Critiquehelping Christians Develop Skill in Discernment

Issue #1 - 2002 A Publication of Ransom Fellowship

CritiqueHelping Christians Develop Skill in Discernment

In This Issue

04 TheA Grea Discerningt Spirit Blessing Life A Native American wants to perform a traditional Navajo blessing for her professor, who happens to be a Christian.

05 DigressionsQuestions that Matter What we don’t, but should, ask of ourselves and those around us.

, 08 06 TheIts All DarkenedIn Your Head Room Drew Trotter reviews A Beautiful Mind.

08 ResourcesFrom Pop Art to Time Reviews of Eyes Wide Open, Puritan Papers Vol. 2, Study Guide for Making Room, Receiving the Day, and Redeeming the Routines.

12 PaperQuestions: andLetDi CanvasscernmentBegin Questions about art. An excerpt from Romanowski’s Eyes Wide Open. 02 Editor’s Note

03 Dialogue 14 TunedWhat is Th Inis Hunger For? A review of Emmylou Harris’s latest CD, Red Dirt Girl. Critique Issue #1 - 2002

Editor Denis Haack

Managing Editor Marsena Konkle, MFA

Contributing Editors Steven Garber, R. Greg Grooms, Editor’sNote Donald Guthrie, John Mason Hodges, David John Seel, Jr., Best isn’t always good enough. Andrew H. Trotter, Jr. Board of Directors Craig M. Chambers MD ife has a funny as Managing Editor, she established a publishing Dept. of Internal Medicine, way of sneaking schedule, and for the past two years we’ve kept to Olmsted Medical Center L up on you,” Alanis it. (Give or take a few days, usually due to me. Morissette sings. Old habits die hard.) Last year, for example, Steven Garber “When you think Critique #9-2001 went to the printer in Nov- Scholar-in-Residence at Council for Christian Colleges and everything’s okay and ember, and to the post office by Thanksgiving. Universities everything’s going The sloppiness of olden times had been solved. right... / A traffic jam However, what didn’t dawn on me was that Donald Guthrie when you’re already this neat schedule meant that a bunch of people Vice President for late. / A no-smoking who were added to Ransom’s mailing list mid- Academics at Covenant Theological Seminary sign on your cigarette break. / It’s like ten thou- November wouldn’t receive an issue of Critique sand spoons when all you need is a knife / It’s until this issue arrived. And since the first two Denis and Margie Haack, meeting the man of my dreams. And then meet- months of 2002 were very busy in terms of co-founders of Ransom Fellowship ing his beautiful wife. / And isn’t it ironic... / Life speaking and travel, this one (#1-2002) wouldn’t Bonnie Liefer has a funny way of sneaking up on you.” be distributed until March. Thus a 3+ month Director of Communications She’s right—life can be like that. Sometimes gap, during which a number of you wondered if for Coalition for Christian it even sneaks up on you when you’re trying your you had been forgotten or missed. Outreach best to sort out some problem. Hopefully your reading this will allay those Henry Tazelaar MD I thought of that song—it’s called “Ironic”— misgivings. Professor of Pathology, when email began to arrive from folk who won- And yes: we’ve changed the schedule for this Mayo Medical School dered if they were on our mailing list because year so that a gap won’t open again. they hadn’t received any mailings. They had been And isn’t it interesting how even our best Submissions introduced to Critique, liked what they saw, sent efforts backfire sometimes? Life has a funny way Critique considers unsolicited a donation to Ransom, and awaited the arrival of of sneaking up on you. As Dr. Schaeffer was fond manuscripts only for poetry. the next issue. A month passed, but none appear- of repeating: we’re not only fallen, we’re finite— E-mail: [email protected] ed. Two months. Nothing. So, they wrote won- and both can cause problems. or mail with SASE to: Marsena Konkle dering if some mistake had occurred. Perhaps Critique Managing Editor their name hadn’t been entered into the mailing Critique 2001 Index 406 Bowman Avenue list? Perhaps their copy had been lost en route? You’ll find a copy enclosed. Hope it’s helpful. If Madison, WI 53716 It turns out there was a problem, but it was- you can think of ways it can be improved, please n’t what they imagined. The problem was that we let us know. Correspondence had changed my sloppy approach to publishing All other correspondence this newsletter—only to introduce a new difficul- Correction and changes of address: ty. In the past I’ve produced Critique around my In Critique #9-2001, I called attention to Denis D. Haack travel and speaking schedule. I’ve managed to Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions & Advice to Young 1150 West Center publish nine issues each year, but the final issue Converts (p. 14) but neglected to note the pub- Rochester, MN 55902 (#9) of some years has occasionally appeared in lisher: Presbyterian & Reformed. ■ Ransom_Fellowship@ compuserve.com January of the next calendar year. No one com- ~Denis Haack plained about this—thank you, patient readers— Copyright © 2002 by but it was, I agree, a rather sloppy way to manage Source: Ransom Fellowship a publication. When Marsena Konkle took over Alanis Morissette on MTV Unplugged (CD #47589-2).

Critique #1 - 2002 2 Dialogue Abstinence education, thanks, and OT law.

would like to counter John Seel's arguments continue to be intrigued by so many against abstinence education a bit [Critique Christians’ inability to admit the grace and I #8 - 2001]. I used to work for a Christian I usefulness of OT law [Critique # 6, 7 - organization that did abstinence education in 2001]. ‘Grace’ because it is like much clarity public schools. They were a fresh reality to in the confusion of our own imagination; we many young adults, who often responded, “No are told what kind of reality God had in mind one ever told me I was worth waiting for. I and made at the beginning. ‘Usefulness,’ don't have to have sex?” We must not forget the because it tells us practically what is initially law of God written on the hearts of people and involved in loving God. We show that we love You are invited to take part in His image imprinted on them. In public schools by giving pleasure to the other and affirming Critique’s Dialogue. Address all there is much room to appeal to the hearts of the other’s choices and personality. Placing a correspondence to: young people, and in doing so appeal to them wedge between Old and New Testament, with respect and dignity. They are unique per- between law and grace, is an old trick to seem- Marsena Konkle sons with an ability to be responsible. They are ingly free us from a burden. It turns what is Critique Managing Editor worthy of our trust. Many never know there supposed to be Christianity into kind of a 406 Bowman Avenue may be anything more than the lifeless and love- Greek mystery religion of the inner life. A bet- Madison, WI 53716 less culture of sex they see all around them. ter way to deal with the peeves over OT law is No, scare tactics are not the answer. But to read the text more carefully. Pharisees failed or e-mail: talking about what is true in a winsome and car- to do that. Jesus did not abolish the law, but [email protected] ing way and appealing to their longings for love, the superficial reading of it. He challenges us beauty, and truth, is a relief for many—and a to comprehend (=to consider, hold together) Unfortunately, we are unable to necessary counter of hope to presentations like and do the law, not to abolish it. Greater respond personally to all correspon- those of Planned Parenthood that tend to righteousness is not found in less submission dence received, but each one is diminish the value of people and turn teenagers and better intentions, but in greater fidelity to greatly appreciated. We reserve the into sub-humans that need condoms and free- what is said to us. right to edit letters for length. dom from guilt. It is so important that kids are The case of the man gathering sticks on talked to in ways that communicate their worth the Sabbath evidently presented such compli- as human beings and their worth to engage in cations, beyond the visible ‘facts,’ that it went right relationships. Abstinence education can be through three appeal instances until God him- a good thing. self declared the man guilty: not of picking JoEllen Borgos wood or doing acts of mercy, but of defying St. Louis, MO God who made us in his image. As He rested from his work so we should see our differences want to thank you for Critique. My wife, from all nature by not living each day the my children, and I read it almost cover to same way, but celebrating the freedom of the I cover when it arrives. We have found more Sabbath from the drag of life in a world now refreshing insight into real life and how to fallen. The Sabbath was a mark of distinct relate to our culture than almost anywhere else affirmation of being people, not trees, animals. we go for information. Thank you for the That is what the man was denying and why effort you put forth to produce it, and the heat there was no room for him in the state of the you sometimes take in your pursuit of truth. people of God. Jim Brown Danville, VA continued on page 16...

3 Critique #1 - 2002 The Discerning Life

A Great Spirit Blessing iving in a pluralistic culture does not path through the maze of choices and great respect she thanked him for teaching mean that we live among unbelievers; options that confront us. the course, and told him some of what she L it means we live among people who had learned as a result of taking it. She said believe in things other than Christianity. Should we get blessed? he had “blessed” her—her choice of And since secularism has been found A Christian professor taught a continuing words—and being grateful, wanted to bless wanting, many are adopting a variety of education course in New Mexico. He was him in return by performing a traditional spiritualities and religions. This is what the an older, experienced teacher, committed Navajo blessing over him, invoking the first-century church faced, and is why the to his vocation, a thoughtful, creative edu- spirits of her ancestors and the spirit of the New Testament writers addressed whether cator whose course was well received. One land. It would only take a few minutes, she Christians should eat food that had been of his students was a bright, eager young said, but she would be honored to bless offered to idols. The only way that we will Navajo woman who, though educated at a him, since he had blessed her. escape such intersections with our pluralis- university far from her home, had returned The situation raises questions that tic world is if we isolate ourselves from our to teach at a school on the reservation. She discerning Christians will be eager to neighbors and withdraw from our culture. was committed to her tribe, and culture, address. ■ This we dare not do since we are called to spoke Navajo fluently, and was part of a ~Denis Haack follow Christ into the world. growing number of Native American Often the issues we face aren’t specifi- young adults who are deeply interested in Source: I am grateful to Bryan Charlton who told cally addressed by Scripture so we need to the traditional beliefs, religion, and rituals me the basic facts around which I wrote this discern- be discerning, to creatively chart a godly of her people. Before the last class, with ment exercise.

Q UESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION 1. How is the growing religious pluralism in society most obvious to you? In what ways does it impact you? 2. What similar situations have you faced personally in our religiously pluralistic culture? How did you respond to them? Why? How satisfied are you with your response? Did you feel prepared to be discerning when the situation first presented itself? Why or why not? If you have never faced such issues personally, why do you think you have been spared? 3. Since it seems clear situations like this will likely increase as time goes by, why don’t Christians discuss them together ahead of time? Why are such discussions often so emotionally charged? To what extent is agreement about such things a measure of spiritual maturity or biblical fidelity? Why? What are the implications of Romans 14 in this regard? 4. Discuss the case study. What would you have done, were you the professor? Why? What texts and principles from Scripture would you identify to justify your conclusion? 5. Let’s assume the professor allows the blessing to occur. Discuss the reaction of a fellow believer who criticizes the professor, claiming that he has intentionally been involved either in the worship of a false god or in an invocation of demonic forces. Worse, he did this in front of other students, which certainly ruined his witness. He should have refused to participate, just as Daniel’s three friends refused to bow before Nebuchadnezzar’s gold image (see Daniel 3). Also, since it is unlikely that a Christian would have been allowed to give a biblical blessing in the class, he should have suggested that the Navajo student’s offer, though thoughtful and kind, was inappropriate in such a setting. 6. Is it biblically necessary that all Christians respond identically in this situation? Why or why not? D e v e l

o 7. What legitimate reasons—from a Christian perspective—might be given for refusing the blessing? For allowing the blessing? p i n g

D 8. Regardless of the professor’s response, is he obligated to talk about it with the Navajo student? With the other students? Is he i s c e r

n obligated to identify himself as a Christian? Is he obligated to present the gospel? Why or why not? m e n t

D D D D Deepening Discipleship 4 Digressions

Questions that Matter ave you ever been asked a question that “Do my actions make any real difference cussion to try to teach primarily by raising lodges deep in your memory, slowly agi- in the bigger scheme of things? questions. We plan always to leave at least H tating like a splinter under a fingernail? “Do I want friendship, partnership, mar- one unanswered question during each discus- At the 2002 Rochester L’Abri Confer- riage? If so, why? With whom? sion—we want people to continue to learn ence, Dick Keyes led a workshop on “Jesus “What is my society, or life, or God, ask- and think after they leave. And we pray that the Questioner.” As he moved through the ing of me? Anything? our lives express an authenticity and open- numerous questions Jesus posed, it quickly “What is the meaning of money? How ness so that even the most troubling ques- became apparent that the questions probe us much is enough? tions can be raised. We want our home to be as much as those who talked with Christ. “Is there a master plan? a place where such questions are honored, Steven Garber, gifted teacher that he is, poses “Am I wasting time I’ll regret later? where answers are humbly thoughtful, and questions repeatedly throughout his book “What constitutes meaningful work? where listening and hospitality open the door The Fabric of Faithfulness. They are woven “How have I been wounded? Will I ever to mentoring relationships that provide a safe into his prose like a bright thread, and copy- really heal? haven for asking the biggest questions and ing each one out—which I did as I read the “What do I want the future to look for dreaming godly dreams. ■ book—was a profound exercise in learning. like—for me, for others, for my ~Denis Haack It is tragic, Sharon Parks writes in Big planet? Questions, Worthy Dreams, that “too many of “What is my religion? Do I need one? Sources: Big Questions, Worthy Dreams: Mentoring Young our young adults are not being encouraged to “What are my real talents, preferences, Adults in Their Search for Meaning, Purpose and Faith by ask the big questions that awaken critical skills, and longings? Sharon Daloz Parks (San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass; thought.” Few people bother to ask questions, “When do I feel most alive? 2000) pp. xii; 137-138. The Fabric of Faithfulness: preferring to lecture instead. “Swept up in “Where can I be creative? Weaving Together Belief and Behavior During the religious assumptions that remain unexam- “What am I vulnerable to? University Years by Steven Garber (Downers Grove, IL: ined (and economic assumptions that func- “What are my fears? InterVarsity Press; 1996); “Jesus the Questioner” a taped tion religiously), they easily become vulnera- “How am I complicit in patterns of workshop by Dick Keyes at the 2002 Rochester, MN ble to the conventional cynicism of our time injustice? L’Abri Conference, “Many Gods & Many Lords” or to the economic and political agendas of a “Will I always be stereotyped? (www.soundword.org). consumption-driven yet ambivalent age.” “What do I really want to learn? The big questions that prompt worthy “Do I want to bring children into the dreams cannot simply be raised as part of a world? curriculum. Since they probe to the heart, “How do I discern what is trustworthy? they must be asked in the context of trust Who and what can I trust? Can I and relationship. They should be asked by trust others? Can I trust myself? mentors and in covenant community. In her Where is the heart’s resting place? book, Dr. Parks lists some of the big ques- “Where do I want to put my stake in the tions that young adults ask: ground and invest my life?”

“Who do I really want to become? Add to this list the questions Dr. Garber “How do I work toward something when raises, and the questions Keyes gleans from I don’t even know what it is? the pages of Scripture, and we have a list “Am I lovable? worthy of the most careful reflection and dis- “Who will be there for me? cussion. “Why is suffering so pervasive? Asking questions is not something that “What are the values and limitations of comes naturally to me. It is a skill that must my culture? be learned, practiced, and nurtured. Often I “Who am I as a sexual being? covenant with my wife before leading a dis-

5 Critique #1 - 2002 The Darkened Room

It,s All In Your Head movie, having a happy ending anyway? But A review of that’s a topic for another whole essay... Similarly, Ron Howard’s directing and A Beautiful Mind Roger Deakins’ cinematography are superb, if not innovative. Far too few filmmakers by Drew Trotter are as humble as Howard. Too often the rule of thumb in Hollywood is to scream with every shot: “Notice what a genius you We’ve all heard the criticism: “Oh, come have before you.” Howard does not give in on; you’re making that up. It’s all in your to that temptation but lets the surprisingly head.” For many of us whatever the “it” magnificent script by Akiva Goldsman was, was indeed often only in our heads, (whose previous screenplays, e.g. Practical and we knew it. Multiple Academy Award Magic, Batman & Robin, A Time to Kill, nominee A Beautiful Mind is about when it have shown little of the promise realized Film Credits is all in your head...and you don’t know it. here) and the perfect acting of Russell Starring: Russell Crowe The film is a powerful look at the life Crowe (Nash) and Jennifer Connelly (John Nash) of John Nash, a Nobel Prize winning theo- (Alicia Nash) carry the film. The score, Ed Harris (Parcher) rist who struggles with schizophrenia. casting and acting of the rest of the ensem- Jennifer Connelly Based loosely on real events, it chronicles ble also deserve mention, giving the film a (Alicia Nash) the association of genius with mental ill- substance and weight worthy of movie Christopher Plummer (Dr. Rosen) ness but in the context of the value of greatness. Paul Bettany human relationships. Real and imagined, But enough of technique; what of the (Charles) Adam Goldberg merely friendly and deeply committed, the issues the film engages? There are so many, (Sol) human interactions in this movie take cen- all of them important and interesting, that

Director: ter stage, and their portrayal are what make we are forced to choose among them for Ron Howard this not just a good film, but a great one. discussion. None is more central for the Criticized often for its blandness of Christian than the portrayal of psychiatric Writers: Sylvia Nasar technique and thoroughly upbeat ending, illness. Akiva Goldsman Mind in fact not only does not suffer from Christians have always had a love/hate

Producers: these elements, it positively requires them. relationship with psychology. Ever since the Brian Grazer Nash did largely overcome his troubles, extraordinary but erratic Sigmund Freud Todd Hallowell Ron Howard and with just the result portrayed in the brought psychotherapy, the Oedipus com- and others film. While there was much plex and the id to promi- more darkness to his personal- nence in the early twenti- Original music: James Horner ity and to the process by eth century, Christians which he regained functionali- have wondered afresh Cinematographer: Roger Deakins ty as a faculty member at about everything from the Princeton and a Nobel laure- nature of the soul to the Costume Designer: Rita Ryack ate, Nash did in fact reach place of psychology in the that point and did so largely church. No one can doubt 134 minutes through the love and help of that professional counsel- D Rated PG-13 for intense e v e thematic material, sexual his wife, Alicia, as the movie ing has largely replaced the l o p

i content and a scene of n recounts. Even if that were not advice of clergy, friends or g

violence. D i

s historically true, what’s wrong family or even the lonely c e r n

m with a fictional art form, i.e. a struggle to overcome that e n t

D D D D Deepening Discipleship 6 many Christians viewed as their primary treatable by sources of divine help in earlier centuries. counseling. In spite of their relative acceptance in A Beautiful the culture at large, psychiatry and mental ill- Mind con- ness have both gotten a bad rap from the tributes to the film industry. Psychiatrists usually appear in great middle movies as more in need of help than the road that most clients they serve. The successful psychiatrist Christians find (as in Good Will Hunting) is often portrayed themselves as successful by contrast to the majority of his colleagues or by eschewing more main- This film offers a realistic portrayal of one of the most diffi- stream techniques for those considered “outside the box.” Christians have sometimes cult challenges facing humankind and the hope that that chal- applauded this perspective, sometimes lenge can be faced and, if not conquered, at least neutralized. lamented it, depending on their own attitudes toward the hubris, or lack thereof, of the profession that can appear to supplant walking. On the one hand, the film clearly umphs by purely human effort. There is no the need for God in trying to solve very shows a disease that is complicated, slow to mention of God, church, Scripture, clergy, human problems of mental distress. heal, but capable of substantial remediation. sacrament or any other source of spiritual Similarly, the person afflicted with men- And this is not just my opinion; Dr. Glen strength or healing known in Christian tradi- tal illness is either thoroughly disassociated Gabbard, practicing psychiatrist and author tion. But what Mind does do is offer a realis- from society, as in Rain Man or Charly, or is of the book Psychiatry and the Cinema, says tic portrayal of one of the most difficult chal- a drooling moron with nothing more than a the film is “one of the better portrayals, if lenges facing humankind and the hope that child-like intelligence, as in Awakenings or not the best, of what the disease is like” (“A that challenge can be faced and, if not con- One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Those who Rare Day: The Movies Get Mental Illness quered, at least neutralized. And the film more normally seek counseling are rarely Right” The New York Times, Feb. 5, 2002). does so with excellence and grace, reward shown responding to medicine or fighting On the other hand, the profession of psychi- enough for a viewing. ■ over long periods of time to gain control of atry, while sympathetically portrayed for the ~Drew Trotter their lives, as most patients do in real life most part, is nevertheless demonstrated to Dr. Andrew H. Trotter, Jr., is the executive director of the counseling situations. Again, Christians fall have its limitations by showing treatment Center for Christian Study in Charlottesville, Virginia, between two extremes: of relegating psycho- that may have some helpfulness but also have where he teaches and writes on theology and culture, focus- logical need to sin that needs repentance not side effects that hinder the healing process. ing on modern American film. Copyright © 2002 by therapy, and viewing that need as a substitute A Beautiful Mind does not offer a thor- Andrew H. Trotter, Jr. for sin, accepting all sin as simply illness, oughly Christian perspective; John Nash tri-

Q UESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION 1. How would you describe the role of the psychiatrist in Christian healing? 2. The title of the film comes from the Nobel Prize speech with which the film essentially ends. What does it mean? 3. What can be learned from this film about psychiatric disease? What can we learn particularly from the character of Alicia Nash? 4. What is genius? How important is the discovery/creation of a new theory that may help thousands of people and solve many vexing problems if it is at the expense of a human being’s mind or his marriage? 5. What role does friendship play in this movie? How many different kinds of friendship are portrayed? Which is most important to you and why?

7 Critique #1 - 2002 Resources

Sitting in the Dark, was speaking at a conference at cause their non-Christian friends to think vis popular art is the argument that Covenant Seminary recently when a kindly of the faith. Dr. Romanowski Christians must champion “Great” or I participant raised a question that I am addresses the error of both withdrawing “High” art—compared to “low” pop art asked regularly: What books could I rec- and accommodating, and calls the people which is then dismissed as “entertain- ommend that teach the reader how to be of God to a faithfulness modeled on the ment.” It is a weary argument, and discerning? That demonstrate discern- example of Jesus. “To be distinctive in though it can be made to sound com- ment as well as talk about it, our engagement with popular pelling, in the end it is simply the contin- and that do so by addressing uation of the stuff of ordinary life? an old Unfortunately, the list of “To be distinctive in our engagement with debate such books is a very short popular art, we need a different kind of which is one. But there is one that Christian approach—an engaged, critical, humanis- fits that description and I tic in recommend it highly: Bill and productive involvement with the pop- many of Romanowski’s Eyes Wide ular arts—grounded in a faith vision that its primary Open. This book grows out assump- of a biblical understanding encompasses all of life and culture.” tions. “It of life and culture, and is should be written with a deep passion obvious,” for Christian faithfulness in a pluralistic art,” he writes, “we need a different kind Romanowski writes, “that highbrow-low- and post-Christian world. And it is writ- of Christian approach—an engaged, criti- brow distinctions have as much, if not ten, thankfully, by a man who writes cal, and productive involvement with the perhaps more, to do with class than the well, who has done his homework, and popular arts—grounded in a faith vision actual art in question.” It is a debate who walks along with us to help us that encompasses all of life and culture.” unworthy of the Christian mind. Movies engage pop culture through the spectacles The second mistaken perspective contain the stories of a postmodern gen- of Scripture instead of just telling us what plaguing the Christian community vis-à- eration, and the best ones are fine works to do. Christian involvement in popular culture is hampered by two powerful, popular, yet badly mistaken, perspectives. Briefly Noted: Puritans The first is that Christian faithfulness is For many years, Martyn Lloyd-Jones and J. I. Packer best defined as entering a “culture war,” convened a conference of Christian thinkers in London in which pop culture is the leading wedge to reflect on the work, theology and lives of the Puritans. of a deadly assault against the things of They thought the Puritans important not just for histor- God. As a result many believers measure ical purposes, but because the Puritans demonstrated pop art solely in moral terms and urge strengths in areas in which modern evangelicals are withdrawal. Protesting the godlessness of weak. Now the papers read at The Annual Puritan & Hollywood, these believers construct a Reformed Studies Conferences during the years 1960- ghetto, and imagine they are following 1962 have been edited by Dr. Packer. This series will not be of interest to Jesus. Others can’t stomach that, and every believer, but those interested in the Puritans and their rich theolog-

since they enjoy pop culture, they con- by Denis Haack D ical heritage will be eager to add this collection to their library. ■ e v e sume it as a form of entertainment. In l o p i n reacting against those who withdraw, they Book reviewed: g

i Puritan Papers (Volume 2, 1960-1962) edited by J. I. Packer (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian

s accommodate to the prevailing culture, c e r n & Reformed; 2001) 326 pp. + notes. m and hope that their involvement will e n t

D D D D Deepening Discipleship 8 Living in the Light of cinematic art. Much pop music is shallow common questions which arise when evan- It is a Christian guide into the world of pop and sentimental, but for those who have ears gelicals talk about pop art and culture. And art and culture. It models what it means to to hear, there is also much thoughtful poetry though you may not agree with every conclu- have a mind and imagination shaped by the set to music which both fits the lyrics and sion Romanowski draws as he talks about contours of the biblical world view. Use it in nurtures the soul. The creativity of the peo- specific works of pop art, you will find even small groups and give copies as gifts. And if ple of God is richly graced and wild with the disagreement helpful. The reason is that you have young people in your life, make it a possibility, and must not be imagined as lim- he invites us to enter a conversation rather priority to go through it with them. Take ited to the achievements of the Western clas- than pontificates like an expert having the time to watch some of the films Romanowski sical tradition. final word on the topic. And he equips us addresses and to listen to some of the music Eyes Wide Open covers the basics, and with the correct questions to ask so that we he mentions. does so in an appealing, accessible way. can think and live clearly, deeply, and most If some measure of shalom is, by God’s William Romanowski is a professor of com- important, Christianly. grace, to come to our broken and postmod- munication arts at Calvin College, but does Two more things about Eyes Wide Open. ern world, the people of God must break out not write like a professor. Or, better yet, First, notice the superb set of questions we of our captivity to fear and begin living as if writes like the professor we all wish we had have included from the book in this issue of we truly believed that Jesus is risen from the sat under in college. He is concerned for Critique—in the Paper & Canvas column on dead. By God’s grace, may it be so. Eyes Wide both Christian witness and personal holiness, pages 12-13. I hope this extract will not only Open can help in that renewal. ■ and helps us engage popular culture from a encourage you to read the book, but that this ~Denis Haack Kingdom perspective under Christ’s Lord- set of questions will become something you ship. And he does so not just in theory but use regularly. And second, if you log onto the Book recommended: with a practical approach that allows us to publisher’s website (www.brazospress.com), Eyes Wide Open: Looking for God in Popular Culture by learn skill in discernment. He walks us you can download a free study guide for the William D. Romanowski (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos through numerous films and songs, allowing book. Each chapter is summarized, the key Press; 2001) 154 pp. + appendix. us to listen in as he thinks about them points identified, and questions for discus- Christianly. He surveys the cultural land- sion and reflection on that chapter are listed. scapes of both Hollywood and the Christian Please read—and use—Eyes Wide Open. community, and addresses many of the most It will help you develop skill in discernment.

Briefly Noted: Making Room “Hospitality is a way of life,” Christine Pohl says, “fundamental to Christian identity.” In Critique #2- 2000 I called attention to her book, Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition, recom- mending it as essential reading for all Christians who take the gospel seriously. This is an important book, because I am convinced that opening our homes as a place of safety, welcome, and listening is cru- cial if we are to live faithfully in our fragmented and post-Christian world. Now Dr. Pohl has published a study guide for her book, and we recommend it to you. Read and discuss Making Room in small groups and Sunday school classes. And then open your home, not just to friends who are like you, but to those who push you out of your comfort zone. “By God’s grace we can grow more willing,” Dr. Pohl writes, “more eager, to open the door to a needy neighbor, a weary sister or brother, a stranger in distress. Perhaps as we open

by Denis Haack that door more regularly, we will grow increasingly sensitive to the quiet knock of angels.” ■

Book recommended: Study Guide for Making Room by Christine Pohl and Pamela Buck (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans; 2001) 67 pp.

9 Critique #1 - 2002 Resources cont.

Time as a Gift rowing up in the church meant either case. There is a time famine and Christ. He uses us, but does not need us, that I heard the stories recorded in we sense the shortage keenly. If only we and in this we find both the delight of G the Old Testament, including the had more time, we say. Or were released service and a freedom from anxiety. We ones which told of how the people of from its relentless grip. “The seasons can sleep and take our Sabbath rest God were repeatedly seduced by the false come and bring no sweet relief,” knowing that needs remain—not because religions, myths, and values of their Emmylou Harris sings. “Time is a brutal we are callous, but because we believe pagan neighbors. I remember wondering but a careless thief / Who takes our lot that redemption does not depend on us. how they could be so dumb as to fall for but leaves behind the grief.” Trained to “I remember very clearly the such obvious nonsense. I no longer won- measure time as units of productivity, we moment when I first glimpsed the pos- der that. The reason, of manage it with ever greater sibility that my Christian faith might be course, is that I, too, intensity, and still are not satis- a source of guidance through the time have been similarly fied. Efficiency must be maxi- crunch that was my life,” Dr. Bass seduced. mized, and then maximized writes. “It was a Saturday night, and a The cultural myths some more. few teachers were sitting around a din- and false values of an ner table. unbelieving world are Tomorrow we seductive not simply We may have promised to accomplish complained, because we are gullible more than we did, but if not, we know would not be (though there is that), a happy day. but because they rarely people who did accomplish more, and Great piles of come labeled as false. so feel guilty in either case. papers needed Often they are deeply grading, and attractive. They seem to we had prom- make sense of life. They work. No one The Christian view of time, of ised our students that we would return really thinks that much about them— course, is quite different. There is no them on Monday. And so we whined, instead, they are assumed to be true, shortage, no time famine. And rather and as we whined our complaints grad- accepted as common sense, and than being an enemy, time is a gift given ually shaded into boasts. Someone lis- believed by all the best people. So we by a gracious God. tening in might have thought that we believe them, too, and attach Scriptural God created us to live in time, and were competing to see who had to grade proof texts, though their source is not called the arrangement “good.” If he the most, who worked hardest, and who God’s word, but a world in rebellion made us to live in 24 hour days, how was most put upon by the demands of against him. dare we suggest his creation is insuffi- his or her job. Some cultural myths are even contra- cient? It was the Industrial Revolution, “That’s when it hit me. ‘Remem- dictory to Scripture, such as some of the not the Scriptures, that gave birth to the ber the Sabbath day, and keep it holy.’ ideas our frantic, busy world holds about idea that efficiency and productivity are This was a commandment, one of the time. “It’s an enemy,” we say. “And there’s the bottom line. As Christians we believe ten laws in the basic moral code of not enough of it.” that faithfulness to God’s call is what Christianity, Judaism, and Western civ- Constantly pressed, surrounded by truly matters. Redeeming the time is not ilization, and here we were, hatching need, we end each day with the knowl- finally about efficient productivity, but plans to violate it. I could not imagine edge that much has been left undone. We about faithfully living to God’s glory— this group sitting around saying, ‘I’m may even be falling behind—and time and Christian faithfulness includes regu- planning to take God’s name in vain’; D e v e marches on relentlessly. We may have larly setting aside our work to rest quietly ‘I’m planning to commit adultery’; ‘I l o p i n promised to accomplish more than we in his presence and word. We can rest think I’ll steal something.’ Yes, we g

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s did, but if not, we know people who did because we believe he is at work bringing might occasionally break one of the c e r n

m accomplish more, and so feel guilty in all things to their appointed end in other commandments (‘You shall not e n t

D D D D Deepening Discipleship 10 covet’ is an especially hard one for me), We recommend Receiving the Day to is God’s Gift to Us” by Dorothy Bass in Christianity but if we did, we would hardly boast.” you. Use the Study Guide in a small group Today (March 6, 2000) pp. 62-67. Dorothy Bass, director of the Val- to help prompt discussion. Supplement paraiso (Indiana) University Project on the your reading with Bible study. And pray Books recommended: Education and Formation of People in that God would help us identify how we Receiving the Day: Christian Practices for Opening the Gift Faith, is convinced that time is a gift and have been seduced by a fallen world into of Time by Dorothy C. Bass (San Francisco, CA: Jossey- should be received as such by God’s peo- seeing time not as the gracious gift it is, Bass; 2000) 122 pp. + references + index. Receiving the ple. She wrote Receiving the Day out of her but as a relentless taskmaster. Time is Day: A Guide for Conversation, Learning, and Growth by own struggle with time, reminding her good, not bad, and there is enough of it. Dorothy C. Bass, Lani Wright, & Don C. Richter (San readers not just of the Christian view of Imagine if God’s people demonstrated that Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass; 2001) 33 pp. time, but of the practices around Sab- before our harried, driven, never-satisfied baths, days, and years which have been world. ■ used by believers over the centuries to be ~Denis Haack faithful in time. This is a helpful book, a Source: reflection on time written not merely for “The Pearl” from Red Dirt Girl (Nonesuch CD#79616- evangelicals, but for anyone interested in 2; 2000), words and music by Emmylou Harris. learning what Christianity has to say on “Receiving the Day the Lord Has Made: A Day of Rest the topic.

Briefly Noted: Faithfulness Order From: When Redeeming the Routines was originally published in 1993, we called attention to it in these pages. It’s reappearance, after having gone out of print, is a chance to recommend it again. Dr. Banks is concerned with helping ordinary Christians think biblically about the ordinary stuff of life—all those routine things we seldom reflect on but that take up a great deal of time and energy. Things like shopping, waiting in line, hob- bies, fitness, daily planners, leisure, sports, housework, garden- ing, dress and fashion, cars, even sleep. Banks raises questions rather than sup- plying all the answers since his desire is to equip us to flesh out our beliefs rather than provide a formula for life. You may not agree with every point (I don’t), but you will be challenged to see Christian faithfulness as extending to

by Denis Haack every square inch of life. Including all the square inches that seem so ordinary, All books mentioned in Critique may so routine, so unspectacular that we rarely notice them—to say nothing of giv- be ordered directly from Hearts and ■ Minds. A portion of the proceeds will ing them careful thought. be donated to Ransom Fellowship. Book recommended: Redeeming the Routines: Bringing Theology to Life by Robert Banks (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker; 1993, 2001) 150 pp., + discussion questions + appendix + notes.

11 Critique #1 - 2002 Paper and Canvas

Questions: Let An excerpt from Romanowski’s Eyes Wide Open.

n a practical level, being discern- Main Features of the images are used? What do they suggest ing has more to do with asking Cultural Landscape about the meaning communicated in O questions than it does with know- • What ideals, values, beliefs, attitudes, this artwork? ing all the right answers. The first time and assumptions are displayed? Which • Does the inclusion of a particular event I saw the movie Magnolia, for instance, ones are glamorized or denigrated? or information contribute to plot or I felt a wild mix of emotion, and won- • What kinds of representations exist in character development? If so, how? If dered how I should respond to it as a this popular artwork? not, why? Christian. I didn't need some • Who or what is being glorified? • Identify emotions that the artwork “Christian expert” to provide a • What does it glamorize or sensational- excited—anger, delight, sadness, and so response; I needed to engage the film ize? Make fun of? Put down? forth. How did the artwork bring out with thoughtful questions from the per- • What is of value in life? Worth experi- these feelings? Evaluate these means. spective of my faith. encing? Sacrificing or even dying for? One of the best set of The Matter of Perspective questions designed to help us • From whose perspective is the story told? engage popular art like film is Being discern- • What key issues, concerns, problems, found in an appendix in or questions are addressed? How does William Romanowski's Eyes ing has more to the song or story address these issues? Wide Open. Please read this do with asking How are they resolved? book—it's simply too good to • What constitutes good and bad con- miss. And please use these questions than duct? According to the artwork? questions—they are a thought- it does with According to the viewers? ful tool to help us grow in cul- knowing all the • Are people punished or rewarded for tural discernment. wrongdoings? ~Denis Haack right answers. • Can you discern a political perspective or agenda? Excerpt from Appendix: • How does your own perspective affect Cultural Product your understanding and appreciation of • Was this artwork a box-office or com- • What are the keys to success and hap- this artwork? mercial success? To what elements can piness? you attribute its success or failure (for • Who are the heroes or villains? What The World Behind the example, star power, artistic quality, makes him/her a hero or a villain? Work of Art marketing)? • To what extent is the artistic portrayal • What beliefs, goals, convictions, and • Who is the intended audience? Is this faithful to the contours of a Christian concerns can you find? artwork aimed at a particular group cultural landscape? • To what extent is the vision represented (for example, age, race, class, gender, in this artwork consistent with a religion)? Key Aesthetic Features Christian perspective? • What might people from these differ- • How does the artwork deliver its mes- ent groups take notice of in this art- sage? Consider dialogue, narrative fea- God D e v e work? How might they interpret it? tures, casting, acting, lighting, cine- • Does God exist in the world of the art- l o p i n How would this compare with your matography, musical or visual style, work? Or are the events and affairs of g

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s understanding? and so forth. life directed by human effort alone? c e r n

m • What key symbols, metaphors, or How do you know? e n t

D D D D Deepening Discipleship 12 Discernment Begin • How is God represented? Physically? Does • How are characters identified? Race or eth- • Does the artwork affirm a belief in God have a nonverbal or nonnarrative nicity, class, vocations, or sexual orientation? absolute individual freedom? How does it presence? How are they portrayed along these lines? depict social institutions? • What role does God play, if any? • Are people, regardless of race or ethnicity, • Do you get a sense that there are creational class, or gender, seen as sharing equally? laws, or is the source of law from within Creation • Are minority groups seen as stereotypes or the individual? • What beliefs and assumptions does the art- figures of fun? work represent about the world we live in? • Which characters do we establish an alle- Sexuality • What is appealing or ugly? Enticing or giance with? How does the filmmaker cre- • Does the inclusion of an erotic scene deep- repulsive? On what does the artwork lavish ate this allegiance? What makes the charac- en our understanding of the characters and its most loving stare (for example, nature, ter attractive or unattractive? their situation? sex, violence, people)? • How could characters have been presented • How does this scene contribute to the • What is the nature of reality? How does it differently? What other courses of action meaning of sexuality? compare with the Christian view of the could have been pursued in the narrative? • What do these two people really feel and creation as good but stained by sin? What other possible outcomes are there? think about one another? • Is this a moral universe? How are right and • Do they love in the romantic sense? Is wrong determined? Nature of Evil each escaping from the idea of a more • Is the universe ultimately material or spiri- • What beliefs and assumptions are embed- personal relationship? Is this a purely tual? Is it indifferent, mean, or friendly? ded in this representation of evil? sexual arrangement? How does the artwork indicate this? • What is the source and nature of evil? Is • Are sexual relationships portrayed in a way evil personal, social, or cultural? How does that you find acceptable? Why or why not? Humans the artwork explain the existence of evil? • How do the beliefs and attitudes in the portray- • How are humans portrayed? Are they • What would you identify as “sin” in the al compare with a Christian understanding? inherently good or evil? Are characters one- story? Does the narrative designate it as dimensional, that is, all good or all evil? such and how? If not, how does the narra- Violence • How does this view compare with a tive treat it? • Is violence the only possible or acceptable Christian understanding of human beings solution to problems? How does the narra- as created in God’s image but fallen in sin? Nature of Redemption tive establish this situation? • What motivates characters? Are they moti- • What beliefs and assumptions does the art- • Is violence glorified? How are acts of vio- vated by what they believe? What do they work represent about hope and redemption? lence justified in the narrative? believe? What is the force of their convic- • What are the means and nature of tions? How believable are these depictions? redemption? Map of Reality • Which motivations are good, and which • What are the possibilities for redemption • Does the artwork invite us to transfer its are bad? How does the artwork suggest in the world of the artwork? meaning to the real world? approval or disapproval? • What elements or possibilities for “grace” • In what ways does the artwork resonate • Are individuals portrayed as anything other exist in the story? with your life experience and perspective as than self-centered? Are they motivated by a • Does genuine forgiveness or reconciliation a Christian? higher goal, belief, or concern? take place between people? Between God • How would you evaluate the map of reality • What are the characters’ needs (material, and humanity? this artwork represents? ■ social, spiritual) and how are they met? ~William Romanowski • How are men and women portrayed? Authority What ideals, beliefs, values, and assump- • What authority if any exists other than the self? Source: tions define masculinity and femininity? • To what extent do social institutions— Eyes Wide Open: Looking for God in Popular Culture by Are men and women seen as equal partners family, school, church, business, govern- William D. Romanowski (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos in life? ment—wield authority? Press, 2001), Appendix I, pp.156-161.

13 Critique #1 - 2002 Tuned In

What is this “If there’s no heaven, what is Every day until my days are through this hunger for?” Red Dirt Girl You made me believe In tragedy Age and the Gospel have something in common: real- Gordon MacDonald calls these wounded ones ism. Illusions evaporate. Like a “broken-world people.” My wife, Kathryn, says she mirage in the desert or the doesn’t trust anyone unless they walk with a limp. dew at dawn, both disappear. Most people have a limp. Few talk about them. Reality is designed this way. Sadly, even fewer will allow themselves to feel its T.S. Eliot observed, “No one pain. Most prefer the romantic illusions of can stand too much reality.” Disneyfied pop artists to the gritty realism of It’s true. We prefer diversion Emmylou. “She’s a downer.” “Pass the Prozac and and our illusions. In the end, turn on the TV.” however, these modes of This is music for those who have known loss: escape will catch up with us. a divorce, a prodigal child, the death of a parent, The Life will win out—and death. Our worldviews will the betrayal of friends, the collapse of a career, or be put under pressure and our levels of commit- the pain of chronic disease. “I’m entrenched in ment put to the test. It was said of Jesus that he middle age, and I’ve endured some dramatic losses. Music was “a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering” I don’t have answers, but I do have questions. I (Isaiah 53:3). Life sobers one up. Post-September guess that’s why I like the two Annie’s so much... 11, this is a fact for more and more people. Annie Dillard and Annie Proux.” In another inter- of Few artists capture this aspect of truth more view she explains, “They say you are what you eat. poignantly than 55-year-old country singer Well, you are also what you live through... Music Emmylou Emmylou Harris. Her thirty-year career spans my helps us get through those bleak times, not by adult life and captures the quiet sadness of a life telling us that everything is all right, or going to be entering its autumn years. This is adult music. all right, but by acknowledging the suffering that is Harris This is music for those who listen to NPR and pretty much usual fare for everyone.” identify with the world of Garrison Keillor. This is Emmylou Harris has largely been known as an music for the person who can feel the mournful interpreter of songs—a musical stylist. Her bitter- nostalgia of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s lines sweet, haunting voice can capture the deepest from “A Fire of Driftwood:” human dimension in any song. She makes us believe in the power of music to touch the heart. We spake of many a vanished scene, She told The Irish Times, “I’m drawn to the sad Of what we once had thought and said, songs. They’re the most evocative, they’re the ones Of what had been, and might have been that unlock that pool of emotion within us.” In And who was changed, and who was dead addition, she has had a long career, beginning with Gram Parsons, of singing harmony on other artists’ Many will not understand this language of loss, records—some 283 tracks at last count. Her remorse, regret—and, yes, hope. Harris’ music por- award-winning career has recently been featured in trays a tragic view of life. Warner’s release of “Anthology: The Warner/ Reprise Years,” (Rhino, 2001). The 45-song dou- D e v That’s how the story goes ble-CD features 23 top ten country singles (six of e l o p i

n Our chapter’s coming to a close which reached #1 on the country charts). g

i We are history But more important as an assessment of a s c e r n But I will always think of you mature artist is her thirty-first album, Red Dirt m e n t

D D D D Deepening Discipleship 14 Hunger For? Girl (Nonesuch, 2000). This was the first studio- instinct makes us feel that our happiness mixed album since 1995 and the first album in must be sought outside ourselves... Thus it which Harris wrote the majority of the songs. It is not good philosophers telling us: won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Withdraw into yourselves and there you Album. It also demonstrates that Emmylou is more will find your good. We do not believe than a country singer. Distancing herself from the them, and those who do believe them are likes of Shania Twain and Reba McEntire, she told the most empty and silly of all.” Harris, Newsweek, “What I was doing has nothing to do the good philosopher, knows better. with the white-bread appeal of country radio music.” Her music blends folk country and blues cri We are aging soldiers in an ancient war de coeur with a gentle touch of southern Gospel. Red Seeking out some half-remembered shore Dirt Girl has been compared to both Bob Dylan’s We drink our fill and still we thirst for Blood on the Tracks and U2’s The Joshua Tree. more Backup singers on the album include Patty Griffin, Asking, “If there’s no heaven, what is Julie Miller, Patti Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen, and this hunger for?” Dave Matthews. Aging sixties folk rockers who began their careers with Dylan in the bars of What Harris offers is no cheap solution—sex, drugs, Greenwich Village and Jersey, take a hard look back or alcohol or fame, fashion, or fortune. These dead by on life and its losses. ends are self-evident. Like C.S. Lewis, she knows we There is behind the lament of her music a long- are far too easily pleased. “What does not satisfy ing for home. The child of a decorated Marine avia- when we find it, was not the thing we were desir- David tor, she lived the life of a military vagabond. She was ing.” The fool blames circumstances. The disillu- born in Birmingham, Alabama and was raised in sioned repress the pain and deny the reality. It is the John Woodbridge, Virginia. She admits to being rootless. Christian who recognizes that we are not born with “I had no roots or real identity... [So] I adopted desires unless satisfaction for these desires really country music,” she explained to Newsweek. The lead exists. Just as thirst implies water, so too our deepest Seel, song on Red Dirt Girl, “The Pearl,” explores the pain hunger points toward heaven. of an oyster with a grain of sand that eventually Does suffering have meaning? Does pain lead to becomes a pearl. There is pain in Harris’ world, but pearls? Does longing suggest a resolution? Both the Jr. there are also pearls. The “whats” are not without questions and the longing point in the right direc- their “whys.” There are no simple answers or preachy tion. Emmylou Harris writes music for those who clichés, but hope is not totally absent. have lived long enough to know that the questions are just as important as the answers. ■ So there’ll be no guiding light for you and me ~David John Seel, Jr. We are not sailors lost out on the sea We were always headed toward eternity David John Seel, Jr. is the headmaster of The Cambridge School of Hoping for a glimpse of Galilee Dallas, a Christ-centered, classical college preparatory school in Like falling stars from the universe, we are hurled Dallas, Texas. He is the author of Parenting Without Perfection: Down through the long loneliness of the world Being a Kingdom Influence in a Toxic World (NavPress, 2000). Until we behold the pain become the pearl Copyright © 2002 by David John Seel, Jr.

Harris understands that human longing points beyond itself. The answers to life are not found within oneself, but beyond. As Blaise Pascal observed, “We are full of things that impel us outwards. Our

15 Critique #1 - 2002 Dialogue cont.

continued from page 3... loving your neighbor as yourself as the standing of God and Man, society and foundation from the beginning. In such a nature. We need to study the words more Slaves (as we know them) were never context there is nothing of the ‘slavery’ con- in order to get to the meaning. The Bible allowed in the culture of the Bible that notation we fear. Instead all human rela- wants to bring us into closer relationship stressed the uniqueness of people made in tionships are to be created through the with the created historic reality, not take us God’s image. Our recent experience of slav- bond of love, respect, mutual help and the away into personal perspectives, spiritual ery influences our reaction to anyone being affirmation of dependencies. “It is not good otherness or guilt feelings. loyal by contract over time. We assume a for man to dwell alone.” But then watch When Jesus prayed that we would be right to walk away from the job, from how you live together! The problem lies less sanctified by God’s word (John 17:17) he neighbors and even from marriages. But with a legal tie than with the way the rela- meant the whole text of the Bible. It is true there is nothing intrinsically wrong with a tionship is exploited. to our real situation in time and space, it is person choosing to bond himself to another I have never come across an OT law informative, creative and alive. for six years in return for agreed benefits. that causes genuine embarrassment. Most Udo W. Middelmann, President An apprentice does that to learn a trade. In of the time any initial confusion is resolved The Francis A. Schaeffer Foundation marriage we bind ourselves until death (at when the text is seen as a whole, the con- Gryon, Switzerland least). text is considered and the questions are Any embarrassment comes from a fail- raised about what light is shed by that par- ure to understand that the Bible speaks of ticular prescription on our larger under-

Critique Mailing List: Critique is not available by subscription; rather it is sent as a ministry to all donors to Ransom Fellowship, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-deductible ministry. To receive Critique, send donation with mailing address to: Ransom Fellowship, 1150 West Center, Rochester, MN, 55902. (inquiries: [email protected]) Everyone on Ransom’s mailing list also receives Notes from Toad Hall, a newsletter written by Margie Haack in which she reflects on what it means to be faithful in the ordinary and routine of daily life, and gives news about Ransom’s ministry. Critique is a newsletter (published nine times each year, funds permitting) designed to accomplish, by God’s grace, three things: 1. To call attention to resources of interest to thinking Christians. 2. To model Christian discernment. 3. To stimulate believers to think biblically about all of life. The articles and resources reproduced or recommended in Critique do not necessarily reflect the thinking of Ransom Fellowship. The purpose of this newsletter is to encourage thought, not dictate points of view.

Critique #1 - 2002