Articles by category: Religion

It is a delight to get caught up in the inspirational experience of every aspect of Gospel music. Modern as well as traditional Gospel music is an obvious symbol of the history and tradition of the Black Christian Church in America. In writer / director Todd Graf’s “Joyful Noise,” it is also obvious that the experience of attending the traditional “black church” in Georgia today is a far cry from the days of Martin Luther King, Jr. It has been only 50 years since Dr. King noted that “11 o’clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America”.

The destructive ripples of an extra-marital affair go far beyond the adultery. There is not only the betrayal of trust within the marriages, but the loss of innocence within the hearts and lives of the children. This multigenerational impact on the descendants is the moral message of Alexander Payne’s “Descendants.”

Father-son relationships are difficult. God-human relationships are even more difficult. Yet when these relationships are navigated successfully, they give meaning to our lives individually and collectively. That is why the Christian faith was simply called “The Way” in the early church because people quickly realized that following Jesus Christ is more about going on a journey together than having a religion to practice. However, the journey is different for every person, and community is experienced most fully with those with whom we share the journey. That is the clear message of Emilio Estevez’ film “The Way.”

Men, go see “Courageous.” Fathers, be prepared to be convicted. Another in the series of Christian dramas, “Courageous” is written and produced by brothers Stephen and Alex Kendrick (Facing The Giants, Fireproof). Every man who sees this film will be challenged to consider what kind of role model their life has become.

The Harry Potter films end where they began: Love, which lays down one’s own life for another, is more powerful than evil that takes life. But in this final film, additional spiritual truths are accentuated: Evil may seek a way to find eternal life, but such a life is only possible through love and sacrifice, not through scheming or sorcery; Power that forces servitude is to be rejected outright and even the temptation to do so has to be destroyed; and ultimate meaning in life is found not in magical adventure but in the rewards of friendship, love and family.

Terrence Malick’s “The Tree Of Life” is a multigenerational emotional experience: a look at the sins and grace that is passed on from one generation to another. What pain do we carry from the experiences of our parents? What is God’s plan for our lives as we try to temper the fallibility of our mothers and fathers? Can we be transformed by the grace of God and those who have been touched by it?

Mr. O’Brien (Brad Pitt) is a product of his generation

The entertaining Pirates of the Caribbean series is strengthened by its interest in the spiritual world. From the curse of the Aztec gold, to the beating heart removed and locked away for safe keeping, to the journey into the afterlife, and scores of other spiritual and supernatural allusions to vessels and creatures in the first three films, this fourth film of the franchise continues the tradition. Weaving mythology with the occult and Christianity with politics, the adventure continues for the charming pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp).

Since African-Americans became a part of every level of American life, the usual tensions between social and economic classes within this previously oppressed minority have also surfaced. Those who recognize this most intimately are the African-American pastors who have made this journey together with their congregations. T.D. Jakes is one such pastor and his film “Jumping the Broom” is a revealing portrayal of that journey.

A five-person panel of experts will discuss “Christian Perspectives on the Ethical Treatment of Animals in Factory Farms and Scientific Laboratories” Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 3:30 p.m. in Westmont’s Hieronymus Lounge. The discussion is free and open to the public.