This is the second of what will be three posts on Nelson Mandela. I know, there has been so much on him, but there is so much good material available, that I hope you are not tired of hearing about him. This time I want to bring to your attention in case you are like …
Nelson Mandela
It has been too long since writing on this site, so now, while the last night’s news of Nelson Mandela’s death is fresh, I am impelled to respond to this world event. Like many of you, I was glued to my TV set last night, soaking in all the well-produced tributes on ABC and MSNBC. …
Two New NOTHING SACRED Guides
Two new guides for the TV series Nothing Sacred have been posted on the Fuller Theological Seminary media blog “Reel Spirituality.” Episode 3 “Mixed Blessings” deals with unexpected consequences from the staff’s winning lottery ticket, and Episode 4 “Parents and Children” deals with both sides of the abortion controversy when a staff member is impregnated. …
New VISUAL PARABLES Launch
I am happy that ReadtheSpirit has launched the new Visual Parables site. There are lots of features to explore which will add to the fun of viewing movies through the eyes of faith and ethics. Check it out at http://www.visualparables.org
To the Wonder
Rated R. Our ratings: V-1; L- 1; S/N -5. Running time: 1 hour 52 min.Related Scriptures: Psalm 42:1-2; Song of Solomon 8:6-7; Matthew 5:43-44; Mark 9.24. From the very beginning we see that this highly unusual film will be more of a visual meditation than the ordinary story-based film. As it opens we hear a …
Closed Circuit
Rated R. Our ratings: V -4; L -2; S/N-3. Running time: 1 hour 36 min. Claudia and Martin appear before the special judge, but most of the drama takes place outside the courtroom. (c) 2013 Focus Featues The eyes of the LORD are in every place, …
Blue Jasmine
Rated PG-13. Our ratings: V -0; L -4; S/N-5 . Running time: 1 hour 38 min. Jasmine with husband and son (far left) lived a lavish life style in the Hamptons before fall into the impoverished class. (c) 2013 Sony Pictures Classics ‘But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. ‘Woe …
The Spectacular Now
Rated R. Our ratings: V -0; L -4; S -5/N-1 . Running time: 1 hour 35 min. Sutter and Aimee are from two different worlds at their high school. (c) 2013 A24 But when he came to himself Luke 15:17 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. …
Lee Daniels The Butler
Rated PG-13. Our ratings: V-5; L-5 ; S/N-2 . Running time: 2 hours 12 min. The Kennedys meet the black staff for the first time. (c) 2013 Weinstein Pictures I say to God, my rock, ‘Why have you forgotten me? Why must I walk about mournfully because the enemy oppresses me?’ Psalm 42.9 …
How Dr. King Almost Got Me Fired
This week’s observance of the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s great speech climaxing the March on Washington brought back many memories. 1963 was the year I graduated from McCormick Theological Seminary and accepted my first call to serve a three-church parish in North Dakota. When I heard that summer of the plans …