Babette's Feast - 5

Although it's been years since I saw this film, I wanted to include it in my blog because this is one of those movies that you watch and can never forget. It is a seemingly simple story of an isolated community being changed by the generosity of an outsider, but how it is changed and why it needs to be changed is something worth pondering.

I love this movie because it is a glimpse of what the feast at the end of time will look like. It is lavish. It is transforming. It is all more than one expects.

It is also shocking in it's extravagance, which helps me understand something of the biblical view of love (think of the jar of nard being broken over the Messiah or Jesus' death on the cross).

This story was originally a short story by Isak Dinesen, which is also an enjoyable read. And Tim Keller uses it as an illustration in his book, The Prodigal God.

The Prodigal God - 4

I enjoyed Tim Keller's The Prodigal God, but I was more impressed by his other books, The Reason for God and Ministries of Mercy: The call of the Jericho Road. Basically, this would have made a great sermon, but it didn't have quite enough meat to fill out a whole book.

That said, it was a challenging book and one that I think is relevant to every reader. Keller is gifted at seeing through the ways we operate to the underlying motives and exposing them for what they are. As convicting as it is, it's also a source of hope because as we find life empty and the things we think will fulfill us fail, Keller has an explanation as to why.

As in his previous publication, Ministries of Mercy, Keller emphasizes the Reformed view that God created us body and soul and is redeeming us body and soul and thus the Christian should be about mercy in physical ways as well as spiritual. This is a much needed message for the traditional evangelical church who only emphasizes the soul and also for the modern church that forgets to address the deeper issues.

Although I don't agree with everything Tim Keller has written over the years, I will say that I have a great appreciation for both his pulse on society and his learning. More pastors should follow his example and use literary examples as opposed to just drawing on the current blockbuster hit.

Fu Man Dumpling House - 5

Mike, who has spent time in Beijing, has a love affair with dumplings. Knowing this, I knew we had to try Fu Man Dumpling house in Shoreline near where we used to live (they are located at 14314 Greenwood Avenue N.Seattle, WA 98133). Since that first plate of steamy succulent dumplings in 2007 it has been Mike's favorite restaurant here in Seattle and it's one of my favorites too. Part of Fu Man's charm is that it's a true hole in the wall. It seems to be family run and you can even peek through a window to see how they make the dumplings. The food is relatively inexpensive and the wait isn't long unless you have to wait for a table. If you live in Seattle, be sure to check out Fu Man Dumpling House!

Also, the last time I was there I overheard something that makes me think they are moving. Can anyone substantiate this? I hope I'm wrong because Fu Man is perfect as it is - orange walls and all!

Faithful God - 4

I got this book 4 days ago and I finished it and one other from the same shipment today. It was a short read and a profitable read, but not an outstanding read.

I have my favorite authors that I go back to again and again and I thought it would be healthy for me to branch out a little bit. Sinclair Ferguson is someone I’ve heard spoken well of and I thought I’d give one of his books a try. This book in particular caught my eye because it is and exposition of Ruth – my favorite love story of all time.

My two complaints about this book are 1) the structure wasn’t as clear as it could have been and 2) I don’t find his answers to the more controversial actions in the book satisfying. They may indeed be true; it’s just that I’m not completely convinced.

One other reason this book got a 4 rather than a 5 is that it didn’t have any real punch, nothing really insightful. Then again, maybe I just need to appreciate subtlety more. He did address the issue taking God’s plans into our own hands and how we need to patiently wait for His timing. I wonder how Sinclair feels about e-harmony. Although it does seem like Naomi went too far in asking Ruth to do something that was scandalous, and really the man should be the leader in a romantic relationship, still, I think it is going too far to say we should just sit back and wait to see what happens in all circumstances. Maybe I’m stretching what Sinclair intended to say because he did aplaud how Boaz went the next day to make arrangements to buy the land and gain the right to marry Ruth, although he waited long enough to do it in a way that followed God’s requirements.

Well, you got a glimpse of me mulling this one over. =) That in and of itself is a sign of a good book.

The Church of the Living God - 2

I bought this book because I was hoping to find some clarification about the specific calling of the church. This book does indeed address that in the last chapter, but it is so liberal I don’t have any satisfaction that my question has been answered (I think I need to read some Kuyper!).
It was sad to read this book because although it retained some vestiges of solid reformed or as I prefer, biblical, theology, most of what it espoused was politically correct hogwash. From liberation theology to radical inclusion (including gays and lesbians, but of course not anyone who said that that truth wasn’t relative) they were so caught up in the latest trends that they lost sight of what the Bible actually teaches.

Although the author lacks godly wisdom, he is intelligent, which earned this book a rating of 2 rather than 1. It was interesting to read in that it presented some new perspectives I’d never read before.

Additionally, I believe it is good to read some things that you don’t agree with for the sake of being educated and being able to know where you stand in comparison.

Humility: True Greatness - 5

One of my coworkers was reading this book for a newsletter article he was preparing and he thought it was so good that he recommended that we all read it. I did and I really appreciated what it had to say. You can read his review at: http://www.bcwinstitute.com/press/humilitytruegreatness.pdf.

Basically, it says that humility is found by seeing yourself in light of the gospel - amen to that!

Savior - 5

Another film I watched years ago, but has remained vivid in my mind was Savior staring Dennis Quaid. As I remember, what I really appreciated about this film was how the American soldier trying to save the child in the midst of war was a far cry from what a real savior ought to be. This made me appreciate all the more the perfection of the true savior.

In addition, the movie examines issues of hatred and shame and exposes them for the evil things that they are. It also highlights the beauty of goodness, even when it is faltering and weak. Film critic Roger Ebert gave the film three and a half stars out of a possible four, stating that "Savior is a brutally honest war film that looks unblinkingly at how hate and prejudice can pose as patriotism."