I branched out from book reviews, and chose this movie from “Book Sneeze” (supplied free of charge) because it sounded very interesting. Although it had some excellent scenes, overall I was deeply disappointed in the “Christian” views presented.
Inspired by a true story, “The Least Among You” is the tale of Richard Kelly, a young black man who is arrested during a riot, and chooses to serve probation at an all-white seminary, where he encounters deep prejudice from both faculty and students. His main support comes from a black gardener and his wife, whose faith is the bright spot in this movie. Unfortunately, many of the others are portrayed in ways that cast Christianity in a negative view: the college president, who initially supports Richard, but turns against him when funding for a media centre is pulled; a woman professor who teaches that miracles in the Bible are allegories; other students who are shown as extremely bigoted. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not presented at all; Richard himself is shown to have lied during his application to the seminary, and although it seems that he acquires a genuine faith during his struggles, there is no message of salvation, but rather a description of a “moment of prayer”. There is also a veiled reference which may imply a consciousness of Christ.
There is some redemption in the end of the movie, as right prevails over wrong in a decisive victory, but it is too little too late, in my opinion. As a Christian movie, this left a lot to be desired.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Book Review: Outlive Your Live by Max Lucado
Are you ready for a challenge? If you are satisfied with your life, content to continue on your own agenda without paying attention to the world around you, don’t read this book!
But … if you want to know more of Christ, if you wonder what it would be like to step out of your shell and into a life lived fully for Him, this is an excellent “beginner’s manual”. Max Lucado gives us glimpses into the lives of a number of people who made that choice, acting on their convictions, and reacting to the difficulties of those around them. The men and women of Outlive Your Life decided to serve their generation as God intended, and so became useful to Him, bringing Him glory, and leaving behind a legacy of faith in action.
This is not an easy read, or a “feel good about yourself” book: it convicted me of how often I fail to grasp opportunities I am given, of how I miss a chance to live wisely among the unbelievers with whom I come in contact every day, of how far short of Christ my compassion towards others falls. The challenge is front and centre: choose to make a difference, to stand for Christ no matter what it costs us. Lucado uses the stories of both Biblical and modern day Christians, to show us the tools, the “secrets” we need to grasp in order to live lives of purpose ourselves. Read this book slowly, read it carefully … it will change your life, if you let it. It these demanding and difficult days, each of us can decide to follow the faith of those who have gone before, outliving our own lives, and leaving our own legacy of active faith to speak of Christ long after we are gone.
Great book!
But … if you want to know more of Christ, if you wonder what it would be like to step out of your shell and into a life lived fully for Him, this is an excellent “beginner’s manual”. Max Lucado gives us glimpses into the lives of a number of people who made that choice, acting on their convictions, and reacting to the difficulties of those around them. The men and women of Outlive Your Life decided to serve their generation as God intended, and so became useful to Him, bringing Him glory, and leaving behind a legacy of faith in action.
This is not an easy read, or a “feel good about yourself” book: it convicted me of how often I fail to grasp opportunities I am given, of how I miss a chance to live wisely among the unbelievers with whom I come in contact every day, of how far short of Christ my compassion towards others falls. The challenge is front and centre: choose to make a difference, to stand for Christ no matter what it costs us. Lucado uses the stories of both Biblical and modern day Christians, to show us the tools, the “secrets” we need to grasp in order to live lives of purpose ourselves. Read this book slowly, read it carefully … it will change your life, if you let it. It these demanding and difficult days, each of us can decide to follow the faith of those who have gone before, outliving our own lives, and leaving our own legacy of active faith to speak of Christ long after we are gone.
Great book!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Book Review: The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews
If you believe that your decisions and actions today have little influence on the future, this is the book to change your mind. Andy Andrews takes us back to a couple of little known events, one a story of courage in the face of overwhelming odds, and the other a tale of valuing human life above personal possessions. In each instance, Andrews opens our eyes to the literally world-changing repercussions of one person’s choice to stand on his or her convictions. The heroes of the initial events never saw the far-reaching results, but we can be amazed by them.
Andrews’ book is visually beautiful, and challenges us to live lives of permanent purpose, realizing that each and every action matters. He says, “You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference.” He is correct: our lives do matter. We have been placed here and now; our very personalities are not a “mere accident or quirk of fate”, but the very handiwork of the Universal Creator. Unfortunately, Andrews fails to acknowledge the sovereignty of God, or recognize that His purposes will always prevail. Our choice is indeed to make a difference: to act with courage on what we believe is right before God, joining in the work He is doing.
Great book; startling revelations when we are shown the long view; I enjoyed seeing how one thing let to another, and another, with a final result that was far from what I expected from the initial story.
Andrews’ book is visually beautiful, and challenges us to live lives of permanent purpose, realizing that each and every action matters. He says, “You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference.” He is correct: our lives do matter. We have been placed here and now; our very personalities are not a “mere accident or quirk of fate”, but the very handiwork of the Universal Creator. Unfortunately, Andrews fails to acknowledge the sovereignty of God, or recognize that His purposes will always prevail. Our choice is indeed to make a difference: to act with courage on what we believe is right before God, joining in the work He is doing.
Great book; startling revelations when we are shown the long view; I enjoyed seeing how one thing let to another, and another, with a final result that was far from what I expected from the initial story.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Book Review: Same Kind of Different as Me
This fascinating story revolves around the development of an unlikely friendship between Ron, a wealthy art dealer, and Denver, a modern day slave. Alternating between the viewpoints of the two men, the book reveals the background that formed each of them, highlighting the disparity between a jet-set lifestyle that includes $1000 a plate charity dinners, and a life on the streets with meals at a homeless shelter.
The divergent paths meet when Ron, at the instigation of his wife Debbie, reluctantly volunteers at the shelter, in Fort Worth. Debbie feels called by God to serve the poorest in the city, and persuades Ron to join her in serving meals at the shelter once a week. When Denver makes an appearance, Debbie feels strongly that he is key to changing the hopelessness of the area where he lives, and prompts Ron to reach out to him. Denver is initially reluctant to have anything to do with the rich guy, questioning his reasons for serving at the shelter, but he eventually gives in, and the two men begin to spend time together. A shared tragedy brings them closer; Ron realizes that not only are there are ways he can help and encourage Denver, Denver can teach him invaluable lessons in life and faith.
This captivating true story is a powerful lesson on the importance of not judging others by appearances, of being willing to stretch our boundaries of comfort, and allow God to use new experiences to mould us into someone who is “useful to the Master’s work”. I was disappointed in the lack of a clear presentation of the gospel, but the reality of the changes in both Denver and Ron spoke volumes to the power and ability of God to transform each and every life yielded to Him. A great read – I recommend it highly.
The divergent paths meet when Ron, at the instigation of his wife Debbie, reluctantly volunteers at the shelter, in Fort Worth. Debbie feels called by God to serve the poorest in the city, and persuades Ron to join her in serving meals at the shelter once a week. When Denver makes an appearance, Debbie feels strongly that he is key to changing the hopelessness of the area where he lives, and prompts Ron to reach out to him. Denver is initially reluctant to have anything to do with the rich guy, questioning his reasons for serving at the shelter, but he eventually gives in, and the two men begin to spend time together. A shared tragedy brings them closer; Ron realizes that not only are there are ways he can help and encourage Denver, Denver can teach him invaluable lessons in life and faith.
This captivating true story is a powerful lesson on the importance of not judging others by appearances, of being willing to stretch our boundaries of comfort, and allow God to use new experiences to mould us into someone who is “useful to the Master’s work”. I was disappointed in the lack of a clear presentation of the gospel, but the reality of the changes in both Denver and Ron spoke volumes to the power and ability of God to transform each and every life yielded to Him. A great read – I recommend it highly.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Book Review: Cast of Characters
Title: Cast of Characters
Author: Max Lucado
Fascinating look at well-known characters in the Bible, with insight into the times in which they lived. We are taken into the minds of these “common” people, and shown how little difference there is between them and us. Flawed in various ways; struggling with issues; dealing with the actions and reactions of others …. and all affected greatly by their contact with the Uncommon God. We are challenged to learn from them, to be encouraged by them, to realize that the same God is ready and willing to act in our lives as He did in theirs, that He is as able to transform and bless today as He has been throughout history.
Although the stories themselves are intriguing, there is even more benefit to be gained by considering the thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter. They encourage the reader to an even greater application of the lessons taught through the lives of these Old Testament and New Testament people, showing us that there is nothing we can do which will put us beyond the love of our Saviour, and encouraging us to put our own lives firmly into His hands … no matter what our past or present circumstances. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and learned some valuable lessons from its pages. Read it for yourself, and may you also be blessed by it.
Author: Max Lucado
Fascinating look at well-known characters in the Bible, with insight into the times in which they lived. We are taken into the minds of these “common” people, and shown how little difference there is between them and us. Flawed in various ways; struggling with issues; dealing with the actions and reactions of others …. and all affected greatly by their contact with the Uncommon God. We are challenged to learn from them, to be encouraged by them, to realize that the same God is ready and willing to act in our lives as He did in theirs, that He is as able to transform and bless today as He has been throughout history.
Although the stories themselves are intriguing, there is even more benefit to be gained by considering the thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter. They encourage the reader to an even greater application of the lessons taught through the lives of these Old Testament and New Testament people, showing us that there is nothing we can do which will put us beyond the love of our Saviour, and encouraging us to put our own lives firmly into His hands … no matter what our past or present circumstances. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and learned some valuable lessons from its pages. Read it for yourself, and may you also be blessed by it.
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