As recent posts have raised some of the same questions that prompted me to write Through a Screen Darkly, I think I’ll provide links to… The Introduction Chapter One: How a Camel Made a Grown Man Cry (PDF) Chapter Two: Viewer Discretion Advised I wrote this in order to take the time necessary to explore questions that are too complicated to address sufficiently in a blog post. It’s been a joy to have this book welcomed by Christian universities and... Read more
I’m chronicling memorable messages from the daily maelstrom of Looking Closer email. Most of these letters are real. Some of them may be amalgams of a variety of messages. Some of them are what I read between the lines of the things readers really wrote. Each installment of Reader Mailstrom will be updated over the course of the day, so check back to see if I’ve responded to you. (more…) Read more
Same song, second verse. (more…) Read more
Did you flinch when Edward Scissorhands reached out? That was Stan Winston. Did your stomach turn when The Thing tore apart its victims? That was Stan Winston. (more…) Read more
Andy Whitman, my favorite writer at Paste Magazine, delivered a lecture at the Trinity Arts Conference last week. I missed it. My work schedule prevented me from attending, and it hurt to miss out. Nobody writes about music with more passion than Andy. And few can draw from such a wealth of experience in listening closely. I’ve discovered a great deal of excellent music from following Andy’s journeys. And it is a privilege to call him a friend. God bless... Read more
Is this the year that an animated movie will win the Oscar for Best Picture? Here’s hoping… (more…) Read more
Once a month, I talk with Kim Ketola about movies, faith, and culture on her “Along the Way” radio program. She runs a great show, and isn’t afraid to ask tough questions. This week, Kim and I talked about Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and Bella. Then she asked me for my thoughts on the film Sex and the City. (Listen to the podcast here.) [2013 UPDATE: That podcast is currently offline. Well, it has been five years now.] Since I haven’t seen it, I... Read more
What sad, shocking news today… Russert, NBC News’ Washington bureau chief and the moderator of Meet the Press, has been as busy as anyone in offering thoughtful coverage of the campaign primary circus of 2008. I’m stunned and saddened by this. Read more
I’m starting a new column, chronicling stand-outs from the daily maelstrom of Looking Closer email. Most of these letters are real. Some of them are amalgalms of a variety of messages. Some of them are what I read between the lines of the things readers really wrote. Each installment of Reader Mail-strom will be updated over the course of the day, so check back to see if I’ve responded to you. – WHERE’D GODAWA GO? QUESTION: “I was wondering if... Read more
I’m listening to U2’s new album right now! It’s called Viva La Vida. You can stream it for free right here. U2’s collaborations with Brian Eno have always been fruitful, and I’ll be enjoying this for the rest of the summer. Too bad they had to call in Coldplay to substitute for them at the last minute, but still…. Just listen to track 5 — it’s like a sequel to “City of Blinding Lights.” So when will the new U2... Read more
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