For many years I wrote about fiction, story, belief, ordinary life, and the questions that shaped my work. More than two thousand essays remain here—not because every one represents my current thinking, but because together they tell the story of a writer learning over time.
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The archive begins with the most recent writing. Use the numbered pages below to move backward through time.
Dear Christians, if the Holy Spirit is Your Teacher and Guide . . .
Here’s the link to this article by Bruce Gerencser. Evangelicals believe that the moment a sinner is saved, God, in the person of the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost, comes…
Drafting—Christmas Day and Invitation to Tracey’s Friday night party
Molly knew for certain her mother was deeply depressed when she didn’t knock on the bathroom door. Like yesterday morning, Molly had awakened nauseated and rushed to the…
Here’s the link to this article by Bruce Gerencser. Spend enough time around Evangelicals and you will learn that not only do they talk to God, but they…
Making Sense Podcast Episode 313: Apocalypse, A Conversation with Bart D. Ehrman
Here’s the link to this episode on Sam Harris’ website. Here’s the link on Spotify. MARCH 25, 2023 Sam Harris speaks with Bart D. Ehrman about the prophecies…
The Covenant School tragedy shows how more prayers will never stop gun violence
Here’s the link to this article by Hemant Mehta. The Nashville school had plenty of prayers. But that’s no match for a killer armed with assault weapons. In…
Here’s the link to this article by Merle Hertzler. On September 11, 2001, millions of people watched in horror as the second plane crashed into the World Trade…
Richard L. Fricks 