• Theology and the Arts

    Lessons from Greek Myths

    I recently tried counting the number of novels I have read that centre their tales on retelling ancient Greek mythology. I reached over twenty-five, if my bookshelf and memory serve me, with my most recent completion being Hera by Jennifer Saint. Some of my favourite authors in this particular genre include Madeline Miller, Jennifer Saint, and Natalie Haynes. These authors have caught my particular attention because they celebrate their characters with rich complexity and help us see ourselves, their faithful readers, within the ancient heroes and villains alike. Others may disagree, but my record is fairly impressive. Given my experience, I might label myself as someone who is “in the…

  • Art,  Christianity,  Theology and the Arts

    The Saintesses of Manga and Anime

    If you happen to stroll through the manga section at a nearby Barnes and Noble or scroll through the anime options on CrunchyRoll, you will likely come across more than one tempting option that features a beautiful saint as the leading heroine living in a fantasy world and falling in love with a dashing duke.  I have been an avid anime fan for about four years now, and I have frequented the manga section of my local bookstores more than once, I must admit. I’ve even downloaded the sensational app called Webtoon for a wider range of content (hint: if you like “Hell’s Paradise,” “Tower of God,” or “Solo Levelling,”…

  • Art,  Christianity,  Theology and the Arts

    Insights on Catholic Art through a child’s perspective

    Art has held a distinct role in the history and practices of Catholic tradition for centuries. It aids practitioners in feeling a sense of wonder and awe or even a connection to the divine in the world’s best known cathedrals, through the masterful carvings of the marble statues, the delicate designs of the stained glass, or the meticulously detailed paintings covering the walls and ceilings. Catholic art can also be found in local settings, like schools, monasteries, and churches and chapels. Given the popularity and impact of the many works that have been created across history, it is no surprise that religious art has even found its way into the…

  • Bible,  Christianity,  Theology and the Arts

    Who’s Afraid of Salome? A Biblical Drama that made Opera History

    The Metropolitan Opera’s 2024-2025 season is filled with classics and beloved titles mixed with contemporary settings and newer stories. One title in particular has caught my eye: a brand new production of Richard Strauss’s Salome. Bible scholars may recognize the name “Salome” from more than one context: One narrative depicts a follower of Jesus who was present at his crucifixion. Another narrative tells of a young princess’s role in the murder of John the Baptist. Characteristic qualities certainly place these two women apart, but the leading lady of Strauss’s opera takes her queues from the second of the set. Strauss even used the beautiful name, “Salome,” a feminine rendition of…

  • Art,  Autoethnography,  Buddhism,  Indic Religions,  Literature

    My Friend, Siddhartha

    I wish I had read Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha when I was a teenager, but I’m so glad I picked it up at 25. While browsing through the clearance section of a Barnes and Noble,–a great place to find collections of ancient myths, story books depicting the lives of sacred figures, and modern spiritual inspirations–I picked up a coloring book that advertises itself as an aid for meditation. I must have been leaning into my artistic side that day because another little book caught my eye among the disheveled stacks: an Illustrated Edition of Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha. It felt as if the gold lettering on the book’s spine was illuminating my…