Pastoral Aesthetic Quotes- 4

"There can be no music without ideology."

--Dmitri Shostakovich

Pastoral Aesthetic Quotes- 3

"There can be no question. God is interested in beauty. God made people to be beautiful. And beauty has a place in the worship of God."

--Francis Schaeffer (in "Art and the Bible)

Pastoral Aesthetic Quotes- 2

"When we find ourselves perplexed by a scene in a movie or the lyrics of a song, we say to our friends, 'What do you make of that?' We aren't usually our friends to write a new scene or sing new lyrics- we aren't asking for more creation. We mean, what sense do you make of it? We are asking for interpretation."

--Andy Crouch (in "Culture Making" p.24)

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?