American Soundings

American Soundings

Rodney Clapp explores the religious dimensions of popular culture

Spooked by gadgets

Postmodern animism
Aug 25, 2009 by Rodney Clapp
Recently a friend forwarded me a cautionary e-mail. It reported that a couple in Canada had parked for an errand, and as they walked away from their car, the driver used the remote on his key fob to lock the doors. When the Can adians returned to their car five minutes later, it had been stripped of a laptop and a cell phone. The police were summoned.

The world next door

A new phenomenon in the heartland
Jul 28, 2009 by Rodney Clapp
There is a new phenomenon in the heartland. As far as I know, it is little observed and has not yet been named. I will call it rural cosmopolitanism.

Summer in the city

Boundary-crossing music
Jun 30, 2009 by Rodney Clapp
If, as Karl Barth said, God may speak through a blossoming shrub or a dead dog, I reckon God may be found at rock festivals. At least that is my hope every spring as the Chicago winter finally eases its grip and I begin planning rock music outings.

Scene of the crime

Television's longing for justice
Jun 02, 2009 by Rodney Clapp
Forensics television is more than gory titillation and casual senationalism. These programs scratch at religious itches: they try to see beyond death and long for ultimate justice.

Blest be the ties that bind

Churchly belonging
May 05, 2009 by Rodney Clapp
While I never suffered the childhood trauma of parents getting divorced, I know as an adult what it is like to suffer with a divided family. That is because I am an Episco palian. As everyone knows—the late-night arguments and breaking of dishes have been audible since spring 2003—the Episcopal Church teeters on the edge of a breakup.