You may have a friend with PTSD and not even know it
COVER STORY—While the subject is somber, the good news in David W. Peters’ new book, Post-Traumatic Jesus, is good news, indeed. Peters served as a Marine and an Army chaplain and now serves a congregation in Texas that specializes in welcoming people who have experienced trauma. He has a lot of helpful insights to share with us about how congregations can be healing communities for the millions of Americans suffering the effects of trauma.
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And Speaking of Healing—
‘Churches should heal, not perpetuate, divisive culture’
ALSO FROM TEXAS—The headline on this news item comes from Dallas Morning News Commentary Editor Ryan Sanders, writing about the importance of the Rev. Dr. George A. Mason’s new book, The Word Made Fresh. Ryan interviewed George in a fascinating Q&A format that you can enjoy on the Morning News’ website. (Note: The Morning News has a paywall that only allows limited access, but if you have not visited the site before, you should be able to read this inspiring conversation between Ryan and George.)
‘A surprising outpouring of support’
THEN, REPORTING FROM A MAJOR BAPTIST GATHERING IN ATLANTA—Several correspondents helped our staff to assemble this inspiring report on the overwhelming support for the work of George Mason and all the other Baptist leaders who have supported LGBTQ inclusion in recent years. This is a significant religion-news story that flew under the radar of major U.S. newspapers in the wake of the Southern Baptist Convention’s decision to double-down on gender exclusion. Please, take a moment to share this particular news story right now, because such news will encourage others who care about diversity.
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Reminders of Hope From our authors—
Bill Tammeus
Everyday Miracles
AFTER THE TITAN IMPLOSION TRAGEDY, Bill Tammeus has been pondering how even a disaster like this loss of life beneath the seas can remind us of the importance of gratitude and mindfulness in our daily living. It’s another example of Bill’s inspiring, thought-provoking style that has been popular with readers for many decades.
And, if you do read that column, you will find two fascinating news items at the end of the main column: One is about the thousands of congregations leaving the United Methodist Church; and the other is about an ill-considered Missouri law that now encourages teaching the Bible in public schools. Thanks Bill for all your reporting! And, of course, if you have not done so already, please get a copy of Bill’s book Love, Loss and Endurance, especially because Amazon has the hardcover on sale this week.
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Howard Brown & Joanna Tress
‘Embrace Your Bliss’
EACH WEEK, Howard Brown’s mission is spreading sunshine through thoughtful podcasts with guests from a wide range of disciplines. If you want a boost, this week, please stop by Howard’s home online and listen to his conversation with Joanna Tress on “Embrace Your Bliss.” If you enjoy that podcast, you’ll find many more on Howard’s home page. And, if you want to enjoy the mother lode of Howard’s inspiring stories, pick up your copy of his memoir Shining Brightly from Amazon.
Holidays & Milestones
Near Utah this Summer? Check out Pioneer Day
THIS YEAR, if you hope to catch some of the most popular Pioneer Day themed events, you will need to act now! There’s a long tradition in Utah of spreading public events throughout the weeks leading up to Pioneer Day, as Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton explains.
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Cue the lights and dancers—Obon is coming
STEPHANIE FENTON reports on the colorful Obon festivals that will unfold this summer in many parts of the world.
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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com
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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.
Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:
- SILO—Ed writes, “This ten-part series created by Graham Yost is based on a series of books by Hugh Howey. It is so bingeworthy that I can hardly wait for Season Two to begin.”
- THE BLACKENING—”Fans of horror films know that in most such films it is the rare Black character who dies, if not first, then early on.”
- INDIANA JONES—”Our favorite archaeologist is back for his fifth and last over the top adventure.“
- PAST LIVES—”Writer-director Celine Song leaves the fantasy world of The Wheel of Time, which she scripted, to give us a heart-warming story set in the present world of the romantic, yet pragmatic.”
- ELEMENTAL—Ed writes, “Although far short of Wall-E and such, Elemental is still enjoyable as a Romero & Juliett love story and an immigrants-make-good tale.”
- CLOWN IN KABUL—Ed reaches back to 2002 to recommend this Italian documentary about Dr. Patch Adams’ trip to Afghanistan in 2002.
- THE CAPTAIN—Near the end of World War II, a German soldier is trying to flee from his army when he discovers a captain’s uniform that changes his life.
- IT AIN’T OVER—”Yogi Berra’s famous quotations and media celebrity have overshadowed his other amazing accomplishments—and it is this which director Sean Mullin and executive producer Lindsay Berra set out to rectify in this delightful documentary.”
- ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET—”The film, directed and written by Kelly Fremon Craig, follows the novel very faithfully, with every member of the excellent cast contributing to the humor and insights.”
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