Cyber War

There have been numerous articles written about how the internet has reshaped the way we interact with people. A recent article in Christianity Today noted that,

…the invention of social media, like blogs, Twitter, and Facebook, created a radical departure in communication. In pre-2004 Christianity (that is, Christianity before Facebook was invented), only a small group of Christian leaders and teachers had access to the printing press—but today everyone has WordPress. In pre-2004 Christianity it was difficult to become a published author, but today everyone is surrounded by dozens of “Publish” buttons.

Blogging is not an occupation to be taken lightly. You are in a position of leadership. Your thoughts, your beliefs, are available to the entire cyber world at the click of a button. And because of this “instant access” capability, it’s very easy lose sight of the responsibility to weigh our words. Instead of carefully considering what we’re going to say before we say it, we just sizzle and pop like cheap Chinese firecrackers.

“Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more
hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 29:20)

These days, its a popular pastime to hop over to a prominent blog (say Challies or Veith), read the latest controversial post, and then throw oneself heart and soul into the vicious bar fight going on in the comments section. Put on your boxing gloves and angry eyebrows, ’cause it’s gonna get really ugly, really fast.

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but
the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18)

Now, don’t misunderstand me: I’m all for respectful, reasoned debate. And I’ve been privy to several comment-thread discussions that have been a real pleasure to read and participate in. But too often, what I see is not respectful, reasoned debate: it’s all out war. The participants aren’t concerned with engaging in a thoughtful discussion. They’re more concerned with humiliating, wounding, and retaliating against their brothers in Christ.

Whatever happened to Ephesians 4:15? “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

When we catch sight of something in the blogosphere that we disagree with – whether it’s a post or a comment on that post – we don’t need to act as if the world is going to end if we don’t immediately respond. In fact, oftentimes the best thing to do is to just walk away: don’t respond at all. Resist that urge to pick a fight. In those cases where a response is in order, do so thoughtfully, firmly, and lovingly, in a manner consistent with the character of Him Whom you serve. Christians shouldn’t look at a debate as an opportunity to beat each other up. They should view it as an opportunity to teach, an opportunity to learn, an opportunity to quicken each other’s beliefs and convictions. Measure your words, for “death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” (Proverbs 18:21)

“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps
himself out of trouble.” (Proverbs 21:23)

Soundtrack Review: Frost/Nixon

Frost/Nixon
(Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Composer: Hans Zimmer
Running Time: 43 min.
Released: 2008

 

 

Frost/Nixon – Ron Howard’s 2008 feature about a series of interviews TV personality David Frost held with ex-President Richard Nixon – benefits from a superb score by Hans Zimmer. Reflective of the electrifying battle of wits going on onscreen, Zimmer opts for a minimalist approach, with subtlety and crackling suspense rather than bombast. It is, in my opinion, one of his best scores, and is perfect to listen to while driving or studying.

The entire soundtrack is excellent, but here are the standouts. Opening the album is Watergate, a minimalist piece dominated by a bevy of persistent strings and anticipatory piano. Following closely on its heels is the more upbeat Hello, Good Evening and Welcome, while track number four, Pardon the Phlebitis, conveys a strong sense of dramatic urgency. My favorite cue is Beverly Hilton, which swells from simple, percussive beginnings to a fascinating string arrangement. Cambodia is a short, bitter-sweet piece, and Research Montage evokes mystery, danger, and discovery.

As Many Heads As A Hydra

“My chief and abiding trial lies within; and I hope that the Lord will sanctify it – to make me by degrees ‘little’ in my own eyes. I long to be able to use Job’s words, with the same feeling as I believe Job had when he spoke them, ‘Behold, I am vile!’ (Job 40:4.) The acknowledgment in words is quite easy – but really and in good earnest to ‘abhor myself’ and repent in dust and ashes – is most difficult. I know that I ought to be humbled before Him – but I want to be so indeed.

“But that monster self has as many heads as a Hydra – and as many lives as a cat! It is more than 25 years since I hoped it was fast nailed to the cross – but alas, it is still very much alive – and still mixing with, and spoiling everything I do!”

~ John Newton

HT Grace Gems

Great Guy Movies

I love movies. And I’m a guy. Which means the films that reach the top of my favorites list are probably quite different from those on a gal’s list. The movies listed below are varied in genre, but they all have something in common: the protagonists are manly men. No sissies allowed.

Saving Private Ryan (1997), [R]
A masterpiece, in nearly every sense of the word. The directing, acting, script, and cinematography are all absolutely phenomenal; and the depiction of modern combat – including a gut-wrenching 20-minute recreation of Omaha beach – is the most realistic you will ever see on the silver screen. Period. Battles are chaotic, savage affairs of ultraviolence, full of rolling smoke, whizzing bullets, and mangled flesh. Combining such visceral imagery with an incredibly powerful story of sacrifice and heroism, Spielberg pulls together a war epic  that surpasses all others. It’s a sincere and heartfelt homage to the courageous U.S. soldiers of World War II.

The Last of the Mohicans (1992), [R]
Based on the book by James Fenimore Cooper. Although it takes some liberties with the original story, Michael Mann’s frontier epic is nevertheless a magnificent piece of filmmaking, with a perfectly balanced mixture of action, adventure, and romance that paves the way for a breathtaking finale. The performances are uniformly good, the cinematography is jaw-dropping, and the vicious brutality of hand-to-hand combat is captured to stunning effect in the film’s impressive battle sequences. Definitely a must-see.

Master & Commander (2004), [PG-13]
Based on the novels by Patrick O’Brian. Sea adventures don’t get any better than this. The cinematography is amazing, the acting is superb, and the historical accuracy is spot-on. Really a spectacular film, and a must-see for anyone interested in naval history and warfare.

Gladiator (2000), [R]
There are some historical inaccuracies, but overall, Gladiator is a superb historical epic and a real eye-opener to the glory, brutality, and corruptness of Rome. As for Crowe… well, it’s not hard to see why he garnered an Oscar for his role. He plays the heroic protagonist with absolute perfection: his Maximus is a manly man, a man of honor and unflinching resolve, a man who loves his country, loves his family,  and who never backs down from fighting for what is right.

The Patriot (2000), [R]
The Patriot is not a definitive drama about the Revolutionary War, but it succeeds admirably on its own terms. There’s great cinematography, and the story, while nothing new, is smart and engrossing. Gibson gives a superb, brooding performance as the troubled but determined war hero, and the supporting cast (especially Ledger and Isaacs) is equally good. And while the historical accuracy isn’t always perfect, overall this film offers a pretty solid depiction of some of the most important years in America’s  history.

Cinderella Man (2005), [PG-13]
After watching this, I immediately put it down on my list of favorites. It truly is a wholesome, inspiring piece of filmmaking of the type seldom produced by Hollywood these days, and by the time I got to the end credits, I wanted to stand up and cheer. Because Cinderella Man isn’t merely the story of a great boxer: it’s the story of a man fighting for his family. Zellweger is excellent, Giamati is steller as manager Joe Gould, and Russell Crowe gives one of the most moving, tenacious performances of his entire career.

The Road (2009), [R]
Based on the book by Cormac McCarthy. The Road is a disturbing yet poignant post-apocalyptic tale that’s genuinely hard to watch sometimes, even if you have a strong stomach. On the one hand, it presents with gritty realism the wickedness that the depraved man is naturally inclined to – the scenario with the cannibals is more realistic than one might think at first. On the other hand, it is also an incredibly powerful story of sacrifice and of the fierce love that burns between a father and his son.

The Matrix (1999), [R]
As one critic noted, “… [The Matrix] is much more than an out-and-out action yarn; it’s a thinking man’s journey into the realm of futuristic fantasy.” Fusing a one-of-a-kind premise with mind-blowing special effects (most notably “bullet-time”), this is a classic film that sci-fi fans (especially guys) will not want to miss. And there’s plenty to think about long after the credits have finished rolling. Biblical themes – such as Original Sin – are easily found beneath the enthralling storyline.

The Bourne Trilogy (2002-2007), [PG-13]
Based on the books by Robert Ludlum. Top notch action thrillers that bring a superb sense of gritty reality to a genre that’s too often over-produced. The story is intelligent and believable, the characters are well conceived, and the action sequences are absolutely stunning to watch.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003), [PG-13]
Based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien. Told with epic energy and passion, and chock full of biblical themes, The Lord of the Rings is a masterful fantasy film trilogy that is certain to stand as an adventure for all time. Director Peter Jackson’s book-to-screen adaption is one of the best I’ve ever encountered, and he is to be highly commended for staying so faithful to Tolkien’s vision.

Got any favorites of your own? Be my guest and share ’em down in the comments section If you’re a guy, I, personally, will benefit from your recommendations; if you’re a gal, my Mom will.

Flotsam & Jetsam (3/10)

Love Wins – Tim Challies offers a thorough, reasoned, and biblical review of Rob Bell’s new book. “Love does win, but not the kind of love that Bell talks about in this book. The love he describes is one that is founded solely on the idea that the primary object of God’s love is man…”

Consumerist Church – The Sacred Sandwich provides yet another laugh.

“Through” Means “Through Faith” – Kevin DeYoung over at the Gospel Coalition addresses inclusivism: “Unless we believe that Christ is ‘he,’ the long awaited Messiah and heaven sent Son of God, we will die in our sins (8:24). Jesus could not make the point any clearer. Through’ means ‘through faith.’ Inclusivism and John 14:6 cannot be friends.”

The Adjustment Bureau – Movieology reviews a film I’ve been looking forward to seeing for quite sometime.

Put On Some Slacks, Sissy – Listen up, guys: “Why have Christian men forgotten their duty as kings? We conquer nature and make it work for us. We oppose the enemies of God, and nobly defeat them in truth and love. We defend our kingdoms, our families, our queens (soon enough). But we look like grade school dorks. If we are kings, then why do we still dress in sweats and camouflage? No king could show up to court in his pajamas and demand respect; he must earn it in all he does. This includes dress, fellas.”

Are You Alive? – Prove it.

Building Literary Muscles – The best quote I’ve come across this week.

How It Should’ve Ended [Caution: Mature] – Zach Nielsen shares a video about how The Dark Knight (2008) should have ended. “Wait… is that your new stage voice? You sound like you’re gargling marbles.”

Hold the Schleiermacher – Hop over to Persis’ blog for a little history lesson.

“Don’t hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting;
but never hit soft.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt