I felt nervous going into The Rise of Skywalker. Would the new movie continue the message of original trilogy or would it detract? Specifically, would Episode IX emphasize redemption and mercy, or would it just conclude the Skywalker saga with a big fight? I left the theater with a big smile, knowing the film not only affirmed the earlier work, but “finished what it started.” Spoilers follow.
Continue reading How The Rise of Skywalker Completes Return of The Jedi
Les Misérables powerfully and uncomfortably presents poverty, injustice, and evil. It asks, “What will you do about it?” Inspired by historical data and faith in God’s promises, we can follow the nonviolent, proactive, and sacrificial example of Jean Valjean (and also Jesus).
Continue reading How Les Misérables Advocates for Nonviolence
I love Star Wars, and I love discussing it on social media. Sometimes however, fans make disturbing comments. I find people who root for the Jedi, but based on their opinions, they would be Sith. This serves as a warning against hypocrisy and a call to examine ourselves in all areas of life.
Why would Luke say this? We heard it in the trailer, and the movie teaches us the lesson Luke learns the hard way. (Spoilers below.) If we grow beyond the mistakes of Jedi Masters, we’ll find a balance in our lives — and our politics — that is needed for the galaxy far away and the one we live in.
On Christmas Eve of 1914, the unthinkable happened. Soldiers from opposing armies defeated warfare itself to celebrate the birth of Christ. While using fictional characters, Joyeux Noel depicts the historical events of World War I that actually occurred in multiple places along the front. But when the commanding officers learn what happened, we see a clash of religions, of two very different versions of “Christianity”: Biblical spirituality and civil religion. This clash continues today, and we need to identify this false faith in order to overcome it, especially in the current controversy regarding refugees.
Continue reading A Christmas Truce, Civil Religion, and Refugees
A Spiritual Analysis of Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Contains Spoilers
With a heavy heart, I write about Star Wars: The Force Awakens. If you’ve seen the movie, you know why, and if you haven’t, stop reading immediately and go see it. Continue reading When Love Doesn’t “Work”
Spiritual Thoughts on the Original Star Wars Trilogy
Throughout the original trilogy of the Star Wars, the small and weak defeat the large and powerful. Similarly, Jesus taught his followers, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5) But how? Through force of arms, just like powerful oppressors? Let’s see how Jesus Christ and Luke Skywalker approach evil, and how they win.
Continue reading The Meek shall Inherit the… Galaxy?
