For millions of Chronicles of Narnia fans, the term “Stone Table” represents a series of events that explicitly defined the Christology that C.S. Lewis placed at the heart of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” If news consumers want to understand the importance of reports about superstar Meryl Streep providing the voice of Aslan, then these dramatic Narnia moments are a good place to start. Some of these recent headlines provided a hook for this week’s “Crossroads” podcast.
Read More(ANALYSIS) People might disagree whether Jesus is King, but he certainly is ruling the box office this Easter season. America loves movies and it loves Jesus. As a result, it’s s safe to say both will be with us for a very long time. You might say it’s Jesus’ world, we’re just living in it. That’s true to Christians at all times. But for now it’s also true when it comes to dominating the U.S. box office.
Read More(ANALYSIS) It’s a straightforward part of the Easter story: The Roman governor Pontius Pilate had Jesus of Nazareth killed by his soldiers. But over the past 2,000 years, it was common for some Christians to deem Pilate almost blameless for Jesus’ death and treat Jews as responsible — a belief that has shaped the global history of antisemitism.
Read MoreAn Easter Pageant in Arizona is now one of the world’s largest. The event, which runs for nine days before Easter Sunday, draws crowds of 10,000 each night and has a cast of 500. If you don’t live in the area — or if you’re not connected to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly called the Mormon Church — the Mesa Easter Pageant, an 87-year-old festival, is likely not on your radar.
Read More(REVIEW) This is why a crowdfunded series ended up reaching box office heights. People don’t watch this series because they love it. They watch it because they love Jesus. The show, through its artistry and creativity, helps people see Him more clearly. It succeeds because film has a unique power: It can offer pure experiences that go beyond words.
Read More(REVIEW) A few flaws aside, “The Chosen: The Last Supper Part 2” is easily the strongest middle chapter of the popular series by far. This only makes me more excited for the final episode just as Easter approaches. If they can land that, “The Chosen: The Last Supper” will truly be the best season of the show to date — and another sign that the faith-based film industry has truly come of age.
Read MoreRome has been all gussied up for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year. An extra 10 million pilgrims are forecast, adding to last year's record of 22 million. More than $8 billion has been spent to refurbish the city’s historic sites with their ancient ruins, spectacular churches and Renaissance fountains. Nothing of the like has taken place in Israel as it also awaits pilgrims.
Read More(REVIEW) The fifth season premiere is great, and the best opener to a “The Chosen” season yet. Everything good about the series is here, and most of the weaknesses I’ve critiqued over the past four seasons are all but absent. This latest installment of “The Chosen” is a testament to how the faith-based industry can evolve in quality and how both Christians and non-Christians will embrace it when it does.
Read MoreFor centuries, churches have used different methods to calculate the date of Easter. Rarely do they coincide. The search for a common date has also been one of the main issues of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, whose 1,700th anniversary is being celebrated this year. As a result, this could be a year that marks a turning point in the relationship between Eastern and Western churches.
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