Benjamin Dueholm

Pastor, Messiah Lutheran Church, Wauconda, Illinois

Benjamin Dueholm is Pastor of Worship and Education at Messiah Lutheran Church in Wauconda, Illinois. His writing has appeared in The Christian Century and The Washington Monthly, and he co-edits the theological journal Let’s Talk.

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Written by Benjamin Dueholm

A nun in close-up, focused on reading. Two other nuns are seated in pews in the background of a wooden chapel.

essay

Philosophy of religion

Why pray?

Prayer occurs in many faiths. It stays recognisable despite its varied forms. It must be good for something – but what?

Benjamin Dueholm

Painting of a historical battle scene with warriors on horseback, many figures, and tents in the background.

essay

History of ideas

Return of the king

The ‘cosplay Caliphate’ of ISIS is a deadly fantasy, but a familiar one in the West. It feeds the same urges as Tolkien

Benjamin Dueholm

Silhouette of a priest giving a wafer to a congregant who is leaning forward with an open mouth against a blurred background.

essay

Philosophy of religion

The host

The Communion wafer is food and symbol, relic and rite. In an age plagued by fears of disease, can it still help us connect?

Benjamin Dueholm