PLEASE, HELP—As 2017 begins, our staff wants to hear from you about stories you wish journalists would cover, this year, concerning about religious and cultural diversity. Now more than ever, our world needs journalists to highlight hopeful stories—lifting up individuals, communities, books and films that point us all toward the creative and compassionate possibilities of diversity. Please, read this brief column asking for your ideas. (And, yes, if you are reading these words, we’d like to hear your ideas.)
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HELP US WITH THE HOLIDAYS!
THE YEAR AT A GLANCE—ReadTheSpirit provides a unique service to readers around the world. For years, holidays expert Stephanie Fenton has chronicled the stories behind religious holidays and also auspicious anniversaries. To start 2017, Stephanie has updated the annual master list that readers find via www.ReligiousHolidays.org and, over time, this list becomes the clickable index to stories that take readers inside these colorful, diverse observances. Please, help us! Look over the new 2017 list. Tell us what we’ve missed. If you spot what you think is an error—please, check it out and let us know!
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STILL IN THE GAME
DRIVING MR. LEITH—Each week, GodSigns columnist Suzy Farbman brings us inspiring stories of remarkable people—and remarkable twists in life. This week, especially if you’re a golfer, you’ll want to read about the way Doug Leith’s family chose to remember their patriarch.
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FILM, FAITH
& POPULAR CULTURE
ED McNULTY—Enjoy all of the free resources from Ed McNulty’s faith-and-film website: VisualParables.org.
Among Ed’s latest movie reviews are:
- JACKIE—Natalie Portman may not look exactly like Jackie Kennedy, but her performance is terrific. 5 out of 5 stars. Don’t miss this film, says Ed McNulty. AND—If you want to look back at that painful moment that transfixed the entire world, Ed also recommends the gripping 2013 movie Parkland as well as the unusual and stirring 1992 film Love Field.
- NOCTURNAL ANIMALS—Tom Ford’s production with Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal gets 4 stars.
- THE EAGLE HUNTRESS—Also 4 stars for this fascinating documentary from Asia.
- PASSENGERS—Ed writes: “If you were entranced by the love story in James Cameron’s Titanic, you will enjoy director Morten Tyldum’s love story set in space.” He gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
- TROLLS—Kids may want to see it, but Ed says the movie is only so so.
- LA LA LAND—Ed gives the hit musical 5 stars. A must see for the holiday season!
- ROGUE ONE—Go see it, says Ed. This is a great new edition to the Star Wars saga. (4.5 stars)
- ARRIVAL—One of the best science fiction films in quite a while, says Ed. (5 stars)
- LOVING—Ed praises this film, based on the real-life civil rights case of an interracial marriage in the 1950s. (5 stars)
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