So I just ran across this from another blog : ChurchRater.com . Evidently, founder Jim Henderson decided to start the Web site to rate churches–in the same way that TripAdvisor rates hotels or Yelp rates everything else–to help people find local faith communities. And in case you were wondering, Jim owns a consulting business to help churches “see themselves through the eyes of Outsiders.” Yeah, I’m not surprised either. I’m curious to see how high this gets off the ground. I have found myself using Yelp or AroundMe on my iPhone to check out churches when I’m out of town. The pickings are slim. Perhaps this will fill a void. As to what it says about the commodification of American religion, there’s a long line in that check-out lane.

Elvis Presley turns 75 today, which makes it a good day for local Elvis impersonators .

Peter Mayer playing his "Stars and Promises" concert in 2008 While I’m at it, my wife asked me the other day what my favorite Christmas album is. It got me to thinking, but I can’t pick just one

Sting at NYC's St John the Divine. (Photo: Chad Batka for the New York Times) The New York Times posted today a review of Sting’s concert this week at, of all places, the famous Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine , the Episcopal equivalent to St

Awhile back, I wrote here about the Chinese artist He Qi . Near the end I mentioned that “there’s a chance we may be bringing his work to campus for an exhibition in the fall.” Several commented that they hoped it would come to pass.

Those of you who attended Dutch 10 year-old Jacob Bodden’s concert heard him live. But for everyone else, Post-Dispatch/STLtoday.com photographer Stephanie Cordle put together a “Mixed Media” video that includes footage of him playing in the carillon booth

Walter Wangerin, Jr. Last Wednesday, Concordia Seminary hosted the visit of renowned writer and preacher Walter Wangerin, Jr. as part of the Seminary’s annual “Day of Homiletical Reflection.” Among his dozens of books are the National Book Award winner The Book of the Dun Cow , and his bestseller The Book of God .