18 YEARS LATER, CAN WE UNITE AGAIN?
COVER STORY—Author Benjamin Pratt returns this week with a Cover Story reflecting on the Flight 93 Memorial, including striking images and Benjamin’s narration walking us through what truly is a parable for our times.
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HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
Celebrating the 19th Amendment’s Centennial
THE YEAR IS STARTING—We already are in “the centennial year” of observances and projects planned to mark the August 26, 1920, ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving American women the right to vote. That’s a milestone in human rights that will be marked in many ways: exhibitions, books, documentaries, magazines and events. In this week’s Front Edge Publishing column, Editor David Crumm describes the media excitement about the centennial and suggests ways you can be part of it.
AUTUMN IS COMING
EQUINOX & MABON—Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton has the story about the change of seasons—and how many pagans continue to mark the occasion as Mabon.
MESKEL—Later in September, Ethiopian Orthodox Christian and Eritrean Orthodox Christian communities will stage processions and light bonfires to recall an ancient story involving the “true cross.” Stephanie Fenton has the story.
MICHAELMAS—Search for an aster blossom, make a blackberry crumble or bake a bannock today: It’s Michaelmas, the Christian feast for St. Michael the Archangel.
NAVARATRI—At the end of September, this year, Hindus begin the nine-night religious festival known as Sharad Navaratri, an ancient festival that emphasizes the motherhood of the divine and femininity.
Jewish High Holy Days
ROSH HASHANAH—Before September ends, the Jewish High Holy Days begin with the New Year 5780. Do you know someone who is Jewish? Get ready to wish him or her L’shanah tovah—“For a good year!”
Care to see all the holidays? It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances—just remember the address InterfaithHolidays.com
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What Is That … Big Bird?
RODNEY CURTIS brings us another terrific illustrated story this week involving an experience most of us have had while enjoying the natural world.
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Click on the image to read more.
Dealing with Prejudice?
Become Part of the Solution
WE ALL NEED HELP! The root of this crisis is ignorance. One major institution that has risen to the challenge is The Michigan State University School of Journalism’s Bias Busters team that has produced a whole series of helpful books. Their motto: “We answer the questions everyone is asking—but nobody is answering.”
Now—through October—equip your group, congregation or organization with the most up-to-date cultural competence materials available today. This MSU book series features info-packed guides covering individual cultural, ethnic and religious groups. Please, read about how you can order one of these new 11-volume collections—and share this news with friends.
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Click the movie still to read Ed’s review of Brian Banks.
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. 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:
- BLINDED BY THE LIGHT—Ed writes, “If your heart is not gladdened and your countenance uplifted by the end of this tuneful musical, you need to see a doctor.” (5 out of 5 stars)
BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON—Ed writes, “Director/writer Paul Downs Colaizzo’s story about a hefty Manhattanite down on herself will cheer the hearts of all who like to root for the underdog.” (4 out of 5 stars)- BRIAN BANKS—This controversial film has divided commentators because of its treatment of issues surrounding campus diversity and accusations of sexual misconduct. Ed writes that it is a worthwhile “cautionary tale” and will spark spirited discussion among friends. (4.5 stars)
- NIGHTINGALE—Director/writer Jennifer Kentd film forces us to watch such intense scenes of violence that a viewer might want to leave, Ed writes. However, a bit of research into the history of Tasmania’s “Black War” shows that Ms. Kent’s film is a model of restraint. (5 stars)
- BADABOOK—Ed also reaches back to 2014 to recommend this earlier chilling tale by Jennifer Kent about a deeply troubled mother and son. He writes, “I am not a big fan of horror movies, but Australian writer/director Jennifer Kent ‘s film involving a pop-up book really got to me.” (4.5 stars)
- THE ART OF SELF DEFENSE—Some quirky characters and violence—especially with the likable Jesse Eisenberg as Casey, a timid bookkeeper—could make this movie a cult favorite. But the film’s moral compass is askew, Ed writes. (4 stars)
- THE FAREWELL—Writer/director Lulu Wang gives a peek into both Chinese culture and that of the immigrant in her warm comedy that begins and ends in New York City, but which unfolds mainly in a large city in China.
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