David Creech is not a Lent Madness Celebrity Blogger simply because he's our token Lutheran. Really. It's because he's a real, live doctor. Whenever you're watching the latest version of Monday Madness and you're just so blown away by the high production values that you faint, someone will inevitably yell, "Is there a doctor in the house?" and Dr. Creech will make a house call. He will then rouse you with a dramatic reading of his PhD thesis. Voila! Problem solved.
Dr. David Creech is Assistant Professor of Religion at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. A student of early Christianities, David knows a lot about saints—they anathematized many of his research subjects. He is a product of an Evangelical seminary and a Catholic PhD program and now teaches at a Lutheran college and worships with Episcopalians. For those looking for the ecumenical voice (read: objective and unbiased/quite confused) in this year’s competition, he’s your man. Although he does dress in robes from time to time, David brings the unique perspective of a layperson. His book title is long and boring (The Use of Scripture in the Apocryphon of John: A Diachronic Analysis of the Variant Versions) but nearly sold out of its initial print run of 200 copies. You can follow David on Twitter @dyingsparrows and read his oftentimes provocative posts at his blog by the same name. When not teaching and writing, David enjoys owning his three kids Ian, Ela, and Dylan at Sorry.
What do you most love about the extraordinary honor of being a Celebrity Blogger (besides global adulation)?
I love most that I get to pretend for 40 short days that I actually still am a blogger. Yes, I occasionally write on a blog but with Lent Madness I actually, ontologically, become a blogger. Mind blown. I also enjoy all the friendships, and even the frenemies, that develop over the mutual love of these both flawed and special people we venerate. This year I am especially excited about renewing my fierce rivalry with Megan Castellan. Go Team Elizabeth Mother of John! (TEMJO for short.)
What is the quirkiest thing you've learned about one of your saints and how does this inspire your faith?
Barbara is quirky for even Lent Madness’ standards. I was fascinated at all the different stories that developed around her and that the hagiography, which was mostly late, led to questions about her sainthood. And yet she still finds herself on many lists. Somehow Barbara’s story resonates and gives meaning to people. Also, she is the patron saint of blowing sh*t up. What’s not to like?
Downton Abbey or The Walking Dead and why?
#TWD all the way. I study, write, and teach about dead people, what do you expect? More seriously, I appreciate the way in which the show asks questions about what it means to be human. It also offers a fascinating window into contemporary fears and values (y’all on Twitter should follow @kellyjbaker by the way). They also intentionally dabble in theology (sometimes wretchedly). Finally, Rick Grimes.
Besides Lent Madness, what do you most look forward to in the season of Lent?
I appreciate the time to reflect on my own humanity in all its messiness. Yet in the midst of the messiness we find God present and active, calling and empowering us to be the people of God. Lent reminds me of the wonder of the incarnation.