The Gospels are creative nonfiction. Look at what Luke does here.   In chapter eight of his gospel, Luke writes his version of a story also told by the other synoptic evangelists. And it’s a thriller.   It’s a gothic horror story, in fact, worthy of H. P. Lovecraft or Stephen King. In an alien country, a mysterious stranger roams the edge of town. He haunts the wilderness, living among the tombs. Luke, the “beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14), presents his notes: the subject

George M. Marsden celebrates his 87th birthday today. I celebrate him.   I have known Professor Marsden for more than 45 of those 87 years, so I’ll refer to him as “George” in what follows—not (heavens, no!) as a peer, but as a very-much-junior whom he early on welcomed into friendship. According to Wikipedia, George is best known for his multiple-award-winning biography of Jonathan Edwards. But that splendid book came late in a career that was already powerfully influential

So now begin the violet days, days of bruises and honour, the time of “bright sadness,” the season of Lent.   What is Lent?   The word “Lent” has nothing to do with “lending.” It is the season of the church year anticipating Easter—and the great days following that greatest of days. Christianity grew up largely in the Mediterranean and in Europe, so lent  comes from words for spring . As Easter marks the renewal of the world in the resurrection of our Lord, so the time leadin