Faith & Culture Musings

To contemplate the face of Christ in the changing, diversified situations of the modern world we must look at the Saints who are “the living reflection of the face of Christ
— Pope Saint John Paul II
Analysing The Birth of Evil: A Masterful Allegory of Ancestral Sin & Salvation by Grace
Augustine Koh Augustine Koh

Analysing The Birth of Evil: A Masterful Allegory of Ancestral Sin & Salvation by Grace

The Birth of Evil arc in Genndy Tartakovsky’s Samurai Jack explores the origins of the series’ main villain, Aku. Beneath its mythic storytelling lies a rich exploration of the nature of evil and the mystery of salvation by grace. This treatise examines the Biblical motifs embedded within the arc, presenting it as a powerful allegory of the Christian Kerygma. It further argues that the narrative reconciles the often-perceived tension between faith and works, offering a profound vision of human justification as illustrated through the figure of Samurai Jack’s father, The Emperor, and his wielding of the divinely-forged katana of Righteousness in his battle against Aku—a symbol of humanity’s cooperation with Divine grace in the fight against Evil.

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Analysing the Peverell Brothers: The Paradox of Longevity
Augustine Koh Augustine Koh

Analysing the Peverell Brothers: The Paradox of Longevity

The Tale of the Three Brothers tells the story of three wizard brothers who each receive a powerful magical artifact from the Grim Reaper: The Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Invisibility Cloak – collectively known as the Deathly Hallows. Symbolically, the brothers’ choices reflect different responses to the reality of death, serving as a mirror to our own lives. The moral of this parable teaches that our attitudes toward mortality profoundly shape the way we pursue meaning, fulfilment, and ultimately, how we choose to live—for better or for worse.

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Analysing Transformers Exodus: An allegory of Salvation History
Augustine Koh Augustine Koh

Analysing Transformers Exodus: An allegory of Salvation History

Transformers: Exodus chronicles the backstory of the Cybertronian Civil War, the deathly corruption of Cybertron and the widespread evacuation of its citizens. At the heart of the story is the noble leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime, encountering the divine presence of LORD Primus. Primus entrusts him with the Matrix of Leadership, designating him as the Light of the Cybertronian race. He also offers a promise—that Cybertron will one day be restored and led into a new era of unimagined wonders. The story of the Transformers in Exile from their Fallen World echoes our story of Salvation History and the universal hope that truth, goodness and beauty will save the world and the galaxy.

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Is There a Blessing in Being Vulnerable?
Tara Sawney Tara Sawney

Is There a Blessing in Being Vulnerable?

Drawing from Theological Anthropology, I begin with the fundamental premise that humans are defined primarily by their relationship with God the Creator. As beings created by God and put on this earth to love Him, any articulation of humanity must draw back to this foundational purpose. Vulnerability is no different, and I will present that the various manifestations of vulnerability guide a relationship of love for God.

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Am I a Maintenance Catholic or a Missionary Catholic?
Nick Chui Nick Chui

Am I a Maintenance Catholic or a Missionary Catholic?

I believe the greatest division in our Church today is not between clergy and laity. It is also not between laity who work for the Church and laity who don't. It is not even between so called "progressives" and conservatives.

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