Increasing our intelligence level is a positive goal for improving ourselves and our culture. And wouldn’t we all be better off as people if we could eliminate emotions like anger and greed? Theoretically, yes. But as the latest episode of the TV series “Fringe” explored, the answer isn’t that simple. First, I have to admit to a mistake in my previous “Fringe” post about the child Observer, Michael, who was supposed to be killed for being a genetic anomaly that... Read more
Katie Drews at Chicago Catholic News recently profiled Sister Helena Burns from the Daughters of St. Paul, an order of nuns focused on using media to nurture holiness. The Daughters of St. Paul are an ideal fit for a woman who studied screenwriting in the Act One program, is currently working on a documentary about her order’s founder Rev. James Alberione, and is a frequent presence on Twitter and Facebook. Here are some excerpts from the interview: When did you... Read more
“You are mistaken about him. He is no child. He is a chromosomal mistake, a genetic anomaly…Like all anomalies, he was scheduled to be destroyed.” That line was spoken by the character Windmark (Michael Kopsa) in a recent episode of of the TV series “Fringe” entitled “Anomaly XB-6783746” (Episode 10, Spoilers Ahead). I’ve written about “Fringe” before because it addresses relevant themes about science, God, tyranny and hope. This episode was another standout, partially because of the way – whether... Read more
James Breig at St. Anthony Messenger magazine offers an extensive interview with New York Giants Coach Tom Coughlin, who led his team to the Super Bowl twice in recent years, about the influence of his Catholic faith on his life and career. Here’s an excerpt: As with most Catholics, Coughlin’s faith began at his Baptism, but he made clear during a recent interview that a belief system isn’t frozen in place in a single moment. Rather, he says, it evolves... Read more
One thing that soap operas and country music have in common is stories that involve sex. The new ABC nighttime soap, “Nashville,” is no exception. But to the show’s credit, it’s also presented an interesting storyline about preserving sex until marriage – and it appears to be partially inspired by popular football player Tim Tebow. Hayden Panettiere plays Juliette Barnes, a young country music superstar who flaunts her sex appeal, is adored by legions of girls and teens, and who... Read more
Happy Belated New Year to Everybody! After three weeks of being largely offline, it’s taking time to get back in blogging mode, so I thought this would be a good time to look back at Year One of our Patheos blog and some of its most popular posts. Articles about movies and TV tended to draw a big audience, especially when it came to blockbusters like “The Avengers,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Brave,” “Argo,” “Les Miserables,” and “The Hobbit: An... Read more
The movie version of “Les Miserables” has largely been a hit with Christian audiences because of its themes of Christ-like mercy, love, and forgiveness. Several of the characters in the story epitomize how people of faith should live out their devotion to God and act toward others. But a few comments left on my review of the film suggest these meditations on Christian life are striking a chord with some atheists too. I’m posting those comments here because I think... Read more
The new film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Les Miserables” is so powerful, the Apocalypse has been postponed so people can see it when it opens on December 25. The Christmas debut is appropriate since it’s the most profoundly Christian story for mainstream audiences that’s been produced in years. Far from being a niche movie just designed for religious viewers, this is a big budget drama whose universal values will appeal to anyone yearning for riveting storytelling, engaging acting,... Read more
“This world is as broken as it is beautiful.” Brooke White wrote that line as part of a tweet this morning in reaction to the senseless murder of six adults and 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut today. For me, that summed up the nature of our humanity and the world we live in, especially in light of this horrific situation. Each of us is capable of incredible acts of goodness. I know that’s true because... Read more
I can relate to Bilbo Baggins. He’s a quiet, peace-loving hobbit who has no interest in adventure because adventure makes you late for dinner. It takes you away from comfort and throws you into all kinds of unknown, possibly dangerous situations. Then again, moving beyond comfortable boundaries to experience more of what the world has to offer can be appealing. It can even be a calling. That’s the choice Bilbo (Martin Freeman) faces in Peter Jackson’s new film “The Hobbit:... Read more
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