About a month or so ago, I got a copy of The Message Behind the Movie: How To Engage With A Film Without Disengaging Your Faith. The book is written by Douglas M. Beaumont. At first sight I knew it was for me – given that I’m a person who loves Storytelling and who is serious about my faith. The book sat on my shelf for a few weeks, because of my busy work schedule, but I finally got a chance to start reading it. I’m on page 68 and so far Beaumont does a good job at delving into the world and mechanics of Storytelling. He also provides the tools to understand how to build a framework for Christians to practically evaluate the depth of a movie through the lens of Biblical Christianity. And don’t think that you already know what he’s going to say. You may be surprised. I’ll talk more about the book as I continue reading. If you’re serious about your faith and about motion pictures, this is a must read.
July 15, 2009
July 15, 2009
The Message Behind the Movie by Douglas M. Beaumont is a new book about “how to engage with a film without disengaging your faith”. Beaumont, who teaches Bible and philosophy at the Southern Evangelical Seminary in North Carolina USA, has a work that is really three books in one.
At times it’s a work of Christian apologetics from a Protestant perspective (in fact the Protestant sensibility is evident many times). I particularly liked his outline of how reasonable it is to believe in God and can see myself using some of that material in school.
Secondly there’s an ongoing piece of fiction running through the book as some young adults talk about faith using various films as starting points. I found this the weakest point in the book as it’s not compelling fiction, and more distracts from than illustrates the points the author is making. The treatment of faith and films is the core of the book, and what is said is thought provoking, though I’d like to see a more in-depth in approach. The films used as examples are right up to date, and it’s good for a change to find a book considering the moral implications of films, not just their artistic merit. Particularly useful is the point that even if we consider a film harmless because it mightn’t have an adult rating, it’s important also to consider the values being imparted even if the content seems innocuous enough.
The book also has the feel of a manual, aimed perhaps at the education market – the exposition is straightforward and there are “Reflection Questions” at the end of each section. Further, there’s a very detailed reference section at the end which contains lots of interesting side comments.
July 10, 2009
I recently received and have read a new book written by a good friend of mine whose name is Douglas Beaumont. This book, The Message Behind the Movie, attempts to explain how the tendency of Christians to take one of two extreme positions regarding Christianity and the culture—either they tend to be Christian anti-culturists who disavow all things Hollywood or they tend to be naïve advocates of all things Hollywood, considering all content to be harmless in light of its fictional nature—is a problem that needs to be addressed. After offering a short critique of these positions, Doug attempts to fill the apparent hole with a median position that is at the same time both Christian and relevant. As I have already mentioned, I am good friends with Doug, as well as a very grateful student of his. Nonetheless, I will consider his position and will do my best to maintain objectivity. That being said, I will consider this book in accordance with its own threefold division.
Synopsis of the Book
Act One: Watching and Understanding Movies
In the first part of his book, Beaumont gives a general introduction to the aforementioned problem of shallow Christian movie-reviewing and proceeds to build his replacement. He starts by considering the anti-Hollywood position. Here, Doug does an interesting job of building a historico-philosophical backdrop by tying this failing position to the Platonic assumption that art is bad for the soul. (I will not mention the criticisms of this, or any other position that he offers, for spoilers suck just as much for an argumentative read as they do for a suspenseful movie.) Next he considers the opposite position of naïve unconcern for the content of movies and offers some criticisms. After presenting the problem, he gives his solution and proceeds to give the tools needed to implement it.
In the remainder of this first section, Beaumont considers many elements of a movie, including its story, style, worldview, and message. The book has a section on each element. Within each section he describes the element and offers how this each element may be susceptible to unfair criticism or under-criticism by the two extreme camps, offering solutions where he does this.
Act Two: Evaluating and Discussing Movies
In this second section of The Message Behind the Movie, Beaumont addresses the religious issues that often are involved in the storylines of movies, whether explicitly or implicitly. Such issues include the nature of salvation, the nature of ultimate reality, the existence of God, and the Bible. Beaumont’s approach is to give examples of how these issues show up in movies, explain the error often associated with the movie’s claims, and to give a defense of the historic Christian faith. Finally, at the end of every section, he gives a scenario which involves fictional characters discussing these themes in light of actual movies.
Act Three: Applauding and Avoiding Movies
In this short final section, Beaumont considers some popular biblical arguments that would seem to counter his mediating position on the matter of entertainment, and he explains that they are based on a poor understanding of the text. He then concludes with a contrast between legalism and spiritual maturity.
My Assessment
Act One
Overall, I am very appreciative of the intention of this section of the book. Until recently, I had never been one to consider a movie (and other forms of entertainment such as music) as much more than a medium for rest—a psychological nap. Having been a person like this I easily found myself falling into that camp that treated movies as ineffectual on one’s disposition—just harmless entertainment despite the content. After finding this to be a failed position, I found myself in the other camp, ready to discount all movies that had a portrayal of evil. Not to my surprise, I quickly found this position to be untenable, and rather boring. However, as of late I have found myself more critical (in the good sense) of those movies that I watch. For example, this weekend I watched two movies (prior to reading this book), The Wrestler and The Uninvited.
The first movie had as a major element of its story repeated visitations to a strip club. While in the past I would have simply thought that this fact should result in turning the movie off immediately, I found myself less than bothered by it, and even understanding of its purpose there (to portray the despair of the protagonist). However, I still chose to redirect my eyes when any nudity appeared, evidencing the fact that my rejection of the anti-Hollywood attitude did not leave me in the naïve position. Now, I was rather unreflective into these reactions, but The Message Behind the Movie did a good of giving an explanation as to why I had them. It flows from my being a more reflective person to begin with (which has been developed in my philosophical training). So, whereas I was rather consciously unreflective in my watching of the movie, some of my speculative habits spilt over, which made the movie watching experience more fulfilling. Now this was only accidental for me, and without my philosophical training it would most likely have been completely missed. But what about those people who lack such training? These people may be discounting movies with good messages because they do not see the purpose of a “strip club scene” or something similar. Beaumont’s book helps to understand how to evaluate such content.
The second movie was different. It wasn’t a movie that included such scenes. Instead, it was a suspenseful movie. And, as with any decent suspense movie, there was a twist. Now, once the twist occurred, the movie went back and tied it to a seemingly unimportant scene in the beginning of the movie. I found it to be quite surprising, yet gratifying. I was really able to appreciate the director’s arrangement. Now, had I read The Message Behind the Movie prior to watching this, I would have possibly been able to pick up on this fact, since it occurs within the first thirty minutes (which Doug explains would include no “filler” in a well done movie). Thus, I would have been able to be more active in my consideration of the plot, which would have made for a richer movie watching experience.
Now that I have read this book, I look forward to future movie watching where I can expect a new appreciation for the art. However, there is one element of this section that I was left confused about. In the very beginning, Beaumont compares the anti-Christian attitude to the Platonic attitude of looking down upon art. However, I do not think that this analogy is the correct one for his message. I do not think that these Christians view art as bad because it stirs the emotions and supersedes the intellect, as Plato did. I think that most Christians are worried about the depiction of evil in films simply because it is evil. Thus, I think the real problem is not that Christians are Platonic; I think that it is because they are Kantian. Such Christians will tend to think that it is always wrong under all circumstances to depict sin. This is what is known as moral absolutism. I think that this is the philosophical foundation for this error, not the faulty Platonic ontology. That said, I think that Doug’s turn to Aristotle is still a move in the right direction, though I believe that a consideration of his virtue-theory of ethics will bring forth the real solution that he ultimately advocates. Knowing Doug, I am sure that he would agree with me about this psychological description of these critical believers and I am sure that he is completely aware that what he is advocating is a sort of virtue-theory of movie watching. Thus, this critique is not about his message, which I wholeheartedly agree with, it is simply about his corollary.
Act Two
As I began reading act two, I found myself a bit confused. I have to say that I was not at all expecting a section that focused on speculative apologetics. I think that a large part of my problem here was the complete lack of mention in the book title, the section heading, or the chapter headings that instilling tools for evangelism was a goal for this book. Now, I know that Beaumont discusses the importance of engaging the culture through the medium of movies in Act One; however I thought that this meant that the book was going to consider the mechanics of doing that. I do not think that this necessarily takes away from the book; in fact I think that Beaumont was wise in choosing to include this information, considering the obvious fact that the church has not been adequately exposed to the reasons why Christianity is properly considered to be a rational belief system. I just think that titling the section and chapters differently could have gone a long way in preparing me for the move.
That having been said, the apologetic arguments offered by Beaumont are instances of the standard arguments historically used by classical apologists. There is little in the way of anything new in his arguments, nor should there be since this is clearly a book aimed to convey the information in a summary fashion for those who have never heard it before. This is exactly the kind of information that I was thankful for when I first discovered apologetics, and for his recognition as to what the church needs, Beaumont should be praised. I know first hand how easy it is to want to go deeper into these issues because I know just how detailed the discussion can get. Good for him for remembering that this book is a tool for educating neophytes. Finally, I really appreciated the dialogical section at the end of every chapter. It is in this section that I think Beaumont demonstrably evidences his petition that the culture needs to be accessed in order for evangelism to be relevant and effective.
Act Three
There is little to say regarding the final section. I thought that it was very appropriate and well put. Some may wish that Beaumont had given a list of dos and don’ts for a Christian movie watcher, but if they had they would be missing the whole point (and should buy another copy and start over . . . . j/k).
Concluding Thoughts
Upon completion of this book I am especially happy that I read the first section, pleased that the second section is included, and glad at the open door left in the third section. The problems that I have with the book are circumstantial, for the most part, and do not relate to the overall argument presented. Being a book which appears to have been intended as an introduction, I think it succeeds wonderfully in its goal. When all is considered, I will give this book 4.5 out of five, the half point being taken for the confusion regarding the second section. Nonetheless, that confusion would not inhibit me in the least from recommending The Message Behind the Movie to any Christian who wishes to be a successful evangelist, whether to millions, or simply to their friends. This is a terribly important message that could not be released at a better time.
Finally, I hope for the author and the publisher to consider a series of sequels, and to dive deeper into these topics discussed. I would like to see the first section expanded into its own volume, if not multiple volumes. It would also be neat to see a volume aimed at detailed evaluation, to show what that would look like.
July 10, 2009
There are some Christians who avoid seeing movies because they fear polluting their souls. Other Christians see every movie, convinced that nothing can harm them. If you know either of these types, The Message Behind the Movie. How to Engage with a Film without Disengaging Your Faith by Douglas M. Beaumont is for you.
As Barbara Nicolosi wisely observes in the book’s Foreword, “We believers are supposed to have our eyes trained on ‘the signs of the times’ as open doords for evangelism. The movies are ‘the signs’ of our times.” Mr. Beaumont’s goal is to eqiup Christians for reading the signs from a Christian world view in order to engage in what he calls “cinevangelism” – using movies as communicators of current thought that can aid my understanding and conversing with contemporary culture.” (26-27)
He begins by explaining the structure and purpose of storytelling, including the story’s suppositions. Mr. Beaumont then introduces the reader to a means for evaluating and discussing movies – religiously, philosophically, theologically, and scripturally. He concludes by answering the question, “What Should we Then Watch?”
Cinevangelism is demonstrated through Mr. Beaumont’s extensive discussion of several popular movies – Batman, Matrix, Contact, and The Da Vinci Code.
The Message Behind the Movie should accomplish the author’s hope – to help you “become a more thoughtful movie watcher “and to equip you to “use movies as a way of engaging your non-Christian friends with the gospel.” (159).
July 10, 2009
When I first read the title of the book, “The Message Behind The Movie”, my initial response to the title was, the message behind all the movies made today is bad! Now I don’t claim to be a movie critic, but I do admit to being very critical of the product put out by Hollywood these days. It is not an opinion I have had all my life, fact is until a I gave my life to Christ I was more of an agnostic when it came to my opinion of movies. Like many Americans, I was oblivious to the influence movies and television had on the way I looked at the world. Whenever I heard others complaining about the bad influence movies had upon society I would shrug my shoulders and consider them a bit too critical for life. I mean, after all, it was just entertainment as far as I was concerned.
When I gave my life to Christ, those rose colored glasses I saw the world through cracked, and the truth began to seep into my consciousness. I began to see the world differently as I started to realize how much of my life has been influenced by the movies I have watched through the years. Eventually I became so enraged by the way Hollywood movies had become propaganda films for leftist political agendas and immoral lifestyles that I not only stopped going to movies but I also gave up on television. So when a friend asked me to read a book about the movies, I hesitated until I read the title, “The Message Behind The Movie”. While it was the title that grabbed my curiosity, it was the smoothness of the way the book flowed and the value of its message that made me eager to write this review.
Before I embarked upon my task however, I wanted to know what those whom this book is targeted towards thought about today’s movies. In a recent poll of 2513 people, 71% responded that many movies are bad and some are good, while 17% said that all movies are garbage. Interestingly, only 10% thought movies were either harmless entertainment or mostly good. Here is a sampling of some comments I received as to my question O posted on FreeRepublic.com & PostScripts.com Post Scripts, “What’s Your Opinion of Today’s Movies”;
Libby (PS) “The current penchant for remakes is kinda creepy. The youngsters have nothing of their own to say? ”
Jim (PS) “Let me clarify my thought about bad movies. It’s a lot like fast food, most of which is unhealthy junk. However a lot of people are willing to pay for this junk, so these companies stay in business.”
Jack (PS) “I believe that movies today are designed for people with a low IQ or low education, since they mostly appeal to prurient interests or things that go boom!”
Petronski (FR) “At least two, maybe three, films per year are really quite good. ”
robomatik (FR) “good movies are rare, but Hollywood does put out a few good ones from time to time.”
demshateGod (FR) “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (Psalm 1:1) That pretty much rules out all movies.”
RoadTest (FR) “My opinion of today’s movies is that they are unfit for human consumption.
Check6 (FR) “Much worse than worthless. ”
Tammy8 (FR) “I don’t watch many movies- I hate to spend good money and be disappointed… it takes the right kind of movie to even interest hubby and I. ”
Then there was this comment by a Freeper named, 3catsanadog that pretty much summed up my take;
“There are not too many movies made anymore that will inspire me to get out and watch them in a theater. I also don’t feel like spending my hard earned money on some lib propaganda and lib movie star.”
My feeling towards movies put me with the 90% who find very little, if anything, redeemable in today’s movies. When considering those the author is trying to reach, I must admit that I would be a prime candidate to see if reading his book proves valuable in the task that he proposes.
Douglas Beaumont, the author, is an instructor at Southern Evangelical Seminary where he is also pursuing a Ph.D. in philosophy of religion. A self-proclaimed movie junkie, Doug wanted to unite his interest in theology, philosophy, and apologetics with his love of film. In “The Message Behind The Movie”, Doug attempts to help the reader do a better job of interacting with the secular culture by understanding the movies that shape and reveal it. By introducing various aspects of how a story is told the reader will find himself better equiped to steer non-believers into discussions about faith, a process the author calls cinevangelism. It may seem strange and almost heretical to mention secular entertainment and evangelism in the same sentence, but in Acts 17 Paul himself used Greek philosophical arguments from creation to lead pagan philosophers to Christ. It is these kinds of eye opening methods that Doug leads the reader through while providing a foundation of Scriptural truths that will help a believer properly evaluate a movie.
“The Message Behind The Movie” is written in three acts much like the ancient structure of plays were divided by Aristotle into three acts. Each act is then divided into chapters that explain how stories and characters develop along established patterns that have been followed since Syd Field wrote his landmark book, “Screenplay”. These lessons are significant when you consider that most moviegoers don’t usually think in terms of character or structure while watching a movie. The book will inevitably bless even the most experienced of movie buffs.
Act One, the author explains how movies communicate through various means and how to understand the way stories are told. The reader is introduced to such characters as the protagonist and the herald, along with how to pay attention to the sights and sounds. The first section closes out with a discussion of the way the story is told, its supposition presented, and how to put all this information into practice so you can properly understand a film. By the end of the first section you have a better understanding of how to let a movie speak for itself without distractions interfering with its message. I was unable to set the book down at this point, as I was eagerly awaiting the next section and the lessons I would glean from it.
Act Two gives the reader a lesson in how to properly discuss and evaluate the different aspects of a movie, whether that be religious, philosophical, theological, or Scriptural. It is no secret that Hollywood either portrays Christianity as an outdated religion whose followers are narrow minded, or it presents a false gospel that leads people away from the truth. This section was my favorite in that Doug shows off his apologetical skills by presenting various lessons on how to defend the faith and by pointing out negatives and positives of the movie’s message, without getting into a deep religious discussion that would turn off non Christians.
In the final chapter, Act Three, the author discusses the issues that Christians raise about the value of movies and introduces principles that can be applied when choosing which movies to watch and which ones to avoid. Many Christians, in defending their stance for or against movies, will use various verses from the Bible. The author takes these Scriptures and puts them in their proper context to help the reader better understand his take on the value movies can have for cinevangelizing. As I finished reading this last chapter I must honestly say I felt better equipped to not only understand the message behind the movie, but also how to use the message as a tool to defend and proclaim my faith as a Christian. It is my opinion that Christians who enjoy going to the movies should read “The Message Behind the Movie”, before they see their next film. I understand Sandra Bullock has a new movie called “The Proposal” playing at the theater; I think I’ll take my wife to the movies.
July 10, 2009
This book is shallow and sophomoric. The contortions and convolutions the author goes through in an attempt to defend the indefensible present a revolting spectacle. He should concentrate on being an apologist for Christianity instead of for the soul-rotting dreck that spews forth from the Sodom and Gomorrah of southern California. A total waste of time. I want my money back.
June 30, 2009
The Message behind the Movie: How to Engage with a Film without Disengaging your Faith. Douglas M. Beaumont.
Moody Publishers. 2009. 176 pp. $10.19 (Amazon). ISBN 978-0802432018.
Should Christians avoid all movies, dismissing them as bad, evil, or garbage? Should they watch any movie without any regard for content, dismissing the idea that they can be violated by anything on a screen? Or is there a way to evaluate movies, a way to judge them, a way to filter what should be watched, and finally, a way to use them as a launching pad for apologetics and evangelism? This middle way is precisely what the author provides in The Message behind the Movie.
The book is divided into three sections, which are called ‘Acts’…
‘Act One’ is about watching and understanding movies. This section covers movies as an art form, which includes story structure, characters, the visual aspects of a film, and the sounds. All of these elements, Beaumont argues, are important to understand the story of a movie, which is the first step to understanding its message. He also covers other elements of style such as profanity, violence, nudity, sex, and a very interesting and valuable exploration of the MPAA rating system. Finally, Beaumont talks about the suppositions and worldview of a movie, which form the message behind the movie.
‘Act Two’ is about evaluating and discussing movies. This particular section deviates from talking directly about movies and provides the tools (Christian theology and worldview) needed in order to properly evaluate the movie for the purposes of evangelism and apologetics. The author demonstrates, through use of examples, how to evaluate a movie philosophically, theologically, and biblically. Note: The theology includes the gospel message of salvation according to the Protestant church, as well as the orthodox essentials of the Christian faith according to Classical Theism.
‘Act Three’ discusses the question of what Christians should and should not watch. Instead of giving black and white rules for how to choose a movie, the author gives general principles. These principles serve as tools that Christians can draw from in order to make a decision on which movies to watch. Some of these principles are given by way of clarifying often misunderstood scriptures about the avoidance of evil, and how to properly understand them in their context.
Some of the features of the book include reflective questions at the end of each chapter, which can be used for groups, book clubs, or private study. Throughout the book, movie references are made which demonstrate how the principles of the book apply to actual movies. Also, the author does an excellent job of creating a mock dialogue with characters who engage in a conversation about watching movies, the significant issues that arise from movies, and opportunities to use them for apologetics and evangelism. The dialogue demonstrates the value of story telling while at the same time bringing together the contents of the book and having them being played out through characters.
What someone should not expect from The Message behind the Movie is a book written by a Christian movie critic about specific movies. Instead, it was written by a Christian apologist who happens to love movies, and sees the value of the art form, its significance in forming the values of our culture, and the practical opportunities they bring to find common ground with others in order to bring the truth of the gospel.
If there was ever a need for a book on how Christians should not only evaluate movies, but should first value them as a legitimate and worthy form of art to be enjoyed, Doug Beaumont’s The Message Behind the Movie is that book. The author makes it clear that increasing our pleasure in movie watching is not the primary goal, but rather to learn how to evaluate a movie in light of Christian beliefs. This involves discerning the message of the movie revealed by its story; the structure and the assumed worldview of that story. Only then can Christians evaluate whether the movie presents a strong Christian, non-Christian, or anti-Christian worldview, which they can then respond to and use as a starting point for apologetics and evangelism.
Overall, I highly recommend The Message behind the Movie.
“…movies encourage community by creating shared experiences that unite people as they try to make sense of the world—which means movies serve a function similar to that of religion. That is to say, for better or worse, movies can shape the way we think about the world.”-p.26
June 9, 2009
Allow me to preface my review of Doug Beaumont’s latest title, The Message Behind the Movie, by first providing some background as to my own evolution of perspectives regarding Christians and Hollywood. I grew up in a vehemently separatist, fundamentalist branch of Christianity. As I grew in age and interests I would often times find my desire to see the latest summer blockbuster running in opposition to the wishes of and teaching and warnings of my pastors. The mantra “Nothing good can come from Hollywood” reverberated throughout their sermons as they would wax eloquent on the evils of motion pictures. So, needless to say, this anti-cinema conditioning caused a great deal of confusion in my life and especially my newfound life in ministry. I would be told that if a Christian attends a film he/she has disqualified themselves from spiritual leadership and service to the church.
As I struggled with these issues I began to see examples throughout the Scriptures in which Paul quoted from popular media (I realize I am using this term anachronistically) in his presentation of the Gospel to a pagan world. As I wrestled with the methodology of Paul in contrast to the teaching I was so indoctrinated with I stumbled across www.DougBeaumont.org. There I found that Doug’s blog provided clear and coherent answers to the claim that “Nothing good can come from Hollywood.” Rather than abandoning the popular media, Doug provided a Biblical framework in which a believer could evaluate a film, digest the good elements and use various points in communicating the Gospel. Finding someone so balanced on the Scriptures and with such a positive outlook on a Christian’s ability to be “in the world” but not “of the world” was quite refreshing and encouraging. That was a number of years ago now and yet I remember even then thinking, “This guy REALLY needs to write a book about this stuff!” Well, finally Doug has and I Am excited to be one of the reviewers selected by Moody Publishers to give my take on this excellent text.
First, Doug opens The Message Behind the Movie by spending six chapters (ACT ONE) discussing how to understand various elements of movies. I particularly enjoyed the chapter entitled “Can Anything Good Come Out of Hollywood.” During these first six chapters Doug lays a solid framework around the nature of storytelling through the media of film. This is quite significant because, as odd as it sounds, many people simply do not understand how to watch a film. Viewers routinely sit back and watch the images stream by as one would watch a car passing them on the interstate. There is no introspection, there is no evaluation, and certainly there is no worldview consideration taking place. The Message Behind the Movie appeals for Christians to first understand how to watch a film before laying down principles regarding how to use and discuss a film.
The Second section of the book (ACT TWO) delves deeper into how one goes about evaluating various elements of the story being presented in a given film. In his chapter on “Discussing Movies Religiously” Doug points out something that I believe to be a key element in movie evaluation. Doug notes that while Hollywood as a whole disdains the notion that human beings are “sinners” there is still a steady stream of films that resonate the theme of salvation (pg. 86). Such themes provide an excellent spring board upon which one can engage non-believers in a dialogue regarding the Biblical theme of salvation. Doug then moves his focus to how one discusses a film both philosophically and theologically. He does an excellent job pointing out that practically all films make assertions regarding the nature of truth, reality, and the existence of God. It would serve the Christian well to know how to understand and to interact with these assertions. As the educational culture in our nation becomes less text driven and more technology driven it becomes imperative that Christians understand how to use the assertions being made in popular film to engage in a dialogue regarding one’s worldview.
Doug provides a fitting conclusion to his book (ACT THREE) by reminding believers of the Biblical imperative to avoid evil and to honor God in all that we do. However, in his classic fashion, Doug attempts to correct popular misunderstandings of texts such as I Thessalonians 5:22. He points out that many Christians take this to mean that anything that appears to have evil elements must be avoided, however, the text actually encourages the believer to abstain from every form of genuine evil, not things that simply appear evil on the surface. In his concluding remarks Doug leaves his readers with a sobering reminder, one I believe provides a fitting conclusion regarding any debate about what a believer should or should not consume from popular media. The text he quotes from Scripture that most resonates with me was I Thessalonians 5:21 “examine everything carefully and hold fast to that which is good.”
In conclusion, I am very grateful for The Message Behind the Movie. The nascent form of this book found in Doug’s blog impacted my life at a critical point and I believe this text will impact many believers struggling with the same issues I had to face. Now, as an instructor of Apologetics and Theology I plan to use this text as an example of how one can critically engage the culture and remain relevant without losing one’s faith. This is a MUST read!
June 1, 2009
An MBM reviewer is taking a poll on his BLOG for use in his research – please check it out!
May 18, 2009
Now – through the power of SCIENCE!!!
Amazon’s cool KINDLE machine can bring you The Message Behind the Movie electronically!
It also works on iPhones, iPods, etc.
Not bad for ten bones!
