In My Orbit...
What's the expression? Never talk about politics and religion? Well, I'm playing with fire on both counts. As a person of faith, I feel we don't talk about it enough--at least with any real degree of meaning. If we did, we wouldn't have half the problems we have today. But I digress...
We'll kick it off with religion and... entertainment, of all things. Seems everyone is getting in on the award show action, including Beliefnet, which lists its favorites for "spiritual and inspirational themes". The Blind Side, Up, and Precious get high marks: Beliefnet Film Awards.
USA Today's Faith and Reason blog also covers Beliefnet's awards, but more interestingly, focuses on Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill in Seattle, blasting the movie Avatar. A pull quote from Mark's sermon:
"[...A]nd if you don’t believe me, go see Avatar, the most demonic, satanic film I’ve ever seen. That any Christian could watch that without seeing the overt demonism is beyond me."
I haven't seen the film because I think James Cameron, while I wouldn't classify him as a demon, is an egomaniacal blowhard who doesn't deserve my money--but once again, I digress.... Read it in Mark's own words, if you're interested: Mars Hill Sermon.
And now we mix religion and politics! Former President George W. Bush spoke at a banquet hosted by Fort Worth Christian School in Fort Worth, Texas. He spoke to over 1,000 attendees, and part of his talk included how faith and prayer helped him through the eight years of his presidency:
"I don't see how I could be president without prayer. The prayers of the people ... sustained me, comforted me and strengthened me in a way I could have never predicted before becoming president, and for that I am extremely grateful."
President Bush is writing his memoirs about his years as president, so that people can draw their own conclusions. I have come to the conclusion that George W. Bush has done more good for this country and the world than he is given credit, and I look forward to history rectifying the deliberate character assassination done during his administration.