Note – there was a recording difficulty – sorry about that
and thank you for patience as we continue to get better at this.
This episode Jonathan is joined by Kathryn Palen, the pastor
of Central Baptist Church in Jamestown, RI and they talk about the movies.
Movies include:
Here is the argument: in the arts you can find an expression
of humanity’s struggle with the divine, with understanding the role of God in
one’s life, and/or with a struggle to exist or live to the fullest. As Kathryn
says, it is the narrative aspect of film that connects with so many people at
different levels. With good film it does not matter so much what the specifics
of the movie might be, one will find a place to connect. We all know what it is
to be separated from our family, to be pushed in our lives, to be stretched in
our love, or the be challenged with our world-view. In watch movies we can find
a deeper universality and sometimes a place where we can wrestle with the presence
(or lack of) the divine.
Each of
these films speak to living in one way or another and some speak to the
presence of God in one way or another. This is contrary to the idea that
anything that comes out of popular culture must be eschewed because it does not
have a direct connection with a church sanctioned revelation. God is revealed
in many ways and through many different mediums, including movies.
Obviously
we have only listed a small number of films – what are some of your favorites?
Railige
Includes a rant against denominational pussy-footing and
being nice to a fault. Stop trying to please everyone, stop trying to be super
nice, and go ahead an upset folks. It will all be ok.
We also need to continue to mourn the life of Pete Seeger –
he will be missed. Where are the folk singers who still believe that music can
change the world?
Opening
the word – Matthew 5:1-12 –
the blessed people are not the ones we would expect and this is a good thing.
It is a good thing that God is with those who are in the difficulties of life
(which will be everyone at one time or another)
Watcha
Into? – Jonathan is reading Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Kathryn is reading – The
World’s Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne
Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Book Store by
Robin Sloan
Undead by Clay Morgan
Please, please, please rate us on iTunes – thanks and get
ready for Lent! Next episode – the relevance and purpose of denominations with
the Rev. Tim Rich.