Shows
Christ, Culture, and CinemaMiracle - Coaching MattersIn this episode Jeffrey and Michael are joined by Dave Rittinger - a hockey playing pastor from New Jersey as they explore the true story, "Miracle" - the story about the 1980 USA Olympic Team that beat all odds and defeated the Soviet Union Hockey Team on their way to Olympic gold. But there is more to the story than simply hockey players - standing in the background is exceptional coaching. Coaching is critical - we even need it in life a and ministry. 2025-03-0743 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Holdovers - Is it a Christmas Movie?Join Michael, Jeffrey, and a special guest - Jill, as they explore a 2023 cinematic masterpiece set in Western Massachusetts at a private boarding school. The movie probes fractured lives, unlikely friendships, and the sense of hope and restoration people seek. But looming behind this movie will be the question we ask every third week of December: Is this a Christmas Movie???2024-12-1340 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaPastor's Kid - An Art-house Look at Real FaithIn this very special episode Jeffrey and Michael are joined by the director (Benjamin Ironside Koppin) and the lead actress (Courtney Bandeko) as they discuss real life issues that are part of the Christian life - things like rejection, pain, and isolation. This is not your "typical" Christian movie...and We LOVE IT! So join us as we explore a new chapter in Christian film making!2024-03-0444 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe 100th Episode ExtravaganzaIn this episode we look back over our 99 previous podcasts and discuss which movies had a lasting impact on how we engage with the art form known as "cinema." What movies stand out? Which movies caused the deepest emotional response? How did our faith life intersect with the journey the director was taking us on? Also, there are two contests that you can jump into on Facebook under the "Pastor Jeffrey Skopak" public page! Don't miss out on your opportunity to win an autographed copy of Christ, Culture, and Cinema!2022-11-2550 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThor: Love and Thunder - "I Want to Love For YOU"In this episode we explore the tension of love, love lost, and understanding the power that love has in our lives. Love has a multitude of expression: Friendship, parental, spousal, and the like. This movie surprisingly gives to us a deep dive regarding the power of love in all of those relationships!2022-10-1450 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaKnives Out - The Power of the Law and a Contrite HeartIn this episode we explore the power of the Law and the freedom one experiences in repentance and forgiveness. Too many people live in the world without acknowledging the the place of the Law int heir lives and, in turn, suffer the consequences.2022-10-0734 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 2: He May be Your Father, But He's Not Your Daddy!In this episode we explore the importance of nurturing and caring relationships in our lives - why fathers are more than DNA. Fathers provide love, care, and examples to their children.2022-09-3042 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaHouse of Gucci - Generational Wealth, Greed, and Family FailureIn this episode we explore the lure and temptation of money over family, significance over stewardship, and power over love. How did the House of Gucci ultimately fall? What happens when we put our "self" above family and friends?2022-09-2334 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaElvis - When Culture is TransformedIn this episode we explore how Elvis Presley crossed cultural divides and embraced the black culture of 1950's and 60's Southern USA. He embraced their music, dance, and expressive dress and style as he brought it to teenage white America. Even when the cultural forces conspired against him, Elvis remained true to his craft and his conviction of equality. 2022-09-1636 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaJumangi - What Do YOU Lack?In this episode we explore personal weaknesses and strengths, the necessity of self-awareness, and why "Team" or "Community" is so critically important to our lives2022-09-0935 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Big Short - Excessive Greed, Consequences, and More of the Same...In this episode we explore the real events of the real-estate market crash of 2007-08. The Greed that drove it, the people who encouraged it, and those who discovered the market bubble (but still profited from it). Were you affected by the crash? Did your personal greed have you reaching for more than you could afford? Or were you someone who staved off disaster but live with pangs of conscience for navigating the crash while others failed around you?2022-09-0238 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaWhat's Coming Up on Christ, Culture, and Cinema...A quick look ahead as we try out our slick new remote recording technology to bring guests and new movies to our podcast!2022-08-3006 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood - The Big "What IF"In this episode we look at a wild twist on history as Quentin Tarantino takes challenges us to consider "What IF" certain events turned out a different way. What about your own life? What do you look back on and consider "what" may have been different if you did (or didn't) follow a certain path?2022-08-2638 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaLightyear: Coming Face to Face with Your Own Selfish PrideIn this episode we look at what happens when one comes face to face with previous mistakes driven by self-righteousness. What does selfishness look like? Look in the mirror...or in Buzz's case: Zurg!2022-08-1932 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaTic Tic Boom! What Community Does for You...and YOU for CommunityIn this episode we explore the "true" story of Jonathan Larson, the creator of the Broadway hit "Rent." What role did community play in his creative genius and how was he challenged by the community? What about you? Where is your community? Have you returned to your community or are you still distant from your source of accountability and spiritual strength?2022-08-1239 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaTropic Thunder - The False and Fake Searching for AuthenticityIn this episode we take a look at a movie about making a movie - a movie that takes a poke at everything that is Hollywood...and how everything is based on the false and fake. Where is true authenticity? Why are we lured by the lies? Where is Truth really found?2022-08-0535 min
Christ, Culture, and CinemaSummer Hiatus: Gladiator - The Power of the CrowdIn this episode we consider the power and impact of a crowd on life's events. Hoe does a crowd influence, change, charge, or effect what is going on in front of it?2022-07-2937 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaSummer Hiatus: Toy Story - Lessons in LeadershipIn this episode we explore leadership lessons that are brought to life by toys!2022-07-2232 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaSummer Hiatus: Hidden Figures - Cultural Collisions and Rising AboveIn this episode we look at the biographical dramatic presentation of science, math, and space as it rubs up against the racism and sexism of 1960's America. Where does the Bible speak into such situations? What lenses do people (and we) choose to wear when cultures collide?2022-07-1541 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaSummer Hiatus Classic: Judy - Ordinary is ExtraordinaryIn this episode we explore the pressures and challenges placed upon the "extraordinary" people that are around us; we also look at the simple pleasures of being "ordinary" and how the lives of the "ordinary" intersect and bless the lives of the "extraordinary"2022-07-0836 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Wolf of Wall Street - The Unhealthy Pursuit of Money and Unhealthy, Unhinged Selfish BehaviorIn this episode we consider a movie we said "We would never do..." Well, we did it! The lure and attraction of money leads people to deeper and more disturbing behaviors and indulgences. Where is the bottom of the selfish pit?2022-07-0146 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaIronman - The Moral Dilemma of Instruments of War and PeaceIn this episode we explore "beating plowshares in to swords and pruning hooks into spears vs. beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks." What is the moral consequences of instruments of war and violence in society today2022-06-2433 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaHail Caesar! - Doing What is Easy vs. Doing What is HardIn this episode we explore the moral challenges of doing your job, doing it well, or pitching it all to do what is easy. 2022-06-1740 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaNational Lampoon's Summer Vacation - Creating Memories that Are Sacred and SpiritualIn this episode we take a light and playful look at the Griswold's journey to Wallyworld and Abraham and Sarah's journey to the Promised Land. As they create memories that last a life time for their family, how do you remember your family vacations and are you creating new ones for your family today?2022-06-1045 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaMidway - War and the Peace...and War?!in this episode we take a look at a historical battle and the reality of war - regardless of what side you are on, war always seems to be with us2022-06-0335 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaTop Gun: Persistence in the Face of Unguarded ExpectationsIn this episode we explore living on the line between control and chaos - persistence to cross that line can lead to failure in the face of expectations. How can you support and assist a person caught in that tension?2022-05-2741 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Shawshank Redemption - Remaining Faithful to Who You AreIn this episode we explore the challenge of remaining faithful to who you are in spite of trying circumstances and chaotic forces working against you. How do you not yield to the pressures that surround you?2022-05-2037 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Godfather - An Exercise in Justifiable Morality in Light of Sacramental FaithIn this episode we take an extended look at how people can justify their words and actions in spite of their knowledge and faith in Scriptural truths and Sacramental practice.2022-05-1359 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaJAWS - What Drives Your Fear?In this episode we explore the depths of the unknown and the danger that lurks beneath. What drives your fear? What causes your anxiety? Where is true peace and confidence found?2022-05-0631 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaAnchorman - The Legend of Ron Burgundy: Authenticity MattersIn this episode we explore this over-the-top comedy to see why authenticity matters in our relationships and community. Life is more than me!2022-04-2933 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaWhat About Bob - More Relatable Than We'd Like to Admit!In this episode we explore two sides of one coin - knowing you when you don't have it all together as well as trying to mask your personal chaos. In the end, we are broken people needing love, community, and healing!2022-04-2232 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Martian: Community vs. IsolationIn this episode we explore the driving need to be in community with other people. When isolation is forced upon us our hunger and thirst to be with other people overflows in creative and survivalist ways2022-04-1533 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaJoJo Rabbit - When a Child is a Childin this episode we explore a "dark" comedy through the eyes of a child where the world around him is pushing him to be something he is not - an adult. Joining us in this episode is Dr. Thomas Egger, president of Concordia Seminary - St Louis, Missouri2022-04-0831 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaJudy: Ordinary is ExtraordinaryIn this episode we explore the pressures and challenges placed upon the "extraordinary" people that are around us; we also look at the simple pleasures of being "ordinary" and how the lives of the "ordinary" interest and bless the lives of the "extraordinary."2022-04-0136 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaWandaVision - Episodic Story Telling of a Tale of GriefIn this episode we explore the profound impact of grief and how we handle it appropriately (and inappropriately). What hope does the Christian message afford us? How can our witness impact others? 2022-03-2536 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaSolo: A Star Wars Story - The Tension of Trying and Being "Good"In this episode we explore a cinematic icon, Han Solo, as he wants to be the "pirate" but is really the "hero." The draw and pull to do the good is a powerful and Solo demonstrates the struggle every Christian lives with2022-03-1833 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Greatest Game Ever Played - Class Distinction vs. The Impartiality of GodAs we pay homage to the The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra, Florida this week, we take a look at a historic golf movie where social class status stood in the way of athletic achievement. Does this still exist today? How do you see the world around you?2022-03-1130 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaAmerican Underdog - The Kurt Warner Story - Patience and Long SufferingIn this episode we consider the role of patience and faith while pursuing one's dream. How does God use time to mold, shape, and refine us? 2022-03-0431 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaCaptain America - The First Avenger: What is Heroic?In this episode we explore the heroism and what is really heroic in the world today. Are you a hero? How can you be "heroic" with your faith?2022-02-2535 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaHidden Figures: Cultural Collisions and Rising AboveIn this episode we look at the a biographical dramatic presentation of Science, Math, and Space as it rubs up against the racism and sexism of 1960's America. Where does the Bible speak into such situations? What lenses do people (and we) choose to wear when cultures collide?2022-02-1840 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaEncanto - The Pressures of Family and Transgenerational TraumaIn this episode we look at the challenges of family, expectations, personal desires, and transgenerational trauma. How does the experiences of the past impact the present and the future? 2022-02-1135 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaDon't Look Up - When Selfishness Overwhelms the WorldIn this episode we look at a Netflix Release that explore selfishness, pride, money, and power all getting in the way of doing what is collectively right to save the world. Why is it important to repent, confess, and speak truth into a broken world?2022-02-0436 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaToy Story - Lessons in LeadershipIn this episode we explore Leadership Lessons that are brought to life by toys!2022-01-2831 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaGladiator: The Power of the CrowdIn this episode we consider the power and impact of a crowd on life's events. How does a crowd influence, change, charge, or effect what is going on in front of it? 2022-01-2136 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaRevisiting a Classic: A Star is Born - The Mentoring Relationships that are Critical in LifeIn this episode we explore why mentors are so important in finding our voice and way in this world. We also look at how Hollywood over-dramatizes story over and against what really happens in life.2022-01-1429 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaRevisiting a Classic: The Princess Bride - The Many Facets of LoveIn this episode we explore the many facets of love and discuss "why" the movie is loved and appreciated. Can a cast that genuinely loves one another bring that authenticity to the big screen? Can one person b the pivot point for the amplification of everyone else's love?2022-01-0726 min
The Concordia Publishing House PodcastHow Faith and Films Intersect | Rev. Dr. Jeffrey SkopakLet’s go to the movies! In today’s episode of the podcast, learn how films can reflect biblical narratives, characters, and themes.Rev. Dr. Jeffery Skopak is currently the senior pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and School in Florida. Learn about his new book, Christ, Culture, and Cinema: How Faith and Films Intersect. You can find his own podcast at Christ, Culture, and Cinema.Show Notes:Movies are a large part of our collective American culture. When we explore the themes, narratives, and characters of films, biblical concepts and u...2022-01-0546 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaForrest Gump - When the Real is Wrapped in the FictionIn this episode we explore what is the "real" story in the movie Forrest Gump - is it Forrest? Is it Jenny? And why does the real story resonate with us so much?2021-12-3134 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaWhite Christmas - Community, Comedy, and CareIn this episode we explore a Christmas Classic that offers us a beloved Christmas songs, dance, and how we so need community in our lives2021-12-2431 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaLethal Weapon: Is This a Christmas Movie?In this episode we explore mental health, accountability and friendship, and IF Lethal Weapon is a Christmas movie. We will share our conclusions and hope you draw your own based on the evidence!2021-12-1731 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaHome Alone - Parental Chaos When a Child is "Missing"In this episode we explore parental responsibility, emotional challenges in the moment of crisis, and our unyielding desire to protect and watcher our children.2021-12-1033 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaScrooged - Confronting Your Past, Seeing Your Future...Changing Your WayIn this episode we look at the comedic adaptation of the Charles Dicken's Classic. IF you look back at your past, could see where your future will land, what would you change? Can you change? Do you want to change?2021-12-0333 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaGuardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 1 - "Unlikely Friendships that Collaborate and Endure"In this episode we explore how unlikely friendships are created and how complimentary gifts and skills can abound to preserve, enlarge community, and bless others2021-11-2636 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaCruella - How Do I Respond to Those Who Persecute Me?In this episode we explore the challenges of revenge, retaliation, and restitution. In this "prequel" to the Disney classic, 101 Dalmatians, we gain insight how and why Estella becomes "Cruella De'ville." How can we resist going down the same path?2021-11-1930 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaGhostbusters - Though Devils All the World Should Fill...In this episode we explore the paranormal, demonic, and powers of evil that abound in the world through a light-hearted, humorous take in this classic 1980s comedy.2021-11-1230 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Florida Project - You Will Always Have the Poor With YouIn this episode we explore the blurring between fiction and reality as we discuss Rt. 192 in Orlando - the home of slum motels like the Magic Castle and Futureland where children run and play along a busy highway in the shadow of Walt Disney World. Our guest, Jarod Skopak, has opened our eyes to this blight and prior to listening to the podcast you may want to read the Washington Times Article: "A Pandemic, A Motel without Power, and a Potentially Terrifying Glimpse of Orlando's Future"2021-11-0532 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaZombieland Doubletap: Life in Ten YearsThis is our FIRST Sequel! What does life look like if we move ten years into the future? Does our lives mirror or image Biblical stories? 2021-10-2931 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaCoco: You Can't Hide the Lies ForeverIn this episode we look at the Pixar movie Coco. A lie taken to the grave still haunts and taunts a family. A lie will eventually be revealed! Only in confession and absolution is there forgiveness and peace.2021-10-2230 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaInterstellar - Time and EternityIn this episode we explore the finite nature of time in the here and now versus time in eternity. People are willing to sacrifice so that others can continue to live in the "finite" nature of time; but why are we so slow to share time in "eternity" with people?2021-10-1533 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaDodgeball: A True Underdog Story (And Story We Can All Relate To!)So what is an underdog? Where do we find them in life? How about the Bible? In this episode we explore a comedic approach to how we can face adversity and overcome the "Goliaths" in our lives2021-10-0827 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaStar Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (When Picking Up a Story in the Middle)How do you view a movie when the story is clearly in the middle? Episode IV suggests there is are Episodes I through III...and maybe more to be written! In this episode we explore how even the Gospel of Mark does the same thing to our faith walk (leaving the reader wanting more!)2021-10-0137 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Wedding Singer - "I Want to Grow Old with YOU"In the episode we explore the nature of love and marriage; how the world pushes and prods us to seek certain things in a relationship that are not necessarily what is most needed! 2021-09-2432 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThree Amigos - The Absurd and WeakIn this episode we explore how God uses the absurd and weak to reveal his power and glory in the world. The Three Amigos are representative of Biblical demonstrations of God's plan and power2021-09-1731 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaBlack Widow - If You O Lord, Kept a Record of Sins...In this episode we explore past actions and behaviors and how we lack the ability to redeem ourselves. Only in Jesus do we find true peace and forgiveness2021-09-1027 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaUncut Gems - "The Wages of Sin is Death"In this episode we explore the darkness that can envelope and captivate the soul of person; how this darkness can dictate decisions and take them further and further away from God. Even when we think we are in control, our sin is drawing us further away from the source of our Salvation.2021-09-0327 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaSeven Days in Utopia - See, Feel, and Trust in God (Above All Things)In this episode we explore how life is not defined by "lies" but by "truths." Faith, relationships, character, and integrity in Jesus Christ matter most!2021-08-2726 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaJungle Cruise - Living Life and Counting DaysIn this episode we explore how life has seasons and when those seasons are removed we can be hapless and aimless. Purpose, meaning and love are essential to living life to the full! 2021-08-2029 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaLaLa Land - Life, Intersecting Moments, and What IfsIn this episode we explore life decisions and how they can send us on a trajectory in line with God's will as well as away from it. 2021-08-1327 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Joker - The Broken and Battered of SocietyIn this episode we explore the responsibility of the Christian in serving the broken - emotionally, spiritually, and physically - who abound around us in the world today. This is the movie that launched Christ, Culture, and Cinema!2021-08-0633 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaFever Pitch - Ritual, Community, and BelongingIn this episode we explore the power and impact of ritual and community - as it is found in baseball and in church. How do you invite someone into this intimate world? How do we keep Jesus first and foremost over and against the ritual and the "things" of church?2021-07-3027 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Tomorrow War - Parents, Children, and RelationshipsIn this episode we explore the powerful parental pull to love, protect, and do well by your children. As a Man is given the opportunity to see and participate in the future, what will he change when he returns to his current time?2021-07-2326 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaRambo - First Blood: The Power of CompassionIn this episode we explore the classic Sylvester Stallone character John Rambo and how compassion and a listening ear could have prevented the chaos and bloodshed that follows. To whom do you need to have compassion for? Who do you need to be the listening ear to?2021-07-1625 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaFord vs Ferrari - Failure, Success, and Life's ChallengesIn this episode we will explore how friendships, skills, and life's challenges help shape us into the people we become. Things don't always work out the way we want...2021-05-2826 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaSmokey and the Bandit - Honoring those in AuthorityIn this episode we will explore the erosion of respect for those in Authority while looking at it through the lenses of willful breaking of the law and the Fourth Commandment2021-05-2124 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Hunger Games: Fear, Hope, and SacrificeIn this episode we explore the balance of fear and hope and how sacrifice for others is both inspirational and necessary for our eternal salvation.2021-05-1429 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaSleepless in Seattle - It is not good for Man to be aloneIn this episode we explore the necessity of relationships and how God brings men and women together.2021-05-0728 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaFerris Bueller's Day Off - Temptation(s) with a SmileIn this episode we explore how Ferris Bueller uses temptation and charm to lead friends (and others) astray. This is not unlike how the Devil tempts Jesus in the wilderness2021-04-3026 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaMoana - Overcoming Fear and Embracing Your CallIn this episode we look at the Disney animated musical as we consider "calling," "purpose," "fear," and "fulfillment."2021-04-2324 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaA Star is Born - The Mentoring Relationships that are Critical in LifeIn this episode we explore why mentors are so important in finding our voice and way in this world. We also look at how Hollywood over-dramatizes story over and against what really happens in life.2021-04-1628 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaZombieland - Family, Rules, Travel...and ZombiesIn this episode we explore how we define family, the rules that protect and direct our lives, and how the "little things" in life become quests that help us with purpose and satisfaction2021-04-0926 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaCaddyShack - Chaos, meaninglessness, and PurposeIn this episode we explore humor, one-liners, chaos, and self-justification in the face of true purpose and meaning in life.2021-04-0226 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Natural - The Peaks and Valleys that Form UsIn this episode we explore the baseball movie about a man whose life is molded and shaped by tragedies and triumphs. We consider how the wide variety of life experiences impacts the person we become. 2021-03-2621 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaHoosiers - Leadership and RedemptionIn this episode we pay homage to the beginning the NCAA Basketball tournament by taking a look at the iconic movie Hoosiers. Leadership, life-lessons, redemption, and submission to the "Law" of the Leader are explored.2021-03-1925 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Legend of Bagger Vance - Seeing "Life" as the FieldIn the episode we explore the journey of life, what is the field, and who makes this journey with you. 2021-03-1223 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaBack to the Future - The Impact of the Past on Present RealitiesIn this episode we look at the classic 1985 Science Fiction movie as we consider how the past actions, attitudes, and behaviors of parents has a direct and immediate impact on the present reality of children.2021-03-0524 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaGrand Torino - In Search of Family (and Redemption)In this episode we explore confession, redemption, family, and re-claiming the role of Father and friend. Set against a emotional and culturally disturbing character (played by Clint Eastwood) we find peace in the midst of personal storm.2021-02-2625 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaBig Hero 6 - No Greater Love Than ThisIn this episode we explore the themes of sacrifice and grief as it is expressed in community - both in family and in friendship. Join us for this Disney classic that offers depth and character development not often found in animated movies.2021-02-1922 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaCrazy Rich Asians - Romance and FamilyIn this episode we explore cultural and social boundaries that stand in the way of love and marriage. How does one arrive at a Genesis 2:24 kind of marriage?2021-02-1224 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Queen's Gambit - The Love of Community in the Face of Personal DemonsIn this episode we take a look at addiction, adoption, family, friendship, and personal freedom. This limited series hits us with confrontation, support, love, and victory in the community.2021-02-0527 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaGroundhog Day - The Grand Do-OverWhat if you had the chance to have a do-over of a Day? A Week? A Month? A Year? What would you do differently? How would your faith and trust in Jesus effect your decision making? Join us as we discuss the personal, emotional, and spiritual changes in Phil Conners2021-01-2921 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Princess Bride - The Many Facets of LoveIn this episode we explore the many facets of love and discuss "why" the movie is so loved and appreciated. Can a cast that genuinely loves one another bring that authenticity to the big screen? Can one person be the pivot point for the amplification of everyone else's love?2021-01-2225 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaRemember the Titans - Striving for Racial Unity and Cultural AppreciationIn this episode we explore the difficult and challenging topic of racism and cultural division. By means of forced integration a Football Team comes together while players and coaches grow in their mutual care and respect for each other as people. 2021-01-1521 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaTombstone: A Variety of Relationships and Life ChoicesIn this episode we look at a classic Western where real life characters are influenced by their relationships and life decisions. Each Earp brother has a marriage that is reflected in Biblical proportions; and to "season" the story Doc Holliday and Big Nose Kate bring another relational dimension to the story.2021-01-0829 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaTrading Places - Social, Economic, Cultural, and Religious Influences...Do they Matter?In this episode we explore environmental influences as Louis Winthorpe III and Billy Ray Valentine trade places, circumstances, and are equally challenged by their new reality. Where is God in the descent to the bottom? What does "true" and "loyal" friendship look like? Are there modern day "Jobs?" 2021-01-0122 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaA Christmas Story - Proverbial VignettesReflections from the days leading up to Christmas, this collection of Vignettes finds wisdom from the book of Proverbs. It is more than a quest for a Red Rider BB gun...it is a story of family, wisdom, and fond memories2020-12-2520 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaDie Hard - A Christmas Movie: Good/Evil, Light/DarknessThe world confuses good for evil and evil for good; light or darkness and darkness for light. In this episode we explore how John McClain represents the good in the midst of evil and the light in the midst of darkness...and yes, Die Hard IS a Christmas movie!2020-12-1820 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaElf - A Truth that Compels and PropelsWhen you are different from all those around you, how do you embrace your culture while seeking what your personal "Truth" may be? How does Truth motivate and move people? How do people change when confronted with the truth? 2020-12-1120 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Hunt for Red October - Faith and ConvictionWhere do you place your faith? Can you trust what you see and what you don't see? In this episode we will explore how faith and conviction are necessary to be disciples of Jesus in the world today. 2020-12-0420 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaHappy Gilmore - Giftedness and Mentoring RelationshipsA beloved comedy, Happy Gilmore is more than over-the-top Adam Sandler comedy. It is also a movie about purpose, giftedness, talent, and mentoring relationships that assist one in achieving life goals. Mentoring relationships and encouragement are critical for maximizing giftedness for personal and Kingdom work.2020-11-2720 minChrist, Culture, and CinemaThe Blues Brothers - Classic Cinema and The Mission of GodIn this episode we explore the Classic Movie, The Blues Brothers and the "calling" to fulfill the Mission of God. What does it mean to be "called?" How does one involve others in the mission? Is it ever right or proper to disobey the civil law when fulfilling the Mission of God? 2020-11-2019 min