Over the weekend I watched the movie Troy which was released in 2004. Troy is based on the epic tale, The Iliad, which is about the fall of the great city of Troy. The film illustrates how the war between Sparta and Troy affects the warriors and rulers of each nation. Throughout the film I was able to spot many things that relate to the kingdom and the empire.
Aspects of the empire are clearly evident in the film. Menelaus and Agamemnon believe that power is everything just as the empire does. Menelaus wanted to attack Troy because he believed that his power was undermined when Paris stole Helen. Agamemnon entered the war because he wanted to expand his lands and his stretch of power. Achilles lived solely for instant gratification and personal glory which was apparent in his style of fighting.
During the film certain things are portrayed as “sinful”. The film is based on legend and in the time the film was set multiple gods were thought to be the rulers of human beings. Therefore the human purpose was to serve the gods. Achilles’ disrespects religion by plundering the temple of Apollo and his actions are condemned. Later Achilles dishonors Hector’s body after Hector puts up a good fight and Achilles’ actions are again condemned. Paris’ foolishness and selfishness is condemned, as well as foolishness in general.
Although there are many aspects of the empire in the film, it also promotes the kingdom. Community is promoted in the movie and is a feature of the kingdom. Even through all of Paris’ mistakes, the land of Troy and the leaders of Troy put up a united front. Hector is disappointed in his brother but protects him, nonetheless. The film demonstrates the brutality of war and shows how corrupt war can be when it is motivated by greed. It encourages a desire for peace. Troy also shows how a single act of selfishness can affect whole nations. This encourages a desire for justice and forgiveness, rather than violence and war. Overall it was very interesting to inspect the film with new eyes that are aware of aspects of the empire and the kingdom.
19 January 2009
The Mall
When I normally go to the mall I have something in mind that I have to get. I am on a mission. But this time when I went I was there just to observe, I could actually absorb the things that were happening around me. There were advertisements around me everywhere, even with the stores just down the hall, they were advertising their clothing just seconds away from the store. There was movie advertisement. Whether the advertisements were on posters, banners, children’s strollers or flyers. In order to get customers into their store they use those different forms of advertising, but every store in the mall had a large window with some of their best selling or best looking objects in the window. Even if the customers don’t buy anything, they just want them to get into their store and talk about it to other people. Many stores also used other ways to get people in the door by appealing to not only our sight, but also our smell. Many of the stores I walked by have an overwhelming scent.
AT the mall, there were all age groups. there were middle age women together going in and out of stores, women power walking down the halls, middle scholars hanging out in the halls and popular/cool clothing stores, children playing in the kids area, men waiting on the couches for there wife’s, and young children in strollers. It’s crazy how much advertising we see throughout our life. From the first time we go to the mall in the strollers, to when we grow old and continue to shop.
This visit to the mall was alot different than the rest of my visit. It showed me how much advertising was in the mall, and how many people are affected by it without even noticing it. I know that I have never noticed the advertisement as much, but now that I think about it, it affected me a lot.
AT the mall, there were all age groups. there were middle age women together going in and out of stores, women power walking down the halls, middle scholars hanging out in the halls and popular/cool clothing stores, children playing in the kids area, men waiting on the couches for there wife’s, and young children in strollers. It’s crazy how much advertising we see throughout our life. From the first time we go to the mall in the strollers, to when we grow old and continue to shop.
This visit to the mall was alot different than the rest of my visit. It showed me how much advertising was in the mall, and how many people are affected by it without even noticing it. I know that I have never noticed the advertisement as much, but now that I think about it, it affected me a lot.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
One of the most recent films that I saw was the Michal Gondry film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”. This film stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet and it is essentially the story of their relationship. From the start of the film, it is clear that the two characters are quite dissimilar, but somehow drawn to one another. While the plot is not linear, the story progresses and the two main characters have a falling out and huge argument, after which Clementine (Winslet) decides to get her memory erased by a company that offers such services. Upon learning about this, Joel (Carrey) goes ahead with the same procedure. As the movie wraps up, they meet again on a train and, although they have no recollection of each other, are once again drawn to one another.
This cultural artifact really develops the depravity of the human condition. Both of the main characters are shown without glorification, but rather have many of their faults lain bare. It shows how sin and selfishness can destroy a good relationship. The fact that the characters in this film are able to erase their memories rather than dealing their problems is a great example of following the draw of the empire rather than striving for the kingdom. This film to me is a great example of the pervasive control the empire has on us. When I considered having the opportunity of erasing bad memories from my life, it is an attractive thought, but would it be prudent or even right? I think that “Eternal Shine of the Spotless Mind” answers these questions at the end of the film. It tells us a lot about redemption in that Clementine and Joel eventually find each other again and learn about what they did to their memories. This movie encourages its viewers to strive for forgiveness and redemption rather than simply trying to avoid or escape from their problems and I believe that this can be a great example for us as we work towards the Kingdom.
The House Bunny
This weekend I watched The House Bunny. This is one of those movies that you see previews for and just think will be a movie for a good laugh and some great lines. But after watching it I got more than just laughs out of it.
The main premise of the movie is character Shelly gets “kicked out” of the Playboy mansion and is left to fend for herself. After some wondering she stumbles upon a “not so popular” sorority that is in dyer help just to stay afloat as a house. Shelly becomes what is called a 'house mother' and helps out these, what one would call 'nerdy', girls in the way she knows best. And this is where I think the Empire really comes out. In order to help them the believes they need new hot, sexy looks and then will get the attention from the other fraternities. With those things alone, good looks and hot guys, the sorority will be able to get the pledges that they need.
Now with that said, Shelly has the best of intentions while doing this because she is helping in the only way she knows how. So where could the harm be in that? But really when you think about it, don't we all have the “best of intentions” when we try to help or do something? Everyone here is just trying to do their best and make things right and that's when the sin of the world really comes out. No matter how hard we try to make things go the right way how we intended them to be, something, somewhere gets messed up and everything is ruined.
As the movie goes on this becomes very evident. Not just the girls outward appearance changes. They start to be snotty and judgmental to girls that are just like the way that they themselves once were. They went to such lengths to help the sorority, that they didn't care any more how they acted and who they hurt. After one of the girls realizes this she calls all of them out on it and they all then realize the monsters that they have become. After they have seen this the first thing they do is blame Shelly for it all.
I really see characteristics of this movie in the Empire. We change for something or someone and when things go wrong and aren't the way they were supposed to be, we automatically want to blame everyone but ourselves. But then there is always redemption and the movie stays true to it. The girls all realize the wrongs they did and that Shelly was only trying to help and that they can help the sorority by just being themselves.
Really we all can learn from this movie and try to look at the situation as the whole picture and just think hard before our actions and the things we say. This movie is good for laughs but not only that. As weird as this sounds, it made me step back and examine the way I live my life and come off to people. I would recommend everyone to see it.
Anberlin
I went to the Anberlin conversation on last Friday before their concert. Anberlin is a rock band with Christian members, not a Christian rock band. They write a variety of songs from rock to slow and everything in between. I was expecting to stand in one of the rows of seats, but the pit was lowered and I was able to get right by the stage. Calvin had a sound crew come in to set up a system that would be more fitting for a concert of this style.
I was also able to go to the concert, but I want to focus on the conversation. I found this to be helpful in finding out what Anberlin is really about. One thing that caught my attention was how they chose to be a general market band not just a Christian band even though Christian music is the fastest growing music industry at 17%. They are trying to reach everyone that they can with their music. I fell that Anberlin is crying out for the Kingdom. They have made a conscience effort to reach as many people as they can with their music not try to get as much money as they can. Anberlin is trying to lead by example by doing what God has called them to do with their music not what they want to do. We need to do what God calls us to do weather it is what to major in or choosing a spouse.
I did not know much about Anberlin before Friday but that did not matter. I enjoyed both the conversation and the concert and I would love to hear more of their music live and talk to them about their music.
I was also able to go to the concert, but I want to focus on the conversation. I found this to be helpful in finding out what Anberlin is really about. One thing that caught my attention was how they chose to be a general market band not just a Christian band even though Christian music is the fastest growing music industry at 17%. They are trying to reach everyone that they can with their music. I fell that Anberlin is crying out for the Kingdom. They have made a conscience effort to reach as many people as they can with their music not try to get as much money as they can. Anberlin is trying to lead by example by doing what God has called them to do with their music not what they want to do. We need to do what God calls us to do weather it is what to major in or choosing a spouse.
I did not know much about Anberlin before Friday but that did not matter. I enjoyed both the conversation and the concert and I would love to hear more of their music live and talk to them about their music.
The Bucket List
The movie I chose as my first cultural artifact is The Bucket List. This movie is about two men, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, who meet in the hospital where they are diagnosed as terminally ill with less than a year to live. To make the most of their last days, the two go on a trip across the world to do everything they feel they should before they kick the bucket.
The reasons for the adventure around the globe are pretty similar for each of the two friends. Because Carter (Freeman) has spent most of his life providing for his family, he feels like he missed out on doing a lot of the things he wanted to during his lifetime. He agrees to go on the trip with Edward (Nicholson) because he feels that he deserves to do what he wants for once. An excellent example of someone who exhibits qualities of the empire, Edward, a billionaire who has spent much of his life working to earn as much money as possible to enable him to enjoy a lavish lifestyle, thinks of this trip as just another one of his many thrill rides in life.
Although each of these men has similar reasons for going on the trip, their desires for the trip are based on different ways of thinking. Edward’s additions to the bucket list are all based his desires for instant gratification and his mentality that his money can buy him happiness. Carter, on the other hand, has more kingdom oriented goals such as hoping to witness something majestic or helping someone for good.
At first, this movie seems to endorse the empire much more than the kingdom, but when looking beyond the basic storyline of an expensive trip around the world for personal enjoyment, the themes in the movie cry out for the kingdom. Over the course of their trip, Carter and Edward both change each other and discover that the most important part of life is not where you go or what you see but rather the relationships with your family and friend. Both men realize that without love and friendship, all the money in the world will still leave you feeling empty. On top of a pyramid they discuss the purpose of life and Carter expresses agreement with the ancient Egyptians who narrowed it down to two questions. “Have you found joy in your life?” and “Have others found joy in your life?” If everyone made sure the answers to these questions were “yes” and they focused more on their relationships than money and experiences, the world would look a lot more like the kingdom of God.
The reasons for the adventure around the globe are pretty similar for each of the two friends. Because Carter (Freeman) has spent most of his life providing for his family, he feels like he missed out on doing a lot of the things he wanted to during his lifetime. He agrees to go on the trip with Edward (Nicholson) because he feels that he deserves to do what he wants for once. An excellent example of someone who exhibits qualities of the empire, Edward, a billionaire who has spent much of his life working to earn as much money as possible to enable him to enjoy a lavish lifestyle, thinks of this trip as just another one of his many thrill rides in life.
Although each of these men has similar reasons for going on the trip, their desires for the trip are based on different ways of thinking. Edward’s additions to the bucket list are all based his desires for instant gratification and his mentality that his money can buy him happiness. Carter, on the other hand, has more kingdom oriented goals such as hoping to witness something majestic or helping someone for good.
At first, this movie seems to endorse the empire much more than the kingdom, but when looking beyond the basic storyline of an expensive trip around the world for personal enjoyment, the themes in the movie cry out for the kingdom. Over the course of their trip, Carter and Edward both change each other and discover that the most important part of life is not where you go or what you see but rather the relationships with your family and friend. Both men realize that without love and friendship, all the money in the world will still leave you feeling empty. On top of a pyramid they discuss the purpose of life and Carter expresses agreement with the ancient Egyptians who narrowed it down to two questions. “Have you found joy in your life?” and “Have others found joy in your life?” If everyone made sure the answers to these questions were “yes” and they focused more on their relationships than money and experiences, the world would look a lot more like the kingdom of God.
The Bucket List
The Bucket List tells the story of Edward Cole and Carter Chambers, two terminally ill patients who make up a list of things to do before they die. From skydiving to racecar driving, these two men create a special friendship as they tour the globe. At Carter’s funeral, Edward tells of how Carter taught him to be a better person, changing him from a crotchety old man to a person who loves and cares for others.
The two main characters are polar opposites at the beginning. Carter is a faithful husband, believes in God and prays to Him. He tells the story of a man who hears God through the great Himalayan Mountains, and wishes to experience that same voice of God firsthand. Carter wants to help people and make others lives better. At the beginning of the movie, he says, “You measure yourself by those who measure themselves up to you.” Carter could be thought of as representing the kingdom.
Edward on the other hand does not believe in a higher power. At one point, when he is faced with pain and the reality of his situation, he begins to cry out to God, but then stops himself, fearing that someone will hear him. He lives for himself and does not care for those around him. In a heartfelt discussion with Carter about faith, he says that he simply “can’t get his head around the concept.” He could be thought to represent the Empire.
The movie does not get into the specifics of what they think is sin and redemption. However, through an analogy to the Egyptian view of heaven, Carter asks, “Did you enjoy your life? Did you bring joy to other people’s lives?” While he does not say to avoid sin and evil, his actions prove that he advocates a life of service and bringing joy to others. There is no need to be saved of anything in the movie, just to live a good life by helping and caring for others.
This movie shows qualities of both the empire and the kingdom. Edward shows an attitude of self gratification, believing he can buy his way to happiness and success. While the life Edward leads seems fun and exciting, it is a seductive world in which the reality doesn’t match up with what it is advertised to be. Instead of feeling wonderful, he feels alone. In Carter, we see the way that the kingdom is upside down. Instead of the wealthy man being happy and having all the right answers, it is the poor mechanic. He abounds in love and joy and takes up the attitude of a servant to help others. He displays a Christ-like attitude. Although not a Christian movie, the Bucket List displays a message of servant hood and hope that goes hand in hand with the kingdom and the message of the gospel.
The two main characters are polar opposites at the beginning. Carter is a faithful husband, believes in God and prays to Him. He tells the story of a man who hears God through the great Himalayan Mountains, and wishes to experience that same voice of God firsthand. Carter wants to help people and make others lives better. At the beginning of the movie, he says, “You measure yourself by those who measure themselves up to you.” Carter could be thought of as representing the kingdom.
Edward on the other hand does not believe in a higher power. At one point, when he is faced with pain and the reality of his situation, he begins to cry out to God, but then stops himself, fearing that someone will hear him. He lives for himself and does not care for those around him. In a heartfelt discussion with Carter about faith, he says that he simply “can’t get his head around the concept.” He could be thought to represent the Empire.
The movie does not get into the specifics of what they think is sin and redemption. However, through an analogy to the Egyptian view of heaven, Carter asks, “Did you enjoy your life? Did you bring joy to other people’s lives?” While he does not say to avoid sin and evil, his actions prove that he advocates a life of service and bringing joy to others. There is no need to be saved of anything in the movie, just to live a good life by helping and caring for others.
This movie shows qualities of both the empire and the kingdom. Edward shows an attitude of self gratification, believing he can buy his way to happiness and success. While the life Edward leads seems fun and exciting, it is a seductive world in which the reality doesn’t match up with what it is advertised to be. Instead of feeling wonderful, he feels alone. In Carter, we see the way that the kingdom is upside down. Instead of the wealthy man being happy and having all the right answers, it is the poor mechanic. He abounds in love and joy and takes up the attitude of a servant to help others. He displays a Christ-like attitude. Although not a Christian movie, the Bucket List displays a message of servant hood and hope that goes hand in hand with the kingdom and the message of the gospel.
Fiction Family
This past Wednesday, Calvin College brought in a band called Fiction Family. This band contains a combination of lead singers from Switchfoot and Nickel Creek; John Foreman and Sean Watkins respectively. Using the Ladies Literary Club to create a small, warm feel, this acoustic band produced a fun, entertaining night. With this being only the bands second time performing in concert, it brought with it a sense of relaxing and comfort, which greatly added to the night.
Music to me is one of my passions, and I enjoy greatly the fun of listening and enjoying, as well as playing and experimenting. When it comes to this particular band, although they are not under a Christian label, lyrically there is definitely a connection between them and their passion to the kingdom of God. This is specifically evident in the words sung by John Foreman when he uses scriptural text and intertwines it into songs. In saying this there is no doubt that evil has corrupted this world even through this band. There songs constantly talk about heartbreak pain and suffering through broken relationships, and these are evident to be ideas and situations that are effected by the fall and sin.
The good news is that I believe that there is a better way to live and that it has been demonstrated. In Deuteronomy 30, Jesus says “Choose Life” and to me that is the main goal of these fun entertainers. The Kingdom of God was evident in this concert as well. First of all the passion they showed in their music, and for their music was evident as a viewer. You can tell if an artist is faking it, and when it came to this band the emotion that was drawn out through song was evidently presented to make the lyrics believable. Although this band did not go about spoon-feeding the message of God in their songs, the ideas that poked through were ones of love, and hope; even in this world of brokenness.
The words of imagination and community work well in this concert setting. As the band played there was no way knowing what songs they were going to perform because of the fact that they have not released record as of yet. This created an environment where you could pull out a lot from the music and make it your own because of the fact that it was the first time to listen and enjoy it. This outing to the Literary club also created a warm feel of community by the physical size of the convert hall but also the laid back, relaxed feel of the performers that certainly rubbed off on the audience.
This bands passion and desire to create music not only to enjoy but to instead make you think about the empire and its effects on you makes it worthwhile to go and see. This new team started off with a bang, and I am sure that they are going to strive and succeed in making new music that focuses on the lyrics and links those lyrics to the suffering and brokenness that many people experience in this world today. This band cares about the relationships that build when the connection between them and their audience is made and I think that is key in creating a world that can place the Kingdom of God in front of the empire.
Changeling
Changeling is based on a true story from 1928. It is about a working mother (Christine Collins) whose child, Walter Collins is kidnapped. After some time, the Los Angeles Police Department said to have found her son, but during their reunion, she realizes that they have found the wrong child. The police department, not wanting to be embarrassed by the public and media basically force her to keep the orphan child who claims to be her son. She faces the corrupt police, and fights to get answers to where her son might be. She also fights for all women who at this time period were considered to be inferior and women were not to challenge the police and if they did, they wouldn't live to tell their story. She finds help from a reverend, who understands what the corrupt police do and is willing to stand out against their actions.
This movie strives for truth, justice, and peace. These words intertwine with some topics that the Bible talks about. God is all those three words; truth, justice, and peace. There are some examples in this movie and storyline where their are types of evil, and the corruption of the police. There is also a scene where the movie mentions a man who has killed many kids off the street. They are about to hang him and before he gets hanged he asks for someone to pray for him and also states that God has forgiven him for what he has done and gives himself hope that he won't be going to hell. He repents to God and asks him for forgiveness. This was very interesting and made me think. Can God allow someone that has committed alot of murders to go to heaven? Life and death in this movie is put on the line because there were so many risks that Christine Collins took and could have been killed for, but she still did it because she strived for three words that we as humans try to live by; truth, justice, and peace.
This movie strives for truth, justice, and peace. These words intertwine with some topics that the Bible talks about. God is all those three words; truth, justice, and peace. There are some examples in this movie and storyline where their are types of evil, and the corruption of the police. There is also a scene where the movie mentions a man who has killed many kids off the street. They are about to hang him and before he gets hanged he asks for someone to pray for him and also states that God has forgiven him for what he has done and gives himself hope that he won't be going to hell. He repents to God and asks him for forgiveness. This was very interesting and made me think. Can God allow someone that has committed alot of murders to go to heaven? Life and death in this movie is put on the line because there were so many risks that Christine Collins took and could have been killed for, but she still did it because she strived for three words that we as humans try to live by; truth, justice, and peace.
The Constant Gardener
This movie is about the English Ambassador in Kenya and his wife, a curious journalist. While Justin takes devote care of his garden and works in his office, his wife spends a lot of time doing research about a pharmaceutical company that distributes drugs to prevent patients from AIDS. What seems suspicious to Tessa is that this company also distributes for free, drugs for tuberculosis. At this moment, she starts doing research some intense research. She founds out that this company DIPRAXA, is trying the tuberculosis drug in humans. Also, one of the top diplomat, realizes that Tessa is so close to know the truth, he sends somebody to kill her. After Tessa dies, Justin starts following the same path she did, and he also gets killed.
One of the stories this artifact is telling, is how the human beings loves hierarchy and power. We see this clearly shown in the movie when we appreciate Tessa’s house and the people in the village. In my opinion I don’t think there’s nothing wrong with this difference, but if this becomes ignorance then I think we certainly have a problem. In other words, if a diplomat ignores the reality of Kenya, then he has a problem. However, the movie shows not ignorant diplomats but diplomats that knowing the truth do nothing about it. Because again, the drugs are not affecting them.
However, not all characters are as mean as one can think. Tessa and Arnold, both doing research about this new drug, represent in my opinion the kingdom. Tessa and Arnold, not only do research, but Tessa especially, loves Africa and African people. She takes care of them and it doesn’t matter to her that she actually is the Ambassador’s wife. The empire, in this movie can be seen in Pellegrin and Sandy, because they know what Tessa is looking for, and that if the knows the truth it can be a scandal. What amazes me is the amount of power the both have, in terms of information and contacts. A lot like the huge data base in “The Persuaders”, with the only difference that Sandy and Pellegrin choose who to worry about.
I can’t remember if it was in the movie of in the book, when Justin says: “Tessa used to shop in the God’s will”. Tessa belongs to both worlds. In one she is married to this diplomat and the other was her passion. In Tessa’s first world to shop in the God’s will is sinful, sinful is also breaking the rules the Embassy created. Sinful, in this world is going further than your home and your roles. That’s why nobody, except Justin, liked Tessa, but all of them covered their upset very well. After all they are diplomats. One of the things I could identify the second time I watched this movie, was some envy in Sandy, because Tessa was free. Tessa could do whatever she wanted to.
As a conclusion I can sat that this movie shows how the empire is going always to win, but how hard they have to try. What I love about this movie is that it presents the Empire as something normal, and how, sometimes, the normality is evil. How they think that in order to be safe they have to kill people who disagree with them. Those strategies happened in reality but in other terms. When I see this movie I keep remembering the people who disappeared, in Chile or Argentina during the 80’s because some of them were against dictatorships. I don’t think this movie is far from reality and that is why it criticizes the Empire.
One of the stories this artifact is telling, is how the human beings loves hierarchy and power. We see this clearly shown in the movie when we appreciate Tessa’s house and the people in the village. In my opinion I don’t think there’s nothing wrong with this difference, but if this becomes ignorance then I think we certainly have a problem. In other words, if a diplomat ignores the reality of Kenya, then he has a problem. However, the movie shows not ignorant diplomats but diplomats that knowing the truth do nothing about it. Because again, the drugs are not affecting them.
However, not all characters are as mean as one can think. Tessa and Arnold, both doing research about this new drug, represent in my opinion the kingdom. Tessa and Arnold, not only do research, but Tessa especially, loves Africa and African people. She takes care of them and it doesn’t matter to her that she actually is the Ambassador’s wife. The empire, in this movie can be seen in Pellegrin and Sandy, because they know what Tessa is looking for, and that if the knows the truth it can be a scandal. What amazes me is the amount of power the both have, in terms of information and contacts. A lot like the huge data base in “The Persuaders”, with the only difference that Sandy and Pellegrin choose who to worry about.
I can’t remember if it was in the movie of in the book, when Justin says: “Tessa used to shop in the God’s will”. Tessa belongs to both worlds. In one she is married to this diplomat and the other was her passion. In Tessa’s first world to shop in the God’s will is sinful, sinful is also breaking the rules the Embassy created. Sinful, in this world is going further than your home and your roles. That’s why nobody, except Justin, liked Tessa, but all of them covered their upset very well. After all they are diplomats. One of the things I could identify the second time I watched this movie, was some envy in Sandy, because Tessa was free. Tessa could do whatever she wanted to.
As a conclusion I can sat that this movie shows how the empire is going always to win, but how hard they have to try. What I love about this movie is that it presents the Empire as something normal, and how, sometimes, the normality is evil. How they think that in order to be safe they have to kill people who disagree with them. Those strategies happened in reality but in other terms. When I see this movie I keep remembering the people who disappeared, in Chile or Argentina during the 80’s because some of them were against dictatorships. I don’t think this movie is far from reality and that is why it criticizes the Empire.
Anberlin
I attended the Anberlin concert in the FAC Friday, January 16 hosted by Calvin College. The concert was heavily attended by people all across West Michigan, not just by Calvin College students, which made the concert more enjoyable and crazy at some points. The first several rows of seats were removed and a platform was put in creating a “mosh pit” in the front full of several hundred screaming fans. Although I only went to the concert to hear the music, I was entertained not only by the music, but also by the how the band performed and how the other fans interacted with each other.
I have known Anberlin for a long time and have been a fan ever since I heard their music. Their music has a wide variety of heavy rock to slow moving music. I enjoy everything they write, although the slower songs have a closer place in my heart.
Dealing with the empire side of things: Anberlin is not an openly “Christian” band. Their title does not carry the Christian name with it, however, that does not mean that they do not profess the lord’s name. Some say that because they do not have the Christian name attached that they are not good Christians or something like that. Some say that Anberlin is being taken in by the whole empire and because of that do not want to put the Christian label and be associated with Christians. This, however, is not true and is the complete opposite of what they are trying to do. Because they do not have the Christian title, they have more access to secular crowd and can have an influence on their lives.
On the Kingdom point of view: Anberlin uses the lyrics to portray its Christian perspective and tells of the struggles of life and how God is the only way. Since they just out into the Empire saying that they are like one of them and then, in the kingdom, they throw their Christian ways and actions. Throughout each of their songs, although they are not openly Christian in all of their songs, they are never vulgure in any of their songs. They remain positive throughout and several songs have Christian undertones.
I enjoyed the Anberlin concert and was edified throughout. I am glad that I attended and I would go again in a heartbeat.
Across the Universe
On Friday I watched the film “Across the Universe.” It tells a love story based around a collection of The Beatles most popular songs sang by the characters of the movie throughout the plot. The story centers on Jude and Lucy who are in love with different people in the beginning of the story and end up falling in love. They grow closer together through the movie and then grow farther apart as she becomes more involved in protesting the Vietnam War. They break up and he leaves America to return to England. Then of course they end up together in the end.
The movie displays very well that people are created longing for things. Jude longs for freedom and something new and a handful of characters long for someone else they long for love. The movie displays some ways people fulfill their desires to feel good by using drugs and alcohol. Drugs were popular to use in the culture of that time and using them meant fitting into the crowd. Even though this crowd was against the empire of an America fighting war it showed that this crowd that might seem anti-empire in some ways could become a new empire that controls peoples’ decisions. The movie also showed themes of living in community and friendship, good ideas that fit in the kingdom. Their community perhaps did not have the most God honoring way of life but they did look out for each other. Characters display gifts and passions in art and music. Characters also stand up for what they believe in by protesting the Vietnam War.
The main point and in my opinion the best that comes across in the movie is that of all the stuff in the world what people need most is love. This is clear in the Beatles’ song “All You Need is Love” that closes the movie. This theme is important as it rings true in the love of God and all the other people in life. I find the movie does not necessarily point to God but makes a good point that love is more important than all the junk the world is selling you and money is not much good because it can’t buy you love either. Overall the movie had some good themes and displayed the power and beauty that is displayed in music and art and the movie is a great tribute to one my favorite bands the Beatles.
Fiction Family
This past Wednesday, January 14, I attended the Fiction Family concert and following discussion at the Ladies Literary Club. Fiction Family is a band composed of Jon Foreman from Switchfoot and Sean Watkins from Nickel Creek. The band was formed quite recently and is more of a side project for both members than a central platform. In fact, Wednesday was only the band’s second show ever and their first album has yet to be released.
Although Fiction Family is not on a Christian record label and do not openly identify themselves as a Christian band, themes of the Kingdom of God can be seen in both their music and actions. Jon Foreman is widely known to be a strong Christian, as can be seen in some of his solo songs and songs from Switchfoot. During the segment of the show when Jon Foreman played some of his own songs by himself, it was not hard to pick out the things that glorified the Kingdom of God. The song “Your Love is Strong” was essentially a musical rendition of the Lord’s Prayer, and the song “Somebody’s Baby” echoed with themes of brokenness and a need for love, whether divine or human. Sean Watkins’ songs were not as explicitly Christian, although they too had many anti-Empire characteristics. Many of his personal songs spoke of brokenness and hurt over a lost loved one, emotions that only entered our world through the fall. In addition, the overall view of love that was put out from his music seemed to be a refreshing change from much of the music we hear today that often speaks of the opposite gender as a prize to be won or a token to grasp.
In my opinion, Fiction Family rejects the Empire and glorifies the Kingdom just as well as any artist that may be on a Christian label, however, they do it far more subliminally than these artists. In the songs that Fiction Family sang together, I don’t think that the word “God” or “Jesus” was ever used. Nevertheless, underlying messages of hope were evident in each song. The lyrics often spoke of a sense of optimism about the future, or even just the love of a woman that brought happiness to the singer. The band also seemed to be more focused on other people than just themselves, a concept that is very foreign in much of the popular music today.
The primary way that Fiction Family differed from many of their peers, however, was by enjoying what they did. Too often do we see musicians that do what they do with very materialistic incentives in mind. When Ken Hefner spoke to our class, he explained that he believed that the Empire had reduced music to being just a consumable. Fiction Family is a great example of a band that counteracts this problem. The band members seemed to thoroughly enjoy what they were doing. They smiled and laughed frequently, had plenty of energy, interacted with the crowd, and more. In addition, by listening to the conversation with the group after the concert, I could tell that they just loved playing their music. I don’t think they would have cared if nobody ever heard what they wrote, they just wanted to put it out there. After all, there is probably a good chance that their tour is not going to make them a whole lot of money from playing at venues as small as they are. They seemed to be free from the capitalistic mentality of some many musicians today and were solely playing because they loved to play. In my opinion, this enjoyment of music is also a great example of the redemption of man. I don’t know that there are much better ways of glorifying God than by taking the gifts that he has given to you, using them as well as possible, and enjoying life in the process.
Fiction Family is a brand new band with much promise. The depth and subject matter of their songs is a refreshing contrast to much of the mainstream music that exists today. I look forward to seeing what they do in the future.
American Idol
Earlier this week I indulged in one of the first two-hour specials of the ever-popular television show “American Idol”. On the show, people audition in front of four judges (traditionally three, but they needed to spice up the eighth season) for their chance “to become the next American Idol”. The show is chock-full of personal testimonials from contestants, freak-show quirks, and inspirational stories that keep the viewer riveted. Eventually as the season progresses, contestants drop like flies for missing a note or having a flat performance; then, only one is chosen as the “American Idol”.
American Idol can be a roller coaster of entertainment, deceit, and monotonous brainwashing. It gives an ultimatum for human purpose: either you can sing or you can’t. (there was one exception to this in the premiere episode when a girl auditioned in nothing but a bikini…but I’ll get back to that) Either you are marketable or you’re not. A freak-show or a Superstar. A contestant that can’t sing is treated as though they are worthless and wasting the judges’ time. They are then put on parade for viewers to mock, and feel pity for. Sure, it’s humorous when your parents sing badly to the old songs they loved back in the day—but imagine if they were doing it on T.V. for entertainment purposes and then shot down to feel worthless?
The empire wants us to consume and idolize. It’s in the show’s name: American Idol. We are told to vote for the “Idol”, sucked into watching each episode, every performance, every critique so that we can furiously dial the number for our Idol. It’s commercializing a person with talent. Take the girl in the bikini I mentioned earlier for example, she didn’t have a good singing voice (which was admitted by every judge) yet she still passed on to the next round simply because she was wearing basically nothing. She’s being idolized for her body.
American Idol has contributed to American Pop Culture in some positive ways. It helps the music business with finding new artists. It gives a chance for businesses to advertise through sponsorship. And what would life be like with out a little William Hung? Honestly. Even he got a record deal.
American Idol can be a roller coaster of entertainment, deceit, and monotonous brainwashing. It gives an ultimatum for human purpose: either you can sing or you can’t. (there was one exception to this in the premiere episode when a girl auditioned in nothing but a bikini…but I’ll get back to that) Either you are marketable or you’re not. A freak-show or a Superstar. A contestant that can’t sing is treated as though they are worthless and wasting the judges’ time. They are then put on parade for viewers to mock, and feel pity for. Sure, it’s humorous when your parents sing badly to the old songs they loved back in the day—but imagine if they were doing it on T.V. for entertainment purposes and then shot down to feel worthless?
The empire wants us to consume and idolize. It’s in the show’s name: American Idol. We are told to vote for the “Idol”, sucked into watching each episode, every performance, every critique so that we can furiously dial the number for our Idol. It’s commercializing a person with talent. Take the girl in the bikini I mentioned earlier for example, she didn’t have a good singing voice (which was admitted by every judge) yet she still passed on to the next round simply because she was wearing basically nothing. She’s being idolized for her body.
American Idol has contributed to American Pop Culture in some positive ways. It helps the music business with finding new artists. It gives a chance for businesses to advertise through sponsorship. And what would life be like with out a little William Hung? Honestly. Even he got a record deal.
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