Note: This is the fourth in a series of posts that will consider the question: What does literature have to offer (if anything) that no other art form or media (such as video games, social media, movies, TV shows, etc.) can match? To view the first post in this series, scroll down or click here. To view the second post, scroll down or …
Is Literature Still Necessary? (Part 3) “Disrobing Its Allure”
Note: This is the third in a series of posts that will consider the question: What does literature have to offer (if anything) that no other art form or media (such as video games, social media, movies, TV shows, etc.) can match? To view the first post in this series, scroll down or click here. To view the second post, scroll down …
Is Literature Still Necessary? (Part 2) “Literary Labor”
Note: This is the second in a series of posts that will consider the question: What does literature have to offer (if anything) that no other art form or media (such as video games, social media, movies, TV shows, etc.) can match? To view the first post in this series, scroll down or click here. Literary Labor by Bethany Wagner, …
Is Literature Still Necessary?
Note: This is the first in a series of posts that will consider the question: What does literature have to offer (if anything) that no other art form or media (such as video games, social media, movies, TV shows, etc.) can match? This post will be followed next week by three responses from students at my university—two Honors students and …
“Desperate for Hope” Probes Life’s Most Difficult Questions
Bruce W. Martin’s new book, Desperate for Hope: Hanging on and Finding God During Life’s Hardest Times, is about suffering. It is direct, honest, thought-provoking, and moving. He has done his homework to create a book that analyzes the issue from a Christian perspective with theological rigor, but his tone is not academic or philosophical. It is personal. Throughout the …
“Pieces of Heaven” Is Released!
My publisher, Beacon Hill Press, announced this week that my new book, Pieces of Heaven: Recognizing the Presence of God, is now available. This book has been a major focus of my writing and thinking for the past two years. For those who are interested in knowing what the book is about, I am posting the introductory chapter. More information …
Bentz’s Rules for Social Media Quotes
If you have a good quote you want to post on social media, but you’re not sure who said it, you should follow these rules: 1. Attribute the quote to Abraham Lincoln if it has anything to do with politics or government. Ronald Reagan will also do nicely if you’re conservative. 2. Any spiritual quote should be credited to C.S. …
You Will Have to Neglect Something: Make Your Choice
I used to think that if only I could get organized enough and follow the right disciplines, I could find a way to fulfill my goals and obligations in my personal and professional life without having to leave work undone or relationships unsatisfied. I no longer believe that. I now believe that time and energy are so limited that I …
Creativity: Leave Time for the Unknown
Like many people I know, I am pressed to squeeze writing into my schedule in the midst of many other responsibilities and distractions. To get anything done, I create a to-do list and attack it at the start of the day. The more items I get checked off, the more successful I feel. At some point I discovered that this …
Why Write Books at All? A Case in Favor of It
Last week I offered a case against writing books in this new era. This week I want to give some reasons for continuing to write in spite of the obstacles that stand in the author’s way. Here are some things that keep me writing: 1. I Want to Play. Picture a Little League baseball team. Twelve players are on the …