iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Today at Sub-Creations, the woman who was strange even by the standards of medieval mystics: Margery Kempe. “Alas, that ever I did sin! It is full merry in heaven.”

The Strange Case of Margery Kempe

The mystic who was weird even by medieval standards

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

ATTENTION U.S. VOTERS: 1. Voting in person, on the day or early, is least likely to be contested. 2. If you must vote absentee, drop it off at the Board of Elections directly. Less likely to be contested. 3. If you must mail in a ballot, do it as early as possible.

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Ah, gluttony! The sin that rarely gets mentioned…even in the Bible! What is it and what does it mean in the age of Ozempic and Wegovy? Tolle lege! “What is clear to me is that the Church has not yet devoted substantial time to these questions”

mereorthodoxy.com

Gluttony in the Age of GLP-1s

The Christian is free to use a GLP-1 or not use one, depending on his or her specific health situation, but the Christian is never free to stop desiring.

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The more the world tells us to blaspheme, the fiercer we will cling to our faith. The more it tempts us to despair, the more we will hold fast to hope. The more it revels in hate, the brighter will burn our love. Vice does not negate but requires the exercise of virtue, for only virtue survives.

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

I contributed an article to Seen and Unseen on why we still feel drawn to the ruins of old churches. “There are many good reasons to preserve historic structures, but I would argue the main reason we leave those ruins in place is that we realise we belong to them and they belong to us.”

seenandunseen.com

Why we still seek the ruins | Seen & Unseen

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

For those who missed it over the holiday, I wrote an article analyzing the motivations of the 9/11 hijackers and why that might be significant for America today. Based on my previous research emphasis and employment.

What I learned from studying the 9/11 hijackers and what it means for America now

Why Did They Do It?

Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

This week marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack. At Sub-Creations, I revisit the motives of those involved (Not just what you might think!) and what it means for America now.

What I learned from studying the 9/11 hijackers and what it means for America now

Why Did They Do It?

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Today at Sub-Creations, one of the great literary treasures of medieval England and how it coincides with John Wycliffe, a massive uprising, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Black Death. “When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then a gentleman?”

A medieval poem that pointed to revolution

Dreams of the Plowman

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

For St. Augustine of Hippo’s feast day, enjoy him talking about dragons in his exposition of Psalm 148. 🐉

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Today at Sub-Creations, I consider what Charlie Chaplin can teach us about the dangers of machine-like thinking. "Similar to a computer, they can only understand binaries: stark black and white, no nuance, no compromise, no engagement, no compassion, no forgiveness."

Machine Men with Machine Hearts

A silent star spoke when others would not

Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

This week at Sub-Creations, I wrote about how service sometimes hurts us, and why we sometimes let it. "It is reasonable and good for us, when we can, to make difficult situations less difficult and to walk away from situations that are seriously injurious.

When service burns us, and why we sometimes let it

Let the Pie Drop

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I wrote an article for 1517 examining Martin Luther's relationship with his father, Hans. "While scholars are right to focus on the bond between Martin and Hans, the evidence of Martin’s own words suggests their relationship may not have been as troubled as some suppose."

1517.org

The Legacy of Martin Luther's Father, Hans Luther

But while scholars are right to focus on the bond between Martin and Hans, the evidence of Martin’s own words suggests their relationship may not have been as troubled as some suppose. For Hans Luther...

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

My son’s medical condition (autism) is not a political card to be played for cheap points or a new front in the culture war. It is the daily reality of caring for him. It is a vocation assigned by God: to love this child well.

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

“The presence of so much beauty in the very place where the world’s biggest influencers ply their trade must be good for something.” My latest at Sub-Creations: Hope in the Land of Silicon.

Hope in the Land of Silicon?

The natural has a lesson for the unnatural

Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

"Youth and age both provide unique gifts, but we tend to welcome the former and bemoan the latter." My review of Jen Wilkin's book Dust to Dust is now available . at The Gospel Coalition

thegospelcoalition.org

How We Age Reflects What We Believe About Human Worth

‘Dust to Dust’ encourages readers in every life stage to inhabit the true story of aging in light of God’s eternal purposes.

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

If I were to summarize one of the chief problems humanity has at the moment, it is that… We do not seek to gain character, but merely to gain attention.

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Hard to believe a treaty signed at Versailles didn’t bring an end to war, but here we are.

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

George Herbert on virtue as means of survival: “Only a sweet and virtuous soul, Like season'd timber, never gives; But though the whole world turn to coal, Then chiefly lives.”

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

I was honored to contribute to Mere Orthodoxy’s America 250 forum. Several of us reflect on what the nation’s birthday means for us as Americans and as Christians. I believe you will appreciate the responses. Check the homepage for daily updates.

mereorthodoxy.com

America250 Forum, Day 1: The Idea of America

What do we mean when we say we love America? Do we love these people, 340 million strong? The light and dark ones, the old and young, the rich and poor, the sensible and wayward?

Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

“I choose now to be grateful for what I have: for this earth that cannot help but give life, for the eagle soaring in the sky, for the rivers that run out to the two oceans, for the idea that we might be equal after all.” My latest at Sub-Creations: American history told in mythic form.

Once Upon a Time in the Land Between Two Oceans

A whimsical retelling of a history long in the making

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

During times of high patriotic fervor, there is often a need for us as Americans to remember the bad things that have happened here and be honest about our failings. But… 1/3

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Over at Mockingbird, I'm talking law, gospel, and Raffi. Yes, the guy who sings children's songs. Have a read. "Everyone thinks this is how God operates until someone tells them differently, and quite often no one tells them differently."

mbird.com

Raffi Needs the Gospel Too - Mockingbird

Grace for Antinomians and Übernomians

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

The Lord of the Rings is actually a story about a man who has to abandon his household duties, his family, and the imminent destruction of the world in order to finish his book.

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

The tone of our communication is really about virtue. Out of the overflow of our heart, we speak. Virtue is not elitist, for no one suffers more cruelly at the hands of vice than the lower classes, who often reap the harvest of the sick hearts of the elite.

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Did Pope Leo miss a chance to preach the gospel? Did he define the gospel correctly? I take on these questions and more in my final consideration of Magnifica Humanitas.

Did Pope Leo Get the Gospel Wrong?

Examining Magnifica Humanitas in light of Scripture and historic teaching

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

The completion of one of the most beautiful churches in the world. May God be glorified in this work of architecture that points us to spiritual realities, and in this sacred place where people will come to seek his face.

youtu.be

The Sagrada Familia explodes with light: the stunning performance Pope Leo witnessed in Barcelona

YouTube video by ROME REPORTS in English

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

“Alone with none but Thee, O Lord, I journey on my way. What need I fear when you are near O Lord of night and day? Safer am I within Thy hand Than if a host should round me stand.” Prayer attributed to St. Columba, missionary to the British Isles, whose feast day is today.

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Today at Sub-Creations, I consider a question raised by the pope’s recent encyclical: is technology morally good, bad, or neutral? And how does J.R.R. Tolkien help us to understand this?

Is Technology Good or Bad?

A question raised by Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas

Gina Dalfonzo @ginadalfonzo.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Reposted by Amy Mantravadi

Video recording now up! Come for the great reflections from @amymantravadi.bsky.social, stay to watch me frantically trying to figure out how to end the livestream when my phone refused to display the little "x" in the corner. 😊 #booksky

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Receiving a papal encyclical in the 21st century

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Today I thought I'd spice things up and write about Julian of Norwich's claim that God is our Mother. "Julian speaks of God as Mother not because she fails to take the Bible at its word, but because she does take the Bible at its word."

Julian of Norwich on God as our Mother

ANNOUNCEMENT: I will be going Substack live this Wednesday, May 20 at 8:30 pm ET to discuss my novel Face to Face with Gina Dalfonzo. You should be able to access the livestream at this link. Carry on...

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

A little treat today: The text of my talk from last year's 1517 conference, "How the Bondage of the Will Changed My Life." It traces my spiritual journey leading up to the creation of my Reformation novels.

How 'The Bondage of the Will' Changed My Life

My talk from last year's Here We Still Stand Conference

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

The Anglican Church today remembers Julian of Norwich, a medieval anchorite and theologian, the first woman to have her words preserved in English. “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” Amen. Resurrection Day is coming.

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

“Can we speak of a common good when we have nothing in common?” In today’s Sub-Creations article, I attempt to answer this question by examining the history of the Kennedy Center and the musical work that was first played there.

The Resurrection of the Kennedy Center

Our hope of deliverance, as always, is the grace of God

Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

New life goal just dropped… (Grace Coolidge with her pet raccoon. Epic.)

Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Behold, my review of @oalannoble.bsky.social’s latest book, To Live Well! “To live virtuously is not only to live in line with truth, goodness, and beauty, but also to live in accordance with our ultimate purpose as devised by our Creator.”

1517.org

A Review of "To Live Well: To Live Well: Practical Wisdom for Moving Through Chaotic Times" by Alan Noble

To Live Well is therefore not a general advice book, but a message suffused with the gospel.

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

“Do you guys ever think about dying?” Well, I do in today’s article at Sub-Creations. What did Dylan Thomas mean when he said “Do not go gentle into that good night,” and what does Christianity have to say about dying well?

Dying well in the twenty-first century

Do Not Go Gentle

Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Today, I recall the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the deaths of Roni and Charity Bowers, how we square them with God’s sovereignty, and our ultimate hope in the wake of tragedy. “It is not enough to have eternal significance. Only eternal life can answer for the tragedies of this age.”

Remembering Roni and Charity Bowers, 25 Years Later

The sovereignty of God and the hope of resurrection

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

On 2 Chronicles 7:14… “My people who are called by My name” = Israel and the Church “humble themselves” = take blame, not cast it “pray and seek My face” = acknowledge God alone as Savior, redeemer, purifier, reward “turn from their wicked ways” = do justice and righteousness ‭‭

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

We overcome the trials of this world not by might or by power, but by His Spirit and the word of our testimony, to love Him so much that we do not shrink from death of any kind for His sake, for in Him is life itself and the resurrection of dead things. 1/2

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

My latest Sub-Creations article is about a strange mountain in Tibet that no one can climb, and what we can learn from it about human efforts to ascend to heaven. "As at every point in human history, we are still striving to climb the mountain, hoping to find divine enlightenment at the top."

The Mountain No One Can Climb

The strange case of Mount Kailash and its spiritual significance

Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭11‬:‭15‬ ‭(NASB1995‬‬)

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

I enjoyed writing this article for Mockingbird about why it was necessary for Christ to die, and how it brings salvation to the world. The sight of the crucified one is an offense to some and the glory of God to others.

mbird.com

We Call This Friday Good - Mockingbird

The cure Christ brings requires death: not only his own but ours.

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Amy Mantravadi @amymantravadi.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

My latest article at Sub-Creations examines T.S. Eliot's poem "Hollow Men" and considers if we too are going to go out not with a bang, but a whimper. "The men are angry, they say. The statistics are bad, they say. Men are in trouble: big trouble. The reason, perhaps, is that they are hollow."