Film in review: “The Tourist”
We first encounter Angelina Jolie through the lenses of the men watching her from a surveillance vehicle, complete with the latest high-tech equipment.
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Film in review: “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”
A film based on the wondrous writings of C.S. Lewis is bound to be very satisfying for the believer, because Lewis himself was a Christian apologist, in the classic rhetorical sense, and he very much intended the heavy symbolism of his “Narnia” series to be understood as Christian.
Chastity, the Book of Order, and the Reformed faith
One of the abiding criticisms from opponents of the Fidelity/Chastity ordination standard in the Book of Order (G.6-0106.b) has been that the term “chastity” is unclear in meaning. Recently, Dr. Mark Achtemeier raised this same objection in his recent debate with the Rev. Mark Loudon, that the chastity language in the Book of Order is “confusing.”
Proposed Form of Government: Universalist creed?
During the plenary debate at the 219th General Assembly in Minneapolis on the proposed new Form of Government, it was said that the first sentence of the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity introduces a Universalist creed into our Constitution.
Continuing the Reformation
John Calvin, to whom Presbyterian churches owe their primary inspiration, once said of his own work as a Protestant reformer: “Our constant endeavor, day and night, is not only to hand down the tradition faithfully, but also to put it in the form we think will prove best.”
Film in review: “Burlesque”
“Burlesque” is not so much a movie as an elongated musical video. It’s like the old-fashioned song-and-dance musicals, except this one boasts stage routines that are a lot more suggestive. It’s rated PG-13 — they were careful not to fall into the trap of actually revealing anything that would give it an “R” rating — but the racy material is definitely not for children.
Film in review: “Greenberg”
“Greenberg” is a very depressing film about two very depressed characters. But once you get into it, you find yourself caring about them, anyway, and hoping that somehow, some way, they would find a little happiness — and maybe even through each other.
Film in review: “It’s Kind Of A Funny Story”
It’s refreshing to see a lad play a troubled teen who actually is a teenager. Keir Gilchrist, a veteran television actor, plays Craig, who’s so depressed that he checks himself into a psychiatric unit.
Film in review: “Stone”
But mark this: there will be terrible times in the last times.
“Joyfully submit:” What’s the big deal?
The local folks happened to be the first to cast their votes, so I showed up to observe.
Amendment 10-A to G-6.0106b: Seeking the middle way
The 219th General Assembly has once again sent to the presbyteries for adoption a proposed amendment to G-6.0106b (“Amendment 10-A”), the controversial “fidelity and chastity” clause of our Book of Order.
Full use of the Internet world
As congregations diversify their ministries, they want to pay special attention to the many tools and opportunities available online. This means Facebook and Twitter, but far more than such social media tools. It means a solid Web site, but used in new ways.
Hedonism, Narcissism, and the Competency of Western Culture to Change the Theology and Practice of the Church.
As the German writer Goethe put it “when eras are in decline all tendencies are subjective, but when matters are ripening for a new epoch, all tendencies are objective.”
“The cultures of North America and of Western Europe are in decline. They are obsessed with sexuality and have narcissistic and hedonistic tendencies, which, when combined with a desire for immediate gratification, are literally killing them….How can anyone think that morally sick and dying North American and European cultures are in any way competent to overturn 1970 years of Christian biblical interpretation about human sexuality and to completely ignore the testimony of the larger (and healthier) worldwide church which affirms that same-gender sexual practice is sinful?”
Why we need Belhar
Why the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) needs to add the Confession of Belhar to our Book of Confessions can be answered with one word: racism.
Film in review: “Tangled”
“Tangled” is the animated adaptation of the Grimm fairy tale “Rapunzel.” It’s a really strong production, with great singing voices, a credible plot, a big helping of humor, and a romance to root for, besides.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF KOREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF KOREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES- November 19 • 2010
To our fellow Presbyterians:
Police raid Sudan churches’ offices during referendum build-up
NAIROBI (ENInews) — The head of the Sudan Council of Churches has been calling for close scrutiny of out-of-country referendum registration processes in Kenya, Uganda, and Egypt, while also reporting that police recently stormed the council offices breaking down doors, and conducted a search.
UNAIDS says Pope’s condom move makes HIV cooperation easier
GENEVA/ROME (ENInews) — The head of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, says a statement by Pope Benedict XVI that the use of condoms is justified when intended to reduce "the risk of HIV infection" will make it easier for international organizations to cooperate with faith-based organizations in the fight against HIV and Aids.
Christmas carols during Advent
I am a Christmas music nut. When the season rolls around, I overdose on the stuff on my car stereo and boom..
BOP continues to adjust new U.S. health care plan
BOP continues to adjust new U.S. health care plan
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Board of Pensions continues to adjust the Medical Plan covering church employees in response to passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) by the U.S. Congress in March 2010.
Amendment 10-A: It’s just plain unbiblical
Our pastor counsels me to continue our debate about ordination requirements "in a rich, fruitful and scholarly way, which helps us understand what God is calling us to be and to do now and in the future."
In Support of Amendment 10-A: Time to Move On
Recently our son has been looking for a church home.
Film in review: “Megamind”
reviewed by Ronald P. Salfen
“Megamind” is one of those superhero films designed for children that give the adults something to think about, as well.
Film in review: “The Next Three Days”
I can’t remember when I was rooting for the bad guys this unabashedly.
Film in review: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One”
Here, in the long-awaited semi-finale to the enormously successful series of novels made into movies, our trusty trio of neophyte magicians, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) have graduated from Hogwarts School just in time for a resurgence in power of the evil Voldemort.
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