Category: Pop. Culture & the Arts

by The Rev. Matthew Ruesch

So I’ve read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for the fifth time, in preparation for the movie of the same name on July 11th. And I’ve given away all my Harry Potter books, going on sort of a “Harry Potter fast” in preparation for the seventh installment in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

  I’m a self-professed “Harry Potter geek.” I was a little behind the culture in getting on board this train, but now I’m planning to be at WalMart at midnight on July 21st to get my copy. That’s the sort of thing only a geek would do. But at least I’m honest with myself.

I’ve debated with a few people the appropriateness of Christians reading the Harry Potter series. I won’t lay out the entire argument in defense of the books, but here are a few thoughts:

1. If you’ve never read at least one of the books, don’t criticize the series. Yes, the books use magic, but so do the beloved fiction works of Christians, such as The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings.

2. Of course the books are dark and involve evil. Again, see my comments on #1. Don’t read the book of Revelation if you’re trying to avoid learning about the battle between good and evil.

3. Because the books involve a level of violence and mature subject material, of course caution should be exercised in giving them to children. Like I said in #1–read the book first, then decide if it’s appropriate for your child to read.

4. What are the books trying to communicate? This is what I’m waiting to find out in Book 7. I agree with Rev. Dr. Richard Stuckwisch who believes that Harry will have to die in order to defeat Lord Voldemort. He sees a lot of Christian imagery in the books, in a similar manner to Narnia and Rings.

I’d put my money (okay, I would never actually bet money…especially on something as meaningless as a fantasy book) on Harry dying in Book 7. I know a lot of hard core Potterites don’t want to hear that, but given J.K. Rowling’s Christian background (yes, she is a Christian in the Church of Scotland tradition), I believe she will use the finale of the Harry Potter series to communicate the values of sacrifice and selflessness to a world that is self-centered and “me-focused.” After all, since the thing Voldemort fears most is death – doesn’t it fit that Harry will then exploit him in his greatest vulnerability? Throughout the books, Harry has not feared death. Therein lies another great Christian truth: our redemption in Christ overcomes death. As Dumbledore has pointed out, there are things worse than death. Eternal death is far worse than our earthly death.

As Christians, we learn to view the world through the cross of Jesus Christ.  God’s Law has identified sin for each of us and the Gospel has provided the solution to that eternal problem.  It just might be possible that with our eyes fixed squarely on the cross, we can find something valuable in books like the Harry Potter series.  We rejoice each day because our sacrifice is not found in the pages of fiction, but in the inspired Word of God, the Holy Scriptures. Somehow that message is so pervasive, we’re even able to find a picture of the all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ in an imperfect fictional character like Harry Potter.

The Rev. Matthew Ruesch is Pastor of Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Garrison, MN.

by Stan Lemon

[Spoilers follow…]

The final installation of the Spider-Man Trilogy opened on May 4th, which is supposed to wrap up a number of plot lines from the first two movies, particularly Peter and Mary Jane’s relationship and Harry’s burning desire for revenge. Spider-Man 3 has a lot to live up to, after the first two movies. Unfortunately, the only expectation Spider-Man 3 lived up to was the initial box office revenues, breaking the record previously held by Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (another bad sequel) with a whopping 59.3 million dollars.

The third movie introduces three villains and more fight scenes than any of the previous movies. It’s also tainted with numerous convenient twists that allowed the director to end in a hopelessly romantic clash of duos and a fallen bad-guy-turned-hero. Take, for example, the revelation made by Harry’s butler, who appears out of nowhere, to let him know that his father died by his own hand. This sudden turn of luck for Peter Parker can be coined as nothing more than a convenient addition to the story line.

Amidst bad dialogue and a poor storyline, cinematographically, the movie leaves much to be desired. The first two movies were excellent examples of action-packed CGI, with Spider-Man flipping through the air doing incredible moves with special attention to detail. I’m honestly not sure if that attention to detail was in this latest installment, because every time a fight scene came the camera was moving too fast to see what was going on. Worse yet, the problem wasn’t just the CGI – the scene with the police officers searching for Sandman in the semi-truck was equally challenging to watch.

While Spider-Man 3 didn’t live up the reputation of its predecessors (a growing trend for Marvel-made movies) it does have something to teach us about sin. Much of the movie focuses on a gooey black substance that oozes its way out of a meteor and absorbs itself into Peter Parker. This substance amplifies Peter’s anger and his pride, consequently he becomes more concerned with himself than those around him. This substance, in a nutshell, is sin which becomes even more vividly so as Peter struggles to rid himself of it – conveniently on the bell tower of a cathedral.

Eddie Brock a.k.a. Venom, played by Topher Grace, is overtaken by this same gooey substance. In the final battle scene, we see Spider-Man trying to persuade Venom from the substance, to reject it and turn from it. Instead, Eddie Brock confesses that he likes being Venom, he likes being evil, and he has no desire to separate himself from the substance which ultimately permeates his very being. In the end Eddie dies, clinging to his sin – actually grasping after it – refusing to let go.

Sin isn’t much different than this gooey substance, it permeates our existence, defining who we are and what we do. And we revel in it. Some even continue to cling to it even when faced with their own death. The Lord doesn’t leave us with just the gooey black death though, He leaves us with His Son who takes away our sin so that we might live in grace by the forgiveness He won for us on the Cross.

Forgiveness is another underlying theme of Spider-Man 3, we find Sandman (conveniently the new killer of Parker’s Uncle Ben) telling Spider-Man “I’m not asking for your forgiveness, just your understanding.” Here Sandman’s got forgiveness all wrong. He’s less concerned with reconciliation than he is with sympathy. This is the very antithesis of the Christian faith. Our Lord doesn’t sympathize with our sin, He simply eradicates it – forgiving it all. What good would sympathy have done for Sandman anyhow?

Earlier in the movie Aunt May testifies that with forgiveness “you start by forgiving yourself”. Again we have a poor understanding of forgiveness, the same understanding that Sandman has. For Aunt May and Sandman, forgiveness works inside of themselves, its an action on their parts. We know this is not true, the Lord works forgiveness when and where He pleases, whether it be at the font or on the altar or in the words of your Pastor, and we sit as passive receivers of this gift.

Peter Parker is caught up in this worldly understanding of forgiveness too, which goes hand-in-hand with his struggle against sin (the gooey stuff). Just as worldly forgiveness doesn’t resolve anything, so the movie ends with a dead friend, an unmended relationship, and a super-hero still seeking purpose and meaning in life. Then the credits roll…

Fortunately for you and I, who have been forgiven once and for all in the waters of Holy Baptism, there’s more than just the credits at the end of the movie.

Our Lord Jesus Christ died on the Cross at Calvary, winning forgiveness, life and salvation for all. He defeated that gooey black substance in order that we wouldn’t be left to fend against it ourselves, like Spider-Man. In the end, our purpose is found in Him and our meaning in the gifts He gives us daily and richly for our nourishment. So when the credits roll it’s not the end of the movie, but the beginning of eternal life in heaven above.

by Kim Grams

The week before the finale:

When I go to church, I’m there for the Word and Sacraments.  I don’t expect to be entertained by a rock band at the altar or something resembling the American Idol finale.  HOWEVER, when I want to be entertained by watching something like American Idol, it’d better knock my socks off.  

We’ve had Kelly vs. Justin, Reuben vs. Clay, Fantasia vs. Diana, Carrie vs. Bo, Taylor vs. Katharine, and now Blake vs. Jordin. I’m getting a little jaded.  It’s hard to be moved or excited year after year.

For the finale, I want some spectacular vocalistic (my word) feats.  I want power notes that give me goose bumps or a rockin’, upbeat song that makes me want to dance.  I don’t want boring ballads or your grandma’s favorite song.  NO Bee Gee’s.  Please.  (If Lutherans believed in purgatory, what level would that be?  Making solo artists sing songs in falsetto that only work with the group of people who originally sang it?  What were the producers thinking?) 

He’s hip, fresh – there’s never been a contestant like him. The beat- boxing is fun, plus he can actually sing.  Sanjaya getting voted out was a blessing for Blake.   All those screaming, crying girls don’t just stop voting.  They need someone else to “crush” on.  Add the Sanjaya votes to the Blake votes and that’s a lot of votes.  

What’s good about Jordin: 

She’s young with lots of personality, but sings like a seasoned pro.  If she wins she will be (I think) the youngest American Idol winner.  For sheer power vocals, she’s got it in the bag.  It helps her to be up against Blake, because her style is similar to that of Melinda and Lakisha.  People who like power singers or don’t “get” the beat-boxing thing will vote for her.  And when they showed the clips of her visit home, she had quite a few screaming, crying fans of her own.   

For the first time, I’m undecided on who gets my vote.  Melinda was my pick to win, but I did think she might “skew older” with the votes.  I like both Jordin and Blake for different reasons.  It will come down to song choice and who has the best vocals THAT NIGHT (I almost never vote by single performance, but by body of work).  And, after 5 previous finales, I want the “Wow”. 

The day after the Finale, 2 hours before the results:

Here’s what it comes down to:  Blake will be great in a studio, but he’s not a power singer.  He’s also like Taylor – as much fun to WATCH as to hear.  On his first song (Bon Jovi’s “Shot Through the Heart”), the Kodak Theatre ATE HIM ALIVE.  He did that number WAY better the first time.  Being a repeat, I already knew what to expect, and how cool it was earlier in the season.  Round two’s Maroon 5 song, “And She Will Be Loved,” was better because the BAND wasn’t so loud.  Blake has clear, smooth vocals.  Kinda like Keane.  I liked Keane.  Good performance, but not amazing. 

Jordin’s voice fit the venue better.  I liked the Christina Aguilera song, which I was unfamiliar with, so I’m not comparing it to the original.  I’m glad she sang at least one non-ballad.  We already heard the Martina Mc Bride song earlier in the season – she did it great both times.  All in all, solid singing – and I do judge vocal quality.  But I’m not blown away, having seen this all before.  Round 1 goes to Jordan; Round 2 I’d call a tie.  Neither one has made me jump out of my seat. 

Round 3.  Blake sings.  Halfway through his performance, I know two things: first, this song is NOT in his comfort zone of song style; second, it IS in Jordin’s and if she knocks it out of the park, she will win the competition on this one “song-writing competition” selection.  (I pause the DVR during commercial, since we’ve caught up to live time, to explain this “how Jordin will win on this song” theory to my kids).  As Jordin prepares to sing, I’m yelling, “C’mon Jordin – bring it!” at the TV. 

Halfway through her performance, I know two things: one, I have goose bumps, I’m crying, and something in this finale has finally had the “Wow” factor; and two, if Jordin does not win after this we need to get more music education back in the schools, because she clearly stomped Blake on this song. 

And now the big question: Are there more screaming, crying girls voting, who may not be as savvy on vocal quality (or have WAY more time than me to vote) . . . OR are there more voters who recognize vocal excellence and will vote on the merit of the singing.  My pick has won in every single finale, with the exception of Reuben and Clay (and I STILL think there was a problem with the voting – come ON; look at the album sales!!!)   

5 minutes after the Finale results:

Jordin won and all’s right in the music world.  And I only had to sit through 2 hours of filler!  Loved the performances with current American Idol contestants and previous winners, along with some famous people.  They should cut the other solo artists (Bette Midler with a song that was old when I was in high school 20 years ago?) and the golden Idols (which my kids loved, but I thought were just painful).  They need fast-paced finale that’s exciting and zips right to the results. They don’t need Tony Bennett, Gwen Stefani or Green Day.  Idol Winners ARE big stars now. They are the ones I want to see on the show – for one hour, not two.  And this season I won’t have post-Idol withdrawal – tomorrow, So You Think You Can Dance premieres and I’m ready to get on the phone for my favorites. See Mom?  All those dance lessons and high school choir tours DID pay off! 

Kim Grams is a writer and pastor’s wife who lives in Scottsbluff, NE

by Nathan Fischer

More fairy tale figures abound in the third Shrek installment, which hit theaters May 18. This time, everybody’s favorite green ogre is on another journey, and trouble just won’t let him be. He must find the next heir to the throne of Far Far Away, save the kingdom from the ruthless Prince Charming, and deal with the news that he is about to become a daddy. Of course, he can’t do any of this without his trusty sidekicks, Donkey and Puss in Boots.

I have to say, while it was funny (and worth seeing if you’re a Shrek fan), it just didn’t quite live up to its two predecessors. I’m sure the writers really tried, but Shrek the Third just lacks something. It was still pretty good. It was still pretty funny. It just wasn’t quite on par with Shrek or Shrek 2. With that said, it most certainly did have its moments, and I found myself laughing uproariously several times. Who wouldn’t laugh as sweet, little Snow White suddenly busts out singing Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song, or at a powerful wizard who’s lost his touch and turned into a hippy tree hugger?

What I found most intriguing throughout the film, though, was not its humor or story-line, but the way in which the writers approached a topic very near and dear to any Lutheran’s heart: vocation. When Shrek is given the opportunity to rule Far Far Away, he turns it down – and at first, you’re left wondering why he would do such a thing. After all, as they say later on, “You can be anything you want to be.” I think Shrek has the right idea, though – he’s an ogre from a swamp who just wants to be a good husband. He knows he probably won’t be the greatest king (which you can tell during his hilarious trial period). He needs to find someone who will.

When he does finally find Arthur Pendragon, Arthur also does not appear to be very much on the surface (especially not King material). Throughout the story, though, he grows into the king that Far Far Away needs, and you get the sense that he will do the job quite well. He struggles with it at first and is terrified at the prospect of so much responsibility, but with some “gentle” nudging from Shrek, he comes to see his calling as king.

Shrek also struggles throughout the film with another looming responsibility of his own: fatherhood. Fiona is pregnant, and Shrek is scared that he just won’t be a very good dad. He is, after all, just an ogre. Shrek voices a very real concern – what if he doesn’t make a good father? It’s not that he doesn’t want children. He’s just afraid of being a lousy dad.

There is something awesome and powerful about all of this, even in a “kid’s” movie. Shrek recognizes that he is not fit to be king – but he never shirks off his responsibility as husband. He is humbled by the thought of the gift of children, but he returns to do what must be done. Arthur is also humbled and afraid that he will be a terrible ruler, yet it turns out this is what he was born to do. Despite the seeming mess of the world around them, in the end everything falls into place, and they fulfill the vocations they know they are to have in life.

Shrek especially teaches us that we don’t need to shoot for the stars. Being a husband and a father (or a wife and a mother, or a son, daughter, etc.) is good enough. In fact, being in those vocations is one of the greatest gifts of all. You don’t need to aim for president, or astronaut, or any of those other things in life. “You can be anything you want to be” applies especially to the holy offices of family, parenthood, and marriage. These are the truly important things in life. Not power. Not money. Not even “being all you can be.”

As Christians, we know that these gifts come from God, and that He places us each into our own vocation. He empowers us to lead holy lives in Christ, lives as fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and all those other offices that we hold. If you become president someday, that’s great – but it’s also great just to be a mom and dad, or brother and sister, or son and daughter. It’s also good to be a janitor, regular office worker, auto mechanic, and all those other things that we think are so “normal” and mundane. Those are good things, because Christ has made them good.

Shrek the Third might not have been the funniest of the trilogy, and it might not have had the greatest plot line, but the theme of vocation that runs throughout can be used as a tool for parents to teach their kids (who are sure to love the movie no matter what). It can also be used to remind ourselves that where we are right now (as well as where we will be in the future) in our life in Christ is good and right, even if we’re not King of Far Far Away.

Nathan Fischer is a  junior at Concordia University Wisconsin, planning to attend Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN.  He is also a Higher Things Blogger.

by Nathan Fischer

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!  Woohoo!  Yes, I went and I saw the new movie out in theaters.  And I have to say – it was incredibly awesome.  The action should be enough to enrapture any male child, and the jokes were funny enough for any adult.  The CGI Animation was absolutely incredible, too.  Yes, that movie rocked.  It might help that I’ve been a TMNT fan since my early childhood but, regardless, I think most people looking for a good, clean, funny, outlandish, action film will have a good time at this one.

At this point, I have to say, spoilers follow.  But so do some theological insights about the movie!

The basic plot is this: A guy 3,000 years ago managed to gain immortality.  In the process, he unleashed a terrible group of monsters on the earth and he froze his family (brothers and sister) in stone.  He did gain immortality, but it was not what he expected.  He lived the next 3,000 years (to the present day) in regret, lamenting the release of the monsters and the loss of his siblings.  So he sets out to make things right.  In the process, he knows he will lose his immortality – but it is more than worth it to accomplish what needs to be done, and he is ready to give it up.

I found this interesting.  We live in a culture where death is the end of the line, and people do not want to come to that line.  We do whatever it takes to avoid dying.  During the 70’s and 80’s there was even talk of downloading our brains into computers so we could “live forever” that way.  Today, still, people will go to insane measures to put off the inevitable – even if it means living in intense suffering and pain for themselves and those around them.  Anything to push off that final day!  People are willing to take “immortality” at any cost.

Another literary example of this is seen in the ring wraiths of Lord of the Rings.  These men sold their souls to Sauron for eternal life, and the one ring that Sauron forged corrupts even the wisest and best people of the world.  There is no escaping it.  Immortality always comes with a price.

What these people seek is not what they find.  This is an unnatural immortality – an immortality that was never meant to be.  In fact, the sad reality is that all people are already immortal.  C.S. Lewis points this out in his sermon “The Weight of Glory” when he writes, “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilization – these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit – immortal horrors or everlasting splendours.”

What so many people seek, they already have.  Unfortunately, many will spend immortality in “immortal horrors” while others will spend it in “everlasting splendours”.  There is no escaping it, though.  We are all immortal.

So what is the point of this?  What of Mr. Winters in TMNT?  What are they really looking for and seeking?

The answer is simple: Christ.  What we mistake for the search for immortality is really the search for the Creator of immortality.  We want Him who created the Heavens and the earth and will forever sustain them, refine them, and refine us as well.  What we seek is there for us in the baptismal Waters of life, there in the Body and Blood of the everlasting Supper, there in the Word of Truth that the pastor speaks forth in Absolution.

What a sad state it is when we seek for ourselves what God has already granted us!  But praise be to Christ for making death not a gate to eternal torment, but a gate to everlasting life!  That which was once the great curse of our fallen state has been flipped around and made into the great door to heaven, for those who have already died with Christ in their baptism cannot truly die.  We are immortal in the very true sense of the word, and our destination is immortal bliss of the new creation, where Christ will be our Light, and there will be no darkness and no end.

Nathan Fischer is a  junior at Concordia University Wisconsin, planning to attend Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN.  He is also a Higher Things Blogger.