Hi, I’m Eric. I’m the husband of a beautiful and incredibly talented woman — Megan — and the dad to two of the most loving and energetic kids in the world — Lillian and Milo.
I’m a pastor in the Lutheran church (ELCA). I believe that God is constantly calling us to a bigger view of our life and the world. I believe that God uses things like art, music, poetry, stories, and really good coffee to teach us about goodness and love. That’s where I start from. That’s my default. It’s a pretty good place.
What is Eric Clapp 4.0 About?
I’ve been writing, in some form or another, since I was in 2nd grade and I wrote a story about a character named Electro Eric. It was basically 2nd grade me, but I could shoot lightning out of my hands. Pretty cool, huh? In 4th grade, some friends and I may or may not have turned it into a graphic novel.
This particular space was created as a place to reflect on the intersection of faith with the 4 most prominent conveyers of pop culture: music, movies, books, and television. As I’m a bit of a media fiend, while also being a pastor, this seems like a place where I spend at least some time everyday. I believe that these reflections happen all around us. From the Hunger Games and Harry Potter, to Mumford & Sons and Kanye West, to Breaking Bad and How to Get Away with Murder, the media we consume is chock full of reflections on faith. But they speak slightly different languages. I’m your translator.
As with most blogs, it doesn’t function too well if it’s just me talking. So feel free to comment and let’s start a conversation.
If you would like to utilize any of the content on this blog, feel free to do so! But please include a reference or provide a link to the primary source (whether it’s my blog or somewhere else). Essentially, just don’t steal my (or anyone else’s) thoughts and pretend they’re your own. Thanks!
Eric Clapp 4.0 
I assume you read the Bible?
I have been known to do that, yes.
Well I guess you skipped over James 3 where it talks about cursing? Loved your article about Robin Thicke, but I don’t love that you teach people about the Bible, but don’t do what it says.
I just found you in a search about the “maroon wall” and just want to thank you for your writing and insight. it is refreshingto read something well lthought out and positive for once.
What a good thing you have going here. And thanks for the blog post today!
What a good thing you have going here. Thanks for your blog, How to Talk to Your Sons….
Blessings, Loretta Ross
Thank you. I appreciate it very much, Loretta. Have a wonderful day.
I love your How to Talk to Your Sons. Thank you.
I really appreciated your article on how to talk to your sons. It was very, very much needed. I also think it’s cool that you’re also a pastor, because as a feminist studying religion at university, I’ve noticed when I talk to people it’s commonly thought that Christianity and its priests/pastors/vicars etc are inherently patriarchal and it’s not true at all! So thank you! (sorry this is long and rambly I hope it made sense)
I love this blog post. I’m an atheist, but I still intend to check out other posts you’ve written. Thank you.
Great, awesome article. Glad I found your blog. I am an ELCA Lutheran, and I intend to continue reading your blog! Have a Blessed day! Thank you!
Thanks for your work, Eric. I am a (young 😉 66yo grandmother of 15 (4 of which are adopted); mother of 4 married children (all serving Christ along with their spouses, primarily through youth ministry); have been married to the love of my life for nearly 47 years and have worked in youth ministry since I was in college (47 years). We co-founded a youth ministry and host summer arts camps for high school students every summer beginning in 2002. All that to say that … although I don’t use profanity routinely in my conversation, I appreciate your transparency and understand the use of “colorful” language (we could have another discussion on the definition of profanity 😉 to express the level of your dissatisfaction and anger for the very un-biblical disrespect toward women and the God-given gift of human sexuality in our culture … especially in the entertainment industry. Keep preaching!
Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!
Hi Eric, I just stumbled across your blog this evening for the first time. And I’m greatly enjoying it. Keep up the good work! 🙂
Your blog post on How to Talk to Your Sons was great! I am not religious, nor am I a mum, but indeed I am what some refer to as a feminist. Or as I like to call it, a peopleist. I am all for ALL people treated and viewed as equals, not just us feminine ones. But for sure we live in a society where women are being objectified e v e r y day. As a woman with a high education, I feel like society is trying to take my power away, all that I have worked for, by posting women here and there as sexual objects. I am damn tired of it. We need more men like you to stand up against it. Thank you.
Greetings Pastor Eric,
I just wanted to say that I felt *blessed* by reading your blog today. Your essay: “How to Talk with Your Sons about Robin Thicke” was encouraging to me. I’m happy to know that there are clergy *men* and women who stand up to hidden vices in our culture that demoralize the dignity of women and by doing that the dignity of men. Thank you. May God bless you, your wife, and your ministry. In Jesus Name, Amen. :–)
Nicole : “Well I guess you skipped over James 3 where it talks about cursing? Loved your article about Robin Thicke, but I don’t love that you teach people about the Bible, but don’t do what it says.”
Not to put down what you’re saying….But it’s a bit unfair to ask of someone to be perfect 🙂 It also says in James 3: “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.” It also, says in James 3: “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” Not that we shouldn’t try to not spew poo and praise to Jesus from the same mouth. But it’s unfair to ask anyone to hold up to that standard-yes even pastors, who are in the end men themselves. No one is perfect (unless you are Jesus haha). You’re not ungodly if you swear just as if you have a glass of wine every holiday, you aren’t going to Hell. It also says in the bible to try and not judge others… 🙂
Also, I apologize if that was too rude…
Mr. Clap: By some random chance, my friend from back home (Los Angeles) linked your “Blurred Lines” blog post on his Facebook wall. By another random chance, my boyfriend is from Clinton and I live in Iowa City. Just wanted to say that, in reading your blog, I think you’re pretty neat. I’m Jewish, but I’m always a fan of people of faith who promote love in their ministry.