KANSAS CITY – Alan Branch, Ph.D., is professor of Christian Ethics at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary here, where he has served in various roles since 2001. He also served as a chaplain in the United States Army Reserves from 2009-2013 and served a tour in the Middle East from 2011-2012. Branch is the author of numerous articles and books, including Born This Way?: Homosexuality, Science, and the Scriptures? (Weaver Book Company, 2016), and next month he releases his latest book, … [Read more...]
Disappointing ‘Tolkien’ forgets Christian symbolism that set apart ‘Lord of the Rings’
When it comes to fiction, few authors can stir Christians’ (and non-Christians’) imagination like J.R.R. Tolkien. His Lord of the Rings (LOTR) books are rightfully 20th-century classics. While there is zero doubt Tolkien’s deep faith influenced his work – you can’t ignore the themes of temptation, sin, redemption and sacrifice in LOTR – I’ve always appreciated that his writings were substantially subtler than that of his contemporary and friend, C.S. Lewis. Where Lewis’s symbols were … [Read more...]
‘Breakthrough’ tells true story of Missouri miracle
ST. PETERS – I’m a sucker for a true story. “Breakthrough,” the latest faith-based movie to hit theaters, is worth your time and attention precisely because it is the story of a true miracle. The fact that some of the setting will feel familiar to you is a bonus. It’s based on the real-life case of John Smith, a 15-year-old boy from St. Peters, Mo. who fell through the ice on a frozen lake in 2015. He was submerged for nearly 15 minutes before paramedics found him and pulled him from the … [Read more...]
New animated version of Bunyan’s ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ coming to theaters
When my dad was a little boy, his favorite bedtime story was John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. I’m told he would gasp and cheer as my grandmother read each chapter of the second most-read book of all time (The Bible still holds the top spot). He was riveted by the tale of Christian, his heavy burden, and his journey along the Narrow Way from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. All while the ultimate enemy tries everything in his power to distract him. But even though I’ve … [Read more...]
Sight & Sound’s ‘Noah’ brings ark, flood, and animals two-by-two to big screen
A trip to Branson to see Sight & Sound Theatres’ live show, “Samson,” may not fit into your schedule and budget this spring. Closer to home and easier on the wallet is their previous production, “Noah,” in select theaters across Missouri, April 9, 11 and 13 (Spoiler alert: There’s a flood in the second act). If you ever have made the trek down to the theatre in Branson, you’ll feel right at home in your local movie theater. True, the close-ups mean you can see things like wireless … [Read more...]
‘Unplanned’ tells former Planned Parenthood clinic director’s powerful story
“Unplanned” is not particularly enjoyable. That’s not the point, however. It’s the true story of Abby Johnson, a pro-life activist who used to be one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors in the nation. Over a span of eight years, she was involved in 22,000 abortions and counseled countless women on their “reproductive choices.” In advocating for abortion, Johnson believed she truly was helping women and herself. She and her colleagues were “doing God’s work.” Her … [Read more...]
Even secular movies offer chances to think biblically
HOLLYWOOD – Francis Schaeffer, author and Christian worldview philosopher, believed that arts should have a firm, secure place in the Christian life. “They are not peripheral,” he wrote. “For a Christian, redeemed by the work of Christ and living within the norms of Scripture and under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the Lordship of Christ should include an interest in the arts. A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God – not just as tracts, but as things of beauty to the … [Read more...]
Despite mixed reactions from critics, faith-based movies gaining traction
HOLLYWOOD – It’s not hard to argue that faith-based movies are bigger than ever, and with movies like “Unplanned” (March 29), “Breakthrough” (April 17), “The Pilgrim’s Progress” (April 18) and “Overcomer” (Aug. 23), on the horizon, the trend isn’t waning any time soon. Some of these movies, like last spring’s, “I Can Only Imagine,” are surprise box office hits ($83 million in ticket sales on a $7 million budget) and even win over a slim majority of secular critics. Others, like “God’s … [Read more...]
Review: ‘Run the Race’ surprises with strong story, nuance
I’ll get straight to the point. “Run the Race” is probably the best Christian movie I’ve ever seen. Is it really better than “I Can Only Imagine,” a movie which represented a huge artistic leap forward in the genre? Yes. Yes, it is. It’s hard to describe how happy it makes me to say that. Don’t be put off if you watch the trailer on YouTube and aren’t impressed. It’s far better than the trailer or its generic-looking poster. This is a good movie, and one you and your family will enjoy. … [Read more...]
‘Inherit the Wind’ monkeys with Scopes’ history
Movies can be a great tool for instruction, but they also have a tremendous ability to throw a monkey wrench into the complex workings of history and honest debate when drama is taken for reality. Such is the case with 1960’s “Inherit the Wind,” a story which is based on but bears only a passing resemblance to the famed “Scopes Monkey Trial.” (Click for further background of the trial and its legacy for the SBC.) In his book, Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing … [Read more...]
Monkey business: As liberalism increased in SBC, evolution debates motivated adoption of BFM 1925
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third article in a year-long series, commemorating the history of the Conservative Resurgence of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) in honor of its 40th anniversary. To read the previous article in the series, click here: Abandoning the faith: Lottie Moon, Crawford H. Toy and the infiltration of liberalism in the SBC. In July 1925, a circus of journalists and lawyers, as well as a mishmash of social reformers and pleasure-seekers, descended upon the nearly … [Read more...]
Paper’s sexual abuse report leaves SBC’s Greear ‘broken’
HOUSTON (BP) – A Houston newspaper, in reporting on instances of sexual abuse by pastors and others at Southern Baptist churches, has left SBC President J.D. Greear "broken over what was revealed today." "The abuses described in this @HoustonChron article are pure evil," Greear stated in a series of tweets after the Houston Chronicle reported today (Feb. 10) on instances of abuse by ministers, youth pastors, Sunday School teachers, deacons and church volunteers. Along with its … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 47
- Next Page »