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A Career Covering the Crossroads of Culture, Religion, History
Joseph Serwach writing samples related to religion, culture
“Culture” means “the cult of what we worship,” shaping our story, identity, and mission, transcending work, politics, ideology — and even economics.
“Men build too many walls and not enough bridges,” Joseph Fort Newton, a minister-turned attorney, famously said decades before “the culture wars” heated up toward their current boiling point.
Life’s challenge? Understanding both sides before you dive into the fight. Many jump right into the battle, knowing some of the arguments but missing bigger points. Good storytellers explain both sides.
I’m currently writing a screenplay about two “best friends” who knew much about shaping culture, Pope John Paul II and Ronald Reagan. I wrote about these men as a student and for much of my career. Certain heroes (and villains) are “larger than life.” Others come and go.
Perennials vs. annuals
Most “pop culture” idols are like petunias — or Yacht Rock: planted each spring, they bring joy, fade, and disappear only to be replaced by something new the next season.
The true culture transformers are more like the solid rock of mountains rising…
