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Frederica Mathewes-Green

Beliefnet Columnist

Frederica Mathewes-Green is the author of The Illumined Heart: The Ancient Christian Path of Transformation and other books about early and eastern Christian spirituality. She writes commentaries and movie reviews for many outlets, including NPR's "Morning Edition," Christianity Today, Our Sunday Visitor, and the "Come Receive the Light" radio program. Visit www.frederica.com.

Columns and articles by Frederica Mathewes-Green

Why Orthodox Men Love Church Sep 20, 2007
Many men may not love church, but Orthodox men do. Frederica Matthewes-Green asks them why.

'Spider-Man 3': More Than an Action Movie May 3, 2007
In this latest superhero film, action is interwoven with powerful moral truths and religious themes.

Sex in the City of God Jan 3, 2007
Why won't the Orthodox ordain female priests? Because they understand the mystery of sex.

Faithful Rendition of 'The Nativity Story' Nov 15, 2006
The new film about the birth of Jesus is respectful and historically authentic. It's also safe--perhaps to a fault.

The Unlikely Faith of the Good Thief Apr 19, 2006
Perhaps no one in Christian history has had his faith tested as searingly as the man on the cross next to Jesus did.

Why We Need Hell Mar 22, 2006
Eternal misery is a horrifying possibility. But it won't be a fiery cavern where demons poke you with pitchforks.

When the Miracle Doesn't Happen Jan 4, 2006
Hope based on a particular outcome can be smashed by events. Hope based in a loving God can endure.

Christ's Death: A Rescue Mission, Not a Payment for Sins Jan 3, 2006
Because we don't owe a debt of guilt for Adam's sin, Jesus' suffering wasn't a payment to the Father.

Christmas in a Thrift Shop Dec 14, 2005
From bent, denuded Christmas trees to a papier-mache Santa, this is where decorations go to die. The real spirit is elsewhere.

Deeper Magic at the Movies Dec 6, 2005
'The Chronicles of Narnia' is a beautiful, inspiring film with a Christian sensibility as strong as the book's.

C.S. Lewis: The 'Reluctant Convert' Nov 4, 2005
A gift for writing, a fateful motorcycle ride, and a fascination with joy made C.S. Lewis into the writer we still love today.

Death, Where Is Your Sting? Aug 19, 2005
Death is not as brutally present to us as it was in Jesus' time, but all Christians know Christ's victory is earth-shattering.

Orthodoxy: Unbruised by the Culture Wars Aug 3, 2005
Why aren't Orthodox Christians fighting over gay marriage, women priests, and more? Because we accept the wisdom of the past.

Transfiguration Jul 27, 2005
We are like lumps of coal, dusty and inert. But we have one talent: we can burn. And when we do, God's light shines forth in us.

Shunning Nuance, Chick Tracts Go for the Jugular Jun 16, 2005
Jack Chick's fundamentalist comics don't beat around the bush. How could they? Your soul is at stake

From Clapping Hands to Still, Small Voice May 13, 2005
After charismatic services became a grind, we found a church where we didn't have to 'crank up' the Holy Spirit.

Ring of Silence Mar 23, 2005
The only way I may completely connect with my autistic grandson is through God.

When All We Can Do Is Watch Jan 5, 2005
The number of tsunami victims seems unreal. How can we emotionally connect with so much pain, so far away?

Is This Shark Gay? Kiddie Cartoons and the Culture Wars Dec 6, 2004
Does 'Shark Tale' have a pro-gay message? Does 'The Incredibles' mock schools where everyone's 'special'? Should anyone care?

More than a Feeling Sep 16, 2004
Believers are told their beliefs are 'true for you, but not for everybody.' But religious experiences aren't the same as emotion

How Can God Permit Suffering? Sep 8, 2004
A world of free creatures requires the possibility that they will freely choose evil.

Elder Care for Jesus' Aging Mother Aug 13, 2004
When the disciple John took Mary into his home, he accepted a burden as well as a gift. His example can inspire caretakers today

The Problem with 'Women's Spirituality' Jul 6, 2004
A segregated spiritual subculture does women no good, even if it does have adorable butterflies in the logo.

"I Met Christ" Mar 19, 2004
One moment, I was an unbeliever sightseeing in a church. The next minute, I was on my knees--and heard Jesus speak to me.

Did the Devil Make Her Do It? Feb 27, 2004
Andrea Yates's lawyer offers her belief in the devil's urgings as evidence she's crazy. Is that a good reason?

What Mel Missed Sep 18, 2003
There's a reason why the gospels don't dwell on the blood and gore of the crucifixion.

Lady, Come Unto Our Aid Sep 12, 2003
When we look at an icon of the Theotokos, the Virgin's direct gaze pierces the isolation that walls us up, separate and alone.

What Heresy? Jul 15, 2003
The things NeoGnostic seekers want in Christianity--experiential insight, mysticism, a direct link to God--are already there.

Finding Your Other Half Jun 17, 2003
In one theologian's famous metaphor, God created us in his image, then split us in two, so that we would yearn for reunion.

If God Loves Us, Why Judge Us At All? Feb 6, 2003
Whatever you think of Left Behind prophecy, Tim LaHaye's new book is right about God's mercy

Let's Have More Teen Pregnancy Sep 30, 2002
Nature wants teens to have sex, but society wants them to wait for marriage. Which one is going to give?

The 9/11 Letdown Sep 5, 2002
No one wanted 9/11 to turn into full-scale war. But now that life is relatively back to 'normal,' what values are we missing?

Pride: The Anti-Self-Esteem Aug 16, 2002
We're supposed to instill pride in our children to make them stable people. But humility works even better.

Did God Really Save the Miners? Jul 29, 2002
How we feel about the Somerset nine's rescue says a lot about what we think about God.

The Case Against 'Youth-anasia' Feb 14, 2002
Every step away from our honest selves--wrinkles and all--could be a step away from God's image.

Go Ahead, Offend Me Feb 1, 2002
I don't want the Bible rewritten so it won't offend women. It should offend women--and men, too.

Cheerios: Frosted, or Plain-Spoken? Jan 29, 2002
A plea for less truths in advertising

What Do Christians Want? Oct 29, 2001
In an excerpt from her new book 'The Illumined Heart,' the authors examines what we can learn from early Christians

Gleaning Good in the Midst of Tragedy Sep 18, 2001
For decades, our need for thrills was met by movie spatter. When the real thing comes, it makes playacting look stupid.

Judge Not Jul 13, 2001
Of course Christians should fight for justice. But it's repentance, not judgment, that truly defines us.

Give Me Patriotism or Give Me Faith Jul 2, 2001
The story of our nation's birth is inspiring but not really relevant to our faith journeys.

Something Rotten in Narnia? Jun 14, 2001
C.S. Lewis won't be 'de-Christianized.' But will Aslan become a paper lion?

Monkey Can, Monkey Do? May 25, 2001

Billy Graham's Better Half. May 22, 2001
Ruth Bell Graham was the wife of the world's most famous evangelist, but this spirited woman didn't fade into mousy nonentity.

Easter Changes Everything Apr 4, 2001
It doesn't get the buzz that Christmas does or thrill kids as much. Yet Easter offers the one thing all grown-ups need.

God Isn't Dead-I Talked to Him This Morning Mar 22, 2001
For believers, 'seeing' God is more subtle than glowing visions and booming voices from the sky.

Christians and Other Abstainers Mar 16, 2001
Why those faithful who fast aren't simply chocolate soldiers.

The Joy of Filboid Studge Feb 20, 2001
I could squeak through fasting rules with a 'Virtue Cookie,' but should I try to?

Flowers for the Fellas Feb 12, 2001
On Valentine's Day, the guys usually get stiffed. Maybe it's time the women gave men more appreciation -- and some apologies.

Squashed! Jan 30, 2001
My pocketbook was roadkill, and I found that strangely liberating.

Beyond Boycotts: A Church Confronts the Media Dec 12, 2000
Media consumption is too often passive and flabby. A new Catholic pledge represents a call to mental and spiritual calisthenics.

Give Him the (Big Black) Boot Dec 11, 2000
Yes, you can have Christmas without Santa. Yes, you should. Here's why.

Jiminy Cricket Was Wrong Dec 8, 2000
Why you shouldn't always let your conscience be your guide.

Cecil B. DeMille Lives! Nov 10, 2000
NBC's 'In the Beginning' gets the Bible ready for its close-up.

Spiritual Road Rules Oct 5, 2000
Six steps to becoming a Christian mystic

No Escaping the Pain Sep 28, 2000
RU-486 is supposed to get us to the next phase of the abortion debate. Not so fast

Why I Won't See 'The Exorcist' Sep 25, 2000
It may scare some into faith. But I'll take a video about the Holy Land any time.

How the West Lost Mysticism Sep 21, 2000
When did Western Christians stop expecting mystical union with God through Christ?

Conversion Factors Jul 11, 2000
People who think they've found the best spiritual path have a right to proselytize, but sometimes it's kinder to refrain.

How to Know Jesus? Jun 18, 2000
Jesus has no parallel in human history. So, why do we continue to care about him? Is it because he's here right now?

Befriending a Cockroach Jun 11, 2000
An Orthodox priest in solitary confinement saves his language ability by talking to the least of God's creatures

Trafficking in Compassion May 24, 2000
Nieman-Marcus presents compassion as a plentiful, pleasurable commodity

Perils of the Superman Cape Apr 30, 2000
Is there an alternative to the poisonous self-valorizing that has consumed our culture? Can we learn to turn the other cheek?

Giving Easter Added Dimension Apr 20, 2000
Claymation brings together some disparate groups for a suprisingly affecting life of Jesus

How to Make Kolliva Apr 13, 2000

Beyond Misunderstanding to Disagreement Apr 1, 2000
What really motivates "anti-gay" conservatives?

Journey Into Orthodox Christian Lent Mar 8, 2000
The Orthodox Church's 'Rite of Forgiveness' is an exhilarating kick-start for a time that just gets harder.

God: The Cartoon Mar 7, 2000
NBC tries to fight off millionaire fever with a new animated series

Be Careful Who Chooses Your Soul Mar 3, 2000
Some warning signs on the road to a multi-faith future

Ned Flanders, My Hero Feb 10, 2000
Why we'd like to be stranded on a desert island with no one else

Killing Seven to Save One Feb 1, 2000
Now is a good time for abortion proponents and opponents to shut up.

The Lost Generation Jan 22, 2000
For teens at the Rock for Life concert, the abortion debate was over. But the issue wasn't.

The Dark Side of the Moon Jan 10, 2000
If today's artists are lucky, they can make a working-class Catholic grandmother cry

God as Suffering Parent Dec 13, 1999
Suffering parents love in the face of contempt and give despite ingratitude. God must do even more.