REEL FAITH IN POP CULTURE
A roundup of pop culture news from a Christian Worldview
Compiled by Leo Partible
(The week of April 20, 2005)
Reel Faith in Pop Culture is newsletter from FilmPR.com that compiles headlines and resources to inform the Christian community of the growing impact of Christians in pop culture. To get the full story click on the link.
For questions or comments about this bi-weekly newsletter please contact Leo Partible at leo@filmpr.com
Also visit his website at www.dpgvisions.com
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
*Bill Mallonee on the best Christian band
*Bono criticizes the Left
*Bono on George W. Bush
HEADLINES
*Caviezel’s ‘Madison’ – Passion runs deep for Midwestern tale
*Lonnie Frisbee – Documentary of a Hippie Preacher
*NarniaWeb Exclusive Interview with Douglas Gresham
*'Revelations' off to strong start
*New pope intervened against Kerry in US 2004 election campaign
*Howard Dean trying to play the Jesus card
*Ex-Muslim to lead at Falwell’s Liberty University
*Jane Fonda’s memoir reveals family drama and inner turmoil
*Bush picks brains of Clinton, father
*An Old School Pope or Progressive Dope?
*Avon audience screens acclaimed director Wim Wender’s film
*The Curse of Conservatism
*Oprah Winfrey Visits Church in Cleveland
*Actress Patricia Heaton speaks out on alternatives to abortion
*Behind the scenes at the papal funeral, Bush, Bush and Clinton were inseparable
*Slogans on Edgy Religious T-Shirts Gain Notice, Sales
*New Superman revealed in upcoming Warner Bros. film
*The unknown story of how John Paul II ushered Campus Crusade into Catholic Poland
RISING NEW ARTIST TO WATCH: Daize Shayne
PRESS RELEASES:
The 168-Hour Film Project
The Biola Media Conference announces ‘The Deep End’
E-Nation tour update
RECOMMENDED MUSIC: Day By Day
RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
The Wonder of His Love: A Journey Into the Heart of God by Nancy Stafford (Multnomah Books)
Who Needs a Superhero? by H. Michael Brewer (with a Forward by Leo Partible) (Baker Books)
RECOMMENDED COMIC BOOK: Killer Stunts, Inc.
QUOTES OF THE WEEK:
Bill Mallonee on the best Christian band
Radiohead is still the best "Christian" band alive...you can quote me ifyou dare" Bill Mallonee (ex-vigilantes of love)
Bono criticizes the Left
"The Left may offer more money to fight AIDS or deal with the debt burden, but they scuttle off when we talk about trade reform. The [Common Agricultural Policy] of Europe so supported by the Left denies African products access to our supermarket shelves while we flood them with subsidized produce. ... French cows have more money spent on them per day than most Africans earn. But you know what? This is one issue this rock star just cannot take on."
Bono on George W. Bush
"He was much more amusing than I expected. Like, he was funny and quick. ... For all the swagger, this Texan thing, he has a religious instinct that keeps him humble."
HEADLINES:
Caviezel’s ‘Madison’ – Passion runs deep for Midwestern tale
In the Midwestern true story "Madison," opening Friday, (Jim) Caviezel plays the late Jim McCormick, a truly decent man with a dream both simple and grandiose -- to bring the biggest competition in American powerboat racing to his southern Indiana town, which is slowly dying on the banks of the Ohio River. The year is 1971 in Madison, Ind., a once-proud and bustling river port, facing a grim future due to the virtual demise of river barge shipping traffic -- the town's financial lifeblood for more than a century… For Caviezel, making "Madison" was important. That 1971 event -- bolstered by the national press it received on ABC's "Wide World of Sports" -- began the revitalization of Madison, which today has become quite a tourist attraction.
"It's legendary, as far as sports goes," Caviezel said. "I'd put it right up there with 'Miracle,' the film about the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. "It's all about following your dreams and being a hero to your family."
http://www.suntimes.com/output/movies/sho-sunday-cav17.html
Lonnie Frisbee – Documentary of a Hippie Preacher
A documentary about Lonnie Frisbee, a key figure in the Jesus Movement and the growth of Calvary Chapel, is making the rounds at film festivals. We talked to the director about Frisbee, who died of AIDS in 1993.
Miracles and visions, signs and wonders, scandal and sin. If any of the stories about Lonnie Frisbee are true, he must have been one of the more dynamic and controversial figures to stride upon the evangelical scene in modern times. Frisbee was still just a teen when he met Chuck Smith, an evangelical preacher who was looking for a way to reach young people in the late '60s. Together they turned Calvary Chapel into a thriving epicentre of the Jesus Movement—that tumultuous moment when counter-cultural youth and Bible-believing baby-boomers came together in a heady mix of dispensationalist theology, social experimentation and evangelistic rock 'n' roll.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/interviews/daviddisabatino.html
NarniaWeb Exclusive Interview with Douglas Gresham
One of our producers on set one day was introducing me to someone who asked "What does he do on this project?" His reply was "He’s to blame". (laughs) Actually I am responsible for consultation on all aspects of the production as a sort of in house Narnia expert. This extends to all spin-off materials, like toys, games, books and so forth. I work with the games guys from the companies contracted to Buena Vista, the Merchandising guys from Disney, the Publishing teams at HarperCollins and represent the C.S. Lewis Company as their Creative and Artistic Director. Making the movie has been a dearly held ambition and project for me for about thirty years (my children remember me dreaming, scheming, planning, and talking about it all their lives) so every aspect of it is important to me. I suppose I represent Jack [C.S. Lewis] himself as a sort of creative ambassador. The aim of this is to use my abilities, knowledge and experience to make this movie as good as we can possibly make it.
http://www.narniaweb.com/news.asp?id=239&dl=2553715
'Revelations' off to strong start
NBC's spiritual miniseries "Revelations" reached 15.6 million viewers for its debut last week, finishing 13th overall in the ratings -- positive news for a network that needs it. It was the most-watched NBC show airing opposite the Wednesday edition of Fox's "American Idol" since a National Basketball Association finals game in 2002, according to Nielsen Media Research.
http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/20/nielsens.ap/index.html
New pope intervened against Kerry in US 2004 election campaign
German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the Vatican theologian who was elected Pope Benedict XVI, intervened in the 2004 US election campaign ordering bishops to deny communion to abortion rights supporters including presidential candidate John Kerry. In a June 2004 letter to US bishops enunciating principles of worthiness for communion recipients, Ratzinger specified that strong and open supporters of abortion should be denied the Catholic sacrament, for being guilty of a "grave sin."
He specifically mentioned "the case of a Catholic politician consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws," a reference widely understood to mean Democratic candidate Kerry, a Catholic who has defended abortion rights. The letter said a priest confronted with such a person seeking communion "must refuse to distribute it."
http://beta.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050419/pl_afp/vaticanpopeus
Howard Dean trying to play the Jesus card
Howard Dean, the chief screamer and chairman of the Democratic National Committee, thinks he has the formula for a Democratic revival: Jesus, guns and balanced budgets. He told Arkansas newspaper columnist John Brummett on the eve of a meeting of state chairmen in Little Rock that he wants Democrats to speak up for "values."
"We need to talk about Christian values and how they're Democratic values," he said. "Jesus taught to help the least among us. He spent his life reaching out to the disenfranchised. The Democratic Party is the party of that value, not the Republican Party." His proposition was once at least arguable, and he found a ripe target for one needling remark: "I was a governor who balanced eight budgets in a row, which is eight more than the Republicans, and I was a governor who was endorsed every year by the National Rifle Association."
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050415-124627-2835r.htm
Ex-Muslim to lead at Falwell’s Liberty University
The new dean of the Rev. Jerry Falwell's Liberty University theological seminary is a former Sunni Muslim who plans to turn out a hipper generation of graduates by relating to them with lyrics from rapper 50 Cent, TV's "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and the latest movies and film stars. Ergun Mehmet Caner cracks one-liners as easily as he quotes a Bible verse. Lecturing to a packed auditorium of 450 students, Mr. Caner mixed religion with jokes to keep his students on their toes in a late afternoon theology class. He asked his students which popular actors they would marry "if she or he was a Christian." Their answers brought howls of laughter from the classroom. "In a given lecture, I'll talk about 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,' C.S. Lewis, 'Plato's Cave' and some lyrics by 50 Cent," Mr. Caner said of some subjects one normally wouldn't associate with Mr. Falwell's university. Mr. Caner sees it as a way to connect with his young audiences.
http://www.washtimes.com/metro/20050415-102359-6156r.htm
Jane Fonda’s memoir reveals family drama and inner turmoil
(Jane) Fonda has never let a lack of certitude translate into a lack of enthusiasm, and she understands that the exuberance with which she broadcasts her new self--writing a book, teaching lessons about feminism she admits she has just learned, accepting Christianity after years of spiritual apathy--will undoubtedly raise eyebrows. "People are suspicious because I change," Fonda says breezily. "God help me if I didn't!" Perhaps, though, they might also be suspicious because she often transforms her personal experience into a societal call to arms and is doing so again. "Yes," she says. "That's probably fair."
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1044708,00.html
Bush picks brains of Clinton, father
President Bush solicited foreign policy advice from former President Bill Clinton at CIA briefings this week and even told Mr. Clinton that he liked his approach to reforming Social Security. 'It was really a lot of fun, Mr. Bush told reporters yesterday after spending three days with Mr. Clinton and former President George Bush in Rome. 'These CIA briefings a lot of time prompt policy discussions,' he added. 'It's interesting to get their points of view about their experiences in particular countries.' The president also praised one of Mr. Clinton's domestic policies -- trying to reform Social Security. Both men have proposed personal savings accounts as part of the solution, an idea that is vociferously opposed by congressional Democrats. 'I was telling President Clinton I remember watching one of his town hall meetings in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on this very subject,' Mr. Bush said just hours after bidding farewell to his predecessor at the Rome airport. 'And I thought it was a very impressive presentation,' he added. 'By the way, a lot of the language happens to be pretty close to some of the town hall meetings we've had.' Comparing himself favorably to Mr. Clinton is the latest in a series of recent moves by Mr. Bush to strengthen relations with the man who vanquished his father in 1992. The thaw comes after years in which Mr. Bush talked of the need to 'restore honor and dignity to the White House' in the post-Clinton era.
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050408-112333-6132r.htm
An Old School Pope or Progressive Dope?
According to some of my tightly wound theological buddies, as a Protestant Christian, I’m not supposed to say anything favorable about a Catholic, especially ... a Pope. Oh well, I’ve got to give honor where honor is due, so pardon me, brethren, if I praise the former pontiff’s past achievements. Even though I disagree with Catholicism’s soteriology, and from a fashion and function standpoint I don’t get their funky hats or the Elvis-like papal robes, or their elaborate walking sticks, I’ve got to admit that I appreciate John Paul II’s accomplishments for the human collective and his unwavering moral convictions in the face of amoral, bossy and prissy secularism.
http://clashradio.com/clashpoint.html
Avon audience screens acclaimed director Wim Wender’s film
"These days, though the press use the words 'liberty' and 'freedom' in every line, they pervert these great American notions," he said. (Wim) Wenders said he opposes how right-wing fundamentalists have laid claim on Christian values."The first response of distributors was, 'We like it, but we don't know how to market it,'" Wenders said. "It has a liberal message. It also has Christian overtones, so we don't know how to market that. "The right hasn't kidnapped the entire faith," he said. "I am Christian. I don't think so highly of Christianity being so split up in all denominations. I think there's something we all have in common that's more than what separates us."
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/
The Curse of Conservatism
Well, here is an interesting fact: My southern ancestors were good solid, conservative Christians. Utilizing the best conservative values of their culture, they were dead wrong in the middle of the greatest moral crisis of their time. Why? Because over the centuries their conservative values such as honesty, patriotism, love of freedom, respect for tradition, loyalty to family, belief in capitalism, commitment to honor, etc., were not enough. Their conservative values failed them because in themselves such values are malleable, easily warped by the selfishness and fears of any generation. Such values will always warp if they are not measured against an absolutely true and timeless standard. The only such standard is biblical Christianity. All others have proven to be insufficient because they attempt to transform actions while leaving the depths of the inner person unchanged. My ancestors were Christians. So, if Christianity is a true and timeless standard, how could they have failed? Quite simply because they let their conservative values define their Christian faith instead of the other way around.
http://www.myturntorant.com/colemanrants/index.html
Oprah Winfrey Visits Church in Cleveland
Winfrey, the guest speaker for Olivet's Christian Family Unity Day observance on Sunday, made it clear she's a fan of Moss. In 2002, she accepted his invitation to speak at a Cuyahoga Community College luncheon and donated $600,000 to the school. The talk-show host, who also visited Olivet in the 1990s to speak at a Women's Day service, said she has known and admired Moss for years. ``I invited myself,'' she said. ``That's the truth.''
Winfrey spent her first moments in the pulpit teasingly scolding Moss, claiming he had spurned her for years when she asked about coming back to speak. In a conspiratorial tone, she told the congregation that their pastor always came up with excuses. She sent the church into belly laughs with her imitation of Moss equivocating in his bass voice.
http://channels.netscape.com/
Actress Patricia Heaton speaks out on alternatives to abortion
Actress Patricia Heaton says the average Hollywood set rolls out the red carpet for children. "Despite what the rhetoric might be, the environment is very family-friendly," said Mrs. Heaton, in describing the abundant day care facilities she finds when she arrives at work. The "Everybody Loves Raymond" star told editors and reporters at The Washington Times yesterday that her community is receptive to both children and to those who fight for unborn children. At least when the attractive brunette does the talking about the latter. "One on one, we have these wonderful conversations," the married mother of four said. Yesterday, she came to the District on behalf of Feminists for Life to apply that same star power to politicians from both sides of the aisle. The actress, along with group president Serrin M. Foster and FFL's director of international programs, Marie Smith, chatted up members of Congress about giving pregnant women enough resources to make their own choices.
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050413-112409-1832r.htm
Behind the scenes at the papal funeral, Bush, Bush and Clinton were inseparable
There used to be no love lost between the three presidents. During his hard-fought 1992 presidential campaign, Bush 41 once referred to Clinton as a “bozo,” while Clinton in turn called the elder Bush “personally dishonest.” In 2000, Bush campaigned on an election promise “to restore honor and dignity to the White House”-a dig at the scandal-ridden Clinton administration. Yet, Bush warmed to his father’s political rival after 2000 and the feeling appeared to be mutual. Even when Clinton was campaigning to boost John Kerry’s candidacy for the White House last fall, he criticized Bush’s policies, but still described the 43rd president on the stump as “a great man.”
The relationship seemed to strengthen during the days around the funeral of former President Ronald Reagan. And with the November election behind them, relations warmed significantly during the November opening of the Clinton Library. In January, Bush sent his father and Clinton to Tsunami-torn Indonesia and asked them to chair fundraising efforts for the region.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7444176/site/newsweek/
Slogans on Edgy Religious T-Shirts Gain Notice, Sales
Walk into Lori Devins' downtown shop and it's clear this isn't a typical Christian retail store. First of all, Extreme Christian Clothing features T-shirts. Then, there are the shirts' in-your-face messages. Along with ones saying "Got Jesus?" and "Fear God" are shirts declaring, "Satan Sucks," "My God can kick your god's butt," and "To Hell with the Devil." "Our shirts are a little extreme, but I think God is spreading the word and having the youngsters shout out their faith," Devins said. "I think teenagers want to evoke a response." For the most part, religious retailers focus on books and Bibles; apparel is a small part of sales. Devins turned around that concept with edgy T-shirts and is finding a niche market here and at a similar store she owns in Topeka. "There aren't too many stores that are breaking out like hers that are focusing on clothing and apparel with the shock value," said Pete Wagg, owner of Never Say Die in Fernley, Nevada, which designs religious T-shirts, including one with a skull and "Never Say Die."
http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/
New Superman revealed in upcoming Warner Bros. film
THE Man of Steel hit the streets of Sydney yesterday as rising star Brandon Routh leapt into action for the new Superman movie being shot in the city. Sydney's CBD was transformed into bustling Metropolis, the fictional city in which Superman Returns takes place. The set was surrounded by security guards to prevent script leaks.
Routh, an American soap actor, is one of the lesser-known members of the cast that includes Kate Bosworth (Lois Lane), Kevin Spacey (Lex Luthor), Hugh Laurie (Perry White) and Eva Marie Saint (Martha Kent). Archival footage will be used for an appearance by screen legend Marlon Brando (Jor-El), who died last year.
http://www.thesundaymail.news.com.au
The unknown story of how John Paul II ushered Campus Crusade into Catholic Poland
When Karol Wojtyla stepped out on the Vatican balcony on October 16, 1978, as the new Pope John Paul II, waving to the crowds in St. Peter's Square on the first day of his auspicious papacy, the person preaching for him in his home pulpit back in Krakow, Poland, was none other than Billy Graham. Behind that fact is a surprising story of the late pope's personal involvement with American evangelicals. With his passing, it is time to tell that story. In the mid-1970s, American mission organizations like the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association began taking the gospel behind the Iron Curtain to Eastern Europe. After Graham's first "communist" crusade in Hungary in 1977, he was invited to the predominately Catholic country of Poland by the tiny Protestant community there, which amounted to less than 1 percent of the population. Just as in his 1957 New York City crusade, Graham wanted to work with as many Catholics as possible.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/005/13.34.html
RISING NEW ARTIST TO WATCH: DAIZE SHAYNE
Daize Shayne brings the California dream to the world. She's a champion athlete, hot model and talented musician who has it all-in a natural, wholesome way. Surfing star, recording artist and model, Daize is one of the hottest new rising stars to hit the entertainment scene.
The two time world champion longboard surfer was recently featured in Maxim and two issues of ReadyGo Magazine Japan in which she had 16 full-page color photos of her modeling along side Britney Spears and others. She has also been featured in numerous other international magazines as well as a spokesmodel in commercials for major corporations such as MasterCard, Dr. Pepper, Gap, Bugle Boy, Vans Shoes, Jack In The Box, Festpa, and Union Bay. As a high-energy singer/performer with a scorching new CD on the way, Daize’s new rock CD features wailing vocals and slammin' tracks that are sure to make big waves in music entertainment.
For a preview of her new album go to www.daize.com
Daize's Management:
Ken Tamplin
NEW GAME MEDIA
332 N. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, Ca 90036
(323) 936-0868
fax 936-6836
Studio (949) 650-6229
Ken@KenTamplin.com
PRESS RELEASES:
The 168-Hour Film Project
The 168 Hour Film Project (168) is a competition where all films are created simultaneously during production week to premiere at the 168 Hour Film Festival. Teams produce a 10-minute short film based on a theme & a bible verse in one week (or 168 hours). We extend our sincere thanks to our host, The Bridge Entertainment Fellowship at Lake Avenue Church.
OUR MISSION:
168 aims to illuminate the Word of God through short film. We provide a training ground for filmmakers, reducing barriers to production and creating opportunities for pros and newcomers alike. Teams are made up of people with diverse backgrounds, who learn to forge dynamic, creative communities.
We encourage fair treatment of subjects, with emphasis on story rather than agenda. Honesty plus solid stories and high production value speak loudly to this generation and the next.
WHY ALL THE EXCITEMENT?
Our producers are now entering and winning awards with their films at other festivals, proving that you can do a great short film in a week.
Industry professionals participating in the 168 include: Ralph Winter, Producer of the X-MEN Films, FANTASTIC FOUR, PLANET OF THE APES; Gary Hall, VP of Post Production at Fox TV, and Luke Schelhaas, Writer & Co-Producer on the TV series, SMALLVILLE.
"I love what you guys are doing. 168 is an incredible opportunity. This festival is an inspiration. 168 is organized and well run. Don't miss the chance to be a part of this!" --Ralph Winter.
For more information go to the website at http://www.168project.com/
The Biola Media Conference announces ‘The Deep End’
The Biola Media Conference celebrates 10 years of advancing the integration of faith and the arts with conferences that educate, inspire, and support people of faith involved or interested in media.
On April 23, 2005, come join in the opportunity to learn and interact with top industry pro's from Film, Radio, Journalism, PR, & Worship as they share their wisdom gained from swimming in THE DEEP END.
THE DEEP END: Navigating the Open Waters of Hollywood
When our Media Conference began in 1995, Christians were hoping to get a foot in Hollywood’s door. Faithful role models were limited both in number and in relative success. Thank God for pioneers who paved the way for the myriad of inroads enjoyed by today’s faith-fueled storytellers.
Today, the unparalleled reception of Bruce Almighty, The Passion and Joan of Arcadia raises a completely different set of questions for the Christian community in Hollywood. It is no longer a question of accessing power, but figuring out what to do with our growing opportunities. What kind of stories do we want to tell? How do we deal with money, power, success and failure? What might become our new blind spots?
This new era presents new challenges.
For our 10th annual event, we want to move the conversation forward, to figure out how to swim in THE DEEP END. We’ve left the shore, we’ve gotten wet, we’ve learned how to stay afloat. Now, how do we navigate the high seas of Hollywood?
We've invited experts who have learned to swim with the sharks, who have discerned what it means to be to be shrewd, to be ambitious yet innocent - to work, serve and thrive in the open waters of Hollywood.
So grab your life jacket as we dive into THE DEEP END!
Details:
Saturday, April 23rd
9:00am - 8:00pm
Biola University
13800 Biola Ave.
La Mirada, CA 90639
Attendees: $50
Students: $35
(Prices include lunch)
For more information go to:
http://mcom.biola.edu/bmc/index.html
E-Nation tour update
(Note: E-Nation is a band fronted by brothers and popular actors Jonathan Jackson (Tuck Everlasting, Riding the Bullet) and Richard Jackson (Saved by the Bell: The New Class, Bring it on again). Both are devout Christians.)
Enationmusic.com would like to send you updated TOUR DATES for THE ENATION TOUR -- the bands upcoming West Coast Tour! Come out and see the band live and tell all your friends to come, too! It's going to be a tour you won't want to miss!
The Enation Tour: current schedule : 8 cities confirmed : including :
Vancouver, BC Canada -- April 27, 2005
at Richard's on Richard's (*ages 19 and over) $20 Canadian
contact: www.richardsonrichards.com
Seattle, WA -- April 28th, 2005
at Fenix Underground (*ages 21 and over) $12
contact: www.fenixunderground.com
Eugene, OR -- April 29th, 2005
at WOW Hall (*all ages) $8 advance / $10 at the door
contact: www.wowhall.org
Portland, OR -- April 30th, 2005
at Meow Meow (*all ages) $12 advance / $15 at the door
contact:www.themeowmeow.com
Chico, CA -- May 2nd, 2005
at Senator Theatre (*all ages) $8
contact:www.jmaxproductions.net
Sacramento, CA -- May 3rd, 2005
at The Boardwalk (*all ages) $10
contact: www.boardwalkrocks.com
Boise, ID -- May 6th, 2005
at Boise State University Spring Fling (more info to come)
Provo, UT -- May 7th, 2005
at Muse Music (more info to come)
contact:www.musemusiconline.com
Come out and see the band! more dates to come!!!!
(for you SO, CA friends, including the LA area around May 14th
RECOMMENDED MUSIC:
Day By Day
"Just Seem To Keep On Walkin!"
The Husband and Wife Duo of Darrell and Enora Day also known as Day By Day have spent many years in ministry and have weathered many storms. Their ministry has grown tremendously since their union on May 5th, 1995. It is their love for the Lord, as well as, their love for each other that is the driving force behind their music.
On August 20th, 2000, Day By Day was voted as one of the DFW Metro Areas "Top Ten Christian Artist" by 91.7 KVTT and Mastermedia Ministries, and recognized by Tom Dooley's syndicated show "The Journey". Since then, they have had the opportunity to minister with a host of Gospel Recording Artists such as, Donnie McClurkin, & Fred Hammond, at the Six Flags Gospelfest 2000 and Lashun Pace in 2001. They have also ministered at Cedric Bailey's "Praise In The Park" 2001-2003, The Dallas Harambe Festival, Kwanzafest, and 2 years in a row at The National Day Of Prayer Breakfast" at the American Airlines Corporate Center. Their debut CD entitled "Keep On Walkin" will be released to stores on April 29th and is currently available online at www.cdbaby.com and www.holyhiphop.com. This anointed CD contains 16 blistering and soul-stirring tracks that will definitely encourage your walk with God and edify your spirit. As you listen to their music, you will see their genuine relationship with the Lord unfold right before your eyes and with songs like "Reconnect Me, Udon'thave2go, and Joy Comes (In The Morning), you will truly be blessed and inspired to "Keep On Walkin".
To pre-order a CD go to http://cdbaby.com/cd/daybyday
RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
The Wonder of His Love: A Journey Into the Heart of God by Nancy Stafford (Multnomah Books) ISBN: 1590523253
Imagine what life would be like if you began to grasp the depth of God’s passionate love for you. It would change you. It would calm your fears, transform how you see yourself, and ignite you with love for Him and others. In thirty-one stirring reflections, Nancy offers a fresh glimpse into the many facets of God’s love, then invites you to venture deeper into the mystery and majesty of His love, to embark on a never-ending journey into the heart of God. “I want you to know”, says Stafford, “that the God of the universe is wild about you, enthralled with you, completely consumed with love for you. So come...experience the wonder of His love.”
From Publishers Weekly:
"What difference would it make in your life if you spent the next month or so thinking about the love of God?" asks Stafford, host of a television beauty show and former star of such programs as "Matlock" and "St. Elsewhere." In 31 daily meditations, Stafford calls upon the beauty of nature as well as the sacrifice of Christ to persuade readers of God’s inexhaustible love for them. Drawing upon various writers, but especially Inklings such as C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton and Charles Williams, Stafford makes her way through the glory and the transformative power of God’s love. Her writing style is dramatic and showy, yet conversational. Readers will appreciate her patient meditation on Christian freedom, and her perceptive understanding of the gap that exists between knowing one’s sins are forgiven and being able to feel forgiven.
Order from Amazon (ISBN: 1590523253):
http://www.amazon.com
WHO NEEDS A SUPERHERO? by H. Michael Brewer (with a Forward by Leo Partible) (Baker Books)
Christian audiences need a resource that will help them understand the Biblical themes presented in the comic book inspired films and television shows such as The Incredibles, The Matrix, Spider-Man, The X-Men, Smallville, Buffy The Slayer, Blade, The Hulk, Daredevil, Unbreakable, Hellboy, The Punisher, The Road to Perdition, Ghost World, From Hell, American Splendor, Elektra, Sin City and the upcoming Batman Begins, The Fantastic Four, Star Wars Episode 3: The Revenge of the Sith, and the new Superman film.
Order from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com
RECOMMENDED COMIC BOOK:
Killer Stunts, Inc.
Created and Written by Scott Alan Kinney
Based on a Film Treatment Written by Scott Alan Kinney & Leo Partible
Pencils by Scott Cohn - Inks by Mike Manley
The first issue of Killer Stunts, Inc., the four-issue, full color mini-series created and written by Scott Kinney, penciled by Scott Cohn, and inked by industry vet Mike Manley, hits the stands this April courtesy of publisher Alias Enterprises. The book is listed on pg. 219 of the current Diamond Previews with a “20 Year Roll Back” cover price of only 75 cents.
Alias is aggressively marketing Killer Stunts, Inc. with a low introductory price, advertising in Previews, the cover and a b&w interior multi-preview preview in the April edition of Comic Book Digest, and more. Series creator Scott Kinney has already booked a nationwide television appearance in order to promote release of the initial release.
For a preview go to: http://www.killerstunts.com/issuetwo/cover.htm
RESOURCES:
The following is a list of resources to keep you informed of the latest news regarding Christians involved in the mainstream culture.
Mainstream Entertainment News
Ain’t It Cool News
www.aintitcoolnews.com
Black Film
www.blackfilm.com
Cinescape
www.cinescape.com
Coming Soon
www.comingsoon.net
Dark Horizons
www.darkhorizons.com
IESB
www.iesb.com
Latino Review
www.latinoreview.com
Media Sharx
www.mediasharx.com
Movie City News
www.moviecitynews.com
Moviehole
www.moviehole.net
Movie Poop Shoot
www.moviepoopshoot.com
Newsarama
www.newsarama.com
Pop Matters
www.popmatters.com
Superhero Hype
www.superherohype.com
Box Office Grosses
Box Office Mojo
www.boxofficemojo.com
Box Office Report
www.boxofficereport.com
Mainstream Blogs
Matt Drudge
www.drudgereport.com
Movie Reviews (national roundup)
Rotten Tomatoes
www.rottentomatoes.com
Trailers
Apple
http://www.apple.com/trailers/
The Movie Box
www.themoviebox.net
TV Ratings
The Futon Critic
www.thefutoncritic.com
Media Week
www.mediaweek.com
Zap2It
www.zap2it.com
Christian perspective
Christian Online Magazines (Pop culture, entertainment & politics)
CBN
www.cbn.org
Christian Post
http://www.christianpost.com
Christianity Today
www.christianitytoday.com
Cornerstone
http://www.cornerstonemag.com/
Faith N’ Film
www.faithnfilm.com
Godspy
www.godspy.com
Infuze Magazine
www.infuzemag.com
Relevant Magazine
www.relevantmagazine.com
Sojourners
www.sojo.net
Movie Reviews
Hollywood Jesus
www.hollywoodjesus.com
Movieguide
www.movieguide.org
Crosswalk
www.crosswalk.com
Christians in Mainstream Music
Rock Rebel
www.rockrebel.com
The Emerging Church and pop culture
The Ooze
www.theooze.com
Vintage Faith
www.vintagefaith.com
The Voice Behind
www.brewingculture.com
National Columns
Terry Mattingly
http://tmatt.gospelcom.net
Chuck Colson
www.breakpoint.org
Christian Blogs (pop culture, politics, and faith)
Terry Mattingly, Douglas LeBlanc, and Jeremy Lott
http://www.getreligion.org
Steve Beard
www.thunderstruck.org
Barbara Nicolosi
www.churchofthemasses.blogspot.com
Evangelical Outpost
http://www.evangelicaloutpost.com/
Intersectionz
www.intersectionz.blogspot.com
Unfit News
www.unfitnews.com
Urban Legends
Truth Miners
http://www.truthminers.com
Christians in the Hollywood Mainstream (Organizations)
Act One Program
www.actoneprogram.com
The Bridge Entertainment Fellowship
http://www.lakeavefamily.org/article.asp?id=la_worshiparts_bridge
Damah Film Festival
www.damah.com
Hollywood Connect
www.hollywoodconnect.com
Intermission
http://www.inter-mission.net
MasterMedia
http://www.mastermediaintl.org
168 Film Project
www.168project.com |
