Everything That's On My Mind

Read an interesting article today on Next-Wave.org regarding the nature of the gospel, or at least how we communicate it. It's an interesting perspective. The gospel is "holistic" and affects our entire existence, and should not be limited in scope. I do believe the gospel does need to be understood in the context of the entire "story" of history. Otherwise, we approach our faith with a very self-centered mindset. However, we do need to keep in mind that the Cross is the central focus of the gospel story. In literary terms it is the "climax" of the story...at least the story so far. There is another "climax" to come. The gospel is not just about my salvation, however, it's about the redemption of all creation. I'm just a part of the story...and I need to play my part.

My extra-brief review: Thumbs Up! (I hope I don't get a nasty call from Roger Ebert's lawyers for that.) The movie is a faithful and effective adaptation of the book. It is a thrilling adventure that can be enjoyed and appreciated by the entire family, and that kind of movie is a rare thing these days. All the important themes and symbolic elements have been retained, and some have possibly been enhanced. Given the box office results ($67+ million in the first weekend), I expect filming to start soon on the next Chronicle...which reportedly will be Prince Caspian. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they decide to film a couple Chronicles simultaneously, just to make sure the young actors don't age too much.

The rest of my "review" will be formatted as "spoiler text" so I don't ruin the movie for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. To view it, use your mouse to select the text below.

First off, the kids. Georgie Henley (Lucy) is wonderful. Anna Popplewell (Susan) makes the most of her role, but doesn't have too many opportunities to shine. Skandar Keynes (Peter) and William Mosely (Edmund) are OK. As for the rest of the cast, Tilda Swinton was magnificent as Jadis. She brought just the right aire of menace without going over the top. Liam Neeson's voice work as Aslan was fine, but I would have picked someone else. I'm not sure who, but his voice just didn't work for me. Ditto on Michael Madsen as Maugrim...just didn't work for me. But I'm just picking nits at this point.

The CGI was simply amazing. I never would have believed they could rendered such a realistic lion, let alone the other fascinating characters of Narnia. I can't imagine C.S. Lewis having any problems with these anthropomorphic animals, despite his well-publicized letter to the contrary.

As far as the story goes, there are always necessary changes when a book is adapted to film. It is possible to argue the propriety of those changes ad infinitum, as any Tolkien fan will tell you. The changes here are generally more subtle, therefore less controversial. I can't imagine anyone making a big deal about most of them. Aslan's explanation of the "deeper magic" was changed, but I don't think it was diluted significantly. I liked the additional backstory elements, particularly the way they tied into the story later. For example, the way Edmund goes back for the broken picture of his father, then later sees a broken picture of Mr. Tumnus' father. It added depth to Edmund's character. I also liked the way Peter began his battle with the White Witch in the same way he had observed battles beginning in England...via an aerial bombardment. It just made sense to me.

So much for my first attempt at a movie review, or at least a movie comment.

I can't imagine a world without "A Charlie Brown Christmas", and I'm too young (thankfully) to remember one. We need more "roaring lambs" like Charles Schultz today.

The Christmas classic that almost wasn't

"When thy God hides his face, say not that he has forgotten thee, He is but tarrying a little while to make thee love him better, and when he cometh, thou shalt have joy in the Lord and shalt rejoice with joy unspeakable."

Given my last post, this blogger's entry seemed relevant:

Stupid Hymn Tricks

I got off on a tangent in my sermon this morning, and unfortunately I'm not sure I ended up making much sense. I still think the point is valid, I just didn't express myself as well as I'd have liked. The point I was trying to make had to do with the lack of critical thinking when it comes to art within our society, and particularly within the Christian community. Artistic endeavors seem to have gone to one of two extremes, either treated as mere entertainment or propoganda. This trend seems to have created a society that seems to ignore the viewpoint of the artist and the message being communicated.

Art is an expression of the artist's soul. Art is informed by the artist's worldview and that worldview (right or wrong) comes through in the art that is created. This is true whether the artist is producing radical political performance art or churning out the latest cookie-cutter blockbuster for the local cineplex. We ignore that fact to our peril, because everything we consume influences us. We can choose to control its influence on us, or we can simply allow ourselves to be tossed about by each viewpoint we hear.

We can't (and shouldn't) try to simply ignore any art from worldviews we disagree with. It would be pointless to try, we can't avoid it. Besides, there's good and bad in all art, even art created with the best intentions and worldviews. There's bad theology in some beloved old hymns, not to mention current CCM. There's a current CCM song that says when you're sad, "angels in heaven cry with you." It's a sweet sentiment...but it's totally contrary to God's Word.

The key is for us to live life with brain and spirit engaged at all times. As Paul writes, "Test everything. Hold on to the good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

I just love watching these guys play basketball. It's a thing of beauty. I've been a Pistons fan all my life. I remember going down to Cobo Hall to watch them back in the dark days of Dick Vitale and "Thunder and Lightning", aka Terry Tyler and John Long. I remember going to see them play at the Silverdome with 60,000+ of my closest friends back in the heydays of the late '80s. I've tried to forget the days of teal uniforms.

The thing I love the most about the current Pistons is how they win. The Pistons of the late '80s won through intimidation and brute force. This Pistons team wins through unselfishness and willpower. They rely on each other's strengths, support each other's weaknesses, they don't care about personal recognition, and they never quit. Basketball is the ultimate team sport when it's played properly. The NBA had forgotten that for the last decade, thanks in no small part to Michael Jordan. The Pistons have reminded the league what basketball should look like.

There's a reminder there for churches, because a church should work that way as well. Too often, we wait for a spiritual "Michael Jordan" to come along and make things happen, but God intends for the church to be the ultimate team activity. When we rely on each other and the power of Christ, forget about personal recognition, and press on (Philippians 3:12,17) relentlessly toward the goal to which He has called us, we cannot be defeated.

To which race of Middle Earth do you belong?
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I've seen other bloggers posting such lists and thought I'd join the club. In no particular order...

Christmas In Detroit - Various Artists (out of print)

An Evening in December - Various Artists
When My Heart Finds Christmas - Harry Connick Jr.
The Christmas Album - The Manhattan Transfer
Come, Let Us Adore Him - Various Artists

And finally, some Christmas CDs I wish I had...

Boogie Woogie Christmas - Brian Setzer Orchestra
Dig That Crazy Christmas - Brian Setzer Orchestra
Broken Christmas - Various Artists
A Charlie Brown Christmas - Vince Guaraldi Trio
Messiah - George Frederic Handel