Acclaimed filmmaker Paul Schrader says that his experiment with an artificial intelligence companion ended in disappointment after the AI reportedly shut down their conversation
Blessed Earthby Matthew Sleeth, MD (Zondervan, 2010)The Facts: Blessed Earth is a two-part DVD series (two DVDs, 6 lessons each, and two guidebooks) designed to lead small groups through discussions about creation care. Topics include a theology of the arts (Andy Crouch), the role of art in worship (John Witvliet), pastoring artists (Barbara Nicolosi), and even the danger of art (David Taylor).The Slant: Books on art in the church can be heady and abstract. This book asks the right questions—the sort that real live pastors might ask—and ventures some concrete answers.Calvin Institute of Christian WorshipThe Facts: Speaking of art and worship, the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship is dedicated to promoting “the study of Christian worship and the renewal of worship in worshiping communities worldwide.” The site includes resources for lay worshipers (on topics such as preparing oneself for worship) as well as for worship leaders and pastors.The Slant: It would be unfair to mention a book about worship and the arts without endorsing the work CICW has been doing for more than a decade.
While it's easy for me to criticize modern worship, I also criticize my own criticisms, based on what I observed at David Crowder's church music conference.
Christian critics let loose on The Omen, aren't feeling the love for The Break-Up, and are warming up to Al Gore in An Inconvenient Truth. A DVD release of Duma sets Christian reviewers raving, plus more reviews of Over the Hedge and The Lost City