Taking Down the Ropes of Segregation
Click on the image to read the story and watch the videos.
BILLY’S COURAGE—Billy Graham lived so long that millions of Americans today have forgotten his courage in the 1950s in confronting and combatting racism. “America’s Pastor” lived so long that his legacy now is shaped by the next generation in his family, who seem eager to double down on bigotry—eclipsing the direction Billy seemed to be leading evangelicals in the middle decades of the 20th century. In our Cover Story this week, ReadTheSpirit Editor David Crumm reflects on Billy’s life and legacy—and shares a series of short videos of Graham and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This is remarkable, inspiring viewing! Please, take a moment to read our story, watch these brief videos—and then share this story with friends.
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Public TV Confronts Racism in 2 Ways
Click the image to read about ‘Rat Film.’
‘RAT FILM’—If you’re so frustrated with complacency about racism that you really want to feel the outrage, then tune in Theo Anthony’s provocative documentary about … Well, what is this film about? That’s the question Anthony poses as he begins with disturbing scenes about the rat infestation in Baltimore’s impoverished neighborhoods. Is this documentary disturbing? Yes! Will it spark discussion? No question! Check out our review of Rat Film, which includes information about tuning in the documentary.
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Click the image to read about the new ‘American Creed’ series.
‘AMERICAN CREED’—This new series is truly a PBS landmark, so don’t miss it! We say that, in our review today, partly because American Creed asks viewers to spend time watching stories that are heart-felt and compelling—but do not have the kind of high drama we expected from the Olympics, from top-rated police shows or even from provocative programs like Rat Film. With this debut program, PBS is committing itself to a multi-year project that will lift up grassroots stories that show ways we can be united as Americans. The debut is co-hosted by Pulitzer-prize-winning historian David Kennedy and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
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Purim, Holi, Lent—and all the Holidays
Want to see all the holidays? www.InterfaithHolidays.com
Click the image to read about Purim.
PURIM—The story of Purim is found in the pages of the book of Esther in the Hebrew scriptures, writes Holidays columnist Stephanie Fenton. To mark Purim at sunset on February 28, fruit-filled cookies are served, outrageous costumes are donned, plenty of wine is consumed and comical skits entertain jovial audiences. And, yes, Stephanie includes links to recipes for triangle-shaped Hamentaschen cookies.
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A BAHA’I FAST—The Baha’i community around the world begins a fast, this week, as one year comes to an end and the faithful prepare for a new year, coming later in March.
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Click to read about Holi.
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COLORFUL HOLI—In India and around the globe, on March 2, the thrilling Hindu festival of Holi begins. Termed the “Festival of Colors,” Holi calls all participants to set aside castes and manners for the day so that young and old, rich and poor, men and women can all gather to welcome the joy of spring. Stephanie Fenton reports on the festival and also points out some regional variances—plus, she includes a news item on the alternate Sikh observance Hola Mohalla.
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Click to learn more about Our Lent.
LENT for 2 BILLION—As Holidays columnist Stephanie Fenton reports, 2 billion Christians around the world are now in the midst of the reflective period that leads to Easter. Western Christians began with Ash Wednesday. Eastern Christians, began Great Lent with Clean Monday. Eastern and Western Christians will travel through most of Lent together, but will diverge as the calendar turns to April. Western Christians celebrate Easter on April Fools Day (no kidding). The Orthodox wait for their Pascha until April 8.
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NATIONAL DAY OF UNPLUGGING—Plan ahead to take part in two national campaigns to reduce our “screen time,” especially among children. ReadTheSpirit fully supports such efforts, as you will read in our column about these two observances. One of these campaigns even has a direct religious connection, drawing on ancient wisdom. Plus, we provide links to the two websites that can connect you to other folks joining these efforts.
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Front Edge Publishing
Click this image of Front Edge’s new front page to read this week’s column on publishing.
JOIN US ON GOODREADS! Are you a part of the Goodreads online community? Well, in this week’s Front Edge column by Susan Stitt, she explains why that’s a great idea. Susan also provides direct links to connect with her (and with David Crumm), if you’re new to that online community and want to make a couple of new friends right away. It’s pretty easy—and its home, now, to 65 million book lovers! Care to learn about the wide range of publishing options today? Perhaps you’re an author—or know an author. Please, share this home address with friends: www.FrontEdgePublishing.com
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FAITH & FILM:
Let’s Talk about CBS’s ‘Year of Living Biblically’
Click the image to see Ed’s Discussion Guide.
ED McNULTY is introducing a weekly discussion guide for the debut of the new CBS series, The Year of Living Biblically.
Among Ed’s other free reviews and columns are:
- MORE on LIVING BIBLICALLY—The new CBS series Living Biblically, which debuts on February 26, shows great promise, says Ed in his review. Combining humorous rifts with the serious theme of taking the ancient Bible seriously in the 21st Century is a bold move, Ed says. Plus, Ed interviewed the series creator Patrick Walsh who describes the goals and creative process behind this unusual new series.
- FERDINAND—Did the decision to turn a brief children’s book and an 8-minute animated short into a feature-length film result in a bloated mess? Thankfully, no! That’s Ed McNulty’s verdict, urging families to enjoy this movie. (4.5 stars)
- MAZE RUNNER/DEATH CURE—Ed says the third film in this trilogy is better than the second, but it’s still of questionable value. (3.5 stars)
- PHANTOM THREAD—”The film is a delightful mixture of the serious and the comic … As a study of characters engaged in a power struggle, this is a film well worth seeing,” writes Ed. (4.5 stars)
- HOSTILES—This is one of the best movies released in 2017, says Ed McNulty, comparing its powerful story to Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven.
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