It’s taken me to episode five of this blog series to finally figure out why I was so disappointed by the Star Wars prequels. Well, I have untied the knots! The hyperdrive has been repaired in the nick of time! I feel the Force flowing through me once again… So, I re-watched the prequels, from my own couch. (They were previously banned from entering my house.) My mind was eager. My heart was open. First of all—standing ovation to the... Read more
(Jonathan Ryan posting for Jen Schlameuss-Perry) Having grown up Catholic, gruesome, scary and tragic stories have always been part of my experience. I never thought much of them, they were just always there. And I didn’t mind them because they always had a purpose—they pointed to a loving, compassionate, eternal God who didn’t let the scary things win. Now, I was scared to death of things like the Blob and the Mole People—being Catholic didn’t make me immune to frightful... Read more
Warning: Potential Spoilers (Jonathan Ryan posting for Jen Schlameuss-Perry.) Most of the time, when I’m watching a movie or TV show, I can see right through it. I catch the foreshadowing and can predict what’s coming (and sometimes dialogue—which means that it must be pretty poorly written). I have worked in pastoral ministry for almost 20 years. That means that I should be able to see a lie coming from a mile away. But, last week’s episode of Doctor Who,... Read more
(Jonathan Ryan posting for Jen Schlameuss-Perry.) Warning: Potential spoilers for folks who don’t get to watch cartoons in a timely fashion (a category in which I would normally be included). Gravity Falls is one of my favorite cartoons currently on TV. This week’s episode, “The Last Mablecorn,” tackled an important issue—morality. While I’m seriously disappointed in the writer’s choice to have Mabel learn from her experience that “morality is relative,” there was a lot that was very useful in the... Read more
(Jonathan Ryan posting for Jen Schlameuss-Perry.) I had a quick exchange with a friend last night that got me thinking about the different types of superheroes—they boy scout type like Superman and Captain America vs the ones who are teetering on the edge of justice like Batman and Wolverine. I have a sincere appreciation for the good, good guys. I need models of purity of heart—they offer me hope that people can truly offer themselves for the service of others... Read more
(Jonathan Ryan posting for Jen Schlameuss-Perry.) For a year or two now, I’ve been wanting to write about a song that I love, “Waiting for Superman” by Iron and Wine, but I didn’t know what I wanted to say. As it happens, I had some time off a few weeks ago and finally got to see “Man of Steel,” and that song just kept ringing in my ears. If you haven’t heard it, take a listen: The song (though... Read more
(I’ll be honest, I’ve never been involved in the Pro-life movement. Certainly, as a committed Catholic, I believe in what the movement stands for. However, I’m often disturbed by the unloving and un-Christlike way mothers in crisis are often treated. Further, the blatant hypocrisy of some in the movement when it comes to taking care of single mothers makes my skin crawl. And, I don’t appreciate when men try to control women in any way. However, after the release of the shocking... Read more
(Jonathan Ryan posting for Jen Schlameuss-Perry.) Key and Peele isn’t for everyone—I love it (it’s so, so funny!!!), but sometimes it even makes me cringe. But, most of it is hilarious and clever. There was a clip recently that hit on a problem in the Christian community that I thought was worth talking about. The scene shows a Bible Study group praying together when suddenly above them illuminates and the voice of God booms out. At first, everybody is excited—what... Read more
(Jonathan Ryan posting for Jen Schlameuss-Perry.) This is going to sound really messed up at first, but that scene in Star Wars: A New Hope, when the Imperial Officers are all talking about their plans for the Death Star and Vader says, “I find your lack of faith disturbing,” and then uses the Force to choke Admiral Motti expresses so perfectly what being religious feels like sometimes. In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s this... Read more
(Jonathan Ryan posting for Jen Schlameuss-Perry.) I had a couple of hours alone one evening this past week and boy, did I use it to the fullest! I watched, in perfect peace and in absolute control of the remote, “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths.” It was delightful. Not only was it a great superhero story with lots of action and insight into Batman’s inner darkness, but there was an AMAZING scene between J’onn J’onzz and the alternate Earth’s President’s... Read more
The Rogue
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