‘WE HAVEN’T SEEN TIMES LIKE THESE …’
COVER STORY—Through 10 years and thousands of columns, this online magazine has celebrated the central innovation of the Reformation: Placing inspirational media in the hands of ordinary people. Now, as the “official” 500-year anniversary of the Reformation is approaching, we are highlighting special opportunities like the debut of PBS’s two-hour docudrama on the life of Martin Luther.
Today, our “cover story” is an overview of fascinating resources on Martin Luther. You’ll find a link to Ed McNulty’s in-depth review of the mini-series; a 2-minute preview from PBS that provides a glimpse of the imagery and style of this three-night event; a look at how these themes have shaped this online magazine over the past decade; and additional links to other international websites about the anniversary.
We are publishing this coverage more than a week before the September 12, 2017, debut of the PBS series. As Ed McNulty suggests in his review, you may want to organize a small group to discuss this TV series.
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HAPPY LABOR DAY!
AND OTHER HOLIDAYS
Want to see all the holidays? Remember www.InterfaithHolidays.org.
WHY IT MATTERS—This week, Holidays columnist Stephanie Fenton writes: “Consider giving Labor Day the merit it really deserves: a look at the history and relevance of labor in the lives of American workers. Labor Day is the result of the long struggle for recognition by the American labor movement. The first Labor Day celebration, celebrated in 1882 in New York City, attracted more than 10,000 workers who marched through the streets.” This week’s Holidays & Festivals column also includes links to three of the historic Catholic teaching documents about the rights of workers.
NATIVITY OF MARY—One of the ancient festivals in Christendom that is observed in both Eastern and Western branches on the same day is this celebration of Mary’s birth. Stephanie has the story about this holiday. Did you know that there are only three figures in Christianity celebrated each year on both the anniversaries of their births and their deaths?
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SUNNY SIDE
OF LIFE
GOD SIGNS—This week, columnist Suzy Farbman brings us a delightful story of a couple in their 90s with a resilient gift for seeing the good humor in life. Whatever disabilities they faced, Jane and Lew find a way to confront them together, remembering life’s blessings along the way. Enjoy their story!
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‘TINY HOMES’
HUGE HOPES
DON’T MISS this amazing story about the grand-new community Detroiters are building at the 50th anniversary of America’s worst urban rebellion! And, stay tuned to our online magazine, because there’s also a full-color book coming about the project.
PBS News Hour just reported an in-depth story from this emerging neighborhood that we are describing as a “utopian community.” In fact, you can watch that short PBS video as a part of our story. Earlier, a Facebook news feed posted its own video report—which already has been viewed by 34 million people! (And, we’ve got a link to that video, as well.)
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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 at VisualParables.org. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with complete study guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.
Among Ed’s latest free movie reviews are:
- WIND RIVER—Ed calls this exciting drama in the frozen wilderness “one of the best films of the year,” giving it 5 out of 5 stars.
- SHORT TERM 12—This is a terrific feature film, says Ed. (5 stars)
- THE WOMEN’S BALCONY—You’ll have to look around to find this new film set in Jerusalem, but the search is worth the effort, says Ed, giving this movie 5 out of 5 stars.
- DETROIT—Ed joins many other critics praising the hard-to-watch drama based on the 1967 Detroit rebellion and the so-called Algiers Motel incident. (4.5 stars)
- THE BIG SICK—Delightful, says Ed. (4.5 stars)
- MAUDIE—Look around for this terrific film about the unusual life of the Nova Scotia folk artist Maud Lewis. (5 out of 5 stars)
- BEATRIZ AT DINNER—Ed writes, “The film’s fish-out-of-water story shines a spotlight on the darker side of American business practices.” He urges us not to miss it. (5 stars)
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