Cover Story: Publishers Weekly, ‘Jesus is still a fascinating figure’

REJECTING AND REVIVING RELIGION

COVER STORY—The most important milestone in religion, right now, is the tug of war between millions of Americans who are rejecting religion—and millions who are experiencing spiritual revival. The truth is: Often, the same people are pulling on both ends of the rope! That’s the message of a new Publishers Weekly (PW) report on trends in the latest spiritual books. We’re pleased that PW has included Blue Ocean in its in-depth coverage of this trend. Take a moment to read our story about transformation—and inspiration!

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Vivid Reminder: ‘Media’ are not ‘Enemies’

3 PROVOCATIVE VIDEOS—You’ve heard the charge: “Media are enemies of the people.” If you’re reading our online magazine, you likely agree with professional journalists that, as The Washington Post now puts it: “Democracy dies in darkness.” But, you may not realize the risks and challenges media professionals face in trying to capture “the truth.” Now, three important video documentaries explore the century-long struggle faced by filmmakers trying to tell the truth—during some of the world’s darkest hours.

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SOIL OF A HOMELAND

GodSignsThis week, columnist Suzy Farbman brings us the story of a Cuban-American family, separated from their homeland by the Communist revolution many decades ago. With the death of the family’s matriarch, however, a decision about final remains fell to the next generation. Here’s the story of how they navigated that spiritual challenge.

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PASSOVER IS COMING

ALL THE HOLIDAYS—Check out www.InterfaithHolidays.org.

PASSOVER—Jewish families around the world mark the ancient festival of freedom starting at sunset on April 10. Stephanie Fenton has the story about this observance, which involves recalling the story of freedom from slavery—and always prompts questions about the need to respond to injustice in our contemporary world, as well.

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PALM SUNDAY—As Stephanie Fenton reports, this is one of those rare years when Eastern and Western Christians converge on the same date for Easter, the most important holiday in the Christian year. Before that, though, comes the colorful festival of Palm Sunday.

THE PASCHAL TRIDUUMSome churches use this traditional phrase to describe the ancient liturgies that fill three days before Easter. These colorful, solemn practices include the blessing of holy oils in Catholic churches, the washing of feet, communion services and special draping of church altars.

EASTER / PASCHA—West and East converge this year on April 16! Stephanie Fenton reports on the wide range of colorful customs and stories related to this holiday around the world.

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FILM & FAITH:
WIN A FREE MOVIE!

ED McNULTY is a national treasure among film critics. For decades, he has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work freely published at VisualParables.org.

Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journala monthly magazine packed with complete study guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

IN APRIL, Ed is offering 5 free movies on DVD and/or Blu-ray to 5 men and women who either subscribe for a year or renew their existing annual subscription for another year (before April 30). Here’s how it works: As April ends, we will put the names of people who subscribed/renewed into a hat and draw 5 winners. Then, Ed will email the winners, in the order their names were drawn, and give them a choice of the free movies. There are some wonderful movies available! The list of 5 prizes starts with the thought-provoking Silence and includes the hit movie Arrival, as well. Click here to subscribe/renew and get in on this drawing.

Among Ed’s latest free movie reviews are:

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