Author Archives: Michael Spence

Signpost: The Book of Ecclesiastes

Posted on 27 September 2009 by Michael Spence

BEEN THERE DONE THAT SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO

Posted in General, Leaven-line, Signposts | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

About the “prime directive”

Posted on 13 July 2009 by Michael Spence

In his parting words Jesus said, “You shall be my witnesses.” He did not say, “Over there are two truckloads of rocks, boys. You know what to do.”

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Three servant-leaders in social media

Posted on 9 June 2009 by Michael Spence

Item IV.D of the preceding philosophy of education gives the rationale for what, in the American evangelical church, is commonly called “servant leadership.” It’s the idea that true leadership has less to do with someone’s outward signs of rank than … Continue reading →

Posted in Podcasting, SFF: People, Theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Why I teach what I teach

Posted on 5 June 2009 by Michael Spence

Clerk’s Log, MJDate 54987.52: Applications for faculty positions usually ask you to state your “personal philosophy of teaching.” Here’s mine.

Posted in Theology | 1 Comment

It’s a Movie Mantra!

Posted on 27 May 2009 by Michael Spence

Awhile back I was privileged to read Movie Mantra number 64 for the estimable Martyn Darkly, and it’s apparently getting some buzz. Here’s the link. Martyn takes lines from memorable films (or memorable lines from not-so-memorable films) and presents them … Continue reading →

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Metamor City Sidebar: What IS magic, anyway?

Posted on 22 May 2009 by Michael Spence

“The whole machine isn’t possible. Personally, I believe color television to be impossible too. But since it does exist, I will act as if I believed in it. We must do the same for the Energy Damper.” — Illya Kuryakin, … Continue reading →

Posted in SFF: Writings, Writing: The process | 2 Comments

Abortion — such language!

Posted on 20 May 2009 by Michael Spence

Thirty-six years after Roe v. Wade we’re still tossing around the same irrelevant labels. Neither the side favoring legalized abortion nor the side opposing it is “anti-life.” Nor is either side “anti-choice.” They do differ on what “life” means, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Leaven-line | Leave a comment

“Save the Planet”?

Posted on 17 May 2009 by Michael Spence

We don’t need to worry about “saving the planet.” (Neither the Death Star nor Narada is hovering nearby.) What we want to save is the existing biosphere.

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The Podcast Repertory Theater 2008–9, part 4: METAMOR CITY — MAKING THE CUT

Posted on 10 May 2009 by Michael Spence

Clerk’s Log, MJD 54961.9: Oops … drat. <sigh> Thus do I break the pattern of posting the TPRT article before the subject production comes to an end. Making the Cut is now complete and available at www.metamorcity.com. Check it out … Continue reading →

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The Podcast Repertory Theater 2008–9, part 3: MURDER AT AVEDON HILL

Posted on 27 December 2008 by Michael Spence

Philippa Ballantine: Gloria Platt, mother of the deceased P.G. Holyfield: Arames Kragen, detective; Arrin Perti, student; et al. Chris Lester: [Not in this production] Tee Morris: Father Jorrus, undead-hunter Web site: http://www.pgholyfield.com/maah/ It’s all in the game All four of … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Podcasting, SFF: Writings | 6 Comments