GONE GIRL, the latest film by David Fincher, stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. It’s an outstanding film on every level, and raises fantastic questions about the nature of marriage.
Author: JR. Forasteros
JR. lives in Dallas, TX with his wife Amanda. In addition to exploring the wonders that are the Lone Star state, JR. is the teaching pastor at Catalyst Community Church, a writer and blogger. His book, Empathy for the Devil, is available from InterVarsity Press. He's haunted by the Batman, who is in turn haunted by the myth of redemptive violence.
After a tangent on horror films, Bryne and JR. discuss getting settled in their new homes. Both find themselves in communities divided by religious controversy – from gay marriage to atheist invocations. They consider what neighborliness looks like, and whether Civil Religion or Religious Civility is more important.
The pervasive belief that faithful Islam manifests itself as violence is ignorant, wrong and unChristian. A loving, godly response to our Muslim neighbors should follow Jesus’ golden rule.
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An Ecclesiastes Mode of Change
Bryne and JR. are going through some big transitions. After they process the last couple of big episodes, they explore the nature of change. How do we change well? What’s at stake if we refuse to change? As a bonus, we add 20 minutes of off-the-cuff conversation about TV and film they’ve been watching recently.
Destined for Doon is a worthy sequel that expands on the world, grows the characters and sets up further adventures. Fans of the series, rejoice!
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#Ferguson
Bryne and JR. welcome two pastors – Josh Butler and Eric Knox – to discuss the mess that is Ferguson, Missouri in the wake of the shooting of Michael Brown. We examine how the media shapes the story, how the militarization of police feeds the conflict, and the extent to which race and privilege shape and are shaped by the events in Ferguson.
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Israel, Gaza and Just War
Bryne and JR. return from busy summers to dive into the conflict between Israel and Gaza. We explore the history of the region, what’s at stake for both sides and land on a discussion of Just War. Is violence ever morally permissible? Is Pacifism an effective, realistic alternative to violence? How can we become peacemakers?
What’s with that crazy post-credits scene in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY?
What would the story of Jonah sound like if it happened today?
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is shockingly profound and staggeringly artful. It’s more than a summer blockbuster. It’s an achievement.