RICHARD BECK SAYS THE DEVIL’S NOT DEAD
COVER STORY—Most Americans say they believe the Devil is real, but Old Scratch’s reputation has faded into a vague spiritual notion. And, that’s a mistake, says Christian author Richard Beck. Evil is real in our world and ignoring the Devil leaves Western mainline Christians disconnected from millions of marginalized communities facing daily struggles all around the world. Read Editor David Crumm’s interview with Richard Beck, our cover story this week.
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BENJAMIN PRATT: A HEALING PARABLE
‘THE HOLY FOOL’—It isn’t always an insult to call someone a “Fool,” as Benjamin Pratt recalls this week in a new column you don’t want to miss. We publish our online magazine under Creative Commons licensing, which means you’re free to share this remarkable parable with others. We hope this little tale travels far and wide.
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A CANCER SURVIVOR HELPS OTHERS
GOD SIGNS—Columnist Suzy Farbman brings us inspiring stories of real people who make a difference in our world, often despite long odds. That’s the case with Hollye Jacobs, who survived breast cancer and committed herself to helping others. In a long-shot publishing project, she wound up writing a best-selling book that has helped countless people.
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COME ON!
GET ‘GROUNDED,’ PART 3
READ ALONG WITH US—This is the third week of our collaboration with Christian educator Debbie Houghton to help readers reflect on Diana Butler Bass’s new book Grounded: Finding God in the World. Consider this a free, public study guide. Think of it as a summer-time, inspirational pilgrimage with friends. This week, we are sharing Part 3 in this series.
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HOLIDAYS & MILESTONES
Don’t miss a date! Remember www.InterfaithHolidays.org, our master calendar.
LAMMAS / LUGHNASADH— In the withering heat of July across most of the U.S., it may seem surprising to look at the ancient harvest festivals coming on August 1. An ancient festival of the wheat harvest, Lammas—or Lughnasadh—has long been called “the feast of first fruits.”
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HIROSHIMA DAY—On August 6, many people around the world recall the bombing of Hiroshima. To help us mark the occasion, faith-and-film critic Ed McNulty reminds us of a solid 1995 film about that milestone..
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FILM, FAITH & CULTURE
Enjoy all of the free resources from Ed McNulty’s faith-and-film website: VisualParables.org.
Among Ed’s latest free movie reviews are:
- HELL OR HIGH WATER—Enjoy Jeff Bridges? He’s back as a tough Texas Ranger in this suspenseful Western about brothers trying to save their home through bank robbery. (5 out of 5 stars)
- SECRET LIFE OF PETS—You don’t have to be a pet owner to enjoy this animated fable. (4 stars)
- TODD SOLONDZ IS BACK!—If you don’t recognize this director’s name, then you probably want to skip his new movie. His films—usually strange and often heart-breaking—are an acquired taste. Ed gives his new Wiener-Dog 4 out of 5 stars, but the review explains the film’s acid view of the world.
- SWISS ARMY MAN—Another bizarre film! Remember Tom Hanks as a castaway who befriends a ball he discovers? Well, in this case, the stranded man befriends a corpse. (3.5 stars)
- FREE STATE OF JONES—There’s controversy about this film, based on a little-known chapter in Civil War history. But, overall, it’s a fascinating movie that Ed urges us to go see. (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- OUR KIND OF TRAITOR—This story by John Le Carre reminds Ed of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much. (4 stars)
- FINDING DORY—Ed says it’s a 5 star treat for the whole family.
- POP STAR—If you’re a fan of Spinal Tap and Mighty Wind, then you’ll probably enjoy this musical mockumentary. (4 stars)
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