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Reading is one of my favorite pastimes. From time to time I post at least some of the titles I've read. Going to the movies is one of the most helpful ways for me to relax, but also to get insight into how other people think and see life. A smattering of both books and movies follows.
Hot Button Topics... The current hot button topic I get asked about most is homosexuality. This Youtube audio clip of Tony Campolo's says some of what I believe and what I think the Gospel bottom line is better than anything I could write. Campolo clip. Books - This is by no means a complete list What Jesus Meant I've enjoyed a small book by Gary Wills given to me by Ray Keck. What Jesus Meant is a thoughtful and engaging look at a lot of what Jesus says in the New Testament. The Endurance : Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition, a super true story of a little known, but amazing expedition. Real Sex and Mudhouse Sabbath both by Lauren Winter. She is an incredibly articulate young woman who has a gift of humility and clarity. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling has done it again! I particularly like the two quotes from the bible in the book. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis wonderful children's book which Suzanna, my daughter and I read in anticipation of the movie (which we both thought was very well done.) I enjoyed two books on tape the last year. The Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency and it's sequel The Kalahari Typing School for Men by Alexander McCall Smith. The books are somewhat slow moving, but give a perspective on modern life in Botswana that is highly enjoyable. Also -I thoroughly enjoyed Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God: The Life Story of the Author of My Utmost for His Highest by David McCasland. I have read Oswald Chambers collection of daily meditations "My Utmost for His Highest for more than 30 years, but never knew much about the author until now.
My favorite thoughtful review site:http://www.pluggedinonline.com/index.cfm Fairly Recent Films (Most are from the last 10 years) Avatar - James Cameron somehow manages to touch spiritual nerves at a very popular level. In Titanic he captured the deep need we have to be set free from a meaningless life, and to be rescued by a passionate lover. In Avatar, he captures our need to be connected by deep bonds of affection to loved ones, community, and the earth we inhabit. While Avatar's worldview is not overtly Christian, and certainly much of the spirituality, (biology?!), of Avatar is pantheist, nevertheless, we need to understand why the movie grabs people emotionally. The Bourne Ultimatum - This is the resolution of the first two Bourne films. It is a reminder that trying to control the world is outside the ability of any government. I like the fact that there is no computer generated action, even though there is plenty of action. Surf's Up - Just plain silly, but well done. I particularly like Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) as the chicken in this animated penguin surfing documentary. It is a search for a father figure. The number of movies where young men search for a mentor or father figure is phenomenal! Evan Almighty - Again, just funny with environmental overtones. It is essentially a smaller version of Noah's Ark. It made me re-read Genesis, and I think that the environmental issue was there for the first Ark as well. God makes a covenant not just with Noah, but will all living creatures...hmm? Amazing Grace - A well done historical film. It reminds in many ways of Amistad, and in its own way shows how one person's dedication can make a difference for good. Dreamgirls - A less romantic look at Motown, with a superb cast, and wonderful acting. Thought provoking, and the music is super. The Pursuit of Happyness - I spent eight years working with homeless people. This was the first movie that actually hit me in the gut, because it took me back emotionally. As I watched I returned to the streets. A powerful story. It is a parable about looking below the surface at the people we meet. Based on a true story. The Good Shepherd - A less than positive look at the CIA. The movie is choppy, but it brought back memories of the 50's and 60's for me. Many of the characters reminded me of diplomatic personnel I met as a child in Latin America. The Nativity Story - A well done movie that is a good depiction of first century life. It also is a human portrayal of Joseph and Mary, and their families and community. Worth a look, even if much of it doesn't quite fit what we know of the first century. The Interpreter - A thriller with a message about forgiveness and keeping our humanity in the face of evil. Seabiscut - Well done, with a great message of redemption. All of us are valuable and not to be thrown away. The Last Samurai - It glorifies Samurai culture too much, but it does push us to look at the cost of modernity. Cast Away - A movie that hints at the abiding presence of God and the fact that even in the most tragic circumstances God is working in the background. Stepford Wives - Well done, comical analysis of the value of real relationships, rather than what is fantasy. Miracle - A true story of teamwork of the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team. The amazing accomplishments possible when people work together. Remember the Titans - Same as the above, and also a true story. When we lived in Fairfax, Virginia, people alluded to this story long before the movie was made. Big Fish - A very offbeat movie, but one that explores the difficult dynamics of father - son relationships in a humorous and poignant fashion. The Station Agent - Another offbeat movie that explores friendship and our human need for relationships and care. >< |
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Books & Movies
Movies - I am a movie fan, of both old and
new. This list does not mean that I endorse all in these films. And many are not
suitable for children.