Each week (give or take one or two here and there) I share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too. You can find a whole pile of things, especially books, I like and recommend HERE.
1. Band of Brothers
I cannot think of a better series or miniseries to have graced the small screen. Band of Brothers is one of the rare adaptations for screen that is notably better than the book (in this case, the exceptional book by historian Stephen Ambrose) because it captures the emotions, thoughts, and human relationships of war in a unique way. There are plenty war movies or shows that successfully tell stories of campaigns or heroism or focus on a particular leader. Band of Brothers does all that excellently, but almost in passing, as it tells the story of Easy Company from D-Day to Hitler’s lair (spoiler alert: the allies won). It is deeply human in the full range of emotions and experiences. It captures friendship and brotherhood in a rare way. It shows how normal men become heroes and how reluctant heroes become great leaders. And it depicts the horrors of war without gratuity or reveling in violence and gore. This is one of those series that I revisit every few years and enjoy it more and in new ways each time.
2. Superheroes Can’t Save You by Todd Miles
It’s hard to write theology in a fresh, compelling way, especially that resonates with younger people who aren’t deeply interested in formal theology. Well, Todd Miles has managed to do it. Using classic comic book heroes he exemplifies and elucidates several classic Christological heresies. It is a brilliant bit of subterfuge, bringing in Batman, Superman, the Hulk, and more to show Jesus really is and especially who Jesus really isn’t. He writes clearly, personably, but not simplistically or in an elementary way. He is aiming at people who can think and engage deep ideas but are likely new to the study of theology. As someone who has studied some theology and who generally finds academic writing stilted, boring, opaque, and unhelpful I really appreciated this book. It would be great for personal study or for teaching/group study.
3. Leiper’s Fork Bourbon
I don’t consider myself a bourbon aficionado or snob. I don’t gravitate to the higher-proof-mule-kick-in-your-mouth stuff. But I do love a good, high quality bourbon. And Leiper’s Fork is one of my favorites. It is a Tennessee bourbon from a nice little town just outside Nashville. They started small a few years ago and they don’t source their whiskey but do the entire process themselves. And the results are [chef’s kiss]. If you like a smooth, slightly sweet, complex bourbon this one is for you. Even the label is beautiful. It is worth every penny.