Did Jesus Die On A $?

This post actually has nothing to do with art.

And, it pains me to write this because I have good friends on both sides of the issue. However, I feel compelled to speak out. Sure, I may be the only one. But somebody has to say it.

I have recently discovered that the Counseling Center (CC) at my alma mater, Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO will be closed due to financial constraints. This is an awful move. The CC was extremely beneficial to me while I was a student there. So, you see, this is quite a personal issue.

For those of you that don't know me or my story, let me fill you in on some of the details. While I was enrolled there, my then-wife left me. Consequently, I went through a divorce. I sought and received wonderful support from the CC.

And now, the CC will be closing. Dear friends, I harbor no illusions about the harsh realities of economic downturn. I am also aware that behind any institution which claims to be religious, a business operation must be run. (Left-hand kingdom issues, for those friends of Luther.) Thus, things not in the classroom (proclaiming the Gospel) is pretty much the Law incarnate. However, there are some things which are a bit more important than cash.

It should also be noted that this is not the only department affected. Faculty is being cut and redeployed. However, it should also be noted that one office has recently nearly doubled in size. This, of course, is the office responsible for raising dollars.

Like I said, I harbor no illusions. But, come on. Couldn't something else be cut?

In other words, "Here, Seminarians. Go minister to people. But don't come to us when you need actual ministry to yourself."

The Sem is currently seeking $77 Million through a campaign entitled "How Will They Hear?" According to the Seminary's website, it has already raised $57 Million. So where is the money going? They detail what those plans are on the website. Interestingly, there is nothing in their plans for closing an office which benefits the students while growing a fund-raising office.

The blindly loyal seminary apologists will say that this is exactly why the need for giving is so great. But if valuable services will be cut, the damage has already been done.

This is a personal outrage for me. And I know I am not the only one. If the CC has benefited you, feel free to comment. Or better still, call the Sem. Demand accountability. Find out where the money is going. Silence will not help the situation!

It is time for someone to watch the watchmen!

So, maybe this post wasn't about art. But I hope and pray it is not about BS artists.

PS: I should say, if I am wrong in any of this, I will gladly recant. But you must tell me why this is a good thing. Explain to me why cutting counseling benefits the seminarians and their families in ANY way.

Movie Review- Whatever Works

One thought crossed my mind as I was watching this film. Oddly it was a paraphrase of something said by Homer Simpson: "I can't believe I'm saying this about a depressing movie, but this isn't very good." (For the Homer quote, take out "depressing movie" and insert "TV show") That's where the great irony lies. This is supposed to be a romantic comedy. Now, to be fair, I'm not really a fan of the romantic comedy genre anyway. But I am a fan of Woody Allen (who directed the film). But this film just did not work for me.

The film stars Larry David, of Seinfeld production fame. He was also the star of HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (in my opinion, the most overrated show ever). David plays Boris, a self-proclaimed brilliant man who looks down on just about all of his fellow human beings with contempt and feels that life is utterly meaningless.

There is much to be mined theologically. Boris' opening dialogue about the meaninglessness of life would provide a decent video illustration for a sermon or Bible study on Ecclesiastes.

Other themes which are discussed heavily in the film are atheism and pessimism, as well as religious fundamentalism. Needless to say, Allen comes down hard against any religion and portrays those who are religious as parodies of believers.

There is an error which Boris makes right away in the film's opening sequence. he states that Christianity and Marxism both have the same fatal flaw: they start with the belief that humans are inherently good. This is clearly not the case. Christianity teaches that human beings are born sinful, and thus are inherently evil. Unless Boris is referring to American "civil religion", which I do not believe he is.

GOSPEL HANDLES

It was hard to find really any gospel handles in this film. This film is better served as illustrations and reflection of contemporary society. There are several great law handles, especially regarding humans as a doomed species (without Christ, of course). Any Gospel handles will have to be imported.

CLERGY HANDLES

Though no clergy are specifically depicted in this film, 2 devout Christians are. And as I mentioned above, they are reduced to a parody of Christian fundamentalism.

This film is worth seeing, if only for the discussion and reflection it is likely to cause. But, you might want to wait for the DVD release.

Preaching & Air McNair

Former NFL QB Steve McNair was not an artist in the conventional sense. To my knowledge he did not create a painting, sculptures, films, or works of literature. But he was an artist in the broader sense. In other words, he used his athletic ability to create things which did inspire us. There is much to interpret about his life and career which can admire and make use of in sermons.

His tragic murder, however, presents the preacher with an interesting problem. How proclaim the Gospel (and it appears that McNair was a believer), how to announce comfort to the bereaved, and yet still acknowledge the horrible circumstances surrounding his death.

Preachers and pastors have to deal with this all the time. I thought McNair's own pastor did a fine job when he told the congregation, "Put down the stone."

So, I will put it to you, in the hopes of starting a good discussion. Imagine McNair was one of your members. How would you deal with the issue homiletically?

Book Review- Holy Superheroes!

The majority of pastors I know all share 1 common trait: They are big fans of fantasy, science fiction, and/or superheroes. Though I'm not as hardcore as I could be (and used to be), I can be found in that third camp. Superheroes offer us yet another way to examine our culture and ourselves.

That is the premise of Greg Garrett's book, Holy Superheroes! Exploring the Sacred in Comics, Graphic Novels, and Film." He states that superheroes give us another way to examine ourselves and our myths: "In the process of telling their stories of human-and superhuman- characters, comics deal with issues near and dear to our hearts:faith, hope, belief, guilt, justice, redmption, ultimate meaning, ultimate evil". (p.7)

Garrett explores the spiritual issues of a wide variety of comics and superheroes. And he does so as one who truly loves comics. He examines such issues as truth, power, heroism, vigilantism, evil, ethics, violence, and others.

Particularly helpful is the appendix that Garrett includes. It's a list of 25 graphic novels which Garrett referenced and recommends. Granted, not all of them deal with superheroes. But, it is a worthwhile list. Not only does he list these graphic novels, he gives a brief synopsis.

I'm not sure how much this book will help you in your ministry, but it is a good read. If nothing else, it may help with sermon prep. That is, it may help strengthen illustrations, or provide new possibilities for illustration.

What about those of you who are not fanboys, or even casual fans of the genre? There are possibilities for you as well in the book. It may strengthen bonds between the comics enthusiast member and yourself, if you are not already a comics/superhero fan. Att he bare minimum, it will help you relate better to other pastors who describe themselves as fans.

The book is a quick read, and well-worth it.

Book Review- Family Guy and Philosophy

I read this book recently with great interest. I am big fan of Family Guy. Even though there is some content which is slightly offensive to me, particularly when it comes to my Christian faith, there is much to like about the show, and a LOT which is, to say the least, hysterically funny.

This book is a collection of essays, dealing with some aspect of philosophy that one or more episodes touches on. There is also a philosophical examination of the main characters.

Since this blog is designed to highlight issues which are pertinent to ministry, will focus on the essays which are of particular interest to people involved in ministry.

The second essay in the collection questions whether people of faith should be offended at the show's treatment of religion. The author comes to the conclusion: "Perhaps the religious content doesn't benefit believers; but then perhaps it doesn't harm them either. And maybe that's enough to justify our choice to watch and not to take offense." (p. 26) It's easy to agree with the author's conclusion. However, there is some stuff that is objectionable to people of any faith. But, that is going to happen anytime faith and culture interact. One of the most valuable skills for ministry that I have learned (and am still learning) is to develop a thick skin when it comes to worldly interpretations of religion and religious faith.

Two other essays focus on religion is particular. Another essay seeks to define what, exactly, "real religion" is. It also challenges the idea of exclusionary religion. This is a fascinating discussion, regardless of the tie-in to the show. And it is of particular interest to those of us who are devotees of a religion which makes exclusivist claims (Christian for me, Islam for others, something else for still more).

The most entertaining essay regarding religious issues is the one on Stewie (the baby) and the so-called Seven Deadly Sins. The author concludes in this essay that the reason we laugh at Stewie and his antics is not that it is so absurd, but that we, in our original sin, are capable of the same thoughts, words, and actions. (Even though that particular author has no use for the doctrine of original sin.) This is a valid point, and worth discussing in a sermon or catechetical instruction.

Every essay in the book is well-written and highly readable. I recommend this volume for any minister who:
1. loves Family Guy
2. has parishioners who love Family Guy
3. are looking for ways to integrate more and better pop culture into their sermons and /or teaching.
4. are a minister who is personally put off by Family Guy, but knows it's huge in American culture right now, and is looking for a way to deal with that.

Movie Review- Watchmen

This is an amazing film, loaded with theological fodder for discussion. But then again, many superhero films are.

The central plot of the film centers on a team of superheroes, which is in s state of quasi-retirement/disarray in 1985. One member of the team, an aging hero called The Comedian, is attacked and thrown out of his high-rise apartment window. This is discovered by another member of the team, a masked avenger called Rohrschack, who believes that, due to the current political/social climate, someone is trying to kill superheroes. The rest of the film centers on him trying to convince the other semi-retired team members to reunite and stop whoever is doing this.

Vengeance is a big theme in the film. But really, the main theme of the film is power. What are the limits of power? What is power? And, when using power, where is the line of demarcation between hero and villain? (The film could come into play when discussing, teaching, or preaching on the difference/relationship of power and authority.)

The film (and graphic novel on which the film is based) takes it title from the famous quote by the ancient satirist, Juvenal: "Who watches the watchmen?" However, I would also opine that it could be taken from the passage in Ezekiel where God says to the prophet, "Son of Man, I have appointed you a watchman over Israel." Either way, it works.

GOSPEL HANDLES

Despite the recurring issue of vengeance, there are some Gospel handles to be had. There is a scene where Dr. Manhattan ponders saving a planet that he "no longer has any stake in". However, he intervenes out of love (for Silk Spectre). This also presents an interestingpoint of discussion. The main villain causes the deaths of millions to bring about world peace. It makes a powerful statement on death being necessary for salvation (a key part of the Gospel of Jesus). I'll leave that up to you.

CLERGY HANDLES

There is one depiction of a minister doing a funeral.

I highly recommend this movie.

Movie Review- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Overall, I found this to be a pretty boring movie. But, just because a work of art is boring, or abstract, or even just plain terrible, does not mean that we cannot mine its resources in service to the Gospel.

The film, based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, tells the story of a man who was born with a condition which causes his apprearance to look ever younger as he ages. This is a very interesting premise.

There is much theological fodder in the film. Benjamin's adoptive mother is depicted as a very religious woman. That willbe discussed in slightly more detail under the "Gospel Handles" section. Other theological issues raised by the fim are purpose, and whether our days and what happens in them are chance or ordered with a purpose. There actually is more to this film than this oversimplified review makes it sound. Some of it preaches pretty well.

GOSPEL HANDLES

Adoption is a big theme in this film. As is unconditional love. Benjamin's adopted mother finds him on her doorstep. She is at first repulsed by his appearance, but she chooses to love him, despite this, and despite them being 2 different races. This is the strongest Gospel handle in the film.

CLERGY HANDLES

There is one clergy deptiction in the film of note. It is a revival preacher/faith healer. It is he who actually prompts Benjamin to leave his wheelchair and start walking. This says soemthing about both faith healing, and faith itself.

Movie Review- Slumdog Millionaire

This film came highly recommended by several people. I finally got a chance to see it. It took me a while to get into the story, but once I finally did, it was an enjoyable ride.

The film is the story of a young man from the slums of Mumbai, India (formerly Bombay) who gets a chance to compete on the Indian television version "Who wants to be a Millionaire?" He scores better than anyone in the history of the show. Thus, he is accused cheating. The host of the show, as well as the police, want to know how it is that a kid from the slums could know so much. The answers to the questions are provided by his retelling his life story to the police. In other words, every experience he has had in his life has led him to the answer to one of the show's questions.

The tale is, at its core, a love story. It depicts a vast, inescapable, relentless love. This alone makes it a Gospel Handle. More on that later, though. The film also provides other theological fodder. One scene, for example, depicts a vision of the Hindu deity Rama. Additionally, theological/social justice issues such as class, education, crime and poverty are addressed.

The other primary theological issue deals with a sense of purpose. It seeks to answer the question of whether things that happen to us, or things that we experience, occur for a reason or are they random chance? Do they serve a purpose, and can we use them in our purpose?

GOSPEL HANDLES

As I stated above, the type of love that the main character (Jamal) shows for a woman (Latika) is the core of the film. It is also a wonderful metaphor for God's love to His creations (us). Further, just as Jamal will not give upon Latika, no matter how dire the situation is, God doesn't give up on us.

Another Gospel handle is the relationship of Jamal to his older brother, Salim. His brother makes some very sacrificial decisions regarding Jamal. Jamal does not always realize it at the time. However, he mostly has Jamal's interest at heart. This, too, is an appropriate metaphor for God.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no clergy depictions to speak of.

The preacher who searches this film for sermon fodder and illustrations will be richly rewarded. Theological significance abounds here. Another added bonus is that the film provides a non-western perspective, which will add nice diversity to any sermon.

Movie Review- The Reader

Here again, we are presented with a film that is not so much theological, as it is moral. Some might argue that you cannot separate the 2. That debate is not the purpose of this review.

This film is an emotionally-taut exploration of a certain kind of human relationship. In this case, it tells the story of a teenager who randomly meets and begins an affair with an older woman. The affair lasts for one summer. He sees the woman years later as a law student who observes the woman on trial for war crimes due to her involvement in the Nazi atrocities. The rest of the film deals with the continuation of their relationship after they no longer have the physical/sexual aspects of it.

All sorts of morality issues are at play here. There are obvious 6th-commandment issues. The theological issues which can be raised in a discussion are faithfulness to vocation, what it means to care for another, and the classic "Who is my neighbor"?

GOSPEL HANDLES

This film, as I stated above is not so much theological as it is moral. Thus, Gospel handles must be imported. There are themes of service, servanthood, redemption, Law, and responsibility. There is a good scene which would serve as a good sermon illustration which is a dialogue on absolution and forgiveness between the lawyer (ably played by Ralph Fiennes) and a Holocaust survivor.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no depictions of clergy to speak of in the film.

This film is worth seeing. However, if you have an aversion to graphic sexual sitauions (whether they advance the plot or not), you may want to skip the first 40 or so minutes. Either way, you will be rewarded with a satifying drama. Kate Winslet's performance is not to be missed.

Movie Review- Frost/Nixon

This is not a theological film, per se. However, that doesn't mean that theological truths and insights cannot be gleaned from it. Nor does it mean that there are not theological issues explored.

The film tells the story of British journalist David Frost and his famed interview with former president Richard Nixon. It tells how Frost conceived the idea, tried to fund it, and eventually got it produced.

Several issues are raised by this film. These include: power vs. authority, the limits of governmental authority (Romans 13 issues), as well the use of media. All of these can be theological issues.

There is one particular religious angle in the film. It's when someone points out to Frost to ask the question, how can Nixon as a Quaker justify escalating the war in Vietnam? It's a valid point, I think.

GOSPEL HANDLES:

There's not many obvious Gospel Handles that I observed in this film. But there are some connections. The most obvious one is of course, Chuck Colson. Colson was one of those that actually went to prison for Watergate, and later became a Christian apologist. Another tie-in is using the Frost?Nixon interview as a type of confession. This is probably the strongest of the handles, though there is no real Gospel proclamation.

CLERGY HANDLES:

There are no depictions of clergy to speak of. There is only one passing reference to Billy Graham.

This is an OK movie which is saved by strong performances. It's worth seeing, but I wouldn't have nominated for Best Picture.