When I was a kid, my parents made me read a chapter from the Bible every day. As an adult, I have read many parts of it of my own volition. Through my readings, I have discovered less well known passages of the Bible that many Christians are not even aware that they exist. To share the word with those people, I began writing book reports on some of the most interesting ones. These are the scriptures that I have reported on so far:
- A businessman bangs his daughter-in-law
This report retells the biblical story of Judah and Tamar in modern, irreverent language. By reframing the episode as a bizarre contemporary tale involving family obligations, deception, prostitution, and hypocrisy, I highlight the story’s surprising content and challenge readers to reconsider familiar religious narratives. - Who is the war criminal?
This report examines the concept of war crimes through a fictional Bronze Age battle, contrasting accepted wartime violence with actions that violate the laws of war. I argue that public perceptions of “war criminals” are often shaped by politics and propaganda, urging readers to apply consistent standards when judging military conduct by all sides in a conflict. - The sacrifice of a virgin
This report queasily retells the biblical story of Jephthah in modern gangland language. After winning a war with divine help, Jephthah is bound by a vow to sacrifice whatever first greets him upon returning home. Tragically, it is his own daughter, leading to a disturbing tale of faith, obedience, and human sacrifice. - Evidence of a god
In this essay, I explore whether evidence for a god’s existence can be objectively demonstrated. I examine common arguments from believers and skeptics, weighing faith, personal experience, and empirical evidence. I argue that claims about a god require critical scrutiny and invite readers to consider what constitutes convincing evidence for extraordinary supernatural claims. - Jihadis are Muslim
In this essay, I argue against distinguishing jihadist extremists from Islam using the No True Scotsman fallacy. Groups acting in the name of Islam, however controversial or violent, are part of the broader Muslim world and should be understood within that context. I examine religion and identity while challenging what I see as oversimplified narratives about extremism.
The Progressive Zone 