Christ, Culture, and Cinema

In this episode we explore the 1993 Summer blockbuster movie, Jurassic Park. What happens when we think we know better than God? What happens when we engage in those things that are beyond our ability to control and maintain? Are we willing to face the consequences that may follow?

In this episode we take a look at the behind the scenes hunt for Osama bin Laden. The singular and focused drive of a CIA operative to find the preverbal needle in the haystack of this world and to have the conviction that she was right. But what follows when a life work is complete? What happens next?

In this episode we take a look at a Netflix movie that touches the heart, makes you laugh, and causes you to look at the fractured and broken relationships around you. What is more important: Being right or being reconciled? Soothing your own belief or listening to someone else's view of what happened? This movie explores broken family relationship and how overcoming the division can bring pea...

in this episode we take a look at how Billy Beane and Peter Brande when against all conventional wisdom in building a baseball team (the Oakland Athletics) to be one the greatest stories in Major League Baseball history. Strapped with a low budget to work with, they use on base percentage as the key factor in building a team that can compete and win. God often uses unconventional ways to lead and...

In this episode we explore a true story of a man whose heart was bigger than his brain; who ventured into the war zone of Vietnam to deliver beer to neighborhood friends who were fighting in the war. This true story is about the gesture of love and support. How do you support others? How do you demonstrate love and care? How far would you be willing to go?

In this episode we explore the long awaited Blockbuster sequel Top Gun. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is still a Captain while all of his peers are Admirals or Senators. His desire to not play by the rules has hindered his career...BUT...has it enabled him to achieve excellence that others could only dream of? How do you react to the rules that surround you? Where do you push back and where d...

In this episode we are excited to share with you a premiere of a new movie streaming on Peacock. Praise Teams are pitted against each other in a national competition. But what we discover is that each team (and their members) is carrying their own personal baggage and all are in need of the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus. What baggage are you carrying? How are you living as a sinner redeemed by Je...

In this episode we explore a wildly popular Disney movie - but it's more than a story about an eccentric pirate; what if it reveals to us the core of the human condition? What if it reveals the selfishness that is pervasive among all people?!

In this episode we explore the iconic Star Wars character, Obi Wan Kenobi, as he fights through personal adversity and tragedy while still remaining focused to serve others who are in need. How do we put aside our personal challenges to remain focused on the task? How do we rise above our pain to strive for greatness?

In this episode we explore the reality of when real life intersects with the fantasy world of movies.  In the death of actor Chadwick Boseman, his character, Tchalla (the Black Panther) also dies.  The director, Ryan Cooler does a masterful job weaving real grief with fantasy grief played out on the screen.  How do you contend with death?  What challenges do you face in the day...

In this episode we explore how you approach life - trying to define moments or having moments define you.  With the backdrop of a professional golf, we see how two golfers travel divergent paths and arrive at a moment where the stage is set to answer this question.

In this episode we explore giftedness, purpose, and follow through.  How can one not use their gifts and be happy and fulfilled?  How can one embrace who they are and not be envious of jealous of others and the gifts they possess?

In this episode we explore how events are not as random as we think - how is God's hand behind what is unfolding in front of our eyes?  How do the circumstances intersect and interact with other events happening around us?

In this episode we explore how each individual brings unique gifts and characteristics to the life and ministry.  The challenge is "fitting in" to a system that seemingly calls for conformity.  Reconciliation, forgiveness, and heartfelt service is manifested in this movie.  In the words of Michael:  "You need to show them you care before you can tell them what you know"

In this episode we explore how a small community surrounds Bruce Wayne (aka Batman) and keeps him on the right side of the Law while fighting crime and carrying forward his father's vision for Gotham City.  Who is your community?  Who do you trust enough to rebuke you when you wander or praise you when you remain sure and true to God's plan for your life?

In this episode we explore the journey of a career hitman as he reflects on his life of crime and murder - as he visits with a priest we consider confession and the necessity of contrition.  What sins do we carry around with us?  Are we contrite?  Do we seek the mercy and forgiveness that Christ alone can provide?

In this episode we explore how the misuse and abuse of emotional intelligence can lead to manipulation, hurtful relationships, and self-destructive behaviors.

This week we revisit a beautifully acted movie that crosses cultural divides - this movie is more than a simple rise and fall of a rock and roll legend!

In this special preview we take a look at the dynamics of pride, worry, failing, and unconditional love.  How often do we not really communicate to each what is really in the depths of our heart?  How often do we end up communicating in such a way that pushes our loved ones away?  Come with us as we explore the dynamics of father-mother-son relationships and how a dog brings them al...

In this episode we revisit a misunderstood Marvel Cinematic Universe movie.  We hope you enjoy this look at love, community, and purpose.

In this episode we revisit one of our favorite movies from Season 4.  We hope you enjoy the podcast.  You may want to check out The Glass Onion - A Knives Out Mystery where the star, Daniel Craig has been nominated for Best Actor by The Golden Globes.

In this episode we explore the likable characters and how when you peal the facade off they are all motivated by greed, revenge, and the thrill of doing wrong.  As we embark on a new year, how will you confront the darkness that challenges you and rise above it?

In this episode we explore the challenges and joys that Christmas presents to the world.  How are we distracted and why do we loose faith so easily?  Why is faith so critical as we come to the manger and seek the greatest gift ever given?

In this episode we explore how the odd, freaks, and outcasts of society struggle to fit in with the rest.  Which are you?  Even Batman has his struggles to adapt to the world around him.  And, finally, we settle the question:  IS this a Christmas movie!

In this episode we explore how we over-complicate, over-fill, and over-schedule Christmas instead of looking at the simple, joyous celebration it is suppose to be.  Why have we embraced our "inner Clark Griswold" instead of responding to the joy of Christmas like Mary, Joseph, and the Shepherds?