Media Matters

This is a musical theater show that is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and takes a lot of its text directly from the Bible. It is not worshipful in the reverent manner to which you may be accustomed, but it is joyful and sincere. The disciples of Jesus are portrayed as children, wildly imperfect in their understanding but wanting to follow Him. The song “Day by Day” captures this beautifully. In the end, Jesus charges the disciples to build Zion in the song “Beautiful City”.  I imagine this musical could be disrespectful if it was produced by a non-Christian. But if approached with faith, it can be a wonderful discussion starter and worthwhile entertainment option.

 This movie is about an arrogant actor sentenced to do community service at a church. He is unwittingly cast to play Jesus in an upcoming stage production, and the experience changes his heart. Highly recommended for teens and adults, although even younger could watch as it is rated PG.

 Book by Jonathan Auxier. This Victorian ghost story is fantastic! Just the right amount of spookiness and real threat, plus surprising thematic depth. An amazing cautionary tale about being wary of someone or something that gives you what you want and tells you what you want to hear rather than giving you what you need and telling you what you need to hear. Makes you consider who or what in your life leaves you empty and feeling like you’re never enough, and who or what leaves you better and feeling more content and confident? Are any of the things you want costing you a piece of your soul? The biblical allusion to the tree branches being snakelike adds an additional, spiritual dimension of meaning. Recommended for age 10+, depending on the level of spookiness your child is comfortable with. Three unlikeable side characters die with very little description of the deaths.

Memoir by Hyeonseu Lee This was a riveting read! The glimpse into life in North Korea was jaw-dropping, and the author’s courage and perseverance in seeking a better life was inspiring. Note: there was some swearing and brief mention of sex and human trafficking, but in my opinion this would be an eye opening book to read and discuss with high school students. Some notable quotes: “we can do without almost anything–our home, even our country. But we will never do without other people, and we will never do without family.” “One of the tragedies of North Korea is that everyone wears a mask, which they let slip at their peril.” “I was six when I entered kindergarten in Anju. And although I was far too young to notice it, this marked a subtle change in my relationship with my parents. In a sense, I no longer belonged to them. I belonged to the state.” “Ideological indoctrination began on the first day… I was too young not to believe every word… Even the toys we played with were used for ou...

 Book by Kelly Barnhill. This was a fun read, with clever writing, interesting characters, and important ideas to discuss: Do we believe what the word says about us? (ie. the label “The Wrong Boy”) How do we deal with grief? What voices are we listening to? (The voices of the magic could certainly be equated with the voice of the natural man or temptations to be selfish.) How do we resist temptation? (Have a firm will, mind, and heart) How much control do we have over ourselves? Forgiveness, redemption, coming to yourself The satisfaction of hard work, growth, problem-solving, and self-reliance. The power of words and voices The danger of seeking power, influence, etc The magic-bearer as a type of Christ, an intercessor who vicariously experiences the pain of others The word “yet” can either be hopeful or fear-inducing, depending on what you are focusing on. Recognizing that choices have Consequences. Note: there are a few mild swears and instances of taking the Lord’s name in vain...

 Book by Isabel Wilkerson. This was an important and powerful story brought to life through the careful gathering of oral histories. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the root cause of the negative race relations being fear: fear of the unknown and fear borne of a scarcity mindset. That fear is what led to anger, envy, violence, and discrimination. The solution to the fear of the unknown is integration. If you never interact with people who are different from you (and I would suggest this applies not only in racial or ethnic matters, but also in religion, politics, and ideological diversity), it is easy to stereotype and dehumanize. But when you actually have genuine conversations, you discover a shared humanity, with similar goals and dreams. The solution to the scarcity mindset, or the idea that one person’s success causes another person’s hardship and therefore life is a competition of pulling others down so that you can prosper, is to recognize that economically, we ...

 Book by Lisa Wingate. This was a fantastic book that sucked me in from the start and never let me go. Although it rightly horrified me at times, I wasn’t left traumatized, if that makes sense. It’s a fine line with subject matter like this, and I think the author nailed it. She left me thinking about the power of love and family and hope and healing. Note: there is child abuse (physical, sexual, and psychological) portrayed, although most of it is alluded to rather than described in detail. Use your judgment. I would recommend this for ages 15+.