Projects

WRITING

My current research focus is an exploration of the applicability of postcolonial and decolonial thinking for theological reflection on the interconnectedness of human oppression and ecological devastation in Appalachian region of the united states. I am planning to pursue a dissertation along these lines.

Along the way, I am preparing essays on 1) the relationship between liberationist and postcolonial theologies and 2) “decolonial” perspectives on ecclesiology and social/eco-justice movements in Appalachia.

A recent paper of mine titled “Destructive Obedience: U.S. Military Training and Culture as a Parody of Christian Discipleship” has been conditionally accepted for publication and is undergoing some final revisions.

I continue to work with Liturgical Press’ Rock and Theology project, contributing regularly to its blog and participating in discussions about future publishing projects. As part of these discussions, I have written papers, blog posts and assorted notes on punk rock, underground music cultures/communities, ecclesiology, and liberation theology.

MUSIC

Dave Klug and Dallas Campbell of my former band The Minus Tide are currently remixing that band’s final full length release Anakuklosis. It will likely be re-released in some format.

My solo work continues with several upcoming planned releases:

1) I have begun recording a new M Iafrate & The Priesthood album tentatively called Christian Burial.
2) The long-awaited St Louis Jesuits tribute album, The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor: Songs of the St Louis Jesuits, is still going to happen. I nearly finished one version of the record and then decided that I hated it and wanted to start over.
3) An album of M Iafrate outtakes and demos tentatively called Idolatry.
4) Leftover songs from the Christian Burial sessions could develop into an EP.
5) I am contributing a cover of Billy Bragg’s “Ontario, Quebec and Me” to a benefit CD for a Morgantown, WV community radio project.