In the documentary film, Expelled by Ben Stein, the famous atheist-evolutionist Richard Dawkins was a prominent character. He is also known for his vehement hatred of God and religion in general having written books like The God Delusion. Towards the end of the film, Stein asked Dawkins what he would say if he died and hypothetically met God in heaven. Dawkins gave an answer -- in no indifferent tone -- from the famous atheist Bertrand Russell: "Sir, why did you take such pains to hide yourself?" It was almost as if he was asking the question from the heart.
I can empathize with Dawkins, because I've struggled with doubt and the existence of God very intensely. And one of the best answers to his question, if not the best, is to find the Persecuted Church. For there he will find God. If he truly wants to find God and see where God has not hidden himself, then in my opinion the Persecuted Church is the best place to look. There is nothing on Earth like it.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Top 10 Movies of the Last Decade
I got the idea to compile this list from a sportstalk radio show. I know, not very original. Anyway, here we go.
10. The Dark Knight (2008) - Action-packed thrill ride to the core. My wife, Aidan, said she had to tell herself to breathe halfway through the movie. Heath Ledger did a phenomenal job playing a character modeled after Satan. Truly despicable to say the least. This movie also benefited from unexpected plot twists and original writing.
9. Finding Nemo (2003) - Of the Pixar flicks this one really stands out. It catapulted Pixar to a new level. It had the age-old theme about the bond between father and son. There were plenty of laughs, gasps and sighs along the way. Plus, it took us to rarely-imagined worlds deep below the sea in enthralling wonderment, which catered nicely to computer animation.
8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) - This film was one word: magical. Our imaginations and hearts were able to soar as we entered the world of Narnia and saw firsthand the beauty and excellence of the timeless truths extolled by unrivaled author C.S. Lewis. The final battle scene makes you want to take up your own sword and wage war with the best of them. When it comes to pure excitement this is the better of the two in the current series.
7. The Bourne trilogy (2002, '04, '07) - If the Dark Knight was the Everest of action and thrill, this series was K2 (but they may be interchangeable). The difference: these films had greater character development and exotic locales. Furthermore, as good as Batman is, one cannot but stare agape at the sheer skill with which Bourne dispatches threats. Batman had gadgets and gizmos. Bourne was the product of incredible training and talent, something we all admire and something to which we can aspire albeit unrealistically. The final scene ends with the great truth that as much as we would like to blame others for our conditions, we are indeed responsible for ourselves.
6. Spider-man trilogy (2002, '04, '07) - What a trilogy? Ripe with humor and fun, but above all, it was a story of great character. The values driven home over the three installments of this series were inspirational. We were reminded that pride does goeth before the fall; and exhorted to practice forgiveness, responsibility, accountability and selflessness. In the last movie there was even a hint that we could only truly find deliverance from what binds us by looking to a Source greater than ourselves; wisdom very pertinent for today's world.
5. Gladiator (2000) - Fresh into the decade and this one came along stirring our souls for the valor, rigor and aura of antiquity. The scenes, the drama, the music captivated us. The brotherhood and honor moved us, especially the male viewers. We wanted to be like Maximus. My resident director took the maxim, "Strength and Honor," for our resident-assistant-team motto.
4. Fireproof (2008) - A movie that uniquely portrays a theme common to society. It could've been boring and predictable but wasn't. The story and writing were sharp and complemented nicely by the superb acting of Kirk Cameron. In the final analysis this movie depicts the primary conflict honestly, but also answers it honestly and solidly with resounding emotion. It gets high scores for relevancy.
1. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001, '02, '03) - Did you ever doubt? This film collection roared onto the scene in the beginning of the decade and it hasn't left our imaginations ever since. Demanding Wall Street Journal critic Joe Morgenstern called it "a landmark in the history of cinema." This film only beats Passion because it had things that Passion could not have, such as daring adventure and battles, romance and more comedic relief to name a few. It is the standard for epics. It is what a cinematic masterpiece should be. Something that moves your spirit to great heights, makes you dream of something more, sets your imagination free, inspires goodness and upholds truth. I could go on and on. Not just the best movie of the decade, but arguably of all-time. This past Thanksgiving my family and I embarked on the 12-hour cinematic Tour de Middle-earth. The adventure had us watch all three extended editions of the trilogy over three days. Laborious? Yes. Worth it? Yes.
P.S. - You can tell I'm getting lazy since my last two posts were lists and a month apart. But hey, what's wrong with lists?
10. The Dark Knight (2008) - Action-packed thrill ride to the core. My wife, Aidan, said she had to tell herself to breathe halfway through the movie. Heath Ledger did a phenomenal job playing a character modeled after Satan. Truly despicable to say the least. This movie also benefited from unexpected plot twists and original writing.
9. Finding Nemo (2003) - Of the Pixar flicks this one really stands out. It catapulted Pixar to a new level. It had the age-old theme about the bond between father and son. There were plenty of laughs, gasps and sighs along the way. Plus, it took us to rarely-imagined worlds deep below the sea in enthralling wonderment, which catered nicely to computer animation.
8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) - This film was one word: magical. Our imaginations and hearts were able to soar as we entered the world of Narnia and saw firsthand the beauty and excellence of the timeless truths extolled by unrivaled author C.S. Lewis. The final battle scene makes you want to take up your own sword and wage war with the best of them. When it comes to pure excitement this is the better of the two in the current series.
7. The Bourne trilogy (2002, '04, '07) - If the Dark Knight was the Everest of action and thrill, this series was K2 (but they may be interchangeable). The difference: these films had greater character development and exotic locales. Furthermore, as good as Batman is, one cannot but stare agape at the sheer skill with which Bourne dispatches threats. Batman had gadgets and gizmos. Bourne was the product of incredible training and talent, something we all admire and something to which we can aspire albeit unrealistically. The final scene ends with the great truth that as much as we would like to blame others for our conditions, we are indeed responsible for ourselves.
6. Spider-man trilogy (2002, '04, '07) - What a trilogy? Ripe with humor and fun, but above all, it was a story of great character. The values driven home over the three installments of this series were inspirational. We were reminded that pride does goeth before the fall; and exhorted to practice forgiveness, responsibility, accountability and selflessness. In the last movie there was even a hint that we could only truly find deliverance from what binds us by looking to a Source greater than ourselves; wisdom very pertinent for today's world.
5. Gladiator (2000) - Fresh into the decade and this one came along stirring our souls for the valor, rigor and aura of antiquity. The scenes, the drama, the music captivated us. The brotherhood and honor moved us, especially the male viewers. We wanted to be like Maximus. My resident director took the maxim, "Strength and Honor," for our resident-assistant-team motto.
4. Fireproof (2008) - A movie that uniquely portrays a theme common to society. It could've been boring and predictable but wasn't. The story and writing were sharp and complemented nicely by the superb acting of Kirk Cameron. In the final analysis this movie depicts the primary conflict honestly, but also answers it honestly and solidly with resounding emotion. It gets high scores for relevancy.
3. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - It has it all: love, adventure, action, suspense and humor. Not to mention dynamic music. This story brings to the forefront the gritty realities that many of the billions of the world's poor experience; a shocking and much-needed reality-check for American society. In the midst of all that it weaves a tale that instills hope, courage, love and a recognition of providential destiny; qualities needed for our day and age.
2. The Passion of the Christ (2004) - Powerful. When a film faithfully portrays the greatest moment in the history of the world, it's hard not to be exceptional. No film captures drama and... well, passion -- in every sense of the word -- quite like this one. You feel everything. The musical score also enchants. And there is nothing quite like seeing Jesus rise from the grave. It sounds like the correct answer would be to say that this movie is number one. Probably, when I get to heaven and see the sacrifice, in all its glory, I will change my mind.1. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001, '02, '03) - Did you ever doubt? This film collection roared onto the scene in the beginning of the decade and it hasn't left our imaginations ever since. Demanding Wall Street Journal critic Joe Morgenstern called it "a landmark in the history of cinema." This film only beats Passion because it had things that Passion could not have, such as daring adventure and battles, romance and more comedic relief to name a few. It is the standard for epics. It is what a cinematic masterpiece should be. Something that moves your spirit to great heights, makes you dream of something more, sets your imagination free, inspires goodness and upholds truth. I could go on and on. Not just the best movie of the decade, but arguably of all-time. This past Thanksgiving my family and I embarked on the 12-hour cinematic Tour de Middle-earth. The adventure had us watch all three extended editions of the trilogy over three days. Laborious? Yes. Worth it? Yes.
P.S. - You can tell I'm getting lazy since my last two posts were lists and a month apart. But hey, what's wrong with lists?
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