Things for Today

Things that are out and about:

-Friend Jennifer is on the NY Times Best Seller list. Yep, you heard me right. New. York. Times. Woohoo! Couldn’t a happened to a classier dame.

-Janet reports that Act One alum Melissa d’Arabian got her Hollywood gig the hard way – by winning her own show via a reality show. Congrats, Melissa!

-Screenwriter John August is handing out free money advice to writers. Good stuff. My favorite pearl: “Nearly every screenwriter I speak with has a similar story — you’re never as broke as when you first start making money.”

-Are you a hack writer and need advice? Screenwriting tips for hacks was made for you (and me!) Short tidbits, often snarky, but mostly true tips for the writer. Like tip #36: “Stop treating your characters like precious, precious snowflakes. If something horrible doesn’t happen to them at the end of Act 2, why should I care about Act 3?” Or the perfectly stated tip #33: “An ellipsis cannot be made longer by adding more dots. Don’t be that guy.”

-Donald Miller chastises a plumber for doing good work while avoiding being preachy. (And then Don read the comments, and learned that people take things way too literally.)

Just my thoughts,

Sean

13 Years And Counting ...

If anyone doubted that we are two silly people ... below is our wedding invitation.

Yes, we had a cartoon as our invitation. I mean, really, what could be more fitting?



Thanks again to Sam Vance for the perfect drawing.

Thank you to all of you who witnessed our vows 13 years ago.

Thank you to our friends who've met us since (even those who had no idea Cath had such big hair, or Sean ever had a goatee!).

Thank you to our parents who trusted us into the Lord's hands.

And thanks most of all, to the Lord, who guided us to each other, and continues to bless our lives exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or seek.

To my best friend : I love you!

The Church and Story Part 3: Parables

Here is another piece of the original debate--

Sean,

Just to add some clarification to the discussion.The Dane has already pointed out that there are a number of occassions in Scripture where Jesus uses parables with the clear intent to hide the truth from unbelievers, yet you keep using it as a justification for drama and film in corporate worship. Any response?

David,

The Dane states that obfuscation is the “chief purpose” of Jesus’ parables. While I agree that Jesus did at times speak in parables to keep the dark in the dark (Matthew 13 and Isaiah 6), it wasn’t to make them even more befuddled; and more to my point, it is neither the only nor the chief use of parables by Jesus.

Even if that were the only use of parables, it wouldn’t be an argument to ban use of parables in church – where the congregation is ostensibly not the lost that Jesus was keeping in the dark. While the parable of the sower would be a head-scratcher to the unbelieving, Jesus did expect those with ears to hear to grow from it.

The bigger point is that keeping his teaching in the dark was only one (and by my count, the least used) reason for his choosing to tell parables.

In fact, in the same chapter where he explained that he used parables so that those without sight wouldn’t see, he rattles off a string of parables to the disciples, followed by the question “Do you understand all these things?” (Matthew 13:51) He fully expected them to understand without him having to break it out for them.

Is it really being argued that the lawyer in Luke 10, who was able to state what Jesus meant by “neighbor” immediately after hearing the story of the good Samaritan, somehow didn’t understand the parable?

Or that Jesus taught about prayer (Luke 11), and wrapped up the parables by saying, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"- did so because he was hoping they wouldn’t understand what he was getting at?

There is a belief out there that if something is one thing, it can only be that one thing. The reason we are having this discussion is because a pastor believes that since he gives a certain style of sermon very well, therefore there must be only one “right” kind of sermon for all pastors.

Jesus did not follow that stricture – in fact, he changed styles to meet people where they were at. Sometimes he would talk to thousands; sometimes he spoke in small groups. Sometimes he spoke in riddles, sometimes plainly; sometimes he answered questions, sometimes he ignored them.

The fact of the matter is, Jesus used parables for all kinds of reasons throughout his ministry. Sometimes it was so those that got it would get it and those that weren’t ready wouldn’t; sometimes it was to illustrate; sometimes to reinforce; sometimes to start conversation; sometimes to break down walls (the crowd would never have tolerated the notion of Samaritan as neighbor without the story), etc.

In Matthew 18, Jesus performs a little bit of theater when asked who is the greatest. He calls a little child up to stand with them – a visual representation to illustrate his answer.

In that same bit of teaching, he mixes exhortation (“Woe to the world!”) and a parable of clarification (telling of the 99 sheep).

Later in chapter 18, when Peter ask how many times one should forgive, Jesus gives his answer (70 times 7), but appears to feel that answer isn’t enough, so he tells the story of the ungrateful servant. He wraps up with “This is how my heavenly father will treat you…” This clearly is not a case of trying to mask meaning and muddle the masses.

In fact, this showcases another use of story – sometimes a question can not be answered literally. If Peter forgave 490 times, it would still not reach the debt that had been forgiven of Peter. And, more to the point, if Peter is legalistically counting off “forgive you”s, he is heading in the wrong direction completely.

Let me repeat this notion: sometimes story is needed because mere literal words can not contain the fullness of the teaching.

I would never go so far as to say that a sermon or a service without story is incomplete – no one sermon or service is meant to hold all of the spiritual life.

But I will say that a theology without story is incomplete.

That is why when we tell the good news of the gospel, we don’t just use the red-letter words of Jesus. We also tell the story of Jesus – where he came from, what he did, the miracles he chose to perform, how he lived and died, and how he lived again.

The greatest story ever told contains more than any sermon trying to describe it ever could.

-Sean

The Church and Story Part 2

A continuation from yesterday…

IF the question is, “Should we permit drama (or story) into the church,” the correct and complete answer is:

“Sure. Why not?”

But of course, that isn’t the right question. This question presupposes an agreement that drama has been banned from the church, and now must justify a return; much akin to the dog that peed all over the living room carpet, and now your spouse is asking, “Should the dog be let back in?”

The real question is, “If we use story, how are we using it?”

Alan Noble contributed this to the discussion:

“… I do think that if church leaders want to use videos or drama in their preaching they need to do a lot more thinking about the medium, how it functions, and what it conveys.

“In a (somewhat) analogous setting, in the teaching profession there has been a lot of debate about the usefulness and value of video in the classroom. On the whole I’ve found that it discourages critical thinking, signals to the students that “learning” has ended and “entertainment” has begun, and in general lowers their expectations as to the seriousness of the subject and their obligation to learn.”

Sadly, Alan has seen some pretty poor use of video in the classroom. In fact, much of the arguments out there calling for a ban on use of story stem from encounters with bad drama, or poorly thought out integration, or an improper emphasis on the role of story.

Brian Walton points out such examples in his comments to yesterday’s blog entry (take some time to hike over and read them. Then stay to read the very insightful comments from Linds and David.)

I have been in worship settings where Alan’s concerns are proven true: the drama team trots out onto the bema, and the congregation (smiling) checks out of worship to have a little restful entertainment.

But the fact that there is bad drama out there is not a compelling argument to ban all use of story in church. Heck, I could rustle up a passel of bad preachers without breaking a sweat – have I just put Pastor Piper out of a job?

Maybe not.

Alan also says,

“If we do chose to include them, it should only be after we’ve thought and prayed long and hard about how the congregation will interpret these mediums and how they will or will not honor God. “

And there we have it.

How will the media be interpreted? Will it deepen our congregation’s experience, or will it distract them? Will it bring glory to G-d, and will it bring the people in closer communion to him?

For example, many Catholic churches will not be instituting live sketches in the mass any time soon. The mass is already designed to be a journey into mystery – a dramatic one at that. An actor performing a character would jar stylistically with the mass; and thus distract.

But the mass does use theater – procession and imitative action; communal metaphoric ritual (passing the flame to allow individual candles to combine to dispel the darkness – such a transcendent moment); and it is common for the pastor to use the homily to illuminate the readings, sometimes through story.

Those are drama styles that fit and enhance their particular needs in that particular setting.

Truth is, the Gospel is wider and deeper and more varied than we tend to give credit to it. Every congregation comes to worship with different needs; and they should openly and prayerful consider what G-d might have for them to fulfill those specific needs at this given time.

For some, that may mean drama. For others, not so much.

Tomorrow: Did Jesus really command us to not use parables?

Just my thoughts,

Sean

For those not interested in a debate about church and drama...

Instead of reading my winded post below, hop on over to the very entertaining "Disneyland tourist or local?" guide by Janet.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

The Church and Story

A couple of weeks back, I let myself get sucked into an argument about whether drama or story should be allowed within a church service.

The argument was played out at Christ and Pop Culture, which gave a link to an interview with Pastor John Piper, which you can read here. (A better rebuttal of Pastor Piper than mine can be found here.)

In a nutshell, Pastor John argues that while no one will go to hell for doing so, that any use of story or illustration anywhere within the church service will damage the kingdom.

The purpose of a church service, the argument goes, is to provide a specific style of “till Jesus comes” preaching. Any church that uses anything that helps the congregation “stay with them and be moved and get helped” undermines the power of such sermons as being the core provider of salvation, and thus is anathema to Pastor John.

This includes any use of illustration, from a drama performed by an actor to a story the preacher himself tells.

I have to admit, I wasn’t even aware of the “sermon wars” – the existence of a “my type of sermon is the one true way, and anyone who preaches another way is of the devil” struggle.

Sure, I was aware of the music wars (“If it has a beat, Old Scratch wrote it!”) and the communion wars (“If the wine is fermented, it negates the power of the bread!”), and we all are aware of the baptism wars (“Dunking if for donuts, not disciples!”).

Apparently such a sermon war exists. (Kenneth E. Bailey, in the first chapter of JACOB AND THE PRODIGAL addresses this tangentially, as he feels he must start the book by validating the use of metaphors, parables and dramatic action while discussing theology.)

I do agree with Pastor Piper that not all churches should use illustrations within their sermons; but I do not agree with his notion that to use anything within a service that “moves” or “helps” the congregation is a danger to the power of sermon.

Paul and Jesus used illustration to clarify their points; it did not negate their power and authority. Many of our brethren have entire church services that do not even contain sermons; their communion with G-d is in no way diminished by that omission.

Pastor Piper argues that if anything other than preaching is shown to either hold, move or help a congregation, that therefore we can (and shall!) assume that preaching can do none of those things.

Either/or.

Thinking that everything must be an “either/or” doesn’t not fit with a G-d that refused “either/or” in his very Gospel; in a savior that is not either G-d or Man, but rather a “both/and.”

The use of parable or illustration does not work for Pastor Piper — all the more power to him (I mean that sincerely). Does that mean all other congregations must choose to believe that either there is no power in parable, or that there is no power in preaching?

Absolutely not.

It is a false dichotomy from the get go.

Tomorrow: The question about church drama that should have been asked.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Life Tips from Screenwriting

Donald Miller showcases on his blog how one aspect of good screenwriting works in life as well, in an entry called: "Lance Armstrong Saves a Cat."

I'm going to have to write a book someday on life lessons from the school of script writing.

Someday.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Geek Rush

(Standard view for most sessions – yep, this is what it looked like from my pov for three days…)

-Friday afternoon rolled into San Diego. Didn’t even unpack the luggage – walked straight from the hotel valet to the Con

-Went into a panel we didn’t care about in order to secure seats in the room for a later panel that we did care about. You do a lot of that at the Con.

An author, in defending how thick the book he wrote was, said, “I spent an entire month writing that novel. How small do you expect it to be?” I alone in the room laughed. Apparently he wasn’t joking.

-Heard the best response to the question: “How do you get your ideas?” To which an author asked back, “I’m trying to figure out how you turn your ideas off?”

-Heard Stephan Pastis (PEARLS BEFORE SWINE comic strip) give his hilarious lecture, complete with cartoons and stories from the trenches of syndication.

Best take-away – Stephan claims his writing did not become good until he stopped trying so hard. He would draw and write as fast as he could, preventing himself from over-editing his initial ideas; he just let it flow.

-Walked the exhibition hall floor. Couldn’t get within six feet of the booths sponsored by the studios. If you want to punish a claustrophobe, make them stand in the middle of the exhibition hall at the Con.

-Saw all kinds of costumes. A full family of Jedi knights, including a lightsaber holding infant in a stroller. A squadron of Predators. A full on transformer – Bumblebee. The entire Superman and Batman family of characters. A number of anime characters, a Patrick from Spongebob and a gaggle of girls wearing red cat hoods. You see a lot of stuff like that at the Con.

-Skipped out early that day, instead seeing the movie MOON. Well worth it.

-Spent Saturday morning taking an extended breakfast with friends who live in SD. Doing the Con casual this year, no need to rush.

-Stood an hour in line for a SteamPunk event. Didn’t get in despite the wait. You do a lot of that at the Con.

-Random line overheard while pushing past a mob swarming for a freebie: “I don’t know what that is – but I want one!”

-Two sessions that you can usually get into that never disappoint: Quick Draw (think improv for artists) and voice over panels.

-Got into the Ray Bradbury session. The moderator spent the first 20 minutes of the one hour session ignoring the fact that Ray was sitting next to him, instead schilling for his own projects, which had nothing to do with Bradbury.

The only entertainment was watching him scramble to come up with connections to justify using up this session for the hawking. One book was a remake of a project that was inspired by an artist that had once met Ray Bradbury. Another was a movie project that might consider casting minor roles with actors that may have at one time been in a play written by Bradbury. Sad.

-The highlight of Ray’s session: showing a clip of an interview with Mike Wallace on the night of the moon landing. The lowlight: seeing how feeble and a bit crazy the sci-fi master has become.

-Passed a lady wearing a baseball jersey and lacy panties that were a tad too small to fulfill their proper function. If it was meant to be a costume, I couldn’t tell you what character. As we passed, heard her complain to her male companion, “People keep staring at my butt. I don’t know why.”

Catherine prevented me from stopping to explain to her why.

-Watched the pilot for HUMAN TARGET. I was a fan of the comic back in the seventies; the tv series isn’t much like the comic. But I liked it a lot anyway.

-Skipped the three hour line for evening screenings, opting instead for the one and a half hour line at Spaghetti Factory. If you are going to be in a long line, there might as well be food at the end of it.

- Stood in line with a lawyer, who happened to also have sold four screenplays, and has a sister who writes on a television series. You do a lot of that at the Con.

-Witnessed a security guard stopping an actual robot replica of R2D2 from rolling into a restricted area. Apparently that was the droid he was looking for.

-Sat with 2,000 of my closest friends watching a DOCTOR WHO panel including showrunner Russel T. Davies and star David Tennant. My wife swooned over the star, which really was as it should be. Responding to a shout of “We love you!” Tennant looked over the massive audience and replied, “And we love you. Each of you in a slightly different, individual way.”

-Left the Con, headed back to LA and sat in traffic for several hours. You do a lot of that at the Con.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Music and Astronomy

I was going to use today's blog to start a discussion I got sucked into recently, on whether drama should be allowed into the church and if story has any real place in our spiritual lives.

That will have to wait as Jeff Berryman re-reminded me of the Karl Paulnack's welcoming speech to parents at the Boston Conservatory.

I will give you the same quote that Jeff does from the speech:

"One of the first cultures to articulate how music really works were the ancient Greeks. And this is going to fascinate you: the Greeks said that music and astronomy were two sides of the same coin. Astronomy was seen as the study of relationships between observable, permanent, external objects, and music was seen as the study of relationships between invisible, internal, hidden objects. Music has a way of finding the big, invisible moving pieces inside our hearts and souls and helping us figure out the position of things inside us."

In trying to write this, the closing paragraph, to wrap up my thoughts and summarize what I feel about Paulnack's insights, everything I wrote just ruined the moment. So instead, I will simply encourage you to find a quiet moment and read the full article.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Tuesday Grab Bag

A couple things out there that caught my eye:

Phil has an interesting entry comparing two icons who recently passed.

Just found The Hollywood Roaster, an Onion for Hollywood. And this article is the one that made me giggle the most.

Richard Clark dives into why dumb movies are dangerous. His paragraph on "other, more sinister attributes" sounds like a section from my talk last Beacon. I would quibble with his notion that a movie being protested by the church is a good indicator of truthiness, but otherwise this is a thoughtfully provoking article. Final paragraph is my favorite.

Stephan Pastis, author of one of the funniest strips out there, contemplates bringing a lawyer into his feud with The Family Circus. (And for those not catching his tone, he is pals with the FC guys.)

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Brooklyn Flora

This months book club read was A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN. We have club members from afar -- read along, then discuss via e-mail.

Susan Kelly is one such member, and gave such a good overview of the book, I decided to give into my laziness and use her comments as my own.

Here are her thoughts:

I didn't realize the book was almost 500 pages till Jack sent that email. Yikes I thought. In the beginning I didn't get into this. I was impatient with all the description early on and so many details, and found Betty Smith's racist language offensive. I realize she wrote this in the 1940's but I wasn't able to let her off the hook easily. That kind of language has been greatly eliminated from polite conversation so when you hear derogatory names for Jewish people, etc. it is shocking. Luckily, there weren't many slurs, etc as the book progressed.

Smith's Francie Nolan and all her family did win me over as they struggle amidst poverty moving from one tenement to another. The characters were smart, witty, (often) diligent, kind and worthy of respect. They were drawn warts and all so even the severely alcoholic father's tremors are mentioned but no one gets away with overemphasizing his addiction. The family knew he wasn't a saint, but they insisted on the truth in their own understanding of their father.

Sissy was one of my favorites. She couldn't read, but she did outsmart Francie's teacher when felt her niece needed someone in her corner. She poses as Francie's mother and confronts and fools a snobbish teacher who Sissy sized up immediately. Calling out to that police officer was inspired.

It was interesting to read as a sociological portrait of a neighborhood, getting a respectful, honest look at how people cope with poverty and how they just lived back then. I was surprised by how they used to celebrate Thanksgiving as we do Halloween with kids dressing up and going to different stores begging for treats. Since kids did so much of the shopping ("Here's a nickel go to the store and get two loaves of bread) smart merchants catered to them (frugally) to win their loyalty. Smith provided so much insight into how people doctored up old bread and left overs to last days. She made that interesting. She almost made the poverty seem fun or adventurous. I had to remind myself that these really were hard times.

Francie has interesting relationships with all her family members. It was fascinating to see how honest and open Katie (the mother) was about sex and boys when Francie was a young teen, how she didn't sugar coat romance, how she was always practical even when Francie was broken hearted. It was amazing how fast these kids grew up, how prematurely they assumed responsibility.

The story got more vital and witty as I went through it. It's really got everything: courage, heart, injustice, jealousy, endurance, murder, weddings, births, deaths, success and failure. Now I'd definitely read more Betty Smith.

Mooning About

I was three going on four when Armstrong made his one small step, so I don’t have much recollection of the event.

But in honor of the anniversary, I thought I would reminisce about moon references.

In no particular order:

- “From the Earth to the Moon” This mini-series is among the best television has to offer.

- “Fool Moon” Bill Irwin and David Shiner clowning it up on Broadway. Laughed until it hurt – and still couldn’t stop laughing.

- Oz, the werewolf from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Still the best metaphor for puberty ever.

- “Space: 1999” Realized recently that I remember very little from this show, other than the design of the space ships, that it starred the cool guy from “Mission: Impossible,” and that it was about the moon breaking out of orbit and careening out into space.

Mostly, though, I remember it because 1999 seemed so far away that it was safe to put in the title of a show and we’d never get there to learn if the stuff really happened or not.

Not as bad of a faux pas as calling your show “James at 16,” then trying to figure out what happens to the brand name in season two…

- Saturn Girl Okay, she wasn’t born on our moon, but on Titan, a moon of Saturn. “Legion of Superheroes” was my favorite comic, and I had a secret crush on Saturn Girl. Well, not so secret, as she can read minds…

- Moon Walking I was never much of a Michael Jackson fan, but do admit spending a significant amount of time one week trying to imitate the moonwalk. Finally decided that the problem with the floor surfaces that I was trying it on, not my inherent lack of any dancing ability whatsoever.

- “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” My introduction to those tight, four-part barbershop harmonies. I still stop and listen when I hear the style.

- “Blue Moon” After a date in Seattle, I danced with a girl in the back yard singing this song to her. Convinced her I was a romantic, so when I proposed later, she agreed.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Potions Master

Some of you may not have heard, but the newest Harry Potter movie is out.

Janet said most of what I would say, only more articulately, and without using "like" and "you know" every few words (as I, like, totally would, you know). Scoot on over to her blog for an in-depth look.

And this is what I might add:

-Saw the movie twice, never got bored.

-The acting is the draw, especially Broadbent and Rickman. Hmmm, maybe I will have to develop a buddy movie for the two of them to star in...

-Don't look for the plot unless watching on an I-Max size screen; it is too small to see, and I'd hate for you to have to explain this one to the ophthalmologist.

-Not convinced Ginny is the right one for Harry? When she yells "shut it" without taking authority away from the team captain, well that was a defining moment.

-I am still stunned by the hard grace offered to the likes of Draco by Dumbledore. Hard, hard grace.

-If you are not a HP fan yet, think of the movie the way I do: if enough of you muggles go out and see the movie, I just might get an extra day of Christmas break. Enough to make me laugh and cry.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Brain Rules on News

Here's a great interview of Dr. John Medina, the guy behind BRAIN RULES.

You will get a sense not only of how his brain works, but his very approachable personality.

I am the guest speaker at Beacon this Sunday (the 12^th) at my church, Bel Air Presbyterian. Beacon is a group with the goal to “equip, inspire and encourage believers in the entertainment industry.”

I’ll be talking about such trivial things as Truth and beauty, what makes films made by Christians different than other films (and yes, I will talk about low quality being one of those differentials), and why Americans so easily (and eagerly) get it wrong.

Sound controversial enough?

I wont’ be re-enacting the opening to RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, which is the only thing I do that I know works every time. So without a gimme, I’m a bit nervous.

Wanna see me crash and burn? This Sunday, starting at 12:30 (well, they have some lunch and socialize at 12:30, talks usually start closer to 1pm).

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Not Savalas, the Other Telly

Last year I wrote a training video with Charity Parenzini for Seattle Children's Hospital. It was in the style of a sit-com, riffing on a Scrub's like premise.

Well, that little video just won a Telly award! I know, a Telly! Isn't that great?

I never thought I would win one of those. Of course, before today, I never knew what a Telly was.

We won the silver award, which is the highest they have. Just Silver and Bronze (those guys have a lot of categories, so they can't really afford gold). My category was "employee communication."

Other Telly winners range from a CSI episode to a cd-rom on pelvic diseases. So I'm in strangely linked company.

Just my thoughts,

The Award Winning Sean

America

A Musical So Nice, I'm Seeing It Twice

Cath and I had a rollicking good time revisiting Fellowship! The Musical a couple of weeks ago; and we're going again tomorrow night.

Yep, I like it that much.

There is an interview (along with the behind-the-scenes video I mentioned earlier) by Backstage on the website, check it out. It includes a few clips from the show.

I am now longing for a revisit of the originals -- both the book (admittedly, in my top books of all time category), and the films. I wonder if work would notice me disappearing for a couple of weeks...

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Don't miss FELLOWSHIP! Now playing at the Falcon Theatre!The Critics are Raving!

"Laugh Loudly and enjoy yourself! With a romping score by Allen Simpson and funny lyrics by the strength and combined efforts of the comedically gifted cast..." - Backstage

"The cast is all-around splendid...McCrary's direction, Spear's choreography, and Simpson and Rouse's musical direction... couldn't be better." -StageSceneLA.com

"Manically madcap!...creatively kooky..." - Tolucan Times

"...sublimely silly spoof..." -LA Times

"Every player is a comedic gem!" -Backstage

www.FalconTheatre.com.

Just Look On the Bright Side of Life...

Peter Chattaway has an rather interesting comparison of SPARTACUS, THE LIFE OF BRIAN and the life of Jesus.

Pretty nifty introspection from someone who is a fan of all three of those stories.

As for me, I'm one of those guys that when push comes to shove, would probably say, "Oh, that Spartacus?! Well, of course I'm not that one. Are you looking for that fellow over there? Yoo hoo, Sparty, I think these guys are looking for you. He's so shy."

But that's just me.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

On the Wrong Tract

A humorous yet insightful site I look at on a regular basis is “Stuff Christians Like,” where Prodigal Jon takes by the numbers things that, well, Christians like.

Such as: Making up prayer requests, because everyone else has one.

Or throwing out disclaimers before recommending something secular.

Or taking the college years off.

Today’s post was about “making tracts that look like money.”

You know, the five dollar bill in the grocery store parking lot that you pick up thinking “I’m going back in for some Ben & Jerry’s!” only to discover that it isn’t a fiver, but rather a “do you know Jesus?” missive.

Lots of folks responded to his post, including one guy that took Prodigal Jon to task, claiming that tricking folks into the kingdom can only be positive, especially since Jesus was doing such tricks all the time.

Which led to this response from me:

Jon – good, though provoking post.

If I may add to your response to Colin's argument about "tricking,": First off, let's be honest and use the right word - "lying."

"Hey, guy who's out of work and wondering where the next meal is coming from, here's five bucks for you... NOT! Hee, hee, sucker! Okay, now let me tell you about the love of Jesus..."

Contrary to Colin’s belief that Jesus lied his butt off to people, hoping to dishonest them into heaven, He never did that. In fact, He made clear that the father of lies was not the Father of Heaven, but rather the guy working against heaven.

(And make no mistake, the guy who is out there lying for G-d is in actuality working for the devil, whether he knows it or not.)

Once we’ve convinced ourselves that it is okay to be a little deceitful as long as the goal is good – evangelism in this case – then it becomes easier to become more deceitful.

Have a couple of people been turned on to G-d by a disingenuous tract? Sure.

Have even more people, by the boatload even, been turned off to the whole idea of a two-faced Christianity by dishonest tracts? Yep.

In the history of restaurants, have one or two waitresses found the “tip” of a misrepresentative tract to contain the words they needed at the moment? Maybe.

Have hundreds, if not thousands, of wait-staff declared that they would never darken the door of a “worship house” that trains its congregants to be cheap and condescending? Oh yeah.

And from there, we start believing the lies we tell to trick people into Jesusification.

“Believe in Jesus and you will never have a problem again.”

“Believe in Jesus, and you can sin all you want and not worry about the afterlife, because G-d loves a grateful sinner!”

“Believe in Jesus and you will make lots and lots of money, because that is the root of all happiness!”

Slippery slope. Slippery slope.

That’s my response, and those are just my thoughts,

Sean

Must See Theater and Must See TV!

When Cath and I road trip, we have a required set of music that must be listened to.

The Monkees.

Little Shop of Horrors.

Big River.

And the cast album of Fellowship! The Musical Parody of “The Fellowship of the Ring!”

Fellowship is back, and opens tonight at the Falcon Theater in Burbank. (Go here for a behind the scenes vid of Fellowship.)

When it first ran, I saw the show multiple times, and never got tired of it.

Gotta laugh at Frodo, who keeps leaving the ring lying around; or the Balrog and his cabaret number (the band used to be larger, but he got hungry); or that other hobbit that no one remembers (“Which one are you again?).

Take this moment of insight (in song), when Gimli the dwarf and Legolas the elf realize that they just might have more in common then they thought:

Gimli: So your men look like women!
Legolas: And your women look like men!
Gimli: It’s true.

Hee hee.

I’ll be seeing it next week, and I’m sure multiple times after that.

Why not opening week? Well, I may have mentioned:

Releve Studios is showcasing: Must See TV!

See the blog below for more details.

Cath said the rehearsal last night rocked the house.

And when it is all done on Sunday, I get my wife back! Woo hoo!

Just my thoughts,

Sean

2009 Relevé Studios Recital

It's our 2nd recital ever and we're so excited.
Last year we had 59 students on stage ... This year, there are 175!! Wow!
If you are in the area, come by and support our amazing students.
Thanks!
--catherine

Click HERE for info. Or HERE for tickets.

Angry Funny - Angry Moving

I finally got to read Susan Isaacs’ ANGRY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD: A SNARKY BUT AUTHENTIC SPIRITUAL MEMOIR, a compelling and intimate chronicle of her relationship with the Almighty.

This witty book takes the notion of a “personal relationship with G-d” to its logical conclusion, as Susan takes her Heavenly Partner to couple’s counseling. Makes sense – if you want your relationship to work, you have to work on it.

Her journey through family, career and search for love are all part of her spiritual journey – and in addition to being funny, her story has a way of digging in and becoming emotionally moving as well.

(When she stood on the subway platform telling her beau that she would not be riding with him to his job at the WTC on the morn of September 11, well, I couldn’t sleep until I saw how that chapter turned out. And the next one. And the next one.)

I have to warn you though, if you are a protestant Christian in America, chances are you will see either yourself, or the church you attend in this book. And it will make you cringe a little.

As it should.

Also, if you are the kind of Christian that likes your books neat and tidy, filled with bon mots that prove yet again how good we are (while the world is evil), this isn’t your book.

Susan’s journey is real, honest and oh so very frank. Warts and all are on display – Susan’s, the church’s, and even G-d’s (or at least the G-d we think we know).

If you are like me, you will start out laughing along with Susan; then you will get a wee bit uncomfortable with where this ride seems to be going; and you won’t breathe that sigh of relief again until the very last chapter. (And you will be praying that she doesn’t stop before then – or this book might well be a tragedy!)

And, if you are like me, you will be glad you took the journey, as Susan’s counseling sessions with G-d might just save you some therapy expenses of your own.

ON A TANGENT:

My friend, Cheryl McKay’s book is out: NEVER THE BRIDE.

I haven’t found the time to read it yet, but Catherine has and loved it. Her review will come as soon as she gets a spare moment from the Releve recital.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Catherine on the Interweb

Cath is featured in this BADD video -- a spoof on A&E's Intervention.

Enjoy.

-Her proud hubby

Since The Sermon On The Mount Is Longer Than 140 Characters, How Can It Be Relevant?

My church recently added a service where they encourage the congregants to tweet during the proceedings -- how's the music moving you, what questions do you have or ideas you want to add to the preaching, are you bored with the prayer and think they should move on already -- that sort of thing.

To tweet or not to twitter is the big question that has hit churches. The arguments for tend to be about twitter being a form of sharing (and sharing can never be a bad thing) and besides, this is a way to get the whippersnappers interested.

Most of my thoughts on the topic are summed up pretty well by Josh Harris (although I would quibble with his point #4).

My personal summary deals with biology: the human brain can not focus on two things at the same time, even if the said human is young and fashionable. ( I know this from Brain Rules!)

Which is why we now ban talking on the cell phone while driving - no matter what age the driver happens to be.

So the guy twittering during a lecture can not be giving full attention to both things.

Thus my opinion: if you believe that what your pastor and worship leaders are doing up front is rather shallow and not really worthy of attention, please by all means, encourage twittering during the service. It might help.

If you are striving to make what is going on up front something with depth, something profound and maybe even personal, encouraging distraction is, perhaps, not the best choice.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Melendez Doc

Here's a small doc on Bill Melendez -- who brought A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS to life.

Enjoy.

That Babe Pig Ain't Got Nothing On These Dogs

The most amazing thing I've seen this week (but then again, I live a rather boring existence):

Extreme sheep herding.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

What If Christians Ran Hollywood

As aforementioned, this Sunday I will be part of a comedy show parodying a church service. The show will be modeled on the format of a service, with sketches and videos added in.

We have our dress rehearsal tomorrow night – so the jitters have begun.

I am involved as part of the writing team, but also as a performer. I will be leading the responsive reading – but don’t want to give away more than that.

The Well Intentioned Singers will be regaling us with hymns whose tunes went on to became famous TV theme songs.

(Imagine to the tune of The Facts of Life:

“You take the wafer, you take the wine
You take them both and then you’re fine
The bread of life! The bread of life!”

And that one didn’t make the cut!)

We will also have a prayer time gone horribly awry; a children’s sermon the way children’s sermons should be done; and we will answer the age old question “What if Christians ran Hollywood” by dropping in on an alternate universe studio session, to see what cuts we would make in THE DARK KNIGHT to make the movie even better!

I guess it is appropriate to ask for pray for us. Although given our topic, your prayers might be focused in a way other than what I’m thinking…

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Understanding Music

Sometimes we need a little help understanding lyrics.

Louie, Louie.

That Luftballoons song.

And this Joe Cocker tune from Woodstock.

Thankfully, that last one now has a translation. With visual assistance.

I can honestly say, now that I know what was being said, I understand it less.

Thanks, Scott, for the find.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

I Like this Ship. It's Exciting.

I saw STAR TREK this weekend. I liked so much about it, I wasn't sure where to start blogging.

But then I read friend Janet's blog, and she says most of what I would have said, just better. So go read her blog, and pretend that my name is at the bottom.

Excellent re-boot; complete respect and nods to the fans, while initiating a whole new world.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

A Badd Church Service

The church drama group that I am part of is putting on a comedy show -- a parody of church services, no less.

Should be a good time -- and I am featured in one of the live segments, so how can you lose.

Here's the info (it is worth visiting the website just to watch the trailer for the show -- see how many places you can spot Catherine and I):

B.A.D.D. TURNS “CHURCH” INSIDE OUT

The Bel Air Church Drama Department, or “B.A.D.D.,” is known for its spins on spiritual topics in four minutes or less. But what would happen if B.A.D.D. ran the entire worship service? The sermon, the offering, the music? It sounds like a pretty “B.A.D.D.” idea!

Don’t miss “A Very B.A.D.D. Church Service,” one night only, May 17 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $10 each, $30 for groups of four. Tickets and more info available at http://www.belairdrama.com/

Hope to see some of y'all there.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

There Is No Guarantee

Things on my mind that are slightly more verbose than 140 characters:

- Life imitates art: Donald Miller talks in an interview about how working in film has improved the way he structures his life. A tidbit:

“So I realized that the principles these guys were using to make a story meaningful could also be applied to my life: A protagonist who has an ambition makes for a better story. If they want something that’s self-sacrificing, it’s an even better story. If they’re willing to endure conflict to get the thing—the more conflict, the better the story. “

For the full interview, head over to his blog.

-In the course of my job, I often send things to producer types outside of the studio. And I need to be able to prove that they received the material, so I use a tracking device to tell me that my e-mail has been delivered.

Sometimes that tracker knows the individual better than expected. Like this computer generated response:

“This Return Receipt only acknowledges that the message was displayed on the recipient's computer. There is no guarantee that the recipient has read or understood the message contents.”

Translation: “Hey, I just hand off the message. Don’t blame me if this guy is too dense to comprehend it.”

-I will be seeing the Star Trek movie tomorrow, but like other Trekkiere’s (only posers go by Trekkie or Trekker – that argument is so Next Generation) I am fearful. It seems the movie is disappointingly good, as The Onion points out.

Ah well, I will try to enjoy it despite the great action and intriguing character dynamics. But we’re just quibbling here, and (it must be said) that’s the trouble with quibbles.

Until Horta hears a who, I’m keeping my hopes up.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Yo, Momma!

Things to watch:

My drama group now has our Mother’s Day tribute, Yo Momma!, on line. Picture is from the shoot (thanks, Lauren!)

After you watch that, you can check out a piece I wrote, Witness Protection.

But the big news is: FELLOWSHIP! is back!

Directed by friend Joel McCrary, this romping spoof of THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING is among the funniest shows I have seen in LA.

Nope, sorry. That is not accurate.

It is flat out the funniest show I have seen in LA.

Opening at the Falcon Theater in Burbank, tickets are now on sale.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Children of Time

I finally was able to watch the season finale of Doctor Who – the fourth series.

Instead of a standard review or recap, I will instead give quotes from my wife as she watched it with me. (Paraphrased to the best of my ability.)

“You better kiss her, you dummy.” (Actually said about the penultimate episode)

“No way – he’s crazy!”

“Did they just kill Jack?”

“Whoa.”

“It’s the Incarnation! It’s the Incarnation!”

“Remember, the nurse lady with The Face of Bo called her that!”

(Tears.)

(More tears.)

“I don’t think I realized this before. G-d is lonely. G-d is very, very lonely.”


Yeah, it’s a great series.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Marines Save the Planet

For Earth day, the Marines at my brother's base created their own shopping bag.

Nice.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Commencement Advice

Our church group is playing with a sketch about the world's worst commencement address.

I am not the lead writer, but threw some ideas out there. They aren't likely to be used, but I liked some of them too much to waste.

So here are a few gems of advice that I would imagine could come from the world's worst commencement speaker:

-With the tough economy, and dim job prospects, I’ve been hearing a lot that it is always darkest before the dawn. Which is very different from the way it used to be. When I was a kid, it was always Tony Orlando before the dawn.

-You will hear some strange advice. People will tell you to “hitch your wagon to a star.” I wouldn’t do that. First, it takes really long cords. Second, stars are hot. If you have a wagon, I suggest hitching it to a really large dog, like maybe a Saint Bernard.

-People will tell you that now is the best time to go out and live your dreams. I’m not sure about that. My dream is that recurring nightmare where I’m back in school and I didn’t study for a test and can’t remember my locker combination. You would think that the best time to live that dream is when you are still in school. But maybe those people giving that advice know something I don’t.

-Shoot for the moon. It’s so far away, that no one can ever prove you missed. Just point to a crater and say, “See, that’s what I was aiming for.” They can’t argue with success.

-As you enter the world, remember, your only limit is your imagination! And the speed limit. You still have the speed limit. Oh, and the coupon for a dollar off a can of Campbell’s soup at Albertson’s still has a limit of three per customer. But I think those three, imagination, speed and soup are your only limits.


This is why no one has asked me to speak at a graduation ceremony since 1983.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Excuses to Buy Books

I bought some books.

Given that I gave away half of my collection before my last move, this is a big deal for me.

I blame this transition from lessening my materialism to increasing it on my friends.

Folks like Susan Isaacs, who wrote ANGRY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD.

A friend of mine decides to take G-d to couple’s therapy, writes a book about it, and you expect me to not buy it? Think again!

And now that I finished the three-volume-set of graphic novels, JUSTICE (yes, Jim Krueger, I finally got around to reading your collaboration with Alex Ross), I have space to read CONVERSATIONS.

I often balance multiple books at one time, so my companion to Susan’s book is John Medina’s BRAIN RULES.

So on one side, I’m reading the whacky ways that Susan’s brain deals with her relationship to a metaphysical being, and on the other I read ways that Susan could be getting more out of her brain function. (Afternoon nap, Susan, afternoon nap!)

And I now own more books to put on my “written by friends” shelf.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Who Made the Turtles

Favorite quote of the day: When my niece was asked,

"Who made the turtles?"

She answered,

"I made the turtles. God was nervous about making turtles so I helped Him."

I can see how making turtles would be tricky, so I'm glad He got some help.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Point Me to the SE Corner

Friends of mine are making me think. Maybe they’ll make you think too.

Sonya is going through copy-editing, and facing the same writer challenges that I deal with. When to fix, when to let go (or abandon)?

And when is it broken, rather than just not resonating at the moment?

“It is what it is.” Good advice, Sonya. And good luck…

Cory put me onto a robot experiment in NYC – or I should say, a humanity experiment using a robot.

Next step would be to determine if the robot would receive the same level of assistance if it were a broken and dirty robot instead.

And would a pack of robots help Dakota Fanning find her way across the park?

Hmmm…

John is talking about the brain and public speaking. If you’ve been wondering about the functional neural architecture proposed by Posner, well, ponder no more!

What caught me was John’s assertion: “I don’t believe in entertainment in teaching.”

John’s right on here (and I’m sure he is glad to be validated by someone who thought Posner was a name you called that white guy trying to rap). Tell a story that is irrelevant, you’ve lost your teaching.

Tell a story that is relevant, and the students will remember the point.

I heard tell of a guy that told relevant stories throughout his teaching. His class killed him, but we all still remember his stories.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Christmas Stories

Today is Shakespeare’s birthday; old enough, I think, to no longer be carded when picking up a six-pack at Albertsons. As it happens, my book club is honoring his 445 years by watching KING LEAR this Sunday.

Last month we finished CRIME & PUNISHMENT. What is interesting in that little story is that we don’t get to Punishment until the epilogue.

If you want to be literal, that is. The majority of the book speaks to the nature of private punishment, rather than state punishment.

What is the cost of our sins, regardless of whether we get “caught?

For companion pieces, I recommend two Christmas stories: the film FROZEN RIVER and the play THE SEAFARER. The movie explores crime; the play, Dostoevsky style punishment.

In FROZEN RIVER, single mother Ray is driven by circumstances beyond her control, and falls into an unlikely partnership smuggling people across the Canadian border.

Her fall into crime is understandable; but, as we learn, not excusable.

Unlike the murder in CRIME & PUNISHMENT, Ray’s crime is in no way prompted by superiority, nor does it seem as dastardly.

It is only a little sin.

But there are no little sins, are there?

Ray’s minor participation in wrong-doing is a growing menace within her own soul – and showcased with a decision where she tries to avert a major crime, and instead commits a far deeper personal travesty.

The beauty of the movie is in its humanity; it treats its characters with respect, while allowing warts to be warts.

THE SEAFARER is a play about a bunch of Irish guys getting drunk, playing cards and swearing a lot. I guess I could have stopped at “a bunch of Irish guys;” the rest seems kinda obvious.

The play is more than that, but it is hard to discuss without giving away too much. Let’s just say that the first act feels like it is about a whole lot of nothing; then there is a reveal shortly before the intermission curtain.

And that reveal shows that the whole lot of nothing was a whole lot of something.

For this conversation, the important thing is realizing that the lives of our central characters are as pathetic as they seem because they have been living out the unexamined consequences of past transgressions.

There were crimes committed that they were never punished for, and never faced; and this Christmas is the time of reckoning.

The press materials for the play call it a “play about redemption.”

It isn’t. There is no redemption – just a long night of getting to a point where there is finally a chance at redemption.

FROZEN RIVER and THE SEAFARERS carry these commonalities:

They both take place at Christmas.

They both hinge in character development on a decision to face their crimes.

They are both set in an uglier landscape of the human condition.

They both have plots where G-d intervenes in a significant way. (Although neither could be accused of being religious works.)

Oh, and I liked ‘em both.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Shouldn't It Be "Created By"?

There’s something nice about folks who give credit to the Lord for their artistic endeavors.

You know, the fella that has a sweet dedication blurb in the front of his book, or the lady that invokes His name when accepting her Tony.

Of course it’s also a little creepy when that one guy is thanking G-d for his Grammy honoring his little ditty about beating his hoes to keep them in line.

I imagine such dedications are sometimes acts of humility (“I can do nothing without you”) and sometimes acts of hubris (“Yep, the Almighty works at my beck and call”).

As a writer, I understand the notion that some creations are beyond self – my best writing is writing that I don’t think I can take much credit for.

But when one gives credit to the Maker, and the work of art is a piece of crap, that’s hubris of the highest degree. And not just hubris, but pure chicken pellets.

(Hmmn, doesn’t quite read the same without the profanity. Let’s try it again: And not just hubris, but pure cowardice.)

Of the, “You can’t judge my work because it is G-d’s and you can’t say anything bad about G-d without blaspheming so I'm critic proof” kind.

Such as this movie (extended trailer here).

A “Christian” movie trailer so awful, it is being touted on the Richard Dawkins website. Who needs to argue about the idiocy of Christianity when the Christians are doing such a good job themselves?

The detail that tips the scales on this one from “maybe they were trying, give them a break” to “please stop playing in my sandbox” – the credits shown in the extended trailer:

“Executive producer: The Holy Spirit”

“Screenplay: Jesus Christ”

Yep, the second entity of the Trinity wrote this one without any human help.

Of course they didn’t let him direct it, so maybe the poor quality isn’t his fault.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

But the Tigers Come at Night

The audition process for reality talent shows thrive on the oddball -- the person clearly out of touch with reality hoping for a big break, unaware that they are the joke of the moment.

Sometimes that oddball makes one squeamish, they are so painful to watch.

Sometimes they are heartbreaking in their obvious solitude, and unfulfilled desire to connect.

Sometimes they are quite simply jerks who deserve their moment of shame.

But sometimes, they connect us with a moment of beauty, like this one on BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT.

Thanks for the heads up, Kara Lee.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Today is Friday

Today is Friday, and I think of scaffolding.

At the Horace Mann Theater, we changed lights by climbing a rickety set of scaffolding on wheels. When done with our five-foot area, we would sit as someone would undo the wheel locks, move us, and relock us.

Pressing on each lock, the scaffolding would buck; rolling across the floor was a bumpy proposition. Scary for a lot of people; but for her, it was a sense memory.

“It feels like riding elephants,” she confided to me, as we both sat, clutching the bars. “The rhythm of the bucking and bumping. Just like riding an elephant.”

She used to ride elephants, back when she was a literal princess before the revolution and the fall of the Shah. She lived the fairy tale – a retinue to brush her hair and taste her food; commercial flights that would be delayed hours if her whim made her stop for shoes; and riding elephants.

And now she was a student working for a degree, covering her tuition with minimum wage work-study, and hanging lights for another student’s production in a dingy, forty-eight seat theater.

She takes being at the bottom with good will and cheer. There is no place she would rather be than atop a scaffold elephant, serving others, experiencing life at the common level.

It is Friday, and I think of her, and I wonder if He ever had an elephant moment, a moment where He would feel the breeze across the desert, or hear the bleating of a lost sheep, or touch the roughness of a block of wood, and think, “This is just like” some piece of the heavenlies.
Some piece of what He had when He was a prince, before He chose to be a servant.

Today is Friday, and next I think of Jack.

Jack who came out to me first, because we were so close, and had such a love for each other that he thought I should know his inner self.

But then he cut himself off. From me, from all of us who called him friend, to forge a new life with those he called alike.

And when he became ill, he cut himself off again, even from those that he called alike; shamed by his disease and by his dying.

I didn’t even hear that he was sick until he was gone. I wondered if he had anyone; I wondered what it must be like to die separated and in shame; I wondered if he knew that it would not have mattered to me, if he would have reached out.

It is Friday, and I think of Jack, and I wonder if He felt even more alone by the choice to separate. Knowing those that called His name chose to separate from Him; knowing His shame was not His own, but ours; knowing that He could reach out and be re-united with His Family; but choosing instead the suffering for the sake of those He now called alike.


Today is Friday, and I think of Rayn.

The cat who, despite my natural resistance, got me to love her. I think how small she was, so perfect. I remember her heartbeat, and her life, and her purr.

And I think of her last moments. I held her through to the end, as the drug was pushed into her system. My hands upon her, feeling the heartbeat, life and purr.

And in an instant, she simply wasn’t there.

It is Friday, and I think of Rayn, and I wonder if He was gone when He gave up his spirit. I wonder if Mary could still feel His heartbeat, life and warmth; or if when she cradled her son, she felt just the emptiness.

Did the body wait, knowing what Mary could not know?

Or was the body just a marker for the aloneness and shame; the suffering and pain; the humility and loss?


Today is Friday, and I think.


Just my thoughts,

Sean

Julie Andrews Takes a Train

Sometimes I find things on the internet that are funny.

Every once in a while I find things that are joyous.

This is joyous.

Thanks, Jason.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

Lover Budgets

A friend sent an e-mail to me today about an independent film he is working on. In discussing some marketing needs, he pointed out that big budget films can do all kinds of things.

Then he said,

“Those of us with lover budgets don't have that luxury.”

I think he meant “lower” budgets.

But this slip may be more Freudian than typo.

For those of us who have worked in non-profits arts, or who scrounge to make our own movie, or have that minimum wage job so we are free to pursue our crafts…

For us, I think “lover budget” describes beautifully the situation. Certainly better than “dollar” budget could.

Just my thoughts,

Sean

The Greatest Trick of the Devil...

“It is never easy and it is never comfortable to have your core beliefs challenged, but it is always healthy.”

Check out the Nightline debate on the existence of Satan.

I’m still unsure as to how one can say there is no “good” or “bad”; yet insist that there is a “better” way to be.

Isn't "better" the comparative form of "good?"

What is the comparative form of "everything is one?"

I suppose that would be "everything is oner."

Just my thoughts,

Sean