Click the image to read about Matthew and his book.
CHRISTIAN ETHICIST CHARTS A PEACEFUL COURSE
MEET MATTHEW KAEMINGK—The most promising pathway toward interfaith peace is not abandoning our faith in the hope of “just getting along with everyone.” In fact, Christian ethicist Matthew Kaemingk argues: If we abandon our faith, we give up the ancient core values that can build a healthy, diverse community. The pathway to peace is a deeper dive into our traditions with a proper understanding of hospitality and humility. This is a landmark book from an evangelical scholar that grapples with a whole host of thorny issues that are facing men and women who care about their congregations—and making peace in our world, today. Please, read David Crumm’s interview with Matthew and share this news with friends.
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Ramadan Mubarak!
THE FASTING MONTH IS STARTING! This week, the world’s nearly 2 billion Muslims begin the annual fasting month, most likely after a crescent of the moon is sighted on Tuesday evening. That makes Wednesday May 16 the most likely first day of fasting in 2018. Holidays columnist Stephanie Fenton has the story, including the background on this important month. Then, Stephanie adds some fascinating news items, including the story of a Michigan woman who is creating “Ramadan trees” for American Muslim families. She also has a helpful section on tips and etiquette for greeting our Muslim neighbors and co-workers. Yes, this is a helpful column to share with friends, as well.
WHO PUBLISHES MUSLIM WRITERS? In our FrontEdgePublishing section, we take a look at the challenges Muslim writers and readers face in trying to get their books published in the U.S., these days.
THROUGHOUT MAY—Two special national observances honor centuries of American Jewish history and Asian Pacific American heritage. Our column has links to resource-rich Library of Congress websites for both months.
Want to see all the holidays? www.InterfaithHolidays.com
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Click Michael’s photo to read his story.
12 Steps Toward …
Helping Others
GOD SIGNS—In keeping with our themes this week of true hospitality and humility, Suzy Farbman brings us the inspiring story of Michael Richker. Early in his life, Michael was addicted to drugs and alcohol to the point of destroying his relationships and his family business. Finally, through the 12 Steps, Michael got sober, discovered a renewed connection with his Jewish faith—and carved out a whole new role in his community. Now, he dedicates his life to helping others.
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Click the image to read Dmitri’s column.
FRONT EDGE PUBLISHING
AVOIDING AMAZON? Why would an author, or a small publisher, decide to avoid listing on Amazon? That’s the question this week in a column by Front Edge Publishing Production Director Dmitri Barvinok. Turns out, there are daring—and profitable—reasons that energetic authors sometimes chose this strategy. Want to learn more about publishing today? Please, share this home address with friends: www.FrontEdgePublishing.com
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FAITH & FILM
Click the image to learn about the May issue.
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.
Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:
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- AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR—The movie is so jam-packed with action and colorful characters that it certainly is exciting, if a bit disorienting as well, writes Ed. (4 out of 5 stars)
- PETER RABBIT—This beautifully crafted film is handicapped by a rather silly plot. (3.5 stars)
- THE LEISURE SEEKER—You won’t want to miss this film if you’re a fan of Helen Mirren or Donald Sutherland. (4 stars)
- ANNIHILATION—This sci-fi suspense film may remind viewers if Alien. It’s notable because of its strong female cast. (4 stars)
- YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE—Ed writes, “Scottish director Lynne Ramsay serves up a dark film with an anti-hero wielding a ball peen hammer in such a way that you will never look at it again amongst your tools in the same way.” (4 stars)
- HEART OF NUBA—You’ll have to make a point of seeking out this deeply moving documentary, set in a war-torn region of Africa, but the search is well worth the effort, Ed writes this week. He gives the film 5 stars.
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