Our master illustrator provides age-appropriate graphic novel recommendations for the kiddos.

Beyond the obvious journalistic ethics at play in this tragedy, an event like this naturally causes us to wonder what we’d have done, had we been there.

But even if you’re not particularly fond of sushi (I’m not, myself), it’s nigh-impossible not to be inspired by Jiro’s dedication to his craft.

The Christ and Pop Culture writers got together and hashed out our list of the best music we heard this year. Here’s what we came up with.

Employees being treated a bit more fairly and equitably is something to be celebrated and encouraged.

The Prayer Chain reissues a long-lost recording and Teen Daze explores a silent planet.

But the larger question, of how groups such as the American Humanist Association can provide aid and comfort (beyond fundraisers, that is) to communities affected by tragedies, remains.

Is it really so clear and easy to draw a line from our nation’s declining faith in God to mass murders?

Knowledge is a powerful thing, especially when it involves helpless human beings who are utterly at our mercy.

It might be tempting for Christians to look at this derisively, but can something that encourages people to slow down in this harried age of ours, and seek community and quiet reflection, really be all bad?

If a kid is prone to delinquent behavior, is that a result of listening to goth or hip-hop, or is it caused by broader socio-economic issues?

Perhaps the most important is creating a safe environment in which the bad guys in their little minds are easily vanquished.

Wolfe claims that spiritual and religious themes have taken a subtler, less pronounced position in modern literature, but they are no less present.

The Swedish duo release their most austere and purely ambient album to date.

These eight songs are effortlessly pretty, weaving delicate guitar melodies together with dreamy atmospherics.

This week: a friend’s eclectic mix for his unborn son and a sonic journey through alien tropical environments.

Gang Gang Dance melts your brain while M83 gets epic with the saxophone.

Sam Billen crafts quirky-yet-affecting indie/electronic pop and Talik’s beat-laced atmospherica is perfect for lazy summer evenings.

Jay Tholen’s music is bizarre, worshipful… and unlike anything else you’ve likely heard emerge from Christian circles.

Wild Beasts explores the good and bad sides of love and sensuality; Balam Acab crafts eerily beautiful slices of electronica.