Shopping for God. . .

. . . is the name of the new book mentioned in this blog, which as the post itself aptly states, doesn't propose new theories but approaches them in new ways.

Basically, the idea that a perfect form of Christian capitalism is on its way up (or has been up for a while) is not surprising (see picture for indication thereof). However, the book sounds pretty interesting in itself, and just to plug my own interests, it might be something I need to pick up for my academic research.

Anyhow, enjoy thinking about the impending evangelical takeover this fine Monday morning. Although, to be honest, I don't see this movement as much of a takeover: as the book seems to describe, it's just giving the people what they want.

We Got News!

In my first "We Got News" ever, I've discovered a few gems that don't require much explanation; but, surely they involve riveting information you MUST have (like the rest of the Quail's news):

- Today must be “discuss controversial books” day! Croatian reviewers suggest their opinions on the most destructive books of all time.

- Scientology helps Jerry Seinfeld with his comedy?

- Part II in crazy recent Japanese inventions. (see here for part 1 in that series)

- Jesus dolls sold out at Wal-Mart!! Others lag behind.

Albus Dumbledore's sexual orientation still a big deal

Apparently, at least, because I've found a plethora of opinion articles all over the religion blogs.

This is a classic case of something becoming a story because it’s a story. I mean, c’mon. I didn’t really comment on it the other day because it took some time to set in.

First, professed Christian David Kuo (who has written on Slate and elsewhere), poses a unique challenge to those who are boycotting based on the sexuality of a fictional character.

He explains: "For all those who are using Dumbledore's sexual orientation as reason for boycotting Mr. Rowling's books, a challenge may be in order. Instead of speaking out against her books and Dumbledore, create Christian characters on screen and in print that are as interesting, complex, and challenging as many of the gay characters we've come to know over the years."

A second article, which is much lengthier than the previous, conveys a similar message, i.e. that Dumbledore is a fictional character, and that Rowling has the right to say any and everything about HER books and her characters, because she created them. I say this in response to a comment from an associate professor of philosophy at Liberty University, who says:

“It doesn’t change my perception of the series, but it does say something about her choice to include this detail at that time. . . Does she have the right to keep giving us details? I wonder what’s the point, other than her staking out her agenda.”

From the same piece, here's a quote from author Neil Gaiman, who wrote a pretty decent book called American Gods, among others, in reference to his own creative license:

“And, truth to tell, sexuality tends to be such a minor thing, if you have several hundred characters running around in your head. You know more than you’ve written. One of the characters in Wall in Stardust, for example, is not what he is pretending to be in a way that has nothing at all to do with sex, . . .

As for withholding information. . . before the Internet, I’d tell anyone anything they wanted to know. . . Not any longer, because one day I may tell those stories. (If I knew for sure I wouldn’t tell them, then I’d happily answer people now.)”

So, in reference to people who think Rowling is doing this for more money, at least here’s another perspective on why that might not be true. Personally, I did feel like it was more an offhand comment than an intricate revelation at a key time for monetary gain. But who am I to say for sure? The most interesting aspect of this is still the fact that the story is EVERYWHERE on the religion blogs several days later.

Harry Potter delves further into the depths of Hell

Apparently, Dumbledore, the revered head of Hogwart's, is a homosexual. In a recent interview, J.K. Rowling dropped this bomb, meeting applause, and of course, the inevitable criticism.

Laura Mallory, famous around these parts for avidly trying to keep the Potter books out of Gwinnett County (metro Atlanta) schools, explains:

“My prayer is that parents would wake up, that the subtle way this is presented as harmless fantasy would be exposed for what it really is — a subtle indoctrination into anti-Christian values,” said Mallory. “The kids are being introduced to a cult and witchcraft practices.

“A homosexual lifestyle is a harmful one,” she added. “That’s proven, medically.”

I mean, come on, lady. However, the subtlety of Dumbledore's sexual orientation is a little bit sneaky. How dare an author take license to create personalities for her characters!

A Pasty Quail poll: Does this revelation sully your view of the Potter series? Do you feel cheated or offended? Anyone know about this or see it coming? Weigh in for us. . .

Sex and the Supreme Court

Justice Thomas's memoir, "My Grandfather's Son," came out yesterday and is #1 on both the Amazon and Barnes and Noble "Bestsellers" Lists. In case you've been under a rock for the last month or so, feel free to check out Slate's take, or audio, visual, and text from ABC News, and if you're willing to wait two weeks until I climb from under Midterm Mountain and actually take the book out of the box, you can even get a Pasty take on the memoir.

But for those of you who don't plan to read it and are only looking for the section on Anita Hill, read her response first. The NYT published her commentary piece today.

Jenna Bush Doesn't Read*...

...But she just wrote a book!

The Washington Post has an exclusive interview with Miss Bush about her life and her new book "Ana's Story" (a nonfiction account of an HIV+ Latina teenaged single mother). The interview has your standard press-piece fluff--full of descriptions of her hair, the timbre of her voice, how her first job as a third-grade teacher inspired her to work for UNICEF--but it also provides a different aspect of Jenna B's life...like why she chose to write a book in general and why specifically about a teenage single mother living with HIV.

While I reserve judgment on "Ana's Story" since I have not read it, in terms of literature written by people in and around the White House, it's gotta be better than Lynne Cheney's first effort.


*She doesn't read her bad press. She is literate, however, so there's no basis for libel here.

Christian protagonists, knocking back the booze

Apparently, alcohol is breaking down the barriers of Christian fiction, at least according to this piece.

I am all for this. I think many Christians (as well as many other people in general) need to understand that drinking alcohol moderately (or even occasionally to excess) does not automatically make you a drunkard. In fact, showing a good Christian protagonist drinking (as many good Christian people do) might possibly help people realize that they don't have to choose between Jack Daniels and Jesus Christ. A healthy portion of each is probably good for everyone.

"If I did it"

Barnes & Noble caves on its stand against O.J.'s 'hypothetical' confession.

Still in shock that this exists. . . can't really make more comments. Anybody read this yet? Any other thoughts?