Justin Bieber
Teaches Theology
Teaches Theology
Eschatology in
Pop and Rock
Pop and Rock
The Devil Wears Prada, and So Did The Pope
Deep Tracks of
The Bible
The Bible
Pop Culture
Liturgical Calendar
Liturgical Calendar
The Spirit Drove Him Out Into the Dessert
(Yes, Dessert) To Be Tempted
(Yes, Dessert) To Be Tempted
200
This song invokes one component (but perhaps only one) of the Sacrament of Penance.
What is Sorry?
200
Eschatology refers to the doctrine of the end and "the last things." But in the New Testament and in official Catholic life, the sense is that the end has already begun ("as we await the blessed hope, the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ"). This 80s hair metal song by Europe captures that dynamic.
What is The Final Countdown?
200
The winter season features scarves. This long scarf-like vestment is worn by deacons and priests.
What is a stole?
200
Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac was the father of Jacob. But this character is Abraham's actual firstborn son.
Who is Ishmael?
200
This big civic day precedes the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God—a holy day of obligation in most areas of the East Coast, but not necessarily in other parts of the country.
What is New Years' Eve?
200
Lead us not into temptation, hopefully! This Italian pastry is known for its delectable ricotta-based filling. Bonus points if you can give the proper singular.
What is a cannolo? (Cannoli).
400
This song plays off of the key refrain during the Liturgy of the Eucharist that heaven and earth are full of God's glory.
What is Holy?
400
Eschatology also involves the truth that the end has already begun, but not yet in fullness. For example, the Eucharist is an anticipation of the heavenly banquet. We already have a "foretaste" of it, but not yet. This Bon Jovi song captures that sense that if it is already but not yet, we're at least at the midpoint...
What is Livin On A Prayer?
400
On one day a year, this totally optional splotch is, to quote Zoolander, "so hot right now," and virtually everyone in the Christian Church and wider world can obtain said splotch to adorn their head.
What are ashes?
400
King David had many wives and more. Bathsheba is often the more well-remembered wife (partly because of how bad and exploitative David was), but this character is David's first wife.
Who is Mychal?
400
Christians train for Easter during Lent. Baseball players prepare for the year during this season, which often coincides with Lent.
What is spring training?
400
This ubiquitous dessert, often made by companies such as Ben & Jerry's, wouldn't last long in the desert.
What is ice cream?
600
Jesus said that the greatest commandment is twofold. This song's chorus captures the premise that ties the twofold greatest commandment together.
What is Love Yourself?
600
The Biblical prophets often had a sense that we had to get our act together before time runs out. This Ice Cube song captures the urgent warning of the prophets.
What is Check Yo Self?
600
"Not all heroes wear capes." This ornate liturgical item can be worn by priests and deacons for certain ceremonies. 
What is a cope?
600
"God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son..." comes from the Gospel of John. But the saying that God is love itself period comes from this writing.
What is 1 John?
600
The First Sunday of Advent is the liturgical new years' day. The Second Sunday of February is the occasion of this high holy day in the sports world.
What is the Super Bowl?
600
This also ubiquitous dessert treat has a monster following, and some tempt their lives by eating it raw.
What is the cookie?
800
This song revolves around a question that a spiritual director might ask you.
What is What Do You Mean?
800
Christian eschatology is predicated on eternity: God is forever, and we hope to live for that long too with God. This 1980 musical film and song title gives us a glimpse of this eschatological optimism.
What is Fame?
800
John Paul II once wore Bono's sunglasses. Anyway, this is the other item that adorns John Paul's head... but not Bono's.
What is the zucchetto?
800
Although the Bible says "Judge and ye shall not be judged," it conveys important information about historical judges. In terms of judges, people commonly think about Samson—who should really cancel his appointment at Supercuts—and might forget this female (and very badass) judge.
Who is Deborah?
800
This "signature" sandwich offering by McDonald's coincides with an actual change in liturgical seasons... except people feast instead of fast.
What is the Filet-O-Fish?
800
Cardinals have exclusive rights to wear this color (generally speaking), and this particular cupcake and cake flavor is a major source of temptation.
What is red velvet?
1000
This song has a haunting similarity with the Gospel of John, where Jesus says, "I'll be gone, but I'm sending you another... to abide with you forever."
What is Ghost?
teaching moment:
That if I can't be close to you
I'll settle for the ghost of you
I miss you more than life (more than life)
And if you can't be next to me
Your memory is ecstasy
I miss you more than life
I miss you more than life
1000
Eschatology is scary, and in some scripture texts, it starts with "cosmic portents," such as earthquakes, massive storms, and in some denominations, the Rapture. This alternative rock song by R.E.M. proclaims this kind of eschatology (with an ironic tone).
What is It's The End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)?
1000
Pope Benedict XVI was fashionable (Vanity Fair even has photo galleries celebrating his style). He was not so fashionable for some insider Catholics for committing a faux pas: he revealed that he is more partial to another liturgical tailor than this Italian shop—the shop that historically is the exclusive tailor for the Pope (this is for 1000 after all).
What is Gammarelli?
1000
This book (which is one of two in the Bible that does not explicitly name God) celebrates a female hero who becomes Queen of Persia. The Queen's actions are celebrated in the festival of Purim.
What is the Book of Esther?
1000
This categorically record-setting, world-altering, still-ongoing tour by a major musician brings fans through a veritable liturgical cycle of greatest hits, seasons, and aesthetics.
What is the Eras Tour?
1000
Usually we want to avoid mix-ups, but in this case, this Filipino dessert served cold with shaved ice, milk, and a whole lot of other things, is all about stirring things up.
What is halo halo?