Al Mohler cites Dorothea Israel Wolfson's observation that "the distinction between heroes and villains is often blurred" in today's children's literature. Mohler notes that such a reality is reflective of the new postmodern ethos. (HT: Tim Challies) In a different context, my wife and I felt that the lines between good and evil were particularly blurred as we viewed Pirates of the Caribbean II: Dead Man's Chest. Though the movie had some fun action scenes, the entire plot seemed frustratingly incoherent in that Jack Sparrow, set forth as a hero in the last film (though a pirate) lacks … [Read more...] about Heroes and Villains – and Pirates II (Dead Man’s Chest)
Archives for 2006
The Degradation of Today’s Teen Music
Joe Carter points out a dangerous decline in the lyrics of teen music today. (Note: Though the descriptive language employed is not gratuitous, this sober assessment may not be appropriate for children.) (HT: Tim Challies) … [Read more...] about The Degradation of Today’s Teen Music
Christian Rap and Curtis “Voice” Allen
I would agree with those who believe in the moral neutrality of musical genres. God or the devil can be glorified by classical music, depending on whether it is produced and enjoyed by hearts that prize God or hearts that prize human achievement or self-reliance. And although much of the rap music culture is filled with sex and violence, the musical style itself does not necessarily engender such sinful expression. I once read an outstanding article on this subject by Dr. Harold Best, Dean of the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. It described how a man ran out of a church service … [Read more...] about Christian Rap and Curtis “Voice” Allen
Another President Clinton?
Time Magazine looks at the behind-the-scenes campaign that Senator Hillary Clinton is already mounting for the White House. Could she win? May it never be. … [Read more...] about Another President Clinton?
Welfare Reform – 10 year anniversary
On the ten-year anniversary of the 1996 Welfare Reform Act, passed by a Republican-led Congress and enacted by President Bill Clinton, Rich Lowry notes reasons to celebrate, while Douglas J. Besharov of the American Enterprise Institute sounds a more cautionary note, pointing to the need for further improvement. (HT: Justin Taylor) … [Read more...] about Welfare Reform – 10 year anniversary
Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Ayaan Hirsi Ali, formerly a member of the Dutch parliament, and writer of the controversial film Submission, is now with the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think-tank in Washington, D.C. Her 12-minute film powerfully examines domestic violence in Islamic households. Ali was a guest on CBS 60 minutes this evening. Ali has written a book entitled The Caged Virgin: An Emancipation Proclamation for Women and Islam in which she examines the question of "whether the roots of evil [referring to the 9/11 attacks] can be traced to the faith I grew up with: was the aggression, the … [Read more...] about Ayaan Hirsi Ali