"Beware of Christians"

This post title probably caught you by surprise...but this documentary may or may not. It popped up on our Netflix screen a few weeks ago and I was intrigued by the premise of four college students travelling to Europe to discover what Christianity looks like outside the context of American culture. You may even be able to see the review word in bold at the top of the photo that says "KNOCKOUT". I guess for some, maybe it is.

While I would still highly encourage everyone to watch this, I don't think this film provided any earth-shattering information that I didn't already know. They're simply four young men who are, quite frankly, dismayed and exhausted by what the American church has become. I guess I hit that mark about 10 years ago so there was nothing new and insightful for me. But...as Dale and I discussed after the movie...it was highly encouraging to see four young guys with their whole lives before them grappling with what it means to follow Jesus...not the Americanized version of the Christian religion. Truly...it gave me hope.

Overall, the movie is filled with funny moments, tender moments and obviously eye-opening ones for these kids as well. I've said it before and I will say it many more times before I shuffle off into the sunset...everyone that has ever been raised in the church, should question absolutely everything about religion and faith that have become a part of who they are. The only parameters I'll place on that belief is that you take those questions directly to God, with the help of His Holy Spirit and utilizing His Word (the Bible) as the best research tool there is.

Go ahead...He delights in the questions! At least while you're questioning you have to be engaged in relationship with Him (what I refer to as "The Dance"). The point of this movie is that sadly for thousands of American Christians...that relationship is exactly what is missing.

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Yes, I'm a Superhero Geek!

Okay, I finally claim it...I am a superhero geek! Ever since I first saw Christopher Reeve fly backwards, changing the Earth's rotation so that time would retreat in 1978's Superman, I have been hooked. Actually, it may have started even earlier as I remember most school day afternoons watching George Reeves (no relation to Christopher) in reruns of the 1950's hit TV show Superman.

Over the years I've loved the Marvel Spiderman trilogy with Tobey Maguire and even went to see Batman: The Dark Knight by myself on opening night 2008 in a packed house where I was actually thankful I went alone because spotty single seats were all that were left.

Yes, even Avatar, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and everyday hero movies like Schindler's List, Glory, Saving Private Ryan, The Matrix (first one only!) and of course, all of the recent Marvel movies (Iron Man 1 and 2; Thor; and Captain America) are movies I've watched over and over and over and over again. Do you begin to see where I'm coming from?

So is it any wonder when friends offered Noah and I two tickets to the opening night of The Avengers we were absolutely thrilled? And yes, we're so silly about superheros that Noah has seen it three times (even paying for his dad to go once) and I've now seen it twice. Noah's birthday is coming up soon and this was one treat we were blessed to be able to splurge on today. But as we were driving to the theatre, I had to give pause and ask myself: "What is it that draws me to these types of movies...not just once but repeatedly to the brink of being obsessed?"

Just like I hoped it would the answer came from within, but outside of me...when the Voice I know so well and love so much whispered, "Because you know the Good Guy is supposed to win!"

Amen! The Good Guy has already won! And He doesn't back down from fighting evil...and neither should we. I've discerned that Captain America is my favorite Avenger. While Iron Man Robert Downey, Jr., by far has the wittiest repartee, Captain Steve Rogers' politeness, sincerity and willingness to jump on a bomb for anyone has won me over. Coincidentally (or maybe not), his weapon of choice?...a shield!

Good selection. I believe I've read that recommendation somewhere else...Ephesians 6:16

And, oh yeah...if you need to find me this summer...check the theatre. I'm saving and scrounging up all the pennies I can. Why? Well July brings two new movies to the superhero list...Spiderman and the final installation of the Batman: Dark Knight series. Save me a seat!

Monk

"Well it's a jungle out there..." and our family has enjoyed every minute of it!

This isn't a show we watched when it originally aired, but as we've grown dissatisfied with any offerings on the major networks and we no longer have satellite TV, we've sought a series that would appeal to us all...well, most of us at least. Upon the recommendation of a few friends...we found it in Monk.

I remember Tony Shaloub from Wings but this series was an excellent showcase for his superb acting skills. Thanks to Netflix, we were able to devour all eight seasons in a few months time. Our nightly question after dinner became, "Can we start an episode of Monk?"

[Spoiler alert!} When we finished up the series about a week ago, I was sad to have it end. Not to mention I was touched by my compassionate 8 year old's tears as Mr. Monk struggled to survive after having been poisoned. In just a short time, we've grown to care for Monk, Captain Stottlemeyer, the knucklehead sidekick Randy, and first Sherona, then Natalie. We wanted all of them to have a happy ending...and of course, they did! But most of all, we wanted to know who killed Trudy?! I won't spoil that one for you.

But as I went to bed after having watched the series finale and with thoughts of all the "Monk-isms" that are now a part of our family, I wondered if there will ever be a series again that is this entertaining, engaging and family friendly? Tony Shaloub and Monk proved that it can be done. My next thought was, "I hope someone asks Netflix for their stats occasionally. Maybe they'll see the programs that families ditch the networks for."

It was fun while it lasted, but my favorite scene is still the wipees on the rungs of the ladder as he descended into the sewer.

"I could be wrong now...but I don't think so!"

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