Author Archives: wallwritings

About wallwritings

From 1972 through 1999, James M. Wall was editor and publisher of the Christian Century magazine, based in Chicago, lllinois. He was a Contributing Editor of the Century from 1999 until July, 2017. He has written this blog, wall writings.me, since it was launched April 27, 2008. If you would like to receive Wall Writings alerts when new postings are added to this site, send a note, saying, Please Add Me, to jameswall8@gmail.com Biography: Journalism was Jim's undergraduate college major at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. He has earned two MA degrees, one from Emory, and one from the University of Chicago, both in religion. He is an ordained United Methodist clergy person. He served for two years in the US Air Force, and three additional years in the USAF reserve. While serving on active duty with the Alaskan Command, he reached the rank of first lieutenant. He has worked as a sports writer for both the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, was editor of the United Methodist magazine, Christian Advocate for ten years, and editor and publisher of the Christian Century magazine for 27 years. James M Wall died March 22, 2021 at age 92. His family appreciates all of his readers, even those who may have disagreed with his well-informed writings.

James McKendree Wall

Posted on October 24, 2022 by wallwritings

October 27,1928–March 22, 2021 James M Wall died March 22, 2021 at age 92. His family appreciates all of his readers, even those who may have disagreed with his well-informed writings.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

WW Film of the Week: The Best of Enemies

Posted on June 19, 2020 by wallwritings

By James M. Wall A reader suggested a film for reflection as racial tensions rise in the present moment. I had earlier written the following review. The Best of Enemies Based on a true series of events in Durham, North … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Churches’ Role In Forming the Movie Ratings System, Plus Violence Within Our Land

Posted on May 28, 2020 by wallwritings

By James M. Wall In search of movies to recommend during this self-isolation period, I found a Wall Writings posting that discusses two movies. (Note: parential discretion essential) The films are two of my favorites, Nashville and The Apostle. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Revising Gertrude Bell’s Final Journey

Posted on May 23, 2020 by wallwritings

by James M. Wall This posting intially came on line  in 2017. I am reposting it now to introduce  another audience to Gertrude Bell. Forces opposed to the reality of the history of the region continue to hide Gertrude Bell, … Continue reading →

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“Lift Every Voice”

Posted on May 17, 2020 by wallwritings

by James M. Wall An earlier Wall Writings posting, entitled, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, came to mind this rainy May afternoon as I pondered what to share with readers this week during our ongoing period of face masks and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

“The Straight Story”: A Film For Now

Posted on May 2, 2020 by wallwritings

by James M. Wall A few years back, Phillip Lee, editor of Media Development, a World Association of Christian Communications (WACC) publication, interviewed me. During this time of self-isolation, I thought it was appropriate to share it.  Phillip Lee: My … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Zionist Attacks Continue on Director Ken Loach

Posted on April 2, 2020 by wallwritings

by James M. Wall Israeli politics shine no light on the darkness of oppression. Take the career 0f Ken Loach, a film director who exposes injustice on and off screen. He has long been a constant warrior against Zionist oppression … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment

The Word That Says It All

Posted on November 4, 2019 by wallwritings

by James M. Wall I took a three-month break from blogging. When I reported back to duty, I found the word that says it all. It is “puerile”, which is fully explained on Word Genius, which you may access by … Continue reading →

Posted in Donald Trump | 9 Comments

Love, Not Hate, Must Follow the Amens

Posted on August 9, 2019 by wallwritings

by James M. Wall Works of film art endure when the underlying intent remain the same. One segment in John Ford’s film, The Searchers, reminds us that revenge is not a morsel best eaten when cold, but a morsel best … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

2020 Choice: “In Your Face” or “Weasel Words”

Posted on July 7, 2019 by wallwritings

Posted on July 7, 2019 by wallwritings by James M. Wall On Sunday, June 16, leaders of the nationalist bromance between Israel and the Trump government took one small step for tyranny and one huge step for “in your face” diplomacy. In … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Donald Trump, Israel, Middle East Politics, Netanyahu, Palestinians | 6 Comments