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Video Reviews
2008 Youth Ministry Kit —
bluefish tv
Three two-DVD (color) video-driven Bible studies and three
additional DVDs containing fourteen video illustrations, approx.
three and one-half hours total, $215. A 60-page Leader’s Guide for
each Bible study, including reproducible handout masters, is
included plus 25 free download clips. 3304 Essex Dr., Richardson, TX
75082-9100. Phone: (972) 560-5600.
www.bluefishtv.com
This series of DVD-based Bible
studies addresses issues including:
- Teens vs. Parents (presenter:
Mark Matlock)
- Sex and Dating (Michael and
Hayley DiMarco)
- I AM: Getting to Know God (David
Nasser)
In addition to high-interest topics
with dynamic presenters, this ministry kit has several other
features to recommend it.
The technical and production values
are first-rate — a critical factor in establishing credibility with
the audience. Parodies and sketches add some laughs before each part
of the Bible study.
But what really connects with the
audience are the real teens who tell their stories about struggling
with parental infidelity or divorce, grappling for faith in the face
of tragedy, or coping with the realities of 21st-century dating.
Nothing has been sugarcoated or
prettied up in these young people’s stories. The pain, the
confusion, the hope, and the trying to do the right thing are real.
This is authentic stuff, and young viewers will pick up on that and
connect with it in a heartbeat.
In many of the studies, the
presenters stress communication issues, which are important. I would
have liked to see them speak a bit more to the content of a
particular story, especially as it relates to faith.
The study materials are well
organized and visually appealing. The questions and discussion about
the videos are well integrated with Scripture references.
But the real draw here is the young
people in the videos talking honestly about their experiences.
Viewers will feel as though they’ve been invited into someone’s life
for a brief time. That alone will generate significant discussion
and interest for youth leaders to work with and teach from.
In fact, this set is so well done
that it could easily provide the framework for an intergenerational
group of young people and parents, concerned adults, or mentors.
Understanding Fundamentalism,
Mosaic Fall 2007 edition
ELCA
Communication Services unit,
www.elca.org/mosaic, (800) 638-3522, ext. 6009. DVD: color,
Adults, 36 minutes (bonus material includes a User’s Guide and a
second feature, Love Thy Neighbor), $19.95
“The religious right,”
Fundamentalists, Pentecostals, Evangelicals. These terms are used to
describe a diverse spectrum of conservative Christians. But do
Lutherans really know what those labels mean?
In this election year, candidates’
religious affiliation as well as issues that involve denominational
or other religious boundaries are important in the electorate’s
making informed and faithful decisions.
Understanding Fundamentalism,
a recent release from Mosaic television, helps viewers be clear
about the labels. It also reveals opportunities and ways for
breaking down barriers to effective Christian ministry regardless of
theology, understanding of Scripture, or political leanings.
This DVD provides a clear, concise
history of how the landscape of conservative American Christianity
assumed its current configuration. It covers the
Fundamentalist/Modernist controversy and the related issues of
scriptural inerrancy and interpretation and doctrinal understandings
in a way that lets the viewer begin to better see the realities of
faith and practice to which these brothers and sisters in Christ
hold.
Understanding Fundamentalism
offers a solid beginning for helping those not on the religious
right to avoid falling into the trap that Martin Marty warns about
of — labeling someone what they are not.
Short Takes
Short Takes will appear
periodically to alert readers to commercial feature films that may
have a place in the congregation. Whether for youth groups, Bible
studies, or sources of video clips for sermon illustrations, we hope
to raise readers’ awareness of movies being made for faith-oriented
and family-friendly audiences.
Here are short takes on three films
originally released in theaters and now available on DVD.
Amazing Grace
The critically acclaimed film about William Wilberforce and John
Newton, composer of the beloved hymn, and their struggle to end the
British slave trade in the early 19th century. A stirring story of
faith in Christ leading the fight against evil and injustice. (2007,
108 min., color, PG. Starring Michael Gambon and Albert Finney.
$29.99)
The Wager
Country music star Randy Travis plays Michael Steel, a
high-profile actor who is about to have it all when, Job-like, he
becomes the object of a wager between God and Satan. As his world
and his life crash around him, will he persevere in his faith?
(2007, 82 min., color, not rated. Randy Travis, Candace Cameron
Burke, Bronson Pinchot. $9.99)
The Last Sin Eater
The rugged beauty of early 19th-century Appalachia is the
setting for director Michael Landon Jr.’s film about dark secrets
hidden beneath religious rituals brought by Celtic immigrants to
America. The film deals with a variety of themes including sin and
atonement, forgiveness, baptism and communion, and domestic
violence. It makes an excellent way to introduce and discuss the
Lutheran understanding of the sacraments, grace, and faith. (2007,
118 min., color, PG-13. Louise Fletcher, Henry Thomas. $19.98)
Geoffrey Scott, Lutheran
Partners’ video review editor, is pastor of Christ Lutheran
Church, Menomonie, Wisconsin. |