Here’s what Lake wrote when he emailed us this story: “Lots of people claim their lives have been transformed by miracles. Media coverage of these people tends to swing one of two ways: Either it’s uncritical and cheerleader-ish or it’s cynical and mocking. With this story about Ricky Roberts, I investigated his claim—that God had miraculously healed him of mental retardation at age 16—and came out with something that leaves room for nuance and paradox.” We liked Lake’s approach; we’re fans of paradox.

Read “The Mysterious Metamorphosis of Ricky Roberts,” by Thomas Lake

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