Christ, Culture, and Cinema

In this episode we look at the newly released Naval aviator movie that captures the story of the first black naval flyer.  We explore the relationships Jesse Brown has with his wife, fellow sailors, and his commanding officer.  The weight he carries is not only his own, but those who hope through him.  Although a war movie, it really is a movie about race, relationships, and persona...

In this episode we look back over our 99 previous podcasts and discuss which movies had a lasting impact on how we engage with the art form known as "cinema."  What movies stand out?  Which movies caused the deepest emotional response?  How did our faith life intersect with the journey the director was taking us on?  Also, there are two contests that you can jump into on Facebo...

In this episode we explore the seemingly limitless lengths to which people will go in order to obtain wealth.  Lying, unethical behavior, and betrayal of friendship are some of of the tools in the liar's bag of tricks.

In this episode we explore the weight and the burden of leadership - especially in times of distress and impending disaster.  How do people support the leader?  How do people try to tear them down?  

In this episode we look beyond the thrills and laughter to consider the sacrifice that the Men in Black make - what they are willing to give up to become "the best of the best of the best."  What are you willing to sacrifice for career, family, and friends?  How far are you willing to go?

In this episode we look at this Halloween classic and the "bookends" of brother and sister in the movie.  How far are you willing to go to protect a sibling or family member?  What sacrifices are you willing to make and are you willing to lay down your life to protect the one you love?

In this episode we explore the blessing that seasons, observances, and holidays are to our daily routine. Whether we follow a Christian calendar or are moved along by the secular society, observances and holidays are critical to our lives.

In this episode we explore the tension of love, love lost, and understanding the power that love has in our lives.  Love has a multitude of expression:  Friendship, parental, spousal, and the like.  This movie surprisingly gives to us a deep dive regarding the power of love in all of those relationships!

In this episode we explore the power of the Law and the freedom one experiences in repentance and forgiveness.  Too many people live in the world without acknowledging the the place of the Law int heir lives and, in turn, suffer the consequences.

In this episode we explore the importance of nurturing and caring relationships in our lives - why fathers are more than DNA.  Fathers provide love, care, and examples to their children.

In this episode we explore the lure and temptation of money over family, significance over stewardship, and power over love.  How did the House of Gucci ultimately fall?  What happens when we put our "self" above family and friends?

In this episode we explore how Elvis Presley crossed cultural divides and embraced the black culture of 1950's and 60's Southern USA.  He embraced their music, dance, and expressive dress and style as he brought it to teenage white America.  Even when the cultural forces conspired against him, Elvis remained true to his craft and his conviction of equality.  

In this episode we explore personal weaknesses and strengths, the necessity of self-awareness, and why "Team" or "Community" is so critically important to our lives

In this episode we explore the real events of the real-estate market crash of 2007-08.  The Greed that drove it, the people who encouraged it, and those who discovered the market bubble (but still profited from it).  Were you affected by the crash?  Did your personal greed have you reaching for more than you could afford?  Or were you someone who staved off disaster but live wi...

A quick look ahead as we try out our slick new remote recording technology to bring guests and new movies to our podcast!

In this episode we look at a wild twist on history as Quentin Tarantino takes challenges us to consider "What IF" certain events turned out a different way.  What about your own life?  What do you look back on and consider "what" may have been different if you did (or didn't) follow a certain path?

In this episode we look at what happens when one comes face to face with previous mistakes driven by self-righteousness.  What does selfishness look like?  Look in the mirror...or in Buzz's case:  Zurg!

In this episode we explore the "true" story of Jonathan Larson, the creator of the Broadway hit "Rent."  What role did community play in his creative genius and how was he challenged by the community?  What about you?  Where is your community?  Have you returned to your community or are you still distant from your source of accountability and spiritual strength?

In this episode we take a look at a movie about making a movie - a movie that takes a poke at everything that is Hollywood...and how everything is based on the false and fake.  Where is true authenticity?  Why are we lured by the lies?  Where is Truth really found?

In this episode we consider the power and impact of a crowd on life's events.  Hoe does a crowd influence, change, charge, or effect what is going on in front of it?

In this episode we explore leadership lessons that are brought to life by toys!

In this episode we look at the biographical dramatic presentation of science, math, and space as it rubs up against the racism and sexism of 1960's America.  Where does the Bible speak into such situations?  What lenses do people (and we) choose to wear when cultures collide?

In this episode we explore the pressures and challenges placed upon the "extraordinary" people that are around us; we also look at the simple pleasures of being "ordinary" and how the lives of the "ordinary" intersect and bless the lives of the "extraordinary"

In this episode we consider a movie we said "We would never do..."  Well, we did it!  The lure and attraction of money leads people to deeper and more disturbing behaviors and indulgences.  Where is the bottom of the selfish pit?

In this episode we explore "beating plowshares in to swords and pruning hooks into spears vs. beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks."  What is the moral consequences of instruments of war and violence in society today