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Book Reviews
 A devotional for burned-out lawyers
The Reflective Counselor draws on diverse sources of inspiration to help prevent attorneys from surrendering to burn-out. Thomas Goodhue reviews. Read more...
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 Book urges more authentic hospitality
Amy Oden’s new book, God’s Welcome, offers a biblical, theological and very readable reflection on how to open our lives and our churches to strangers, says reviewer Scott Endress. Read more...
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 Flanders book serious, not reverent
Flanders' Book of Faith is good entertainment for those who are unself-righteous enough to have a laugh at pop Christianity, says staff writer Mary Jacobs. Read review...
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 Journals tell about Oregon Mission
Seven Months to Oregon would prove valuable for anyone interested in the history of Methodism in the northwest U.S., says reviewer Michael McKenzie. Read review...
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Music Reviews
 CD a strong, quiet groove
Amos Lee's mild-mannered sound is one of his strengths, and his new release Last Days at the Lodge makes the most of it, says reviewer Steve Morley. Read more...
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 'Life' a bittersweet mix
On previous albums, John Mellencamp's support of the downtrodden has sometimes been subtle, but his latest CD is more blatant about exploring the ills of society. Read more...
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 Emmylou returns to country roots
Emmylou Harris' new CD All I Intended to Be deals with romantic issues from a variety of perspectives, yet stays away from country clichés. Steve Morley has the review. Read more...
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 R.E.M. stirs embers of hope
R.E.M.'s new release Accelerate is a thinking man’s repurposing of late ‘70s punk rock, retaining some aggression but pushing positive action and belief in the possibility of change, says reviewer Steve Morley. Read more...
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History of Hymns
 Hymn gives assurance of God's presence
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "By Gracious Powers" is a poignant hymn written by a man facing the reality of his own death. C. Michael Hawn tells the story. Read more...
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 Hymn written in wake of plague
Written when the city of Unna fell to the Black Plague, "O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright" contains numerous biblical references to Jesus' many names. Nick LaRocca explains. Read more...
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 Hymn expresses Christmas urgency
James Montgomery used his newspaper as a venue for his "Angels from the Realms of Glory," an exciting hymn filled with imagery of justice and mercy. Michael Hawn explains. Read more...
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 Christmas tune bears much-loved melody
"What Child Is This" was probably written for the tune GREENSLEEVES, a tune closely associated with Christmas since 1642. Michael Hawn explains. Read more...
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It's for Life!
Sunday school can help members experience God's love, says pastor
Though she believes Sunday school should not be someone's entire church experience, the Rev. Jenni Duncan says it can offer many things to many people. Boyce Bowdon has the story. Read more...
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.gif) San Diego church offers many options for Sunday school
Today's Americans like options, so First UMC of San Diego decided to develop a modular Sunday school program, offering multiple courses at different times every Sunday. Boyce Bowdon has the story. Read more...
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 Kids will remember we loved them, says Nebraska UM pastor
Deb Hall of Carroll United Methodist Church in Nebraska says Sunday school leaves a lasting impression on children that carries into adulthood. Boyce Bowdon has the story. Read more...
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Arkansas church's Sunday school meets any time, any place
Arkansas pastor the Rev. Blake Bradford noticed Sunday school attendance was stagnant. But after making the schedule more flexible, attendance grew quickly. Boyce Bowdon reports. Read more...
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TV Reviews
 The Devil’s many faces
The documentary The History of the Devil explores the evolution of the Devil figure in Abrahamic lore, and the many ways it has been abused by church institutions. Thomas Goodhue has the review...
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 Great meaning drawn from devastating loss
The new PBS documentary Objects & Memory explores how great loss can give ordinary objects sacred meaning—and inspire people to do good works. Read more...
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Film Reviews
 Backward fairy tale
A haunting fairy tale, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button possesses the same wisdom and innocence of its title character, says reviewer Ken Lowery. Read more...
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 FAITH & FILM: Sci-fi remake lost in lunacy
Few classic films are more deserving of attention than The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), but this remake too often loses itself in CGI and odd touches, says reviewer Bill Fentum. Read more...
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 FAITH & FILM: Doubt steers away from easy solution
Complex and powerful, Doubt offers many questions but few answers, says reviewer Bill Fentum. The film wisely recognizes that few dilemmas are easily—or ever—resolved. Read more...
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 FILM REVIEW: 'Millionaire' a vibrant slice of life
Vibrant and joyful, Slumdog Millionaire takes the audience on a wild ride through India and marks itself as one of the best movies of the year, says reviewer Ken Lowery. Read more...
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