DISMANTLING AMERICA’S LEGACY OF RACISM
COVER STORY—America’s racial and ethnic divisions have been thrown into razor-sharp relief in the summer of 2016. It’s a perfect time to remind ourselves that, often, a single individual can make a huge difference. There is hope—if we are as courageous today as many of the men and women who have come before us.
FIRST—Read Adam Henig’s inspiring story about how a magazine profile once written by journalist Alex Haley led Adam, years later, to finally publish a biography of Dr. Ralph Wimbish. Never heard of Wimbish until today? You’re not alone. Wimbish is almost forgotten, now, but he played a crucial role in the long struggle to integrate professional baseball.
SECOND—You’ll also want to read Benjamin Pratt’s review of Henig’s book. Ben urges us to get a copy of this little book, which “reminds us how many justice issues are won or lost at the local level.” And, this summer, we all need more true stories like this one, don’t we?
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1 MAN; 1 VISION—
and now: 1 TOUR
GOD SIGNS—In keeping with our theme this week of making a big difference—one person at a time—GodSigns columnist Suzy Farbman has a delightful column this week about the eccentric builder Earl A. Young. Born in the late 1800s, Young created an unusual series of homes known as Mushroom Houses in northern Michigan. Today, artist Edith Pair has made it her mission to show off those homes in a popular guided tour.
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FEED THE SPIRIT:
‘TOLERABLE FAILURE’
THE RABBI RETURNS—Rabbi Louis “Eli” Finkelman returns this week with a column about vegetable gardening that will warm your heart if you are among the millions who plant some tomatoes and peppers each year. About this time every summer, most of us discover that what actually has unfolded in our gardens doesn’t match the pictures in our seed catalogs. But then, that’s part of the life of a gardener, isn’t it?
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‘Grounded’ 5:
Where’s God?
Hint: At dinner?
READ ALONG WITH US—This is the fifth and final week of our series with Debbie Houghton, helping to 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 5 in this series.
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HOLIDAYS & MILESTONES
Don’t miss a date! Remember www.InterfaithHolidays.org, our master calendar.
TISHA B’AV—In mid August, Jews around the world will fast for one day in recollection of the loss of temples in Jerusalem many centuries ago. The book of Lamentations is read in the synagogue. Read Stephanie Fenton’s column, which includes an excerpt from Debra Darvick’s, This Jewish Life.
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OBON—Public celebrations related to this very popular Asian festival pop up around the world for about a month in late summer. Stephanie Fenton reports on the peak of Obon in Japan.
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RAKSHA BANDHAN—It’s a heart-warming tradition—celebrated across India and in Hindu communities worldwide—honoring the sacred bonds between brothers and sisters. Stephanie Fenton reports on this festival in which women typically tie some form of bracelet around men’s wrists to honor their family bonds.
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FILM, FAITH & CULTURE
Enjoy all of the free resources from Ed McNulty’s faith-and-film website: VisualParables.org. Also, please consider subscribing to Visual Parables Journal, the one service Ed sells to support his ongoing work. Each issue of the Journal is packed with complete study guides for individual reflection or small-group discussion.
Among Ed’s latest free movie reviews are:
- HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE—It’s a gripping new film from New Zealand, says Ed McNulty. (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- CAFE SOCIETY—Woody Allen’s latest movie gets 4 stars.
- DANCING—For the change of seasons in many cultures, Ed reaches back to 1998 and recommends we pull out Meryl Streep in Dancing at Lughnasa.
- THE INFILTRATOR—Based on the dramatic case of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, this film is absolutely first-rate, says Ed. (5 stars)
- DHEEPAN—French director Jacques Audiard’s new film immerses us in the world of immigrants so that we can feel their confusion and fears, as well as their hopes and dreams. (4.5 stars)
- STAR TREK BEYOND—Ed gives the new Star Trek movie 4 stars.
- GLEASON—Don’t miss this documentary about former New Orleans Saints NFL football player Steve Gleason. (5 stars)
- MY LIFE—On a similar theme, you might want to look back to the 1990s on Netflix, or some other movie service, for this moving Michael Keaton film. (5 stars)
- 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 stars)
- SECRET LIFE OF PETS—You don’t have to be a pet owner to enjoy this animated fable. (4 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).
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