As Susan Stitt’s Cover Story emphasizes, this photo shows what a successful author looks like in 2020—someone who is frequently taking part in public events to welcome new readers.

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TOP TRENDS FOR SUCCESSFUL AUTHORS

MARKETING DIRECTOR SUSAN STITT writes our Cover Story this week, drawing on both 2019 and 2020 data on trends in publishing. Turns out, the talented team behind ReadTheSpirit online magazine and our Front Edge Publishing House already is working hard on the latest innovations. If you are interested in how publishing works these days, please read Susan’s information-packed column, including lots of helpful tips and links. And, please, share this news with friends, today.

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AND SPEAKING OF 2020 TRENDS …

GLOBAL CONCERN FOR HEALTHY AGEING—The World Health Organization has declared the years between 2020 and 2030 a Decade of Action on Healthy Ageing. (Yes, we know, spellings of “ageing” and “aging” vary around the world.) Italian journalist and European coordinator for the International Association of Religion Journalists reports on a Vatican-cosponsored conference held in Rome to discuss how doctors, faith leaders and media professionals all can help to cope with this critical need for care.

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Invitation to a National Conversation on Books

EXPRESS YOURSELF! Just as our Cover Story explains, this week, we take to heart our commitment to serving an ever-growing community of writers, editors—and, most importantly, readers. Simply by reading this lineup of our weekly stories, you’re part of that community. We’re always looking for ways you can express yourself.

Thanks to a suggestion in a group email from Duncan Newcomer, author of the new 30 Days with Abraham Lincoln, we’re sharing this link to a request from New York Times editors who are asking readers to email a short description of a book that has influenced your life. The invitation is open to anyone—if you happen to spot the notice and send in an email. The deadline is 10 a.m. (ET) on January 15.

Then, here’s how a true community responds. Almost immediately after Duncan’s group email, Benjamin Pratt, the author of several books, emailed back to us that he has been so moved by Duncan’s book that he’s going to email the Times editors about how Duncan’s Lincoln book has touched his life. If you respond to the Times invitation, what book will you recommend? And, please, share your book note with us as well.

We know our readers enjoy opportunities to respond, because … after last week’s cover story about the idea of posting inspirational lines from our favorite books—we’ve already had a number of readers send us their favorite lines. In fact, special thanks to reader Debbie Valencia for actually sending us photos of quotes hanging on her refrigerator door! We loved your photos Debbie. And, stay tuned! We’ll have a follow-up column later this month. Want to send us your inspirational quotes? Or photos of the postings on your ‘fridge door, like Debbie? Email [email protected]

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What’s More Important than Family?

GodSigns—Over the years, Suzy Farbman has introduced us to men and women who are making the world a little better each day. Running through their lives are what Suzy calls “GodSigns,” spiritual connections that remind us all of our better selves. Suzy is inviting all of us to start 2020 with the inspirational three-part story of Michelle Brault. This week, please enjoy Part 2 of Michelle’s story. (There’s a quick link in that story to read Part 1, if you missed it.)

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Holidays & Festivals 2020

HOW WILL YOU HONOR DR. KING?

The holiday’s official name is “Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.,” but many people also refer to this annual milestone as: National Day of Service. Many adults alive today recall the long and bumpy journey to establishing this milestone to honor the civil rights leader. Holidays & Festivals expert Stephanie Fenton has the story for us, a column that also includes valuable links to the everything from lesson plans for teachers—to an inspiring overview of King’s life by global peacemaker Daniel Buttry.

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Care to see all the holidays? It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances—just remember the address InterfaithHolidays.com

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Click this image from Little Women to read Ed McNulty’s review.

Faith & Film

Click on this image to learn more about the January 2020 issue of Visual Parables Journal.

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:

• LITTLE WOMEN—Ed urges all of us to see this Greta Gerwig version of the classic story before it leaves theaters, giving the film 5 out of 5 stars.
• STAR WARS EPISODE IX—The action never lets up and Ed gives the latest chapter in the Star Wars saga 4 stars.
• WAG THE DOG—Ed reaches way back to 1997 to suggest that we all take a fresh look at this satire co-starring Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman. The movie could be a commentary on what’s happening right now in Washington, Ed writes. (4 stars)
• UNCUT GEMS—Ed writes, “The main character’s life is such a wreck, and yet so compelling, that it is like a highway accident for which everyone slows down in order to gawk at the carnage.” (4 stars)
• BOMBSHELL—”This is not a film to enjoy, but it is a fascinating one, filled with so many real-life characters that viewers could play the game Name that Celebrity as it unfolds.” (4 stars)
• THE TWO POPES—”Brazilian director Fernando Merilles (City of God and The Constant Gardener) makes theological discourse exciting in this speculative film about the encounters between Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce) and Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins).” (4.5 stars)
• RICHARD JEWELL—”The story of security guard Richard Jewell could be the prime example for that cynical adage: No good deed goes unpunished. Director Clint Eastwood brings us the dramatic story of a hero suddenly under FBI scrutiny and media attack as a villain guilty of a heinous crime.” (4 stars)

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WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE HOPEFUL QUOTE?

COVER STORY—To kick off 2020, Martin Davis and David Crumm collaborated on a spiritual adventure that wound its way through our lives—and literature, as well. Together, from Washington D.C. and Michigan, Martin and David traded favorite quotes that trigger fond memories, great expectations and reminders about navigating this turbulent world. We had fun! We hope you’ll have fun following our adventure. Please, read this week’s Cover Story; then, please share it with friends; and, finally, send us your favorite quotes and we will plan another column embracing your suggestions.

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What’s More Important than Family?

GodSigns—Over the years, Suzy Farbman has introduced us to men and women who are making the world a little better each day. Running through their lives are what Suzy calls “GodSigns,” spiritual connections that remind us all of our better selves. Suzy is inviting all of us to start 2020 with the inspirational story of Michelle Brault. It’s quite a yarn and will stretch over three parts this month. Please, enjoy Part 1 and share this story with friends.

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Holidays & Festivals 2020

OUR NEW 2020 INTERFAITH CALENDAR debuts today, thanks to Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton. Please, take a quick look at these listings, which give you a spiritual shape of our New Year from many perspectives around the world. If you spot any we missed—or any mistakes—please let us know at [email protected]

THINK CHRISTMAS IS OVER? Think again! Christian traditions have branched into a complex array of calendars and customs. As this week begins, millions of Christians are marking Epiphany, and Stephanie has the story for us—plus, some Orthodox churches won’t mark Nativity (their term for Christmas) until January 7. If you haven’t taken down your Christmas tree and decorations already, you can make an excellent case for keeping them up another week! If anyone asks, just say, “I’m celebrating an ecumenical Christmas this year.”

IT’S TIME TO … LEARN MORE ABOUT POLICE—Thursday, January 9, is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D), a good opportunity to take a moment and learn more about the police serve our communities everyday. We’ve got a great way to do that with a copy of 100 Questions and Answers about Police Officers.

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Care to see all the holidays? It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances—just remember the address InterfaithHolidays.com

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Click this image from Little Women to read Ed McNulty’s review.

Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:

• LITTLE WOMEN—Ed urges all of us to see this Greta Gerwig version of the classic story before it leaves theaters, giving the film 5 out of 5 stars.
• UNCUT GEMS—Ed writes, “The pace of the film, the use of closeups with a handheld camera, the dialogue—probably 90% of which is at the level of shouting—leaves the viewer exhausted. The main character’s life is such a wreck, and yet so compelling, that it is like a highway accident for which everyone slows down in order to gawk at the carnage.” (4 stars)
• AMERICAN SON—”In this Kenny Leon-directed adaptation of Christopher Demos-Brown’s Broadway play race is the main “dividing wall” of hostility, but not the only one.” (4 stars)
• BOMBSHELL—”This is not a film to enjoy, but it is a fascinating one, filled with so many real-life characters that viewers could play the game Name that Celebrity as it unfolds.” (4 stars)
• THE TWO POPES—”Brazilian director Fernando Merilles (City of God and The Constant Gardener) makes theological discourse exciting in this speculative film about the encounters between Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce) and Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins).” (4.5 stars)
• RICHARD JEWELL—”The story of security guard Richard Jewell could be the prime example for that cynical adage: No good deed goes unpunished. Director Clint Eastwood brings us the dramatic story of a hero suddenly under FBI scrutiny and media attack as a villain guilty of a heinous crime.” (4 stars)
• A HIDDEN LIFE—Ed writes, “Terrence Malick, after his three montage-type films (Knight of Cups; To the Wonder: and The Tree of Life), returns to a simpler narrative form in this biography of Austrian WWII conscientious objector Franz Jägerstätter. He effectively juxtaposes the Eden-like tranquility and beauty of the Austrian mountain village of St. Radegund with the destructive evil of Nazis ruining Europe at the time.” (5 stars)
• A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD—The new film is touching and terrific—even better than Ed had expected, he writes. (5 stars)

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In Memoriam … 

HE ‘TURNED ON’ AMERICAN SPIRITUALITY

RAM DASS—He turned a generation’s religious assumptions head over heels with the circular message on the square cover of his 1971 classic, Be Here Now. That was back when trying daily meditation could spark charges of cult-like behavior. How our hearts and minds have changed! Today, Pew tells us, 40 percent of Americans proudly say they meditate weekly, including half of evangelical Protestants. The Religion News Service obituary begins, “Ram Dass, a spiritual pied piper who introduced a generation of young Americans to Hindu meditation, died Sunday (Dec. 23) in Maui, Hawaii, where he lived and taught. He was 88.” And, here’s The New York Times obituary. As a journalist covering religious diversity for 45 years, David Crumm interviewed Ram Dass at various stages of his life. Here’s David’s last interview with Ram Dass from 2013.
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RACHEL HELD EVANS

A SPIRITUAL STORYTELLER—Our community of writers recognized Rachel Held Evans as a saint with remarkable talents for welcoming people into a Christian fellowship who might never have found their way through a church door. Our last interview with her was in 2015, focusing on her book Searching for Sunday. Of course, like most true saints, Rachel’s influence on this world continues long after her death. Here is a November column we published about her posthumously released column on LGBTQ inclusion. That column also includes links to other stories by and about Rachel, including the New York Times obituary.

DORIS DAY

A BRIGHT SPIRIT AND LOVER OF ANIMALS—Since our online magazine was founded in 2007, Doris Day has popped up regularly in many different contexts. Here’s a 2008 religion quiz about Christian Science where she makes a cameo. Rodney Curtis includes her in his delightful Spiritual Wanderer memoir. She also sent us a brief “thank you” note after we published Every Living Thing, religious reflections on caring for animals. Religion writers nationwide were puzzled that The New York Times obituary never mentioned her many active years in Christian Science. Fortunately, the Get Religion column did explore that part of her life in more depth for us.

W.S. MERWIN

ALWAYS SURPRISING US—When the poet died this year, at age 91, those of us who loved his work visited his world once again. Our contributing columnist Martin Davis collaborated with David Crumm on this reflection called A Spring Walk and an Old Oak Pew. Although many obituaries described him as Buddhist, The Los Angeles Times came closest to his lover’s quarrel with religion when it described him as “a post-Presbyterian Zen poet and channeler of ancient paradoxes.”

JEAN VANIER

‘SAVIOR OF PEOPLE ON THE MARGINS’—When Jean Vanier died, The New York Times obituary used that phrase in its headline. Like Doris Day and Merwin, Vanier was a touchpoint for so many of our writers and readers over the years that our home office received a flurry of emails after his death. One place we referred our friends was this Ed McNulty review praising the film about Vanier: Summer in the Forest. Perhaps you might want to see the film in honor of Vanier. Ed writes, “At a time when our news media are full of stories of political folly and corruption, this film can help keep alive faith in humanity and a hopeful future.”

JOHN DINGELL

WE ALL FELT THIS LOSS—Our entire publishing house team felt the loss of U.S. Rep. John Dingell earlier this year—because Dingell and his wife Debbie had labored over a Foreword for Clifford Worthy’s inspiring memoir, The Black Knight. Dingell’s father had played a crucial role in Worthy’s life, sending him to West Point. We published this story about a major event in Detroit honoring both Worthy and Dingell’s role in the book. Today, Worthy is the oldest living black graduate of the famous military academy. If you haven’t already, please order a copy of The Black Knight—and you will find that Dingell’s affirmation of the American spirit in his Foreword is a stirring call to remember our core values in these troubled times.

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Holiday Cheer 

Kwanzaa: Celebrating African-American Values

WINDING DOWN THIS WEEK—Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African-American culture that was first celebrated half a century ago in 1966. Please, read Stephanie Fenton’s column on the festival, which includes inspiring quotes from a couple of Karenga’s messages.

Welcoming the New Year 2020

THE HOLIDAY STORY—Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton has our 2020 New Year’s story with cameos from around the world and links to resources you can use.

AND, A FAMILY STORY—Contributing columnist Judy Gruen, who first appeared in our online magazine in 2008, has returned with a heart-warming story about New Year’s customs that united her family and friends for many years. The story involves a “surprise” birthday party and— Please, enjoy!

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Care to see all the holidays? It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances—just remember the address InterfaithHolidays.com

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Click this image from Little Women to read Ed McNulty’s review.

Faith & Film

Click on the image to learn about the December issue of Visual Parables Journal.

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:

• LITTLE WOMEN—Ed urges all of us to see this Greta Gerwig version of the classic story before it leaves theaters, giving the film 5 out of 5 stars.
• THE TWO POPES—”Brazilian director Fernando Merilles (City of God and The Constant Gardener) makes theological discourse exciting in this speculative film about the encounters between Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce) and Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins).” (4.5 stars)
• THE AERONAUTS—Before there were aviators, there were aeronauts. Director Tom Harper, who gave us the tuneful film about a talented Sottish woman eager to sing in Nashville, Wild Rose, takes us back to 1862 when two English aeronauts ascended to a record height not surpassed until almost 70 years later. (4 stars)
• KNIVES OUT—Ed writes, “Director-screenwriter Rian Johnson gives us an old fashioned whodunit complete with a room full of characters, all of whom have motives that could have led to the murder in question. This is a stylish brain teaser certain to make you forget your own troubles for a while, although it does lift up the issue so troubling to many, that of immigrants. (4 stars)
• PARASITE—Ed writes, “Korean director-writer Bong Joon Ho, whose 2013 sci-fi film Snowpiercer included criticism of our society’s sharp class division, includes the latter in his horror genre film about three families and their struggle for wealth. This is the first South Korean film to win the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes this past year, so it is obvious that this is not your usual scare flick.” (4 stars)
• RICHARD JEWELL—”The story of security guard Richard Jewell could be the prime example for that cynical adage: No good deed goes unpunished. Director Clint Eastwood brings us the dramatic story of a hero suddenly under FBI scrutiny and media attack as a villain guilty of a heinous crime.” (4 stars)
• MARRIAGE STORY—Ed praises this heart-felt, honest drama and gives it 5 stars.
• PAIN AND GLORY—”Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, whose films usually center on strong women, draws on aspects of his own life in this story of a faded film director almost despairing of renewing his career. It will come as no surprise that there is a strong woman central to his story, his mother Jacinta, played by Penelope Cruz when he was a boy.” (4.5 stars)
• A HIDDEN LIFE—Ed writes, “Terrence Malick, after his three montage-type films (Knight of Cups; To the Wonder: and The Tree of Life), returns to a simpler narrative form in this biography of Austrian WWII conscientious objector Franz Jägerstätter. He effectively juxtaposes the Eden-like tranquility and beauty of the Austrian mountain village of St. Radegund with the destructive evil of Nazis ruining Europe at the time.” (5 out of 5 stars)
• A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD—The new film is touching and terrific—even better than Ed had expected, he writes. (5 stars)

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A CAROL PERFECT FOR OUR TIME

A CHRISTMAS CAROL is as popular as ever, nearly two centuries after Charles Dickens first penned the ghost story. This year alone, we have seen everything from a scary, new three-hour BBC production that has just begun airing on American TV—to Dolly Parton’s theatrical debut of a Smokey Mountain musical adaptation she created. Read our cover story, this week, to find links to eight new 2019 versions of Carol—and to enjoy our own beloved author Benjamin Pratt’s adaptation. Weaving Dickens’ ghosts into his own life, Ben shows us how valuable it can be to wrestle with these specters, if we ultimately hope to brighten our spirits this holiday season.

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Celebrating Our 2 CNN Heroes

OUR FRONT EDGE PUBLISHING team is honored to work with two CNN Heroes. Editor David Crumm shares the news—and links to inspiring video coverage of both heroes: 2019’s Najah Bazzy of Zaman International and 2017’s Jeanine Patten-Coble of Little Pink Houses of Hope.

Holiday Cheer 

Hanukkah: Celebrating Religious Freedom

UNDERWAY THIS WEEK—The first night of Hanukkah arrived December 22 for million Jews worldwide. Although not as religiously significant as major Jewish holidays, such as Yom Kippur or Passover, Hanukkah is widely celebrated, and is easily recognized even by non-Jews.

Christmas Crowds

EVENING OF TUESDAY DECEMBER 24—Even though a growing minority of Americans say they have no religious affiliation—about half of us say they like to attend Christmas Eve services. These holiday celebrations have become the biggest events of the year in thousands of churches nationwide. Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton has the story.

Kwanzaa: Celebrating African-American Values

THURSDAY DECEMBER 26—Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African-American culture that was first celebrated half a century ago in 1966. In the 21st century, writes Elizabeth Pleck in Journal of American Ethnic History, it remains “one of the most lasting innovations of United States black nationalism of the 1960s. Maulana Karenga, a prominent member of the black nationalist community, designed the holiday “as a celebration of African American family, community and culture.”

But, there is so much more to this holiday! In recent years, Karenga’s annual Kwanzaa messages have focused on ways African values can contribute to healing the whole world. Please, read Stephanie Fenton’s column on the festival, which includes inspiring quotes from a couple of Karenga’s messages.

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Help Us Spread the Spirit of Peace this Season

What better gift to give someone this holiday season, than the gift of SPIRIT. All of these books promote peace by helping to bridge the gaps that separate Americans these days. Please read our gift-giving recommendations—and choose a couple of these great books. And, share this story with friends on social media or via email.There’s probably a book on this list that you’d like to receive!

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Care to see all the holidays? It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances—just remember the address InterfaithHolidays.com

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Click this movie-still to read Ed’s review of The Aeronauts, which now is streaming for free on Amazon Prime.

Faith & Film

Click on the image to learn about the December issue of Visual Parables Journal.

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:

• THE AERONAUTS—Before there were aviators, there were aeronauts. Director Tom Harper, who gave us the tuneful film about a talented Sottish woman eager to sing in Nashville, Wild Rose, takes us back to 1862 when two English aeronauts ascended to a record height not surpassed until almost 70 years later. (4 out of 5 stars)
• KNIVES OUT—Ed writes, “Director-screenwriter Rian Johnson gives us an old fashioned whodunit complete with a room full of characters, all of whom have motives that could have led to the murder in question. This is a stylish brain teaser certain to make you forget your own troubles for a while, although it does lift up the issue so troubling to many, that of immigrants. (4 stars)
• PARASITE—Ed writes, “Korean director-writer Bong Joon Ho, whose 2013 sci-fi film Snowpiercer included criticism of our society’s sharp class division, includes the latter in his horror genre film about three families and their struggle for wealth. This is the first South Korean film to win the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes this past year, so it is obvious that this is not your usual scare flick.” (4 stars)
• RICHARD JEWELL—”The story of security guard Richard Jewell could be the prime example for that cynical adage: No good deed goes unpunished. Director Clint Eastwood brings us the dramatic story of a hero suddenly under FBI scrutiny and media attack as a villain guilty of a heinous crime.” (4 stars)
• MARRIAGE STORY—Ed praises this heart-felt, honest drama and gives it 5 stars.
• PAIN AND GLORY—”Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, whose films usually center on strong women, draws on aspects of his own life in this story of a faded film director almost despairing of renewing his career. It will come as no surprise that there is a strong woman central to his story, his mother Jacinta, played by Penelope Cruz when he was a boy.” (4.5 stars)
• A HIDDEN LIFE—Ed writes, “Terrence Malick, after his three montage-type films (Knight of Cups; To the Wonder: and The Tree of Life), returns to a simpler narrative form in this biography of Austrian WWII conscientious objector Franz Jägerstätter. He effectively juxtaposes the Eden-like tranquility and beauty of the Austrian mountain village of St. Radegund with the destructive evil of Nazis ruining Europe at the time.” (5 out of 5 stars)
• LAST CHRISTMAS—Director Paul Feig’s new holiday film is a bit better than the average TV-Christmas-movie fare, says Ed. (4 stars)
• A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD—The new film is touching and terrific—even better than Ed had expected, he writes. (5 stars)

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You’ll Be Amazed at the Book’s Cinematic Scope

Reading Mikhal Dekel’s unique new history, Tehran Children—A Holocaust Refugee Odyssey, will open doorways for readers into a host of global issues as urgent as today’s front-page headlines. Her book truly is one of a kind. She spent a decade researching her father’s journey as a Polish-Jewish refugee from the Holocaust into the vast expanses of the Soviet gulag, across Asia and eventually to Tehran, Iran. Yes, in 1942, there was still a vibrant Persian-Jewish community in Tehran with ancient roots.

Please, read our Cover Story this week in which Editor David Crumm talks with Mikhal about this amazing story—and points out some of the ways this book can unlock fascinating worlds that may be closer to our families than we think. And, please, tell friends about this.

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Holiday Cheer (and Sorrow)

The Longest Night aka Blue Christmas

HENRY BRINTON, our contributing columnist, writes about how his church—like many across the country—will be offering a special service on December 21. His article focuses on the millions of Americans who wrestle with the legacy of Adverse Childhood Experiences, which includes abuse in many forms. He also recommends several resources you’ll want to consider for yourself—or those you love.

Hanukkah: Celebrating Religious Freedom

SUNDOWN DECEMBER 22—The first night of Hanukkah arrives for million Jews worldwide. Although not as religiously significant as major Jewish holidays, such as Yom Kippur or Passover, Hanukkah is widely celebrated, and is easily recognized even by non-Jews.

Christmas Crowds

EVENING OF TUESDAY DECEMBER 24—Even though a growing minority of Americans say they have no religious affiliation—about half of us say they like to attend Christmas Eve services. These holiday celebrations have become the biggest events of the year in thousands of churches nationwide. Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton has the story.

Kwanzaa: Celebrating African-American Values

THURSDAY DECEMBER 26—Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African-American culture that was first celebrated half a century ago in 1966. In the 21st century, writes Elizabeth Pleck in Journal of American Ethnic History, it remains “one of the most lasting innovations of United States black nationalism of the 1960s. Maulana Karenga, a prominent member of the black nationalist community, designed the holiday “as a celebration of African American family, community and culture.”

But, there is so much more to this holiday! In recent years, Karenga’s annual Kwanzaa messages have focused on ways African values can contribute to healing the whole world. Please, read Stephanie Fenton’s column on the festival, which includes inspiring quotes from a couple of Karenga’s messages.

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Help Us Spread the Spirit of Peace this Season

What better gift to give someone this holiday season, than the gift of SPIRIT. All of these books promote peace by helping to bridge the gaps that separate Americans these days. Please read our gift-giving recommendations—and choose a couple of these great books. And, share this story with friends on social media or via email.There’s probably a book on this list that you’d like to receive!

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Care to see all the holidays? It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances—just remember the address InterfaithHolidays.com

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All-American Story of Embracing Diversity

SUZY FARBMAN, this week, tells us the story of Soon Hagerty, who was born in Vietnam and fled with her family as refugees as the war ended.  They were among the lucky survivors of this harrowing journey. As an American, Soon has dedicated her talents to giving back to her new homeland.

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Click the movie still to read Ed McNulty’s review of Marriage Story.

Faith & Film

Click on the image to learn about the December issue of Visual Parables Journal.

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:

• MARRIAGE STORY—Ed praises this heart-felt, honest drama and gives it 5 out of 5 stars.
• THE GOOD LIAR—Ed writes, “Director Bill Condon, who directed such dissimilar films as Beauty and the Beast, Mr. Holmes, The Fifth estate, Dream Girls, and Kinsey, this time gives us a scam artist tale that changes into a much more serious genre late in the film.” (4 stars)
• FORD V. FERRARI—Ed writes, “This is an exciting film about cars and race driving that, like any good sports film, is more about the people than the cars they build, test and drive. It is also about adult friendship; rebellion against overbearing authority; blue collar opposed to ‘the suits;’ proletariat against the patrician; and a father-son relationship.” (4 stars)
• PAIN AND GLORY—”Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, whose films usually center on strong women, draws on aspects of his own life in this story of a faded film director almost despairing of renewing his career. It will come as no surprise that there is a strong woman central to his story, his mother Jacinta, played by Penelope Cruz when he was a boy.” (4.5 stars)
• A HIDDEN LIFE—Ed writes, “Terrence Malick, after his three montage-type films (Knight of Cups; To the Wonder: and The Tree of Life), returns to a simpler narrative form in this biography of Austrian WWII conscientious objector Franz Jägerstätter. He effectively juxtaposes the Eden-like tranquility and beauty of the Austrian mountain village of St. Radegund with the destructive evil of Nazis ruining Europe at the time.” (5 out of 5 stars)
• THE IRISHMAN—It’s a brilliant film in the genre where Martin Scorsese has become the master. (5 stars)
• THE REPORT—Ed writes, “There are times when those who love truth and justice weep for their country. Such a time is covered by writer/director Scott Z. Burns’ political thriller that unfolds like a relentless legal brief.” (5 stars)
• DARK WATERS—”Dark Waters joins such David vs. Goliath stories as Erin Brockovich and Take Back Our Town. The legal thriller’s title does not refer to dark, shark-infected waters, but to the quotidian water that we drink or with which we wash.” (5 stars)
• LAST CHRISTMAS—Director Paul Feig’s new holiday film is a bit better than the average TV-Christmas-movie fare, says Ed. (4 stars)
• A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD—The new film is touching and terrific—even better than Ed had expected, he writes. (5 stars)

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Help Us Spread the Spirit of Peace this Season

“SPIRIT is the courage and determination that helps people to survive in difficult times and to keep their way of life and their beliefs.” That’s just what most of us need as we approach the year-end holidays this year.

Remember: Hanukkah begins on December 22, Christmas on the 25th, Kwanzaa on December 26, then some people even give New Year’s gifts. Books are a great choice for the New Year, because studies show that January is becoming a very popular month for starting new books!

What better gift to give someone this holiday season, than the gift of SPIRIT. All of these books promote peace by helping to bridge the gaps that separate Americans these days. Please read our Cover Story this week—and choose a couple of these great books. And, please, share this week’s cover story with friends.There’s probably a book on this list that you’d like to receive!

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HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!

Hanukkah: Celebrating Religious Freedom

SUNDOWN DECEMBER 22—The first night of Hanukkah arrives for million Jews worldwide. Although not as religiously significant as some other Jewish holidays—Yom Kippur, Sukkot or Passover, just to name a few—Hanukkah is widely celebrated, and is easily recognized even by non-Jews.

Christmas Crowds

EVENING OF TUESDAY DECEMBER 24—Even though a growing minority of Americans say they have no religious affiliation—about half of us say they like to attend Christmas Eve services. These holiday celebrations have become the biggest events of the year in thousands of churches nationwide. Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton has the story.

Navigating Holidays in Interfaith Families

RABBI ALPER ON TAMRON HALL—Popular author and standup comedian Rabbi Bob Alper recently appeared on Tamron Hall‘s national TV talkshow to help interfaith families think about these conflicts and questions that inevitably arise at the holidays. Here’s a link to watch Rabbi Alper on the broadcast. As usual with such TV shows, you will have to watch a brief commercial before the Tamron Hall video begins. It’s worth the wait!

What Visions Are Emerging for your Holiday Season?

RODNEY CURTIS gives us all a wonderful mix of joy—and deep emotion—from his own family’s holiday season. This short, heart-felt column captures the roller coaster many families experience at this time of year. Please, read this love letter from Rodney’s family—and share it with friends.

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Care to see all the holidays? It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances—just remember the address InterfaithHolidays.com

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Do not miss the remarkable Hidden Life about Franz Jägerstätter. Click the movie still to read Ed McNulty’s review.

Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:

• A HIDDEN LIFE—Ed writes, “Terrence Malick, after his three montage-type films (Knight of Cups; To the Wonder: and The Tree of Life), returns to a simpler narrative form in this biography of Austrian WWII conscientious objector Franz Jägerstätter. He effectively juxtaposes the Eden-like tranquility and beauty of the Austrian mountain village of St. Radegund with the destructive evil of Nazis ruining Europe at the time.” (5 out of 5 stars)
• THE REPORT—Ed writes, “There are times when those who love truth and justice weep for their country. Such a time is covered by writer/director Scott Z. Burns’ political thriller that unfolds like a relentless legal brief.” (5 stars)
• DARK WATERS—”Dark Waters joins such David vs. Goliath stories as Erin Brockovich and Take Back Our Town. The legal thriller’s title does not refer to dark, shark-infected waters, but to the quotidian water that we drink or with which we wash.” (5 stars)
• QUEEN & SLIM—”First time feature director Melina Matsoukas combines Black Lives Matter with the age-old theme of criminals on the run, the result being a film that though grim, is also at times a funny commentary on racial relations in the nation.” (4.5 stars)
• THE LIGHTHOUSE—”Having reviewed Robert Eggers’ The Witch three years ago, I expected some tense viewing—after all, it is labeled a horror movie. And so it is. And how it is! It seems ironic that so much darkness pervades this film centered on an installation designed to send forth light that saves lives.” (4 stars)
• LAST CHRISTMAS—Director Paul Feig’s new holiday film is a bit better than the average TV-Christmas-movie fare, says Ed. (4 stars)
• A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD—The new film is touching and terrific—even better than Ed had expected, he writes. (5 stars)
• MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN—Ed writes, “Edward Norton is a triple threat in his new movie. He is director, writer, and star in this adaptation of Jonathan Lethem’s acclaimed 1999 novel. However, he made a lot of changes, beginning by moving the action back 40 years—from the 1990s to 1957, and thus into film noir territory.” Then, Ed gives the film 5 stars and highly recommends it.
• PAIN AND GLORY—Of this new film by Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, Ed writes that the director “draws on aspects of his own life in this story of a faded film director almost despairing of renewing his career. It will come as no surprise that there is a strong woman central to his story, his mother Jacinta, played by Penelope Cruz when he was a boy. Both she and Antonio Banderas, who plays film director Salvador Mallo, are long-time associates of Almodóvar.” (4 stars)

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Peter Wallace: Rediscovering the Emotions of Jesus in ‘Heart and Soul’

Talking about Jesus’s emotions makes some Christians uncomfortable—and with good reason. Studying the realm of Jesus’s emotions opens the door to actually modeling his behavior in the world. It’s an idea that has empowered saints, ministers and huge institutions from schools to hospitals.

The key question: Is Jesus a divine character in a sacred book, reduced to words on a page—or is Jesus alive today and urging us to interact with the world as Jesus once did? That’s the central theme in Day1 radio broadcaster Peter Wallace’s unusual new book, Heart and Soul—The Emotions of Jesus.

Please, enjoy this week’s two-part cover story—and share it with friends. Both Peter Wallace and Duncan Newcomer have new books that are ideal for individual reflection and small-group discussions with friends.

Duncan Newcomer: Reclaiming the humanity of Jesus with Peter Wallace

We say that a book is a community between two covers—inviting readers to join the author in a national conversation. Occasionally that conversation also unfolds between two authors and two books, which is happening this autumn with Day1 radio producer Peter Wallace and Lincoln scholar Duncan Newcomer. Please, enjoy Duncan’s reflections on Peter’s new book. If you do discuss Peter’s book in a class or small group, Duncan’s column may help to spark your conversations.

Extending this conversation is Mark Sappenfield, Editor of The Christian Science Monitor, who devoted a recent Sunday column to Duncan’s new book on Lincoln.

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Compassionate Tools for Suicide Prevention

SUZY FARBMAN’s column this week is a true story about suicide prevention—and the need for all of us to learn more about the early warning signs. In this story, Suzy writes about her lifelong friend Rabbi Daniel Syme, who served Michigan’s oldest Jewish congregation for many years—and also is nationally known as a Jewish educator, writer and producer.

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CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

GREAT GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR HOLIDAY LIST … Americans love books, which is why book sales are rising each year. Our publishing house has a wide array of books—something for everyone on your shopping list. Please, check out this Front Edge Publishing column, which begins with a recommendation of The Flavors of Faith—and offers lots of other ideas, as well.

ST. NICHOLAS DAY—Stephanie writes: “Santa Claus may be seen in malls across America, but the real St. Nick—the historical bishop of Myra, that is—makes his grand appearance around the world on December 6—St. Nicholas Day. From the Netherlands to France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Bulgaria, St. Nicholas Day is greeted with beloved customs, special baked goods, processions and reenactments. In many countries, St. Nicholas Day is an opportunity to move away from the commercialization of the holiday season and toward the ‘true meaning’ of Christmas—as a time of giving, reflection and gratitude.” Read her column and you will find lots of resources and helpful links.
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Care to see all the holidays? It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances—just remember the address InterfaithHolidays.com

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Click the movie still to read Ed’s review of Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:

• LAST CHRISTMAS—Director Paul Feig’s new holiday film is a bit better than the average TV-Christmas-movie fare, says Ed. (4 out of 5 stars)
• A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD—The new film is touching and terrific—even better than Ed had expected, he writes. (5 stars)
• TERMINATOR: DARK FATE—Ed writes, “Terminator: Dark Fate is the sixth film in the Terminator franchise. Unfortunately, the Terminator movies seem to have gotten more and more forgettable over the years.” (3 stars)
• JO JO RABBIT—Our readers have been waiting for Ed McNulty’s review of this controversial and eagerly anticipated movie. Here’s what he has to say …
• MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN—Ed writes, “Edward Norton is a triple threat in his new movie. He is director, writer, and star in this adaptation of Jonathan Lethem’s acclaimed 1999 novel. However, he made a lot of changes, beginning by moving the action back 40 years—from the 1990s to 1957, and thus into film noir territory.” Then, Ed gives the film 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommends it.
• PAIN AND GLORY—Of this new film by Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, Ed writes that the director “draws on aspects of his own life in this story of a faded film director almost despairing of renewing his career. It will come as no surprise that there is a strong woman central to his story, his mother Jacinta, played by Penelope Cruz when he was a boy. Both she and Antonio Banderas, who plays film director Salvador Mallo, are long-time associates of Almodóvar.” (4 stars)
• WESTERN STARS—Ed writes: “This stirring semi-public concert documentary, directed by Bruce Springsteen and his frequent collaborator Thom Zimny, includes 13 songs and commentary by the singer on life and the American Dream, love and loss, and the values he cherishes of the Old West, or as he himself states, ‘a meditation on the struggle between individual freedom and communal life’.” (5 stars)
• MIDWAY—Ed disagrees with other critics who have called this World War II epic dull. He gives the film 4.5 stars.

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