Movie Review- Sherlock Holmes

This film is a reinterpretation of the beloved literary characters, Sherlock Holmes, and his assistant Dr. Watson. The film itself is more packed with explosions and action than wits and logic. The film is entertaining, and does provide some interesting theological grist.

Much of the theological material deals with secret societies, and the "dark arts". Clearly, we are dealing with Second Commandment issues (or third, depending on your numbering system). This provides many opportunities for discussion, though showing the film (either clips or in its entirety) is probably better left to adult Bible study, or at least teens. It turns out that the "dark arts" in the film are the results of technology than actual Satanic influence, but the point that it is dangerous and nothing for believers to be fooling around with.

It can be argued that Holmes using his genius in the service of catching criminals is a good example of using your gifts from God in helpful ways or on vocation. This latter point is stretch.

The fact that the main villain finally gets his comeuppance is really more of a law handle.

GOSPEL HANDLES

The Gospel is pretty obscure. One possible handle, albeit a weak one, is the the practitioner of the "dark arts" are exposed as frauds. The Gospel handle, here is Satan and his minions , though dangerous, have no real power. The power is not in human reason and logic, but in Christ alone. As I said, this is a weak handle.

CLERGY HANDLES

There is one very brief image of a priest. He is seen at the execution of the villain.

This is an entertaining film , if nothing else. The theological material is unconventional, but interesting.

Movie Review- The Blind Side

Here we encounter a film where Christians are portrayed in a positive light. This film tells the story of Michael Oher, a guy with a horrendous childhood. He bounces around life with pretty much no direction, until he's offered a chance at success via a private school education with athletic potential. He's "de facto" adopted by a wealthy white family who takes him in, essentially out of Christian charity and the goodness of their hearts. He flowers under their generosity. Then they legally adopt him. He develops his athletic prowess, goes to college and is drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. This is all based on a true story.

There would be no problem showing this film in your church, to either a youth group or a larger audience. The demonstration of Christian charity preaches very well. Another point of discussion is when the football coach (out of selfish motivation) questions what it means to be a Christian. he does this toward the beginning when he lobbies to have Michael admitted to the school.

GOSPEL HANDLES

The biggest Gospel handle is the theme of adoption. Michael is adopted by the family. What better way to illustrate Scripture's point of our adoption through Christ? Further, when Michael first starts to live with the family, he is taken in, fed, clothed, sheltered, etc. This provides a fantastic illustration of Christ's words in Matthew's Gospel about welcoming the stranger.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no depictions of clergy in this film.

I recommend this film for any pastor's film library. He or she may she it with confidence. What?! You don't have a pastor's DVD library?

Movie Review- Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakuel

Here again, we are presented with a film that, at first glance, does not provide much opportunity for theological discussion. However, if we are willing to look a little deeper, we soon discover that there is, maybe, more than meets the eye. I'm not saying it's all that deep, but let's see what we can mine form the film.

This movie is cute and fun. It's a great kids movie. And sometimes, that's all a film needs to be. This film explores issues such as friendship, family, peer pressure, celebrity as well as others. Any or all of these issues can be or are important to kids.

GOSPEL HANDLES

The biggest of a gospel handle in here are acceptance after turning away (parallels with Luke 15). Other images of rescue are in the film.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no depictions of clergy in this film.

Pastoral Reading List 2009-10

As I explained in a post on my other blog, I have a reading list. The list is organized by month. Each month has a different theme. I try to read books and articles in that category each month.

It's a system that works for me. I don't actually plan what specific books I'll read. I just read what's in that category for the months, and looks good. The cycle starts over every September. Also, I should note that this list IS in a particular order.

SEP: Evangelism
OCT: History
NOV: NT/Luke
DEC: Preaching
JAN: Lutheran Confessions
FEB: Other Religions
MAR: Prayer
APR: Pastoral Theology/Pastoral Ministry
MAY: Old Testament
JUN: Worship
JUL: Gospel of John
AUG: Christian Lit. Classics

Like I said, this list and this reading plan works for me. Other pastors have different systems which work for them. What, if any, system do you use?

Movie Review- Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

This movie is just a good time all the way around. The animation is superb, and if you get a chance to see it in 3D, please do so. It really does enhance the experience.

The film features the same characters as the previous films in the Ice Age franchise. The plot, though scientifically inaccurate, makes for a good time. The movie is there more for good laughs, spending time with the kids, telling a decent story, and of course providing a showcase for computer animation.

Though not overt, there is a fair amount of theological material here. The most obvious (and weakest) one is the whole issue of a creation-evolution debate. That's not even a part of the film at all, but I could see someone making the leap, or using it as a discussion starter. Whatever. But other issues which can be mined for theological nuggets are families and family units, friendship, trust, and purpose to name a few.

GOSPEL HANDLES

This film continues the idea of a not-so-normal herd from the previous two. It makes a good illustration of gospel "adoption". It also serves as a metaphor for congregations. Also in the film is the theme of going to great lengths to rescue someone who probably doesn't deserve it.

CLERGY HANDLES

Seeing as how all the characters in the film are prehistoric animals, there are no depictions of clergy.

I wholeheartedly recommend this film. Even if you enjoy on just a fun, cartoon level.

Benefits of Art

I came across this article recently. I found it in a little publication called "Silver". It describes itself as a "55+ Magazine for WNY and Northern PA". The article focuses on the positive benefits of art (especially on making art) beyond childhood.

The article begins with a quote from Pablo Picasso: "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." This is a great point. All kids love to draw, color, play with clay, and even paint. However, this somehow gets stifled as we age for most people.

The author lists several positive benefits for art later in life. These include such benefits as an outlet for self-expression, boosting self-esteem, cognitive improvement, confidence boosting, as well as the fact that it can be just plain relaxing.

So, this got me thinking. Our congregations are, for the most part, an aging community. How can we use art to enhance not only the lives of our members, but also the community at large? How can and does art affect our present ministries? How can we be facilitators for art in our congregations?



Just something to think about

The article can be found here: http://www.post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/534977.html?nav=78

Movie Review- Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince

This film could have been a lot better. Not that production values were low or the special were weak. Neither of those is true. But in terms of plot and adding to the storyline, much more could have been done.

Harry Potter, since his debut in the novels, has created quite a stir both in popular culture and in Christianity. This post will address that second aspect. Though some would disagree, there are many Gospel handles throughout the books and films. This is particularly strong in this film. Harry is asked to trust Dumbledore's judgement and plan, even if it looks like evil is winning or will cost Dumbledore his life. That should strike a very familiar chord with Christians.

Why is this important? There are those who believe that children who are exposed to Harry Potter will take an interest in neo-paganism, witchcraft, or any number of other occult concerns. Oddly, these same people generally say that children should be exposed to "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "Lord of the Rings", which are just as (or the case of LOTR, more violent) and have just as many wizards or just as much use of magic. But, they argue, those writings have Christian imagery and allegory in them. To that I say, Harry Potter does as well. Besides, find me a seminarian who doesn't secretly fantasize or pretend that their seminary is Hogwarts.

I would recommend this film only if you've seen the others. If you haven't it won't make much sense. But the Harry Potter phenomenon is alive and well in our culture, and thus some familiarity with it is advisable.

GOSPEL HANDLES

The theme of trust is huge in this film. Trusting even when things look bad, or when judgement is clouded strikes to the heart of our relationship with God. Beyond this are values such as friendship, the nature of good and evil, divine protection, and purpose are illuminated as well.

CLERGY HANDLES

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

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?