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Of Course All These Alt-Right Racists Are Wrong, but Why?

August 14, 2017 by Matt Hill 1 Comment

you’re likely upset about
what happened in Charlottesville

maybe you’ve talked about it,
maybe took  some kind of
social media stance,
maybe just sort of saddened inside

it’s probably super obvious to you
that all these alt-right racists are wrong,
that racism is wrong
(“evil” as Trump (finally) put it),
has always been wrong,
that we should do something about it

fair enough,
understandable enough
(of course i agree)

but have you asked yourself
why?
not why you feel as you do,
or why racism seems so clearly wrong,
but actually
why is racism wrong?
what makes it wrong?
put another way,
how do we know it’s wrong or
are we justified in saying it’s wrong?

i mean . . .

is it wrong cuz it seems wrong?
(but unfortunately it doesn’t seem wrong to everyone)

is it wrong cuz everyone agrees it’s wrong?
(but unfortunately they don’t)

is it wrong cuz it’s not “fair?”
(what’s “fair” mean?
who defines it?
who says everything is
or should be “fair?”)

is it wrong cuz you wouldn’t want someone
to be racist to you,
so you shouldn’t be racist to someone else?
(wait, what makes this line of thinking
the line of thinking?
is there some other similar line of thinking
that applies certainly?)

is it wrong cuz humans (or Americans)
all “deserve” “dignity” “equally?”
(again: problems abound)

maybe you think racism is
self-evidently wrong
and that saying so
requires no justification at all
(but is it possible the alt-right racists
feel they’re self-evidently right?

can science prove racism is wrong?
(or could a solely Darwinian/naturalistic understanding
of eugenics in fact be used to support racism?
has it been? is it currently being?)

(we could go on)

what i’m saying is this:
none of these lines of thinking can
truly justify the claim that
racism is wrong;
further,
none of these lines of thinking can
justify the claim that
anything is wrong (or right)
in general

further,
there is but one line of thinking, in fact,
that can truly ground these kinds of moral claims,
and it’s the one where
we know, cuz God;
where things are wrong (or right),
in general,
cuz God

and so, further,
as a consequence,
making moral claims sans God,
ultimately,
is making ungrounded,
unjustified claims

so,
to circle back,
of course all these alt-right racists are wrong,
but why?
why is racism wrong?
what makes it wrong?
what right do we have to feel and think it’s wrong?
what justifies us when we say it’s wrong?
. . .
cuz God says so

(now, exactly how we know he says so,
how and where he does so,
what reason we have for thinking so,
what to do in response,
how to deal with the fact that
we continue to make horrible errors
even given all of this, etc. etc. . . .
those are (excellent) questions
for another time)

[For some awesome unpacking of these ideas that I stumbled upon recently through the Unbelievable? podcast (which you should totally subscribe to), check out “The Most Important Thing This French Atheist Taught Me About Christianity.” 

This article doesn’t necessarily make what’s called “the moral argument for God” – as I have above – but it does specifically look at philosopher (and atheist) Luc Ferry to trace our western ideal of human equality back to Christianity itself. As Ferry puts it:

. . . the Greek world is an aristocratic world, one which rests entirely upon the conviction that there exists a natural hierarchy…of plants, of animals, but also of men: some men are born to command, others to obey, which is why Greek political life accommodates itself easily to the notion of slavery.

In direct contradiction, Christianity was to introduce the notion that humanity was fundamentally identical, that men were equal in dignity – an unprecedented idea at the time, and one to which our world owes its entire democratic inheritance.

This [idea of human equality] may seem self-evident, but it was literally unheard-of at the time, and it turned an entire world-order upside down.

Given recent events in our country, it seems like a good time to remember that – just as much racism is culturally inherited – much of our outrage against racism is culturally inherited too, insofar as our culture is still “Christian.” However, we can intentionally choose these values and be justified in doing so, as described above.]

Filed Under: Current Events, Editorial, OtherFish Tagged With: alt right, atheism, Black Lives Matter, charlottesville, Christian, Christianity, current events, God, luc ferry, moral argument, naturalism, protest, racist, response, riot, spiritual, Trump

Dean Koontz’s Silent Corner on Conspiracy & Suicide

July 1, 2017 by Jacob Sahms Leave a Comment

In his latest thriller, Dean Koontz gets creepy. That will come as no surprise to his loyal following, but how he gets inside the heads of his readers this time is … chilling.

In this latest standalone (or is it first in a series) novel, Jane Hawk is an FBI agent on the hunt. She’s suspicious of the suicidal death of her otherwise happy and loving husband; she’s seen enough clues to connect to the dots to a seemingly random set of suicides around the country. But when she’s told to lay off the case – and her young son is threatened – Hawk digs deeper into the situation, uncovering conspiracies at high levels of power.

Fast-paced and thrilling, The Silent Corner refuses to allow the reader to settle on just how reliable Hawk is (or isn’t), while encouraging a gradual discovery about the protagonist and her situation. While it is scary enough to have things bump in the night, when characters can’t trust their own observations or internal monologue, the narrative allows for a certain amount of terror in the uneven nature of the human brain.

In the process of her journey, Hawk recognizes that while she can’t trust anyone, that she has to trust someone. Buried underneath a conspiracy that involves the sex trade, thinning populations, government oversight, scientific “discovery,” and incredible avarice is a lesson on what it means to create community in a world that is in disarray. What rises up is Hawk’s willingness to sacrifice everything to create a safe place for her son, and a reminder that even when the world goes crazy, we have each other to count on – we must, if we want to survive.

Wildly entertaining, and leaving us wanting more, The Silent Corner is the best Koontz book I’ve read in quite some time – maybe ever. With a grand delivery, he reminds us of his standard-bearing place in the top pantheon of thriller/horror writers. This is Koontz at his finest – chilling us, challenging us, and encouraging us to care.

Filed Under: OtherFish, Reviews

Some (Fairly Jesusy) Summer Reading List Quick Hits

June 28, 2017 by Matt Hill Leave a Comment

if you’re like
plenty other people
(and you are, cuz
look at all us humans,
so much more alike
than different),
then you may
intentionally
read more than normal
during summer months

many of us
(obv including me
in this case)
make a
“Summer Reading List”
of sorts

(actually, i didn’t
necessarily purposely
set out to make said list,
i simply realized:
i have a bunch of books
i’m currently perusing, so…)

anyhoo, here you go:
“Some (Fairly Jesusy)
Summer Reading List
Quick Hits”

(Amazon all of these if you’re
persuaded to peruse too;
i have not been compensated
for what follows
(though perhaps should be 🙂 ))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It
Stephen King

this is the only
“non-Jesusy” book
i got going
(though, imo,
*everything* is Jesusy
when you think
about it right)
and i’ve been at it for months
cuz it is a TOME . .
but i love me some King,
though i’d never read
this one till now

re-hit my radar
(after dropping off,
honestly, since that 1990 movie)
due to the run-up
to the new one –
which looks quite cool –
and i’m so glad it did:
i’m approx 3/4 through
and thoroughly hooked into
seeing the story play out

King has, undoubtedly,
a great sense for the
bittersweetness
of youth
(no surprise,
the bits with the kids
are the best parts here;
in related news, see my
“Eternal Summer”)
and effortlessly
turns phrases
as you turn pages

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Day the Revolution Began
N.T. Wright

i’m a fan of
Wright’s writings,
but this one snuck
past last year

perhaps a third in
and here are my three
main takeaways thus far
(caveat: *my* takeaways,
not necessarily things
Wright explicitly says):

  1. focusing on a very specific
    and delineated
    “theory of atonement,”
    perhaps,
    not our wisest move;
    better, perhaps,
    to simplify to
    something like:
    “there is something wrong;
    Jesus makes it right”
  2. Jesus makes it right,
    most largely,
    *vocationally* speaking;
    this isn’t about
    “heaven after you die,”
    but about God
    remaking reality,
    and us
    (amazingly, now)
    taking back up
    our role in that
  3. what are Christians for?
    worship and witness.
    that’s it.
    i like that cuz it’s
    so. simple.
    and seems so
    clearly right
    (and the alliteration
    don’t hurt either)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Is the Bible?
Rob Bell

i dig Rob Bell
and have for years,
ever since listening to
Mars Hill sermons
on podcast

Velvet Elvis is still
one my faves,
and though i get the
concern over controversy
(with Love Wins
and already now with
this one – the
specter of heresy,
perhaps,
rearing its head again),
i still just
appreciate Bell’s approach
in general,
for plenty reasons

just a bit in, but
so far so good;
the insights coming
fast
as
line breaks
🙂

tldr: looking forward to
continuing sifting it

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crazy Love
Francis Chan

read at least part of this
at some point in the past,
but can’t pull much of it
from the brain ether, tbh
(don’t get old, kids)

that said, it was
much lauded at the time,
and i remember
making a point to buy, read;
and the
multiple dog-ears in the
copy i’m revisiting tell me:
there are some nuggets there

full disclosure: reading this one
along with my wife
as part of a church group . .
so this one? . .
this one’s about
reading together –
the word
*in community* –
and that seems
just perfect to me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unbelievable?
Justin Brierley

the Unbelievable podcast
has become a
weekly date for me;
if you’ve never listened,
Google it and do –
you won’t be disappointed

long story short:
Brierley hosts (typically)
a Christian and a
non-Christian each episode,
and moderates a
discussion/debate/depends
about apologetics-related topics –
is there a God?
is Christianity true?
etc. etc.

it’s *fabulous*

this book encapsulates
Brierley’s experiences
doing the podcast
for over a decade,
and (most importantly)
explains his personal
case for Christ –
why he’s still a Christian –
esp. given that he’s had
atheism’s creme de la creme
(Dawkins, Hitchens, et. al.)
in studio

about half finished with this
and it’s all i’d hoped:
simple, concise,
behind-the-scenes fascinating,
convincing,
uplifting

Filed Under: Editorial, OtherFish, Reviews Tagged With: Christian, christian books, crazy love, francis chan, It, justin brierley, n.t. wright, rob bell, Stephen King, summer reading list, unbelievable, what is the bible

GIVEAWAY! Movies are Prayers by Josh Larsen!

June 14, 2017 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Josh Larsen’s highly anticipated new book, Movies are Prayers: How Films Voice Our Deepest Longings, is finally out!  And ScreenFish wants to send a copy to you!

Movies do more than tell a good story. They are expressions of raw emotion, naked vulnerability, and unbridled rage. They often function in the same way as prayers, communicating our deepest longings and joys, to a God who hears each and every one. In this captivating book, Filmspotting cohost Josh Larsen brings a critic’s unique perspective to how movies function as expressions to God of lament, praise, joy, confession, and more. His clear expertise and passion for the art of film along with his thoughtful reflections on the nature of prayer will bring you a better understanding of both. God’s omnipresence means that you can find him whether you’re sitting on your sofa at home or in the seats at the theater. You can talk to him wherever movies are shown. And when words fail, the perfect film might be just what you need to jumpstart your conversations with the Almighty.

To enter, simply write in the comment section of the Facebook post and tell us what your favourite movie is and how it speaks to you!  The contest will close at 11:59pm on Sunday, June 18th, 2017 and the winner will be notified via. Facebook.

Good luck!

Filed Under: Giveaways, OtherFish Tagged With: filmspotting, Josh Larsen, Movies Are Prayers

Praying the Movies: 1on1 with Josh Larsen

June 14, 2017 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

https://screenfish.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/1on1-with-Josh-Larsen-Movies-are-Prayers.mp3

For many, sitting in a darkened theatre, munching popcorn and taking in the latest blockbuster film or drama with Oscar buzz is a respite from modern culture.  In a moment of escape, they allow themselves to be pulled into another world of space aliens, superheroes or suspense in an effort to ‘turn their brain off’ and forget about the world.

In doing so, however, they may be missing out on something much more profound.

In his new book, Movies are Prayers: How Films Voice our Deepest Longings, film critic Josh Larsen (Filmspotting, Think Christian) argues that films offer a unique and powerful voice into our world that can serve as prayers for God to move.  Citing films from 12 Years a Slave to Chinatown to The Muppets, Larsen believes that the movies allow a filmmaker the opportunity to speak their heart, be it with tears of lament or tears of joy.  For him, the idea for the book began when he started to engage the filmmakers voice within the movies and how that served as a spiritual cry from the heart of our culture.

“The main idea was flipping… this Christian approach to film that we’ve been doing for the last couple of decades, which is to ask ‘How does God speak through the movies?’ I certainly believe that that can happen and I enjoy… looking at films from that perspective,” he starts. “But the more I began to think about movies theologically—and a lot of this came out of my work at Think Christian—and really studied how they worked… in terms of what the filmmakers were trying to do, the aesthetic choices they made, I began to see that movies function as forms of prayer that we are familiar with as Christians.”

“You think of prayers of confession.  You think of prayers of praise,” he continues.  “Movies express very similar things and, once I started seeing those parallels, it made a lot of sense to me.  What are movies?  At their best, they’re these artistic expressions of people coming together to consider ‘what is this place?’  ‘What is this world?’  ‘Why are we here?’ ‘What does it all mean?’  Now, obviously, not every movie is interested in that—some just want to make a buck—but there are those that are asking these other questions and that’s what our prayers do too.”

In Movies are Prayers, Larsen argues that our prayers are intrinsically linked to our human experience in the midst of a broken world.  In other words, the cries of our heart are an extension of what we are feeling and dealing with on a personal level.

According to Larsen, “The trajectory of Scripture is that the world was created good, it fell into sin, it was redeemed by Christ’s work at the Cross and now we are awaiting that full day of restoration.  So, if you look at these different sorts of prayers I talk about, they generally fall somewhere along that timeline.  So, prayers of praise echo delight at the good creation that God made initially and that we still see glimmers of in this day.  But something like prayers of lament, or anger, or confession—these all relate to that period of falling into sin.  Then we have something like obedience… [which] comes after that redemption of Christ on the cross. And then you move onto restoration which is a hard one because we’re not there yet but we do see glimmers of that as well… So, the book kind of has this overarching framework that is taken from the basic trajectory of Scripture.”

“It goes all the way back to [theologian] Abraham Kuyper and this idea of common grace,” he continues.  “This idea that God has bestowed upon all of his creatures these creative abilities, that are expressed in filmmaking.  That there is this longing for eternity that is buried in our hearts.  We all, as humans, share this.  It’s the imago Dei.  We are created in His image and we share this longing to be reunited with Him.  So, to me, that says that movies need to be at least allowed the opportunity to speak this way.”

 

Given the fact that the majority of films he explores in his book are not considered ‘faith-based’ in nature, one could argue that examining them through spiritual lenses is counter-productive.  However, Larsen believes that filmmaking offers universal cries that connect with the heart of God, regardless of religious affiliation.

“Some chapters were easier than others and I think that’s because certain expressions are more universal or more common,” he explains. “I think the two that worked that way in my experience were prayers of yearning, which is kind of the baseline.  Every human being has some form of yearning within them and trying to figure out ‘is there something more than what I see in front of my face and experience with my senses?’ What else might be out there?…   Lament is obviously universal [as well].  No matter who you are or whatever religious affiliation or none that you have, you experience lament in your life.  So, we have tonnes of movies that capture just the terrible things that people have experienced and offer these experiences up… So, those are two things—yearning and lament—that, because they’re so universal are easily found in non-religious films.”

When asked which form of prayer speaks most clearly to him, Larsen argues that he can relate most to the prayers of yearning and lament.  Through the gravity of their cries, these prayers allow him an opportunity to release his inner angst to God by giving voice to his deepest spiritual longings.

“The yearning one really does speak to me.  That’s not just for those that are curious about faith or have questions coming into faith.  That’s something that I still feel everyday as a life-long believer.  So, that was a really rewarding chapter, and to think of the movies that echo that for me.  Because, really, this is part of the motivation for the book.  While I was watching films, these feelings and expressions that I had within me were being put out there by the movie, almost on my behalf… I’d probably go back to lament as well because that’s a common one and its cathartic for a movie to lament on my behalf.  So, something like anger works similarly too.  A movie can express that for me, whereas I might keep it buried down myself or feel like I can’t express that to God, then having a movie do it for me kind of gets that out there.”

Of course, not all forms of prayers are ubiquitous to everyone.  For example, during his preparation for the book, Larsen recognized that prayers that required more reflection and silence were the ones that most brought him out of his comfort zone.

“The real challenge for me with me for the book was considering prayers of meditation and contemplation,” he reflects.  “It just hasn’t been a part of my own experience so it was fascinating to research that and try to put that into practice.  I’m a very logical and reason-based guy so I’m not wired that way.”

With this in mind, he also believes that another challenge to this sort of approach to film analysis was recognizing when to view it through this lens and when to leave it alone.  For Larsen, allowing the film to speak first proved essential in knowing when this sort of reading was appropriate.

Says Larsen, “I don’t want to come to every movie and say ‘what type of prayer is this’ because that’s kind of working the process backwards.  I really want to approach movies and let them speak first, see what things are they interested in saying and then say ‘how does that resonate with my Christian faith?’  Sometimes it might be because the movie works as a prayer but sometimes it might not.”

Through his book, Larsen would like to help his readers not only understand the value of allowing films to speak for themselves, but also that they would recognize the value of different forms of prayer.  In other words, his intent is not only to highlight great works of cinema but also to challenge them to open their hearts as well.

“I guess my hope would be that… it’s not only illuminating potential aspects of these movies but that it’s illuminating good things about these types of prayer and give them more prominence in our lives.  That was my experience.”

 

You can check out our giveaway of Movies are Prayers here.

Movies are Prayers: How Films Voice our Deepest Longings is available on Amazon now.

Filed Under: Interviews, OtherFish, Podcast Tagged With: Amazon, Amazon.com, filmspotting, Josh Larsen, Movies Are Prayers, Think Christian

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