'Bag of Bones' was a big, distorted yet wonderfully entertaining novel that rode high on the bestseller lists in 1998. Jay Parini bagbestsellerbig Change image and share on social
As with all great works of literature, 'Of Mice and Men' moves with the inexorability of a huge river, and it pours itself, exhausts itself, in the sea of our unconscious. Having read it, we carry the book inside us forever. Jay Parini bookcarryexhaust share on social
Christmas is a story that has both religious and pagan origins, and to ignore its power is to ignore the power of myth - those symbols and legends that help us to ground our lives. Jay Parini christmasgrindignore Change image and share on social
I'm tired of hearing about this 'well-regulated militia' that is so necessary for American freedom. Jay Parini americanfreedomhear Change image and share on social
The ancient Greeks and Romans were comfortable with any number of deities and were quite open to allowing conquered nations to continue to worship in whatever ways they saw fit, as long as they didn't mind having an emperor who required taxes and tributes. Jay Parini allowancientcomfortable share on social
With the Patriot Bill in place, the NSA no longer needed to get a warrant from a judge to tap into anybody's electronic information. A Surveillance State that would have boggled the mind of Orwell was born. Jay Parini bearbillboggle share on social
Jesus discouraged the accumulation of wealth, worried about its effects on those who had it, and took special pleasure in helping the poor, dedicating his efforts to them. He must have shaken his head at the large gaps between rich and poor throughout ancient Palestine in the first century. Jay Parini accumulationancientcentury share on social
So who is Jesus? For me, he's the central character in the greatest story ever told. It's a story about a gradually realizing kingdom that lies inside of us. Jay Parini centralcharactergradually Change image and share on social
Ridding the world of poverty is, of course, a fantasy. Jay Parini fantasypovertyrid Change image and share on social
I still have deep respect for the evangelical tradition and feel, in many ways, close to the Baptist roots of my childhood, although I've been an Episcopalian throughout my adult life and a regular churchgoer. Jay Parini adultbaptistchildhood share on social