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Film Reviews
 Coming soon: Independent feature movie tells story of John Wesley
The makers of Wesley, a new biopic of Methodism's founder, hope that the adventuresome tale will reach a crossover audience of non-Methodists and non-Christians. Read more...
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 Urging Christians to abandon ‘bumper sticker’ mentality
Christians would do well to heed the message of the documentary Lord, Save Us From Your Followers, says Managing Editor Robin Russell. Read review...
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 Somber 'Dark Knight' alters Gotham’s psyche
Forget the campiness of previous Batman incarnations: The Dark Knight, follow-up to the equally serious Batman Begins, isn't afraid to use pop culture to delve into deeper issues, says reviewer Ken Lowery. Read review...
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 Pixar’s 'Wall•E' a triumphant departure
An endearing story of a lonely robot who finds a companion, Wall•E may be the best Pixar film so far, says reviewer Ken Lowery. Read review...
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History of Hymns
.jpg) Each new day a praise to God
Responding to a request for lyrics to fit with a particular tune, Eleanor Farjeon created "Morning Has Broken," which has earned pop culture acclaim in addition to becoming a favorite hymn. Read more...
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 Hymnist reveled in splendor of nature
A pastor and outdoorsman, Maltbie Babcock would often say, “I’m going out to see my Father’s world,” as he left for a morning walk. Michael Hawn shares background on Babcock's popular hymn. Read more...
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.jpg) Hymn reflects diversity of God
In the text of "Bring Many Names," Brian Wren explores glimpses of God seen through young and old, male and female images. Michael Hawn shares the hymn's background. Read more...
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 Hymn speaks across centuries, cultures
"Give to the Winds thy Fears" was very likely a comfort to both its German writer and, nearly a century later, to its British translator, John Wesley. Michael Hawn shares its history. Read more...
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TV Reviews
 New legal drama raises bar for TV
TNT’s new series Raising the Bar explores both sides of the often murky legal system, says reviewer Thomas Goodhue. Read more...
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 TV show’s tough 'Grace' finds tougher forgiveness
Now in its second season, the TNT drama Saving Grace continues to take a different approach than most television programs that touch on religious issues. Thomas Goodhue has the review. Read more...
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Book Reviews
 Adult Sunday school roundup
Figured out what the adult groups in your Sunday school ministry will be studying this fall? Staff writer Mary Jacobs has previewed several options. Read more...
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 U.S. religious zeal: Blessing or curse?
Robert Jewett's Mission and Menace examines Christian extremism in the U.S, Reviewer Thomas Goodhue thinks this book is a great place for Christians to begin a self-examination. Read more...
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 Novel honors father of U.S. Methodism
Mark Leslie's dramatized account of Francis Asbury's life gives the reader a vivid glimpse of early American Methodism. Staff writer Bill Fentum has the review. Read more...
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 Reclaiming youth ministry
A new book by the faculty director of the Duke Youth Academy contends that youth ministry should center on the church's most sacred practices, not on the whims of the market. Andrew Thompson has the review. Read more...
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Music Reviews
 True to his vision
Van Morrison's latest release, Keep It Simple, shows that the artist remains focused and in fine form more than 40 years into his career. Steve Morley has the review. Read more...
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 Energetic pop with strong faith
With his self-titled release, American Idol runner-up Phil Stacey shows it's possible to keep faith at the forefront of a career in secular music. Read review...
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 Gracin album skirts faith issues
Josh Gracin’s new CD will likely please his average fan, but a listener looking for inspiring lyrics that resonate with faith-based values won’t find a whole lot there. Steve Morley has the review.
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 Keys’ latest a personal glimpse
Alicia Keys displays her honesty, passion and musicality in her latest release, As I Am, says reviewer Steve Morley. Read review...
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It's for Life!
A bishop joins Sunday school
Retired Bishop Joe Pennel talks about his return to Sunday school after 45 years of absence, and how that close-knit group makes a difference in the lives of its members. Read more...
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 Church helps members discover their own gifts
Twice a year, a new crop of students finds answers to spiritual questions in the Servant by Design Sunday school class at a Colorado United Methodist church. Boyce Bowdon has the story. Read more...
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Making Sunday school matter to young students
Children who don’t go to Sunday school miss something they need now and will need as long as they live, says the Rev. Cecilia Brooks. Her Sunday school upbringing still has an influence on her. Boyce Bowdon has the story. Read more...
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A place to learn that you’re a child of God
For the Rev. Diana Cox Crawford, Sunday school was one of the biggest influences in her upbringing. As a pastor, she now keeps Sunday school a priority in her local church so others might have that same influence. Read more...
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