Movie Review- Valentine's Day

Let me get my bias right out on the table. I am not really a fan of the so-called "romantic comedy". Actually, if I'm being totally honest, it's probably me least favorite drama. Nevertheless, as a service to you, my partners in ministry, I will review the film for you.

The film tells several stories at once. Essentially, each person in the story is trying to celebrate the perfect valentine's day. No one actually says this phrase, but you can tell it's on the characters' minds. You pretty much don't need to know much more than that.

Theological discussions can take place as a result of this film. However, as you might expect, much of it deals with Sixth Commandment and sexuality issues. Sex outside the boundaries of marriage abounds in this film, both as premarital and extramarital. But, we have to remember, Hollywood is not in the business of teaching Christian values or propagating a Biblical worldview. That said, I believe this is a pretty accurate reflection of our present culture.

Another discussion which may stem this film is the topic of "purpose". In this context, as in many romantic comedies, "purpose" is equivalent to "meant to be", at least relationally speaking. In any such discussion, the distinction among purpose, vocation and choosing a mate should be made clear.

One final point should be obvious, though I will state it. This film could serve as a springboard to the story of the actual St. Valentine.

GOSPEL HANDLES

Naturally, any film called "Valentine's Day" traffics in "love". Many different kinds of love exist, and they are reflections of God's love for us. There is a line spoken by one of the characters that actually is a pretty good Gospel handle. he says something to the effect of love means loving the other person entirely, not the just parts you like. What a good description of how God, who hates sin, showed us His love by sending Jesus. He redeemed us, even though we did not deserve it, or do anything to make God "like us".

CLERGY HANDLES

Some nuns are depicted. In one scene they hold a baby for a busy and slightly disorganized mother. Outside of that, they don't do anything particularly nun-like.

if you like romantic comedies, there is a good chance you will enjoy this film. I however, prefer other genres.

Pastoral Aesthetic Quotes- 1

"Except for theology, there is no art that can be placed in comparison with music." --Martin Luther

New Feature- Quotes

In an effort to post more regularly on this site, as well as to keep it from being simply a site for reviewing books and (mostly) films, I have decided to post quotes regarding spirituality and culture/the arts. They can and will come from a variety of sources, both ancient and modern. Feel free to comment on them. By the way, it should be noted that these, like most quotes are random and probably out of context. If you can add a bit of context, feel free to comment on that as well. Enjoy!

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.