Donald T. Williams

Julie Miller

Annie Crawford

Donald W. Catchings, Jr.

Annie Nardone

Zak Schmoll

Jason M. Smith

Christy Luis

Megan Joy Rials

L.B. Loftin

John L. Weitzel

The imago Dei: Man as God’s Image Bearers “Let us make man in our image,” so begins the relationship between God and his image bearers, beings made in his own image. What does it mean to be God’s image bearer? In this issue on the imago Dei, we explore the ways man reflects God’s light. Contributors: Donald W. Catchings, Jr.: "Stained-glass Man," a poem on man's own image. Annie Crawford: "Gender and the Imago Dei: Together We Reflect the Image of God," an essay on marriage's divine purpose. L.B. Loftin: "Goodness, Truth, and Beauty," a poem on the glory of humanity. Christy Luis: "My Favorite Things" a short story on coming out of and into the fire. Annie Nardone: "Deepest Wonder, Remarkable Beauty: Sonnets in Praise of Life and the Imago Dei," an essay and sonnet on the miracles of life. Julie Miller: "Transhumanism and the Abolition of the Human Person," an essay on transhumanism's materialistic shortcomings. Megan Joy Rials: "Do You Long for Having Your Heart Interlinked?: The Imago Dei and Our Need for Relationships in the Blade Runner Universe," an essay on love, authenticity, and reality. Zak Schmoll: "A Silent Genocide: Disability and the Ongoing Consequences of Social Darwinism," an essay on the tragedy of eugenics. Jason Smith: "Worth Reading" an introduction to a new column coming to AUJ. John L. Weitzel: "Thorin and Bilbo: Image Bearers," an essay on heroism, the Old Testament, and God's will. Donald T. Williams: "Matrix of Meaning: Five Theses on Christianity and Culture," an essay on the relationship between human nature and creativity. Cover Illustration by Virginia De La Lastra Spring 2021 Volume 4, Issue 1 250 pages

An exploration of the imago Dei: Man as God’s Image Bearers

An Unexpected Journal: Image Bearers

Sharon Jones

Jesse W. Baker

Seth Myers

Theresa Pihl

Jason Monroe 

Charlotte B. Thomason

John P. Tuttle

Jesse Childress

Clayton R. Conder	

Mary Lou Cornish

Joe Ricke

Ted W. Wright

Celebrating the Living Witness of People and Places of the Christian Faith Saints and sanctuaries are critical parts of the Christian experience. We learn from those who have gone before or walk alongside us. When the mission becomes exhausting, we search for havens where we can recover and find the encouragement we need to continue. This issue seeks to celebrate the Christian journey; it considers many people who have traveled in ways we can learn from and the places that supported them as they carried on. Contributors "Prelude"" Sharon Jones on a Moment of Brightness "Saints, Suffering, and Sanctuaries from Around the World: Japan, Korea, and China"" Seth Myers on Christian Heroes in Asia "Cathedral Cosmos: A Glance Heavenward into the Medieval Model": Jason Monroe on Avoiding Chronological Snobbery "From Jokers to Fools: The Fire of Notre Dame as a Call to Holiness": Megan Joy Rials on Modernity, Architecture, and Hope "Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo": Donald Catchings on Experiencing Sanctuary "The Holy Dead: Saints as Sanctuaries": Joe Ricke on Physicality and Spirituality "Sestina for Miracle-Seekers" Mary Lou Cornish on Overcoming False Piety "Shelter in the Vine: An Unexpected Sanctuary": Charlotte Thomason on a Spiritual Haven "Sanctuaries for the Suffering: Trauma and Imagination in Apologetics": Jesse Childress on Psychological Elements That Influence Worldviews "Fire and Water: Three Kwansabas": Theresa Pihl on Memories of Ugandan Martyrs "Adventure & Faith: Lessons from the Life of St. Brendan the Navigator and Bilbo Baggins": Ted Wright on Voyages and Ventures "Rest and Reemergence: Rivendell As a Sanctuary": Zak Schmoll on Healing and Pressing on "Unforsaken: Fantasy, Providence, and the Silence of God": Clayton R. Conder on Finding Clarity through the Strange "Ode to Francis": John Tuttle on a Saint to Study "But It’s Not Fair": Annie Nardone on Lessons from Boethius "The Offering of St. Ignatius": Annie Crawford on Enduring Pain for God’s Glory "The Kingdom of Kings and Queens: A Parable": Jesse Baker on a Transformational Encounter "The Voyage of the Titan": Zak Schmoll on Wanting Something Better Cover Art Our cover illustration was created by Chilean artist, apologist, and physician Virginia de la Lastra. The stained glass panel illustrates the beginning of the Great Struggle with the Fall and the saints which led the charge when the tide began to turn in the Great Reversal: Joseph, Mary, and John the Baptist. Spring 2022 Volume 5, Issue 1 270 pages

Celebrating the Living Witness of People and Places of the Christian Faith

An Unexpected Journal: Saints and Sanctuaries

John Gillespie

Michael S. Heiser

Cherish Nelson

Alicia Pollard

Daniel Asperheim

Karise Gililland

Korine Martinez

George Scondras

Nicole Howe

It is in the deepest darkness that light shines most brightly. For this reason, dystopian stories are often an effective channel to communicate the good news of the Gospel. Our worst failings illustrate the transformation of the Holy Spirit most clearly. We cling most tightly to hope in times of deepest despair. This collection of essays and first release short stories illustrates the journey dystopian stories take us on, highlighting the problem, the answer, and redemption. Volume 2, Issue 3 Fall 2019 272 pages

Hope and Redemption in Dystopian Stories

An Unexpected Journal: Dystopia

S. Dorman

Josiah Peterson

Clark Weidner

C.M. Alvarez

J.R.R. Tolkien was the British author who fired the imagination of a generation with his beloved works: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. In this collection of essays, short stories, and poems, we explore the magic of Tolkien’s works that defined high fantasy and illustrate the underlying Christian themes that are so essential to the joy his work brings. Contributors: C.M. Alvarez: "Melchizedek, Bombadil, and the Numinous in The Lord of the Rings," an essay on the parallels between the mysterious figures found in the Bible and The Lord of the Rings and what they represent. Donald W. Catchings, Jr.: "The Hero from Bagshot Row," a poem dedicated to the heroism of Sam in The Lord of the Rings. Annie Crawford: "Courage at the Crossroads" on how the journey of the Fellowship illustrates the truth of the Gospel message. S. Dorman: "The Common Good in Tolkien's Rural Communities," an essay on the importance of community drawing from illustrations in The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien and In Search of the Common Good: Christian Fidelity in a Fractured World by Jake Meador. Karise Gililland: "One Theme to Rule Them All," an essay on a collection of Catholic essays in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Korine Martinez: "Awakening Joy," an essay on the Christ-inspired joy which infuses The Lord of the Rings Seth Myers: "Tolkien and Miyazaki: Princess Mononoke and The Lord of the Rings in Conversation," an essay on the fight against evil in The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien and the animated film, Princess Mononoke. Annie Nardone: "Finishing Well," an essay on purpose as illustrated in "Leaf by Niggle;" "The Finished Work," a sonnet based on "Leaf by Niggle;" and "A Passage to Something Better," an essay on death in The Lord of the Rings. Josiah Peterson: "Supernatural Words" on the importance of language in the creation of Tolkien's Middle-earth. George Scondras: "Melkor and Illuvatar" on the Christian hope in The Silmarillion. Zak Schmoll: "The Beauty of a Growing Friendship," an essay on the importance of fellowship and community illustrated in The Lord of the Rings and a book review on An Encouraging Thought Clark Weidner: "Tom Bombadil: The Value of an Enigma," an essay on the importance of mystery. Donald T. Williams: "Loth Lorien" and "To J.R.R. Tolkien, poems inspired by Tolkien's work. About An Unexpected Journal An Unexpected Journal is a quarterly publication that presents the truth of Christianity using reason and imagination. Spring 2020, Volume 3, Issue 1

Explore the imagination and joy in the worlds created by J.R.R. Tolkien

An Unexpected Journal: The Worlds of Tolkien

Jacqueline Wilson

Louis Markos

Douglas LeBlanc

Alex Markos

Ted Wright

Riz Cresini

Joshua S. Fullman

Iris Zamora

Celebrating the Ancients From before the time of Christ, pagan philosophers and storytellers have been influencing thought and shaping culture. In this issue dedicated to the ancient philosophers that formed the foundation of Western culture, we examine the way Christian thought was influenced by and engaged with those early writers and how the Jewish Messiah fulfilled the best hopes raised by what C.S. Lewis referred to as the "good dreams of the pagans." Contributors C.M. Alvarez: "The Power of the Storyteller: Jesus and Aesop" on the ancient tales that changed the world. Jesse W. Baker: "Listening to the Past" on the value of the Ancients. Donald W. Catchings, Jr.: "The Chain-Breaker in Plato's Allegory" on escaping the cave, and an excerpt from the novelette, Strength in Weakness, a retelling of Theseus. Annie Crawford: "Wisdom Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us: Pagan Dreams of the King of Kings" on Christian virtues and philosopher-kings. Riz Crescini: "The Imaginative Strategy of Boethius" on the apologetic power of the imagination. Joshua S. Fullman: "A Galatian Marriage / Nasoni" on pagan morals and aesthetics. Karise Gililland: "Sede Vacante" on the Fall of Man. Douglas LeBlanc: "Vengeance is Mine, Saith Everyone" on societal and personal judgment. Alex Markos: "The Return of the Kings: Comparing the Homecoming of Odysseus and the Two Comings of Christ" on the tension between love and wrath, and "Persephone" on Christian re-imagination. Louis Markos: "In Defense of Hospitality and Storytelling" on the rules of xenia. Seth Myers: "Till They Have Faces: Lewis's Psyche Meets the Modern Helen of Troy and Circe" on different perspectives on ancient stories. Cherish Nelson: "The Nicomachean Ethics and the Enemy Within" on horror, power, and self-control. Annie Nardone: "Oh Brother: A Bluegrass Odyssey" on ancient morality, values, and spirituality. Zak Schmoll: "Pius Samwise: Roman Heroism in The Lord of the Rings" on Virgil and Tolkien's chief heroes. Jason M. Smith: "Worth Reading: The Ancients" with a list of suggestions on where to begin to read the ancient philosophers, and a review of After Humanity by Michael Ward. Ted Wright: "Drinking from the Well of the Past: A Reflection on the Role of History in Literature & Philosophy for the Modern World" on the function of history. Iris Zamora: "Ancients of Old," a poem celebrating the thinkers of days gone by. Fall 2021 Volume 4, Issue 3 280 pages Cover illustration by Virginia De La Lastra

Reflections on Ancient Philosophy, Culture, and Influences

An Unexpected Journal: The Ancients

Kyoko Yuasa

Philip Tallon

Will Daniels

Cameron McAllister

Joseph Holmes

Sheila Krygsheld

Roger Maxson

Timothy Nargi, Jr.

Hannah Zarr

The Impact of Film and Music Film and music are the language of modern culture. What messages are being conveyed in the movies and songs we love? An Unexpected Journal explores the truths embedded within popular media. Contributors "Serenity and the Theodicy of Joss Whedon" by C.M. Alvarez: An exploration of the themes of evil, free will, and the power of love in the 2005 film. "On Judging Movies" by Daniel Asperheim: A guide on film criticism and judging true value in movies. "A Sonnet to Music: The Language of the Soul" by Donald W. Catchings, Jr.: a poem on the beauty of music. "The Function of Absolute Music for Religious and Non-religous Minds" by Will Daniels: a reflection of the value and purpose of music focusing on the work of Johann Sebastian Bach. "Where are All the Great Christian Film?" by Joseph Holmes: A survey of the existing landcape in Christian filmmaking and suggestions for improvement. "The Value of Smuggled Theology in Music" by Sheila Krygsheld: an examination of the way music conveys meaning and deeper truths. "In Page and Film: Visions of Virtue in Harry Potter" by Roger Maxson: an analysis of the virtues illuminated in the Harry Potter series. "Lewisvaldi" by Seth Myers: a poem celebrating the joy of summer reflecting the work of C.S. Lewis. "Who Authors the Authority? A Discussion of Watchmen and Rightful Rule" by Jason Monroe: an examination of Watchmen's critique of authority. " Twenty Øne Piløts: In the Trenches " by Annie Nardone: on finding significance and meaning in modern music. "C.S. Lewis, Myth, and Filmmaking" by Timothy Nargi, Jr.: a reflection on the ability of C.S. Lewis to convey theological messages in his fiction and its implicatiaon for modern filmmaking. "Bridging the Gap" and "A Series of Unfortunate Events and the Persistence of Hope" by Zak Schmoll "The Witch and the Horror of Eternal Consequences" by Philip Tallon and Cameron McAllister: an examination of the way the portrayal of real evil in films provides real life lessons. "Analyzing the Fact/Value Dichotomy in Ready Player One: The Movie" by Charlotte B. Thomason: an analysis of the movie as a social commentary and cautionary tale. "Narnia Adapted to Film: the Triune Dance" by Kyoko Yuasa: a reflection of Lewis's search for the dance of the Triune in art. "Comedy-Drama in Film: Caught Between Good Friday and Easter Sunday" by Hannah Zarr: a reflection on the way dramedy helps viewers better perceive a Christian view of reality. Cover art by M.A. Listz Volume 2, Issue 2, Summer 2019: 300 pages.

Discovering the Hidden Messages in Movies and Songs from a Christian Perspective

An Unexpected Journal: Film & Music

Laurie Grube

Sean C. Hadley

Venturing to Worlds Unknown Science fiction writers are our modern seers of sorts. Creating worlds that are not our own, they inspire us to look beyond and imagine “what if?” The summer edition of An Unexpected Journal explores the impact these world builders have had on our culture. From the classic science fiction book The First Men in the Moon to modern sci-fi favorites from Brandon Sanderson, explore the what these stories say about us as a society and individually. Contents "The Spiritual Borders of Sci-Fi: C.S. Lewis and A Voyage to Arcturus" by Jason Monroe. "Ghost" a science fiction short story by Alicia Pollard "Illustrating Faith" by Josiah Peterson on Christian faith in The Ransom Trilogy by C.S. Lewis “Gender, Not Sex: Presentation of Gender Roles in Lewis’s The Ransom Trilogy” by Annie Nardone on the harmonious relationship of masculinity and femininity. “Spacemen without Chests? Virtue and Technology in Star Trek and Dune” by Seth Myers on the relevance of C.S. Lewis in popular science fiction. “Gremlins and the Second Way” by C.M. Alvarez on creation and causation. "To Infinity and Beyond" by Douglas LeBlanc on how science fiction can improve our understanding of God. "Time Travelers." a science fiction poem by Laurie Grube "The Autumn People" an essay by Megan Joy Rials on the way science fiction illustrates goodness, sacrifice, and community illustrated in Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes. “Materialism and Midichlorians: Pantheism, Naturalism, and Hope in Star Wars” by Zak Schmoll on the apologetic value of a galaxy far, far away. "Imagining Morality" by Sean Hadley on moral development in speculative fiction. "Excerpt from Note to Self" by Donald W. Catchings, Jr. An exclusive preview of a chapter of his upcoming time travel science fiction novel. "Starsight Review" by Christy Luis on the need for philosophical depth found in the work of science fiction writer Brandon Peterson. “Ethics of The Matrix” by C.M. Alvarez the dangers of relativism illustrated in The Matrix. "What Makes Us Human?" A reflection and poem by Annie Nardone. "Personhood in Altered Carbon" by Cherish Nelson on the dangers of diminishing bodies." "To Save a Life" by Zak Schmoll on finding resolution in Ender's Game. Summer 2020 Volume 3, Issue 2 230 pages About An Unexpected Journal An Unexpected Journal is the endeavor of a merry band of Houston Baptist University Master of Arts in Apologetics students and alumni. The Journal seeks to demonstrate the truth of Christianity through both reason and the imagination to engage the culture from a Christian worldview.

The Seers and Philosophers of Sci-Fi

An Unexpected Journal: Science Fiction

Michael Ward

Joseph Pearce

Holly Ordway

Virginia de la Lastra

Ryan Grube

Jamie Danielle Portwood

Jared Zimmerer

Planting the Seeds of Imagination Holly Ordway has established herself as one of the preeminent voices in the field of cultural apologetics. Her ability to engage with the imagination is clearly demonstrated through her own scholarly work, most recently the paradigm-shifting Tolkien's Modern Reading, but her influence was critical in the founding of An Unexpected Journal as well. This collection of essays, poetry, and stories demonstrates her wide-ranging impact that is truly bearing a fruitful harvest. Contributors "Maps," My Map by Jesse W. Baker on the importance of poetry. "Contrary Winds: Tolkien's Priority of Faith and Family" by Donald W. Catchings, Jr. on Tolkien's personal values, and "The Call" on the teacher's call. A review of Tolkien's Modern Reading by Annie Crawford "Drawing the Drawing Out of Me" by Virginia de la Lastra on a pleasant surprise. "Ordway's Myth-Busting Research: Tolkien's Modern Reading (A Review)" by Ryan Grube on a paradigm shift. "Poetry as Prayer, Imagination the Spark to Worship and Service: Ordway's Review of Gerard Manley Hopkins in Word on Fire's Ignatian Collection" by Seth Myers on contemplation, poetry, and missionizing. "A Passage to Something Better" by Annie Nardone on Tolkien's approach to virtue. An interview with Holly Ordway "Middle-earth and the Middle Ages" by Joseph Pearceon the influence of Beowulf. "Dr. Ordway's Visual Guide to Paragraph Structure" by Josiah Peterson on creating meaning. "Lost and Found" by Theresa Pihl on changing perspective; "Learning Writing at Writespace" by Jamie Danielle Portwood on the importance of community. "Gandalf: The Prophetic Mentor" by Zak Schmoll on the Defeat of Sauron. "A Case of Mistaken Identity" by Jason M. Smith on our great misconception. "Peak Middle-earth: Why Mount Doom is not the Climax of The Lord of the Rings" by Michael Ward "Echo and Narcissus" by Clark Weidner on the goodness of reality. "Some Real Magic: Taliessin Lectureth in the School of the Poets" and "The Challenge of 'The Republic'" by Donald T. Williams on poetic imagination. "Unveiling Reality Through the Imagination" by Jared Zimmerer on a strategy to fight meaninglessness. Cover Illustration by Virginia de la Lastra Advent 2021, Volume 4, Issue 4 270 pages

Celebrating the Difference a Teacher Can Make

An Unexpected Journal: The Imaginative Harvest of Holly Ordway

Zak Schmoll

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