Tragic events like the Boston Marathon bombing rip lives apart. An understandable reaction might be anger at God. In fact, this is one of the media discussion points of how the Tsarnaev brothers became radicalized. Perhaps there were disappointments. Perhaps these disappointments caused them to turn to religion.

Is it only the fault of the Tsarnaev brothers, or does the wider society share in the blame? Will science be able to prevent such tragedies? And what about God? If God is in charge of reality, then couldn’t he have prevented such a terrible tragedy?

What is “emo,” you ask? And who is Paramore? They are a pop punk band from Franklin, Tenn. Paramore is frontwoman and lead vocalist Heyley Williams, guitarist Taylor York and bassist Jeremy Davis. Heyley told NPR Weekend Edition Sunday “emo” stands for emotion.

John Bunyan’s famous work "The Pilgrim’s Progress" pictures a man raking filth while an angel tries to crown him with eternal glory. The angel repeatedly calls him to “Look up,” but the man is so intent on muck that he doesn’t see the angel or the crown. Bunyan’s originally intended to impress upon his readers the hope of their salvation rather than the cares of this world, but the image has been reused many times since then, often referring to writers who work in the journalistic mud.

Raze the City, a band formed by guitarist Mike Nielsen and Christian singer Chelsey Heidenreich, performed at Carr’s Corner in downtown Spokane Saturday night. The bar on the corner of 3rd and Washington was purchased and resurrected just three years ago as a live music venue, bringing in acts from all over the Northwest. Carr’s supports local artists by not charging for their performance, allowing newer groups an affordable venue.

While many in the Spokane area worshipped in various religious services Sunday morning, I ran the St. Paddy’s Five. Running is more than just an athletic event, it’s a celebration of community; it’s a place to be accepted for who I am.