First, a concession: My dislike of Edgar Allan Poe’s writing style — the visceral, physical cringing I feel when reading his poems and stories — is likely a testament to that style’s phenomenal success. The dreary, gothic, broad strokes that paint… Continue Reading
It’s an unsteadying moment, realizing one of your favorite authors is pretty obviously racist. For various reasons, I tend not to speak much of my personal religious faith when I write. I’ve mentioned my evangelical upbringing at times, generally in… Continue Reading
Over at Slate Star Codex, Scott Alexander has posted a theory in regards to the origins of religion, and why they are both so ubiquitous and powerful in different cultures. It is not a particular revolutionary theory — and to be… Continue Reading
Though it is 2:00 p.m. on a Tuesday, the Church of Scientology visitors center I am exploring is bustling with activity. It’s so full of people that I have to serpentine my way around bodies to get to my test-taking… Continue Reading
Behold, dear readers, the first installment of an occasional, irregularly-spaced Blinded Trials feature! For those of you who might have a passing interest in reading what BT contributors might have written for other outlets, from time to time I’ll post… Continue Reading