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History of Hymns
.jpg) International colleagues give us ‘Christ is Risen’
This History of Hymns feature tells of the interesting collaboration behind “Christ Is Risen,” No. 313 in the UM Hymnal. Read more...
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 Wesley hymn explores scene of the crucifixion
C. Michael Hawn, looks at Charles Wesley’s “O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done.” Read more...
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 Mary hymn seems fitting for Feast of Annunciation
C. Michael Hawn’s “History of Hymns” column offers background on “Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly,” by Roland F. Palmer. More on this hymn...
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 Praise chorus affirms Jesus as guiding light
C. Michael Hawn devotes this week’s History of Hymns column to “Thy Word is a Lamp” by Amy Grant. Read more...
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 Watts’ ‘Praise My Maker’ among Wesley’s favorites.
C. Michael Hawn’s latest History of Hymns column gives background on Isaac Watts’ “I’ll Praise My Maker While I’ve Breath.” John Wesley figures into the story. Read more...
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 Hymn envisions peace at night, rising of hope.
This History of Hymns column provides background on “Now, on Land and Sea Descending” by Samuel Longfellow, brother of the famous poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Read more...
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 Hymn’s stanzas recite the Great Commission.
C. Michael Hawn devotes this week’s History of Hymns column to “Lord, You Give the Great Commission,” by Jeffery Rowthorn. Read more...
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Film Reviews and Faith Perspectives
 On screen, 'Blue Like Jazz' is rich conversation starter
Donald Miller’s spiritual memoir Blue Like Jazz connected in a big way with many young adult Christians. Special contributor Mike Baughman has our review of the new film version. Read more...
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 We Bought a Zoo moves from reality to ‘reel’ life
UMR Associate Editor Bill Fentum offers a DVD review of We Bought a Zoo, starring Matt Damon. Read more...
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 Character’s journey can help Christians respond to autism
The Rev. Kenny Dickson offers a DVD review of Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, with a focus on what it can teach Christians who have responsibility for someone with autism. Read more...
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 Movie boasts quaint title, but familiar storytelling.
Associate editor Bill Fentum finds some plot contrivances, but also old-fashioned charm and intelligence, in the new film Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. Read more...
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 ‘The Way’ follows characters on spiritual pilgrimage.
The Rev. Gary Keene offers a review of The Way, directed by Emilio Estevez and starring Martin Sheen, about an unexpected traveler on a famous religious pilgrimage route in Spain. Read more on this review...
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 Tribute to fatherhood: not subtle, but sincere.
Courageous, the latest faith-based film from Sherwood Pictures, is out on DVD. UMR Associate Editor Bill Fentum has a review. Read more...
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 Joyful choir musical hits too many off notes.
Associate editor Bill Fentum doesn’t find a lot to like in the new film Joyful Noise, which is about a church choir and stars Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah and Kris Kristofferson. Read more...
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Book Reviews
 Hijacked urges churches to avoid partisan politics
Clayton Childers reviews Hijacked: Responding to the Partisan Church Divide, a new book by Mike Slaughter and Charles E. Gutenson. Read more...
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 Tracking the rise and fall of Methodism in America
Special contributor Thomas Kidd reviews Mark Tooley’s new book Methodism and Politics in the Twentieth Century. Read more...
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 Book unveils story of slave-owning bishop
A recent book called The Accidental Slaveowner, by Mark Auslander, investigates the extent of slave ownership by Bishop James O. Andrew, key figure in the 1844 split of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Read more...
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 Writer records ‘mid-faith crisis’.
Lauren Winner, the popular spiritual memoirist who teaches at Duke Divinity School, is out with a new book, Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis. Special contributor Diana Holbert has our review. Read more...
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 'Beauty Will Save' presents a case against pragmatism.
Brian Zahnd’s new book Beauty Will Save the World: Rediscovering the Allure and Mystery of Christianity is the subject of an admiring review by the Rev. Morgan Guyton. Read more...
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 Book offers inviting intro to founders of Methodism.
The new book John & Charles Wesley, by Paul Wesley Chilcote of Asbury Theological Seminary, offers annotated excerpts from the works of Methodism’s founding brothers. We have a review. Read more...
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 Wesley’s advice inspires guide to essential books.
Staff writer Mary Jacobs reviews 25 Books Every Christian Should Read: A Guide to the Essential Spiritual Classics. She notes that John Wesley was an inspiration for this new volume. Read more...
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Music Reviews
 Artist’s Christian music leaves room for doubt, mystery and experience.
Christian pop-rock artist Jonathan Rundman is out with a restrospective CD, and the Rev. Brian Q. Newcomb gives it an admiring review. More...
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 CD blends spirituality from different cultures.
Carrie Newcomer’s latest recording, Everything is Everywhere, surprises by drawing on Eastern influences. Staff writer Mary Jacobs has a review. More on this review...
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 'So Beautiful' . . . so Christian? Paul Simon’s new album is not only his best in a long time but his most intertwined with religious ideas and imagery, says Cathleen Falsani of Religion News Service. Read more...
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 Camp’s worshipful tone stands out in new album. We Cry Out offers a mix of inspiring and modern music. Mallory McCall has more on this latest CD release from Jeremy Camp along with a preview of the title track to enjoy. Read more...
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 Artist’s fourth album offers an ode to love. Singer/songwriter Brett Dennen’s new recording includes 14 tracks, addressing romantic love, friendship, love of music, love of God. Mallory McCall has the review.
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 'Chasing Someday' sings of divine love, fun love.
With a combination of storytelling and musical talent, Drew Holcomb and Neighbors have released Chasing Sunday. Reviewed here...
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