denominations, ranging from literal six-day Young Earth Creationism to Theistic Evolution.
* The Meaning of Life (Roman Catholicism): To know, love, and serve God in this life so as to be happy with Him forever in the next. Human purpose is fulfilled by participating in the sacraments, pursuing holiness, and performing works of charity.
* The Meaning of Life (Protestantism): To glorify God and enjoy Him forever. For Protestants, the central focus is accepting God’s grace through personal faith in Jesus Christ, which then empowers the believer to love their neighbor and spread the Gospel.
* The Afterlife (Roman Catholicism): Upon death, the soul faces a particular judgment. The truly righteous enter Heaven. Those with unconfessed mortal sins enter Hell. Those who die in God's friendship but still require purification from venial sins enter Purgatory before entering Heaven.
* The Afterlife (Protestantism): Protestants generally recognize a direct transition to Heaven (eternal union with God) or Hell (eternal separation from God) immediately following death. Protestant theology explicitly rejects the concept of Purgatory, arguing that Christ's sacrifice on the cross fully paid the penalty for sin.

2. Religious Practices
Roman Catholicism
* The Mass and Sacraments: Worship is liturgical and centers on the Mass. Catholicism practices seven sacraments, with the Holy Eucharist at the apex. Catholics believe in transubstantiation (that the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ).
* The Papacy and Magisterium: Catholics submit to the spiritual authority of the Pope (the Bishop of Rome) and the bishops in communion with him, who preserve sacred tradition and Scripture.
* Devotional Practices: Daily practice includes the Rosary, Eucharistic adoration, attending confession (Sacrament of Reconciliation), and the veneration of saints and relics.
Protestantism
* Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura): Protestants reject the authority of the Pope and church tradition as equal to Scripture, holding that the Bible alone is the ultimate authority for faith and practice.
* Faith Alone (Sola Fide): Salvation is viewed as a free gift received through faith in Christ alone, rather than a combination of faith and good works.
* Worship Styles: Services generally emphasize the sermon (preaching the Bible) and communal singing. Sacraments are typically restricted to two (Baptism and the Lord's Supper/Communion), which are often viewed as symbolic memorials rather than literal transformations.

3. Deities and Divine Figures
Both traditions are strictly monotheistic and share the exact same trinitarian framework.
* The Holy Trinity: One God in three co-equal, co-eternal persons: Father (Creator), Son (Jesus Christ, the Savior), and Holy Spirit (the Sustainer).
* The Virgin Mary and Saints:
- Catholicism: Mary is revered as the Mother of God and Queen of Heaven, conceived without original sin (the Immaculate Conception). Catholics pray to Mary and the saints to intercede for them.
- Protestantism: Mary and ancient Christians are respected as historical role models of faith, but Protestants do not pray to them, believing that Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between humans and God.

4. Major Religious Texts
* The Holy Bible (Catholic Version): Contains 73 books. It includes the Apocrypha (Deuterocanonical books like Tobit and Judith) in the Old Testament.
* The Holy Bible (Protestant Version): Contains 66 books. During the Reformation, Protestants removed the 7 Deuterocanonical books from their Old Testament canon to match the Hebrew Bible layout.
* Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): The official, comprehensive summary of Catholic doctrine and practice.
* Protestant Confessions: Denominational standards of faith, such as the Westminster Confession of Faith (Presbyterian/Reformed), the Augsburg Confession (Lutheran), and the 39 Articles (Anglican).

Coming August 4: Elements of Life, A Collection of Poetry. This collection explores the intersection of atomic precision and the infinite soul, weaving the rigid structure of the elements into the fluid tapestry of human experience. Through these verses, the fundamental laws of science become a new liturgy for understanding the quiet miracles of daily existence.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Growing in Love: What Does It Look Like to Follow Jesus? An Exploration of the Letter of 1 John. Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

Welcome to our first discussion of An Experiment in Criticism by C.S. Lewis.

I found this podcast episode and two articles covering our reading insightful:

• An Experiment in Criticism, Ch. 1-4

• C. S. Lewis and the Art of Reading: The Uses of Scholarship and the Pleasures of the Text

• Author and Reader: Sense-Giving and Sense-Reading in C.S. Lewis’s “Good Reading”

Read more

Eastern Orthodoxy is one of the three major branches of Christianity, alongside Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It is a family of self-governing (autocephalous) national churches (such as the Greek, Russian, and Antiochian Orthodox Churches) united by a shared theology, ancient liturgical tradition, and a deep emphasis on preserving the faith of the early Christian Church.

1. Worldview: Origins, Meaning, and the Afterlife
The Eastern Orthodox worldview centers on the mystery of God's love and the transformation of the human person.
* How the World Began: Eastern Orthodoxy teaches that God created the universe out of nothing (creatio ex nihilo) purely out of love. The creation accounts in Genesis are read both historically and highly allegorically. The physical world is viewed as inherently good, holy, and interconnected with the spiritual realm.
* The Meaning of Life: The ultimate purpose of human life is a concept called Theosis (deification or divinization). Eastern Orthodox Christians believe that humans were made in the image and likeness of God, but that likeness was fractured by the fall of mankind. Through Christ, humans are called to participate intimately in the life of God, transforming their character little by little until they become "partakers of the divine nature."
* The Afterlife: Upon death, the soul is believed to experience a foretaste of either paradise or torment. Orthodoxy does not accept the Roman Catholic concept of Purgatory. Instead, at the final Final Judgment, both body and soul will be reunited. Heaven and Hell are not viewed as two different physical locations, but rather as two different reactions to the unmediated presence of God's consuming love. To those who love God, His presence is paradise; to those who reject Him, His love feels like a painful fire.

2. Religious Practices
Orthodox practice is deeply sensory, experiential, and centered on the preservation of Holy Tradition.
* The Divine Liturgy: The central corporate worship service is usually held on Sunday mornings. It is entirely sung or chanted (a cappella) and involves the whole body. Worshipers stand for long periods, cross themselves frequently, and bow.
* The Sacraments (Mysteries): Orthodoxy recognizes seven principal sacraments, the apex being the Holy Eucharist (Communion), which is believed to be the literal body and blood of Christ. Infants are fully initiated into the church through simultaneous Baptism, Chrismation (confirmation), and Communion.
* The Veneration of Icons: Orthodox churches are covered in holy paintings called icons. Worshipers do not worship the wood or paint, but venerate (show honor to) the person depicted (Christ, the Virgin Mary, or the saints) as a window into the heavenly realm.
* Fasting: Orthodoxy includes a rigorous calendar of fasting. For roughly half the year, including the weeks leading up to Pascha (Easter) and Christmas, faithful Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, dairy, fish, wine, and olive oil to practice self-discipline and focus on prayer.

3. Deities and Divine Figures
Eastern Orthodoxy is strictly monotheistic, affirming the ancient creeds of the early Christian Church.
* The Holy Trinity: God is understood as one single divine essence (ousia) existing eternally as three distinct persons (hypostases): the Father (the source), the Son (Jesus Christ, begotten of the Father), and the Holy Spirit (who proceeds from the Father). They are co-equal, co-eternal, and indivisible.
* The Theotokos: Meaning "God-bearer," this is the title given to the Virgin Mary. While she is human and absolutely not worshipped as a deity, she holds the highest place of honor among the saints as the mother of Jesus Christ.
* The Saints: Holy men and women throughout history who achieved theosis. Orthodox Christians pray to the saints, asking them to intercede with God on their behalf, much like asking a friend on earth to pray for them.

4. Major Religious Texts
* Septuagint: The Orthodox Old Testament is based on the Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation), which includes the deuterocanonical books (often called the Apocrypha by Protestants).
* The Patriarchal Text: The New Testament used by the Eastern Orthodox Church.
* The Horologion: The Eastern Orthodox Book of Hours, containing fixed daily prayers, hymns, and service orders chanted by clergy and believers throughout the day.
* The Philokalia: A famous five-volume collection of texts written between the 4th and 15th centuries by spiritual masters. It focuses on the practice of interior prayer, mysticism, and the Jesus Prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner").
* The Writings of the Apostolic & Holy Fathers: Detailed commentaries and theological defenses by early theologians like St. Athanasius, St. Basil the Great, and St. John Chrysostom.

Coming August 4: Elements of Life, A Collection of Poetry. This collection explores the intersection of atomic precision and the infinite soul, weaving the rigid structure of the elements into the fluid tapestry of human experience. Through these verses, the fundamental laws of science become a new liturgy for understanding the quiet miracles of daily existence.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Growing in Love: What Does It Look Like to Follow Jesus? An Exploration of the Letter of 1 John. Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

My Favorite Finds Around the Internet

Researcher Reid Trulson uncovered historical evidence revealing Lancaster native Charlotte Atlee Rowe as America’s first female foreign missionary, a groundbreaking archival discovery that corrects centuries of oversight regarding her legacy.

Exploring real-world geographic settings and historic landmarks related to Jane Austen, this look at literary tourism reveals how fans connect deeply with her classic novels.

Émile-Antoine Bayard’s pioneering 1870 wood engravings for Jules Verne’s sci-fi novel represent the world’s very first scientifically grounded depictions of space travel.

Reflecting on seasonal milestones and lifelong learning, Ashley Danyew explores how pursuing diverse, seemingly unrelated interests expands creativity, proving that no authentic experience or glimmer of knowledge is ever wasted.

Featuring cozy spiced Granny Smith apples under a buttery, toasted puff pastry crust, this easy apple pandowdy recipe delivers the comforting flavors of traditional pie without the tedious effort.

Immersing yourself in art museum environments slows your heart rate, regulates cortisol levels, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, providing a restorative psychological refuge from modern sensory overload.

This curated literary travel guide pairs historical non-fiction, classic mythology, and modern novels with iconic Greek destinations to enrich your upcoming Mediterranean journey.

An Update on My Writing Projects

Project 1: A children’s book on Harold and Heather. I have talked a bit about this project before. My illustrator is working on the illustrations. They are coming along nicely. I hope to have more to share in the next couple of weeks. I’m also tentatively working on some ideas for a second Harold and Heather book.

Project 2: I started translating Johannes Tauler’s sermons from German into English in 2025 and posted the first four on my blog. Due to my other writing projects as well as classes I am preparing to teach in the fall, this project is going on pause for now. I just don’t have time for it at the moment. I am not completely scrapping it; it’s just on hold for now. At this point, I plan on picking it back up in 2027.

Project 3: My first book of poetry releases on August 4. Preorders will be available soon!

Towards the end of June, I was able to spend some time in the archives at Wheaton College. I mostly spent time looking at documents and pictures from China Inland Mission missionaries John and Isobel Kuhn, as well as Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth.

Reading schedule for An Experiment in Criticism by C. S. Lewis:

• by July 13, read chapters 1-4

• by August 17, read chapters 5-8

• by September 14, read chapters 9 through the appendix

Reading schedule for A Preface to Paradise Lost by C. S. Lewis:

• by October 12, read chapters 1-6

• by November 16, read chapters 7-12

• by December 14, read chapters 13-19

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” - C. S. Lewis

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👩🏻‍💻 A Survey of World Religions: Shintoism

👩🏻‍💻 A Survey of World Religions: Judaism

What I’ve Been Reading and Watching

📖 An Experiment in Criticism by C. S. Lewis

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🍿 2026 FIFA World Cup1

This month, may the long, golden days bring you warm sun, the quiet peace of open green spaces, and restful joy under twilight skies.

— Laura 

What does it look like to follow Jesus? I’ve written a book that walks through the Letter of 1 John and offers practical guidance for spiritual growth.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

Judaism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, originating in the Middle East over 3,500 years ago. It is rooted in a sacred covenant (agreement) between God and the Jewish people, emphasizing ethical behavior, community, law, and action in this world.

1. Worldview: Origins, Meaning, and the Afterlife
The Jewish worldview centers on a linear view of history guided by a single, personal God.
* How the World Began: Judaism teaches that the universe was created from nothing (creatio ex nihilo) by the supreme, unique God. As recorded in the Book of Genesis (Bereshit), God spoke the world into existence over a period of six days, declaring it inherently "good," and rested on the seventh day (establishing the Sabbath).
* The Meaning of Life: Life is viewed as a sacred gift. The primary purpose is to partner with God in repairing a fractured world, a concept known as Tikkun Olam. Humans are called to live holy lives by fulfilling the Mitzvot (commandments / commanded deeds) and acting as moral agents of justice, compassion, and hospitality.
* The Afterlife: Judaism places its primary emphasis on life in the present world (Olam Ha-Zeh). Traditional beliefs do include an afterlife, often referred to as Olam Ha-Ba (the World to Come) or Gan Eden (a spiritual paradise for the righteous), and the resurrection of the dead in a future messianic age. However, there is no single, dogmatic blueprint for heaven or hell, and views vary widely across Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements.

2. Religious Practices
Judaism is fundamentally "orthopraxic"; it places immense weight on daily action, ritual, and family life.
* Shabbat (The Sabbath): The cornerstone of Jewish life. From Friday evening at sundown until Saturday night, Jews rest from creative work, light candles, share festive meals with family, and attend synagogue services to commemorate God's day of rest.
* The Synagogue and Prayer: Communal life centers on the synagogue. Formal prayers are recited three times a day, often requiring a minyan (a quorum of ten adults).
* Dietary Laws (Kashrut): Many Jews follow specific dietary laws outlined in the Torah. Foods that are permitted are called “kosher.” This includes avoiding pork and shellfish and completely separating dairy products from meat in storage, preparation, and consumption.
* Life-Cycle Rituals: Important milestones are marked ritually, including Brit Milah (circumcision for infant boys), Bar/Bat Mitzvah (coming-of-age ceremonies at 12 or 13), and specific, structured mourning practices like Shiva (sitting in mourning for seven days after a death).
* The High Holy Days: The calendar is punctuated by festivals, most notably Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement, marked by a 25-hour fast and deep spiritual reflection).

3. Deities and Divine Figures
Judaism is strictly monotheistic. The worship of any divine being other than the single Creator is forbidden.
* The Holy One, Blessed be He: God is understood as absolute, singular, indivisible, and incorporeal (without a physical body). God is both transcendent (above the universe) and immanent (involved in human history). The true name of God, represented by the four Hebrew letters YHWH (the Tetragrammaton), is considered so sacred that it is never spoken aloud; Jews say Adonai (My Lord) or HaShem (The Name) instead.
* Prophets: While not divine or worshipped, figures like Abraham (the first patriarch) and Moses (the lawgiver who received the Torah at Mount Sinai) are revered as foundational messengers who communicated God's will to humanity.

4. Major Religious Texts
The literary tradition of Judaism is expansive, consisting of biblical text and centuries of rabbinic analysis.
* The Tanakh (The Hebrew Bible): Divided into three sections:
1. Torah (Instruction/Law): The first five books of the Bible (Genesis to Deuteronomy), containing the core narrative and the 613 commandments.
2. Nevi'im (Prophets): Historical books and the writings of prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
3. Ketuvim (Writings): Poetic and wisdom literature, including Psalms, Proverbs, and the Book of Job.
* The Talmud: A massive compilation of Jewish oral law and tradition. It contains the Mishnah (the written compilation of the Oral Torah) and the Gemara (centuries of rabbinic debates and legal analysis of the Mishnah). It acts as the primary legal blueprint for traditional Jewish practice.
* The Midrash: A collection of ancient rabbinic allegories, stories, and commentaries designed to fill in the narrative gaps of the biblical text.

Coming August 4: Elements of Life, A Collection of Poetry. This collection explores the intersection of atomic precision and the infinite soul, weaving the rigid structure of the elements into the fluid tapestry of human experience. Through these verses, the fundamental laws of science become a new liturgy for understanding the quiet miracles of daily existence.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Growing in Love: What Does It Look Like to Follow Jesus? An Exploration of the Letter of 1 John. Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

Shinto (often called Shintoism) is the indigenous spirituality of Japan. It is deeply connected to the Japanese landscape, seasons, and culture, focusing on a deep reverence for the natural world and the spiritual forces that inhabit it.

1. Worldview: Origins, Meaning, and the Afterlife
Shinto is an animistic faith, meaning it views the natural world as alive with spiritual energy.
* How the World Began: According to Shinto mythology recorded in ancient chronicles, the universe began in a state of chaos. Out of this chaos, primeval deities emerged. Two central primordial deities, the male Izanagi and the female Izanami, stood on the floating bridge of heaven and stirred the ocean with a jeweled spear. The drops that fell from the spear formed the islands of Japan.
* The Meaning of Life: Shinto does not have a concept of original sin or absolute moral commandments. Instead, the focus of life is to maintain purity (Kiyome) and live in harmony with nature and society. The greatest virtues are sincerity (Makoto) and a cheerful, pure heart. Human beings are believed to be inherently good, but they can become clouded by spiritual impurity, misfortune, or sin (Kegare), which must be ritually cleansed.
* The Afterlife: Shinto is primarily a religion of this world, celebrating life, fertility, and growth. Its view of the afterlife is somewhat vague. Traditionally, the spirits of the dead pass into an unseen spirit world (Yomi, a shadowy underworld, or the mountains/sky). Over time, through family memorial rites, ancestral spirits merge with the benevolent protective spirits of the family and land, watching over their living descendants.

2. Shinto Practices
Shinto practices are highly ritualistic and center around purification, gratitude, and community celebration.
* Shrine Visits: Believers visit Shinto shrines (Jinja) to pay respects to the spirits. Before entering, visitors perform a ritual washing of their hands and mouth at a water pavilion (Temizuya) to remove impurity.
* The Ritual of Worship: At the shrine altar, the typical practice is to bow twice, clap twice (to attract the attention of the spirit), make a silent prayer or offering, and bow once more.
* Matsuri (Festivals): Shinto shrines host vibrant community festivals throughout the year, often tied to agricultural seasons (like planting or harvest). Statues or symbols of the local deity are carried through the streets in portable shrines called Mikoshi to bless the community.
* Household Shrines (Kamidana): Many Japanese homes feature a small, shelf-like altar called a Kamidana (god-shelf), where family members place simple offerings of water, rice, or sake and offer daily prayers to ancestral spirits and protective deities.

3. Major Deities (The Kami)
In Shinto, spiritual beings are called Kami. Kami are not omnipotent, distant gods; they are spirits that reside in majestic natural phenomena (mountains, waterfalls, old trees), extraordinary human beings, or abstract concepts.
* Amaterasu Omikami: The Sun Goddess and the most revered deity in Shinto. She is considered the mythical ancestor of the Japanese Imperial Family and represents light, warmth, and order. Her primary sanctuary is the Grand Shrine of Ise.
* Susa-no-o: The god of the sea and storms, and the volatile brother of Amaterasu. He is famous for defeating the eight-headed serpent, Orochi.
* Tsukuyomi: The Moon God and brother to Amaterasu and Susa-no-o, born from Izanagi's right eye during a ritual purification.
* Inari: The highly popular deity of rice, agriculture, fertility, and worldly success. Inari's shrines are easily recognized by their bright red Torii gates and statues of foxes (Kitsune), who act as Inari's messengers.
* Hachiman: The god of warriors and archery, historically invoked by samurai. Over time, Hachiman evolved into a divine protector of the nation and agriculture.

4. Major Shinto Texts
Shinto does not have a single sacred text or holy book like the Bible. Instead, its mythology, genealogies, and rituals were written down in historical chronicles during the 8th century CE to legitimize the rule of the imperial family.
* Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Compiled in 712 CE, this is the oldest surviving written record in Japan. It contains the creation myths, stories of the early Kami, and imperial genealogies.
* Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 CE, this text covers similar mythological ground to the Kojiki but is written in classical Chinese and includes more detailed historical records and alternative versions of the myths.
* Engishiki: A 10th-century legal and liturgical text that includes a vast collection of traditional Shinto prayers, ritual instructions, and administrative rules for shrines.

Coming August 4: Elements of Life, A Collection of Poetry. This collection explores the intersection of atomic precision and the infinite soul, weaving the rigid structure of the elements into the fluid tapestry of human experience. Through these verses, the fundamental laws of science become a new liturgy for understanding the quiet miracles of daily existence.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Growing in Love: What Does It Look Like to Follow Jesus? An Exploration of the Letter of 1 John. Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

Welcome to our final discussion of The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis.

I found these two podcast episodes covering the problem of pain (more broadly) insightful:

• The Problem of Pain (Mere C.S. Lewis)

• Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain & Suffering

Read more

As you might already know, I teach part-time during the school year. That means that my summer schedule looks a bit different, and every summer, I try to do some sort of self-directed professional development. I’ve done courses through Coursera (one of my favorites was Organising an Empire: The Assyrian Way), as well as other online courses. This summer, I’ve decided to do a self-directed journey through some of JRR Tolkien’s works and works about him that I haven’t read yet.

Beyond the books pictured above, I am also reading The Fall of Gondolin and The Languages of Tolkien’s Middle-earth by Ruth Noel. I will also listen to various podcast episodes, and I have some assignments and projects that I’ve designed for myself. I’ll be sharing occasional tidbits in my monthly newsletter, if you want to follow along. I may, down the road, turn this into a more fleshed-out blog series, but I don’t have concrete plans for that yet.

Coming August 4: Elements of Life, A Collection of Poetry. This collection explores the intersection of atomic precision and the infinite soul, weaving the rigid structure of the elements into the fluid tapestry of human experience. Through these verses, the fundamental laws of science become a new liturgy for understanding the quiet miracles of daily existence.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Growing in Love: What Does It Look Like to Follow Jesus? An Exploration of the Letter of 1 John. Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

My Favorite Finds Around the Internet

Ann Judson, a pioneer American missionary to Burma, shattered gender barriers in the early 19th century. Through her profound evangelistic work, extensive language translations, and heroic efforts to save her husband during wartime, she became an inspirational model for future women.

The Ringelblum Archive, listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, is a secret cache of 35,000 documents gathered by the Oneg Shabbat group. It provides an invaluable, objective record of the Holocaust and Jewish life in occupied Poland.

“Earthscape,” performed by the Chicago Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble, seamlessly blends majestic brass harmonies with resonant pipe organ tones. This sweeping musical composition creates a vivid, emotionally rich, and deeply captivating sonic journey for listeners.

This evocative travel essay explores the nostalgic magic of visiting the preserved childhood homes of beloved authors Laura Ingalls Wilder, Louisa May Alcott, and Maud Hart Lovelace, offering a deeply personal new perspective on their classic literature.

Bake a soft, crumbly vanilla chai bundt cake infused with rooibos tea, topped off with a dreamy, tea-flavored cream cheese glaze perfect for afternoon tea.

Thirty creative and space-saving DIY storage solutions for coffee mug collectors to help you display your collection, with ideas like pegboards and wall hooks to beautifully organize your home.

Discover five compelling reasons to start collecting wooden spoons. These durable, affordable, and versatile kitchen tools carry sentimental value, developing a beautiful, unique patina over the years.

I recently went mini-golfing at Big Stone Mini Golf. The golf course includes a variety of sculptures. This one, especially, made me chuckle.

Reading schedule for The Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis:

• by June 15, read chapters 8-10

Reading schedule for An Experiment in Criticism by C. S. Lewis:

• by July 13, read chapters 1-4

• by August 17, read chapters 5-8

• by September 14, read chapters 9 through the appendix

Reading schedule for A Preface to Paradise Lost by C. S. Lewis:

• by October 12, read chapters 1-6

• by November 16, read chapters 7-12

• by December 14, read chapters 13-19

“I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world.” - Socrates

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👩🏻‍💻 Elements of Life - Join the Book Launch Team

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📖 Chasing Chopin by Annik LaFarge

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This month, may the long, sun-drenched days of June bring you the quiet peace of late northern sunsets, the vibrant green of woods, and the gentle warmth of a well-deserved summer.

— Laura 

What does it look like to follow Jesus? I’ve written a book that walks through the Letter of 1 John and offers practical guidance for spiritual growth.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

Taoism (or Daoism) is an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (the Way)—the fundamental, underlying principle of the universe. It focuses on spontaneity, simplicity, and non-interference.

Worldview: Origins, Meaning, and the Afterlife

Taoism views the universe as a self-regulating, organic whole that functions according to natural laws.

• How the World Began: Creation is viewed as a process of differentiation rather than a single event. From the primordial void (Wuji) emerged the Tao. The Tao produced the One (primordial energy or Qi), the One produced the Two (Yin and Yang), and the Two produced the Three (Heaven, Earth, and Humanity), which then gave rise to all things.

• The Meaning of Life: The goal is to achieve harmony with the Tao. This is pursued through Wu Wei (effortless action or “non-doing”), which means acting in alignment with the natural flow of life rather than fighting against it. Life is about returning to a state of simplicity and “uncarved” potential.

• The Afterlife: Classical Taoism is more concerned with the transformation of life than the destination after death. While some branches of religious Taoism seek physical immortality through alchemy and meditation, death is generally viewed as a return to the Tao—a transition from one form of energy to another.

Religious and Spiritual Practices

Taoist practice focuses on balancing the body’s internal energy (Qi) and aligning with external nature.

• Meditation and Breathwork: Taoists use various forms of meditation to quiet the mind and circulate Qi through the body.

• Tai Chi and Qigong: These physical exercises are moving meditations designed to balance internal energies and promote health and longevity.

• Dietary and External Alchemy: Historically, some practitioners followed strict diets or used herbal formulas (and occasionally minerals) to purify the body and extend life.

• Ritual and Offerings: In religious Taoism, priests perform rituals to maintain communal harmony, celebrate festivals, and petition deities or spirits to ward off illness and bad fortune.

Major Deities and Figures

Taoism has a vast and colorful pantheon, often organized like a celestial bureaucracy.

• The Three Pure Ones: The highest deities in the Taoist pantheon, representing the three primordial emanations of the Tao and the different aspects of the universe.

• The Jade Emperor: The ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below it, responsible for the administration of the universe.

• Laozi (Lao Tzu): The legendary founder and author of the Tao Te Ching. He is often deified as one of the Three Pure Ones.

• The Eight Immortals: A group of legendary figures who achieved immortality through Taoist practices. They represent different walks of life (old, young, rich, poor) and are popular figures in folklore.

• Queen Mother of the West: A powerful goddess who guards the peaches of immortality and governs the female Yin energy.

Major Religious Texts

The Taoist canon is known as the Daozang, containing thousands of volumes, but two texts are essential for understanding the core philosophy.

• Tao Te Ching (Dao De Jing): Attributed to Laozi, this is the most influential Taoist text. It consists of 81 short chapters of cryptic, poetic wisdom regarding the nature of the Tao and the art of living.

• The Zhuangzi: Attributed to the sage Zhuangzi, this text uses parables, humor, and irony to explore the limitations of human language and the freedom found in spontaneity.

• Liezi: A later collection of stories and philosophical musings that emphasizes the value of rest and the acceptance of change.

What does it look like to follow Jesus? I’ve written a book that walks through the Letter of 1 John and offers practical guidance for spiritual growth.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.

Confucianism is often described as a “social-ethical philosophy” rather than a traditional religion. It focuses on human relationships, social harmony, and the cultivation of virtue to create a stable, flourishing society.

Worldview: Origins, Meaning, and the Afterlife

Confucius was famously more concerned with how to live in this world than with the mysteries of the next.

• How the World Began: Confucianism does not have a specific creation myth. It accepts the traditional Chinese view of the cosmos as a self-existing, organic system. The focus is on Tian (Heaven), which is viewed not as a personified god, but as a cosmic moral order that sustains the universe.

• The Meaning of Life: The goal of life is to become a Junzi (an exemplary person or “gentleman”). This is achieved through the cultivation of five core virtues, the most important being Ren (benevolence or human-heartedness) and Li (ritual propriety or etiquette). Life’s meaning is found in fulfilling one’s role within the “Five Key Relationships” (e.g., Parent/Child, Ruler/Subject).

• The Afterlife: Confucius famously said, “If you do not yet understand life, how can you understand death?” While Confucianism acknowledges the existence of spirits and ancestors, it does not focus on salvation or a literal heaven/hell. Success in the afterlife is essentially the continuation of the family line and being remembered by one’s descendants through proper memorial rites.

Religious and Ethical Practices

Confucian practice is deeply rooted in daily conduct and the performance of rituals that reinforce social bonds.

• Filial Piety (Xiao): This is the foundation of all virtue. It is the extreme respect and devotion children owe their parents and ancestors.

• Ancestor Veneration: Families maintain altars in their homes to honor deceased ancestors. Ritual offerings of food and incense are made to show that the family remains a single, continuous unit across generations.

• Ritual Propriety (Li): This involves following the “proper way” of doing things—from how one speaks to elders to how official state ceremonies are conducted. Following Li is believed to harmonize the individual with the cosmic order.

• Education and Self-Cultivation: Continuous study of the classics and reflection on one’s own character are considered essential “religious” duties.

Major “Deities” and Figures

Because it is a humanistic philosophy, Confucianism does not have a pantheon of gods to whom one prays for miracles.

• Confucius (Kong Fuzi): The founder and “Great Sage.” He is revered as the ultimate teacher and a model of human perfection, though he is not worshipped as a god.

• Mencius (Mengzi): The most famous follower of Confucius, known for his belief that human nature is inherently good and that rulers must provide for the well-being of the people.

• Tian (Heaven): The impersonal force of the universe that grants the “Mandate of Heaven” to just rulers.

• Ancestors: Deceased family members are the most immediate “spiritual” figures in a Confucian’s life, acting as protectors and links to the past.

Major Religious Texts

The core of the Confucian tradition is found in two sets of books.

• The Four Books:

  1. The Analects (Lunyu): A collection of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius and his contemporaries.

  2. The Mencius: Conversations and philosophy of the sage Mencius.

  3. The Great Learning: A guide for self-cultivation and leadership.

  4. The Doctrine of the Mean: Explores the concept of balance and harmony with the way of Heaven.

• The Five Classics: Ancient texts that Confucius himself edited or taught, covering history, poetry, and divination (including the I Ching).

What does it look like to follow Jesus? I’ve written a book that walks through the Letter of 1 John and offers practical guidance for spiritual growth.

Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest. My reading recommendations. My merch store. My Etsy store. Grace Upon Grace (31-Day Devotional). Melanchthon’s German Catechism translated into English.