Michael Barros
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Humanities Teacher, Boise Classical Academy
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Adjunct Instructor, University of the People
Boise, Idaho, USA
Journal Role: Managing Editor
Spooky Secular Spaces Subverting Secularity
Abstract: In the current climate, where society straddles the line between secular beliefs and a pull towards post-secular desires, Halloween stands out as a topic of deep reflection among Christians. For some, it's a time tinged with dark associations, while others see it as mere commercial entertainment. This essay suggests that Christians shouldn't overlook Halloween's spiritual dimension or treat it with indifference. By understanding its Christian roots, intertwined with pagan traditions and its place in today's world, we can see Halloween as more than just a secular event. Instead, it can be a way to reintroduce deeper spiritual connections in an age thirsting for meaning. This paper seeks to shift the mindset of Christians so that they can engage with Halloween with fresh eyes. Keywords: Halloween, Christianity, Disenchantment, Reenchantment, Secular, Metamodernism Chicago Citation: Barros, Michael. “Spooky Spiritual Spaces Subverting Secularity”. The Classical Connection 1, no. 1 (October 31, 2023): 14–26. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10065627.
Unwrapping Christmas: Barthes, Baudrillard, and Disney Holiday Specials
This essay explores the transformation of Christmas in contemporary culture, using Roland Barthes' and Jean Baudrillard's theories. It examines how Christmas, traditionally a Christian holiday, has morphed into a secular, commercial event in the media, specifically through holiday specials. By analyzing the shift from religious to secular and the creation of a "hyperreal" Christmas, it discusses the broader implications of this change on cultural narratives and societal perceptions. It further explores potential methods to understand and engage with this transformed cultural landscape.
Bio
Michael Barros is a teacher in the Humanities Department of Boise Classical Academy and an Adjunct Instructor of Philosophy at University of the People. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology and holds an M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies. He is keenly interested in narratives, especially in the context of religion and spirituality. His academic work has covered various cultural, narrative, and psychological topics. He has contributed to Sam Harris: Critical Responses and is currently co-editing a volume on the theology of Philip K. Dick for the Theology, Religion, and Pop Culture series.