HOLLYWOOD – “Harriet” isn’t a “Christian” movie, but that doesn’t mean this biopic about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad isn’t a movie full of Christian themes and content. Does your family need to get out of the house and get a breath of fresh air over Thanksgiving? You could do a lot worse than heading to the theater to see this uplifting and inspiring movie. It seems odd to say a movie about slavery is inspiring, but it’s true. Harriet begins with Minty, a slave woman … [Read more...]
Christians, art, rediscovering John the Baptist
KANSAS CITY – One of the more memorable experiences I have had in an art museum occurred seven years ago. My doctoral supervisor, and then colleague, invited me and one of his soon-to-graduate PhD students[1] to the Kimbell Art Museum to view Caravaggio’s “Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness” (1604). As a part of a study abroad program, the three of us had toured museums in England where our mentor had shown us the merits and benefits of how to enjoy art, and the relationship of … [Read more...]
No laughing matter: Joker’s dark content ‘dangerous,’ reviewers say
NASHVILLE (BP) – The new psychological thriller "Joker" is a "dangerous" movie that glorifies violence and could spark copycats, even if it does raise important questions about mental illness and society's downtrodden, say faith-based reviewers who screened the film. The Warner Bros/DC Films movie opens in theaters this weekend, revealing the backstory to the villain best-known as Batman's nemesis. "Joker," though, is not categorized as a superhero film. It's rated R for "strong … [Read more...]
MBC releases new book on racial reconciliation
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Baptist Convention has released a new book on racial reconciliation designed for personal or group study. One Church, All People: Biblical Truth About Diversity and Reconciliation is available from Amazon in print and Kindle formats, and from the MBC’s website, mobaptist.org. Written by the MBC’s Bill Victor, who serves in the Developing Leaders Group as scholar in residence, One Church aims to show that diversity and racial reconciliation are biblical … [Read more...]
‘Reenchanting Humanity’ – MBTS’s Strachan talks theology of sexuality, vocation, race
KANSAS CITY – Owen Strachan serves as associate professor of Christian theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he is also director of the seminary’s Center for Public Theology. Strachan is also scheduled to speak, Oct. 14, during the Missouri Baptist Convention Christian Life Commission’s Unlocking Biblical Truth Conference in Kansas City (see advertisement below for more information). Earlier this summer, I spoke with Strachan about his latest book, Reenchanting … [Read more...]
Of ‘Downton Abbey,’ dramatic stories, testimonies worth shouting about
The new theatrical release “Downton Abbey” is the cinematic finale to six seasons of the British TV series of the same name. If you enjoyed the show, by all means, see the movie. This big screen chapter has all the same thematic strengths as the television series (and weaknesses... you’ll be disappointed if you had your fingers crossed Thomas Barrow’s journey was going to have a God-honoring conclusion). I’m late to the Downton party, or I suppose, Downton ball. I binge-watched all six … [Read more...]
‘Be careful little eyes what you see’ – Surgeon says media violence has real-world effects on children
JEFFERSON CITY – Dr. Caleb Steffen grew up playing video games. Like many of his contemporaries and kids today, he never gave a second thought to tuning out the world and blasting, slashing and shooting his way to the next checkpoint. Now though, this Christian father and surgeon with a background in trauma is much more concerned about the impact violent media – whether it’s TV, movie or videogames – can have on the human brain and behavior. A few years ago, Steffen became frustrated at … [Read more...]
Kendricks on movie making: One saved ‘better than 10’ Oscars
ALBANY, Ga. (BP) – Alex and Stephen Kendrick have enjoyed box-office success that few filmmakers ever will experience. Their movies “Fireproof” (2008) and “Courageous” (2011) both opened in the Top 4. Their 2015 movie "War Room" climbed to No. 1 in America on its second weekend. They've been interviewed by big-city newspapers and broadcast networks. But they don't judge the success of their movies solely on box-office numbers or public relations victories. They judge success, Stephen … [Read more...]
Review: ‘Overcomer’ a touching, funny film
I can be a bit of a movie snob. Because of this part of my identity, I sometimes go into a faith-based movie with low expectations. In my mind, I’m being charitable by giving the plucky, low-budget underdog a chance, when in reality I’m probably being more than a little condescending. Many so-called “Christian movies” have earned a little condescension, but movies like “Overcomer” mean that sometime soon I won’t have to automatically grade them on a curve. The latest movie from Alex and … [Read more...]
MBTS’s Allen publishes ‘Letters to My Students’
KANSAS CITY (BP) – Through the years, Jason Allen has kept up with his correspondence and questions about ministry – some of it in the form of letters, emails, classroom lectures, phone conversations, or conference sermons and presentations. This material helped fuel a new book project, Letters to My Students, authored by Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. B&H Publishing released the book July 30. Allen noted his interest in and interactions with the book … [Read more...]
‘America’s Got Talent’ singer hits high notes of faith
PINEVILLE, La. (BP) – "America's Got Talent" contestant Robert Finley paid a visit to the Zion Hill Church Family on Sunday, (Aug. 4) to share a simple, yet profound musical message of hope. "Hold onto God's unchanging hand," Finley said in between songs at the church in Pineville, La. "Keep your faith. Good things come to those who wait, if you wait upon the Lord." Finley, who is a bluesman from Bernice, La., first caught the attention of the nation July 9 when he received a standing … [Read more...]
Kendrick brothers talk ‘Overcomer,’ identity in Christ
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP) – Alex and Stephen Kendrick have an ambitious vision for their new movie, "Overcomer." And the vision has nothing to do with winning any awards or box-office glory. Instead, they say, it's about helping people discover their identity in Christ. "When the church rises up and knows who she is in Christ and knows she is forgiven, redeemed, loved and chosen, she is going to operate differently," Alex said. "We want you guys to be bold in your faith, to have the … [Read more...]
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