Jones’ Prophetic Lessons for Today

COVER STORY—Anyone following the news about conflicts in India, today—and conflicts in our own divided American communities—can learn from the prophetic wisdom of E. Stanley Jones. In early 2023, John Harnish—the author of a book that reintroduces us to Jones’ wisdom—is hitting the road for a series of public appearances to talk about the relevance of Jones’ life lessons. In this cover story, Harnish explains some of the parallels between Jones’ life and the challenges we face today. Please, read this story and share it with friends.

And speaking of global peacemakers—

We’re celebrating Amazon best-seller status for ‘Healing the World’

LAST WEEK’s Read the Spirit Cover Story focused on the launch of our new Gustavo Parajón biography Healing the World. This week, our Marketing Director Susan Stitt reports on the best-seller status that inspiring book achieved as the book began shipping from Amazon.

The Black Resistance Tradition

Can We Overcome Our Founding Racism?

IN HIS COLUMN THIS WEEK, Dr. David Gushee writes about the challenges Americans face and the hard-earned wisdom that Black leaders can contribute to finding a constructive path forward. Please read this column in the Baptist News Global website and share it with friends.

Need a chuckle?

Meet Rabbi Bob Alper, Standup Comic

THANKS TO MICHAEL STEIN’S Longshot Leaders podcast, we can share this 45-minute interview with Rabbi Bob Alper. That first link will take you to Stein’s website, where you can enjoy the podcast. Then, if you care to read more, check out Bob’s Amazon Author Page, where you will find his two funny and heartwarming memoirs.

Need a shot of inspiration?

Howard Brown talks with Mark Turnbull

THIS WEEK, Shining Brightly author Howard Brown talks with our friend Mark Trunbull, who has hosted a number of our authors on his nationwide podcast.

Holidays & Festivals

Candlemas, Groundhog Day and Imbolc

Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton reports, this week: “Whether you celebrate Candlemas, Groundhog Day or Imbolc—or even more than one of these—do so with the unifying themes for this time in February: renewal and hope. The first days of February bring new beginnings, as the Gaelic festival of Imbolc marks the start of spring and Groundhog Day begins with hope for an early spring season. For Christians, Candlemas brings the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and an early recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.” Please enjoy her entire column and share it with friends.

Four Chaplains:

Congregations Honor Interfaith Heroism During World War II

THIS WEEK, STEPHANIE FENTON also tells us about the interfaith heroism of The Four Chaplains, who are honored to this day in chapels and congregations nationwide.

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

Click on this image to read Ed McNulty’s review of ‘On Sacred Ground.’

Click on this image to learn more about the January 2023 issue of film critic Ed McNulty’s Visual Parables Journal. In this issue are complete faith-and-film discussion guides to movies, including Avatar: The Way of Water, Babylon, I Heard the Bells and The Whale.

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:

ON SACRED GROUND—(Streaming) “Co-writers/directors Josh and Rebecca Harrell Tickell (along with co-writer William Mapother) have given us a social justice visual parable dealing with the environment as well as the mistreatment of indigenous Americans.”
ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT—(Streaming on Netflix) Ed’s review says this gripping new version of the classic anti-war novel should not be compared to past versions, because it adds so much new material to the original story.
A MAN CALLED OTTO—(In theaters) Ed says the original version of this film is delightful, as well, although Americans prefer not to read subtitles—and, of course, Tom Hanks is great in this English-language remake.
BROKER—(In theaters) Ed also recommends this unusual Korean film about orphan children.
ARGENTINA 1985—(Streaming on Amazon) “The arc of history may bend toward justice, but according to Santiago Mitre’s Oscar-nominated film it takes a hell of a lot of risk, courage, and effort to achieve this.”
PINOCCHIO—(Streaming on Netflix) Ed urges viewers to see what he calls a masterpiece of animation as well as a provocative lesson about the dangers of Fascism.
AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER—(In theaters) “James Cameron’s sequel to Avatar is violent but so beautiful that it is well worth the long wait.”
THE WHALE—(In theaters) “Darren Aronofsky’s new film, the script adapted by Samuel D. Hunter from the latter’s own play, is a powerful parable of remorse, self-punishment, and attempted reconciliation.”