Inspirational writer James Martin re-introduces—Jesus
COVER STORY—James Martin SJ is famous for his many inspirational books, often spiced with his trademark good humor. You may have seen him in major newspapers, magazines or appearing on television. For Lent 2016, Martin turns to the final seven sayings of Jesus—called Seven Last Words in Christian tradition. Of course, Martin is a Catholic priest, but this new book is perfect for anyone—Catholic, Protestant or unaffiliated—who would like to meet Jesus, again, from a fresh and personal perspective. Please, read our interview with James Martin SJ about his new book, Seven Last Words.
.
.
LENTEN MILESTONES FOR 2016
SHROVE TUESDAY
PANCAKES ANYONE? Most Western Christians have all but forgotten the Christian fasting customs associated with the Lenten season—but in many communities around the world vestiges of this tradition remain. Among the most popular? Pancakes, which use up rich ingredients that are supposed to be abandoned during the 40 days. And of course, this Fat Tuesday tradition is translated as Mardi Gras as well! Holidays specialist Stephanie Fenton has the story.
..
ASH WEDNESDAY
LENTEN JOURNEY TO EASTER—Speaking of epic religious movements … a third of the world’s population identifies as Christian and the majority of those follow the Western tradition that begins the Lenten period with Ash Wednesday on February 10 this year. Stephanie Fenton has that story in our Holidays column. Looking for inspirational reading during this 40-day period? We also recommend Our Lent: Things We Carry by ReadTheSpirit Editor David Crumm.
.
ORTHODOX GREAT LENT
RELIGIOUS CALENDARS DIFFER—This year, close to 2 billion Christians will begin Lent on the Western calendar, but hundreds of millions of Eastern Orthodox Christians will begin a month later. Their customs also include a far more rigorous fast than is followed in the West. Stephanie Fenton reports on the milestones leading to Eastern Orthodox Great Lent, including Meatfare Sunday, Cheesefare Sunday and Clean Monday.
.
ALL THE HOLIDAYS …
DON’T MISS A HOLIDAY! Just remember this simple Web address www.InterfaithHolidays.com to find all of the upcoming holidays, festivals and anniversaries.
Mark Black History Month …
CONFRONTING RACISM WITH … INFORMATION—The highly respected Bias Busters team at the Michigan State University School of Journalism is marking this year’s Black History Month by adding a new cross-cultural guide to the growing series. These short books now are used widely in professional training programs, cultural-sensitivity seminars—and many other settings where people are trying to build healthier communities. MSU’s Joe Grimm has the story of how this new book was created. AND—You’ll find all of the MSU guides displayed in our bookstore.
.
.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY—Stephanie Fenton has the story behind this enormous annual festival that now circles the globe. She explains the symbol of the monkey—and also the epic scale of this annual homecoming. The travel period surrounding the New Year now is regularly described as “the world’s largest human migration.”
TEAM TIME? One way Americans commonly salute Chinese culture involves … tea. Yes, we’re a nation with a serious coffee addiction (the U.S. ranks 69th among nations around the world in per capita tea consumption). But Bobbie Lewis in FeedTheSpirit offers this homage to the wonders of tea—and adds a delicious scone recipe!.
LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY
INTRODUCE CHILDREN YOU LOVE TO “ABE”—Did you know that what is today Black History Month began in 1926 and falls, each year, in February because African-American leaders in the 1920s wanted to honor Frederick Douglass (whose birthday is February 14) and Abraham Lincoln (whose birthday is February 12)? To emphasize that historic connection, the creative minds at Wisdom Tales publishing house just released a colorful new book for children about Lincoln’s legacy. Lincoln scholar and frequent ReadTheSpirit contributor Duncan Newcomer reviews the new book.
Valentine’s Day
IT’S MORE THAN CHOCOLATE—Stephanie Fenton looks at the roots of Valentine’s Day and tells us about the other traditional themes for this holiday. Also: Can you guess how long ago the first Valentine’s card was sent? You might be surprised.
.
..
DOING GOOD
IN THE WORLD
One of our guiding principles: Good media builds good community. What does that mean? Enjoy these stories …
Feed The Spirit
GRANDMOTHER’S RUGELACH—This week, our FeedTheSpirit column will warm your heart, if you fondly recall a grandparent’s love of feeding the family. Sound familiar? Guest writer Margot Kahn tells about her grandmother’s recipes, carried from Poland in 1938. And, she shares a prized recipe for the sweet and flaky treat called rugelach.
.
.
Suzy Farbman
SUZY FARBMAN’S ‘GOD SIGNS’—Suzy Farbman’s columns demonstrate life’s wondrous potential—if only we open our eyes to new possibilities. This week she tells the story of Jane Schulak, a designer who has created art projects around the world—and now is back in Detroit, Michigan, fostering an unusual new “Culture Lab.”
.
Diana Butler Bass
GET ‘GROUNDED’—In her new book, and in her preaching coast to coast in 2016, Diana takes seriously the classic Wesleyan proclamation: “The world is our parish.” Long-time readers of this historian and congregational consultant may be surprised to open the cover of Grounded. It’s a powerful new blend of prose and personal reflection, moving from scholarly observation—to active participation in finding spiritual awakenings in everyday life. You’ll enjoy our nterview with Diana.
.
.
.
.
FILM, FAITH
& POPULAR CULTURE
ENJOY DISCUSSING MOVIES? Get a copy of faith-and-film writer Edward McNulty’s new book Jesus Christ, Movie Star—it’s full of thought-provoking reading and questions!
NEW THIS WEEK! Ed McNulty freely provides more than 1,200 film reviews that raise religious issues. To support his work, he sells his long-running Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine that is packed with complete study guides. The new February 2016 issue is the 26th anniversary of the Journal and it includes Ed’s Top 10 Films of 2015. The Journal is perfect for your own inspiration as you enjoy movies—or for classes and small groups.
- THE FINEST HOURS—There’s “rip-roaring adventure” in this true story of a rescue at sea, plus the cast is terrific. And, the film has a lot to teach us about leadership, as well, Ed writes about this movie. (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- BLOOD DONE SIGN MY NAME—Ed reaches back a few years to recommend this “powerful” film based on a true story of confronting racism. (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- THEEB—Look for this coming-of-age story from Jordan, which is in Oscar consideration. (4.5 stars)
- ANOMALISA—This unusual film, featuring puppets, is not for everyone. (4 stars)
- SIN NOMBRE—Ed McNulty writes: “I wish every American would see this film” about Honduran refugees. (5 out of 5 stars)
- CREED—Sylvester Stallone deserves the praise he’s been receiving for this movie. (4 stars)
- AMERICAN GUN—There’s a lot to think about in this film that follows the impact of guns on the lives of seven people. (4 stars)
- 13 HOURS—Viewers should be wary of this controversial action film. (3 stars)
- BEASTS OF NO NATION—This film is shocking, but it’s also an important and timely story of child soldiers in Africa. (4.5 stars)
- YOUTH—If you like Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel and the thoughtful work of Italian director Paolo Sorrentino, Ed McNulty says: Don’t miss it! (5 out of 5 stars)
- CAROL—This unusual love story by Patricia Highsmith has been turned into a powerful film by Todd Haynes. (5 stars)
- SPOTLIGHT—No question: It’s a deeply troubling true story. But, Spotlight—the story of the Boston Globe‘s investigation into abusive priests—is an important movie. (5 stars)
- IN THE HEART OF THE SEA—This movie related to Moby Dick is stirring storytelling with lots of Hollywood special effects to make the epic tale come to life. (4 stars)
.
.
.
.
.
.
