Crime fiction, in its varied forms, both illuminates and counterpoints the Gospel. Crime fiction correctly presents and analyzes the sinful human condition, even where its conclusions are horribly wrong. And, in crime fiction as nowhere else, the law is most definitely the Law: God did not get after Cain for shoplifting.
Second-hand smoke.
So: four classes’ worth of dark human hearts and blazing Gospel light, interspersed with mayhem, Augustine, detectives, 1930s pulp novels and the overlooked theological punch from the opening line of The Postman Always Rings Twice: “They threw me off the hay truck about noon.”
These are complete classes, so prepare a stiff drink before hitting “Play.”
As an example of what not to drink, consider this assault on civilization from that Pravda of sentimentality, Parade magazine: Girl Scouts Cookie Thin Mints Martini
Ingredients
3 parts chocolate vodka
½ shot creme de menthe
1 shot chocolate milk liquor
Chocolate syrup (as needed)
1 Thin Mint, crushed
Directions
In a martini shaker, mix together chocolate vodka, creme de menthe, and chocolate milk liquor. Shake well. If you don’t have a martini shaker, use a glass filled with ice and mix well.
Coat a martini glass with chocolate syrup. Crush the Thin Mint cookie and coat the brim of the martini glass with the cookie. Then, pour your martini drink mixture into the glass.
Thin Mints Martini: ready for Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber and Red Lobster.
The mind, as well as the bowel, races. One might add:
3. Insert Luger under tongue to minimize the aftertaste
