Just saw The Dark Knight Rises . . . wasn't going to at first, don't really like films with dark themes and excessive violence, but the killings at the Colorado midnight screening got me thinking it was important to preserve our freedoms and not let fear take over.

The final film in the Batman series once again explored the eternal struggle, the eternal contrast between Good and Evil, captured graphically by this scene from the film:



I really have to compliment the writers who put the screenplay together. Yes, there was violence, mayhem,  and killing, but it wasn't gratuitous. Important, but complex themes were played out in the film. Bane, was a terrorist who took over Gotham in order to bring down the rich and powerful and return power to the people--or was he a freedom fighter?

This ideal isn't evil in itself . . . wasn't this our motivation for taking control of the American colonies by forcing English forces back to England. Wasn't it the reason we invaded Iraq in order to remove a ruthless dictator? Wasn't this the reason for both the French and Russian Revolutions, and the Cultural Revolution in China.  Does being in the "right" ideologically make killing right, or the dead any less dead, or suffering any less painful.


So many Christian principles played out through the fiction displayed on screen. 



The cat burglar character, played by Anne Hathaway, hadn't yet learned that it is better to give than receive. Near the end of the film, when it appeared everyone in Gotham would surely die, all she could think about was saving herself. In the end, her soul tested, she returned to help Batman win the day! One soul saved! 





For another character, in a complicated subplot, Marion Cotillard, as Miranda, was unable to forgive Bruce for killing her father. That "sin" poisoned her soul and her anger was to be vented on the 12 million people of Gotham. She died in the film without redemption.


During the struggle, Bane mentioned that he was sent to restore "Balance" . . . and I saw this as pointing to a puzzling and mysterious, but critical spiritual principle. If Evil didn't exist, God would have had to create Evil in order to provide a mirror, a reference point, so that Good can be identified. If Batman, then, represents Good, as well as a "Savior" symbol, in the film, lives were saved and a way of life was preserved.

If we look objectively at what Jesus accomplished, it was more about promoting a quality of life among people based on the Principles of Love, Forgiveness, Justice, and Sharing. Jesus didn't die on the cross to end death, disease, or poverty. Those are part of the "Balance" of the human condition which the Wisdom of God has established. The resurrection didn't change the eternal nature of the human soul. It was eternal before Jesus died and rose again, and remained eternal afterwards, but it is the quality of life that changed dramatically because of what Jesus and mankind's other prophets and teachers taught us.

While alive in flesh-and-blood bodies, relationships among people can be good if governed by Love. When we die, our souls live on. If we have learned to Love we can transition to this place we call heaven where there are other souls who have chosen the same Path. If we haven't, we go to another place, or if God is the kind of Spirit Being I've imagined, such a soul will be offered another incarnation on Earth or another such world where important spiritual lessons can be learned.

So, once again I applaud the gifted storytellers who conceived of The Dark Knight Rises, a modern retelling of the Gospel, in such a way as to give us all such an entertaining Sunday School lesson!






   

Olympic Hurdles Hopeful, Lolo Jones, is a Virgin!

Lolo Jones could certainly be in the news simply because she is one of the world's best hurdlers and headed for the London 2012 Olympics. 2008 could have been her year but for a fateful clip on the top of one of the last hurdles in the gold medal heat. The real reason the media has lit her up this week is because she's a virgin! Yes, she is attempting to honor God and her future husband by waiting to have sex until she is married.



Is that "honorable" right, wrong, recommended or a foolhardy moral goal?

Jesus was never married, that we know of. Do you think he could have come to Earth to experience what it was like to be human without tasting every aspect of what our lives are like? I personally believe that before dying on the cross he knew what it meant to be human . . . in every respect.

History has shown that attempting to repress fundamental biological functions only seems to lead to personal disaster, not halo-ready sanctity. Celibacy hasn't worked well for the Catholic Church, has it, just to give one obvious example. Celibacy for a period, as a free-will option, certainly has its place in our lives. Is Lolo doing the right thing? Yes, if celibacy is working for her, but no if it is creating escalating anxieties in her life.

Why does the Bible promote sex withing marriage? The reasons are obvious. Children are best raised in a family setting, disease is less likely in a monogamous relationship, and the powerful bonding emotions connected with having sex can be honored and nurtured in marriage.

People so often think of things labeled as "sins" in the Bible as being connected to whether you'll end up in heaven or hell. That's not really the issue. Anything labeled as a "sin" is there to warn you that the potential exists to hurt yourself or others if that sin is engaged in.

There are times when we just must experience certain things . . . commit certain sins. It's not the end of your spiritual world. Learn from your mistakes and let your soul grow in wisdom as a result.

Gay 'Cure' Study was Flawed!

An eminent doctor, Robert Spitzer, thought of as the father of modern psychiatry, published a study in 2003 that seemed to indicate that homosexuals could be "cured" and restored through reparative therapy to a "normal" heterosexual status. This study was latched onto by the anti-gay movement which they used to support their contention that being gay was a disease, a sin, and that anyone wishing to change could do so.

 

Recently, Dr. Spitzer has been in the news indicating the study was flawed and regretted putting it out there where it ended up doing so much harm to so many struggling with their sexual identity. My advice to the anti-gay conservative Christian movement, let God decide the eternal destiny of individual souls. I know there are anti-gay verses in the Bible, but if we as believers today had to be held to the dictates of individual verses, no matter what historical era they belonged to we'd still be offering God blood sacrifices and stoning to death anyone committing adultery.

God's Plan for us has been evolving through time, and at this critical juncture in spiritual history it is far more important to God that we find the solid common ground that unites us instead of finding excuses to divide us.

Donna Summer Dies . . .

Donna Summer passed yesterday, much too soon, in her early 60s, after a bout with cancer. She was raised in a strict religious family and  got her start singing in church before becoming the Queen of Disco. During the replay of an earlier interview on public radio's Fresh Air, interviewer extraordinaire, Terry Gross, asked Donna what it was like to be living in Germany in her teens, away from her parents, while she was part of the cast of the musical Hair. Her answer surprised me!



Donna described the relief and sense of freedom she felt to be out from under her parents rigid oversight. She admitted to experimenting with her boundaries, but said ultimately it was important for her to find faith-based guidelines that were right for her . . . not a set of rules that were dictated to her or a set of expectations that were practiced by the group of Christians she was a part of.

I was surprised to hear her admit to something I've believed in my heart for a long time. I wrote Maitreya in recognition of the need that each soul has to establish an authentic faith free from the dogmatic indoctrination of any faith system within which one is raised. Maitreya will help the reader tear down those walls than prevent your faith from taking flight to the brave new spiritual world in which your conscience becomes your Guide instead of your accuser.

Following the news, you've probably heard that President Obama came out in support of same-sex marriage, saying his evolving position on the subject finally came in line with his strong belief that sanctioning gay marriage is, " . . . a logical extension of how America is supposed to be."



Two aspects of what he did are significant. He honestly described his beliefs on the subject as "evolving." I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out that God is open to the same process of  "evolving" with respect to God's spiritual goals for us. Want proof, didn't his "chosen people" used to have to offer blood sacrifices to be in good spiritual standing? Can't we interpret God sending Jesus to be the final blood sacrifice as evidence of an evolving position with respect to God's relationship with mankind?

Most of the groups and individuals opposed to gay marriage believe that the issue is clear in the Bible, citing verses going back to the Old Testament. I believe God's "evolving" feelings on particular issues are reflected in our global society's collective consciousness. In the past 100 years our collective conscience has pushed mankind toward greater freedom, rights, and equality as reflected in the right of women to vote, civil rights for African Americans, and now greater equality and recognition for the 15% or so of society who are born with an attraction to members of the same sex.

We are on the verge of the next great dispensation or age during which God will reveal an "evolving" plan for our further spiritual development. What will be written in the next Testament, the Kingdom Age Testament? I'm almost sure homosexuals can count on being welcomed into the global family of believers during the Kingdom Age that's coming.

I'm addressed this issue through the focusing and projecting lens of fiction in my book, Maitreya, and in the sequel I'm now working on, Hereafter.

Author Austin Kleon - Steal Like an Artist

Well, I just left a book signing at a local bookstore connected to my favorite Starbucks, a cafe with a real gas fireplace, a wonderful setting to write and feel part of the creative community on the East Side of Milwaukee near Lake Michigan. Austin Kleon gave his polished, well-rehearsed pitch with the high-tech aid of a PC projector wirelessly connected to his iPad. A Powerpoint presentation was synched to what he was saying.


As an author who hasn't "made it" yet, I was caught up in the glamour of the scene--struggling writer makes good. How did it happen for him? Why him and not me? Then, reality set in. Austin mentioned that he'd already done three book signings just like the one I was a part of. My heart sank because I knew I could never manage a grueling book promotion tour which can go on for months, city after city, repeating the same thing over and over.

I really don't know how successful writers pull that off--turn off their creative energies and become the voice of an endlessly looped recording . . . over and over and over and over.

Suddenly it struck me that the true joy of being a writer, or engaging in any of the creative arts, comes during the process of creating. I can thrive spiritually on my daily writing session whether a million people or only a few ever read what I've written.

Austin's book, by the way, is a gift to artists to help them understand what it takes to enjoy their gift whether or not they ever become successful. It also lets everyone know that we are all connected and influence each other in ways you'll never know.

I feel better now . . .

Have You Seen the Film, October Baby?

Just saw it . . . what an unexpectedly moving movie experience! I didn't know it was a faith-based film, but 10 or 20 minutes in I realized the story on screen was unashamed about promoting basic Christian values. An adopted 19-year-old, sheltered because of medical problems, raised in a Christian home, decides to experience some of what life has to offer and takes off with a group of college friends primarily to find her birth mother. Their first stop in a motel, they don't share rooms--girls with girls, boys with boys. Later, Hannah takes off on her own, but her good friend, going all the way back to childhood, Jason, finds her and they continue Hannah's quest together.



In another motel room scene, Hannah explains to Jason that she's a virgin and hasn't had much dating experience. She's in the bed, Jason's on the floor and there's no implied sex or even kissing. Later in the film, Hannah's father asks her to come home with him, and asks Jason to stay away. Displaying the Christian value to Honor Thy Mother and Thy Father, they both comply. The soul of the film, however, uses the plot to inspire the viewer to avoid abortion at all costs.

Although I was moved to shed a few tears at several points in the film, along the way I couldn't help feel the film wasn't representing the cold reality of the problems and issues people face during life. The film also implied that if your faith was strong enough, you just might get through life without doing anything bad or having anything bad happen to you. Of course, we all know that isn't how things are, but all in all I applaud the Erwin Brothers who wrote, directed, and produced the film for their well-crafted, well-acted, inspirational movie, a refreshing change from the relatively mindless CGI drivel that seems to dominate the big secular screen these days!

Hunger Games . . . Katness or Bella

Being a writer, I can't help but ask people I see reading about the book they've chosen and why they were drawn to it. Hunger Games, the most recent teen-reading phenomenon seems to have attracted a completely different audience than Twilight. I didn't have to ask too many questions to find out the Hunger Games fans much preferred Katniss Everdeen's strong, self-reliant character to the more passive, submissive Bella Swan from Twilight. 




Besides writing, I'm also a computer science teacher. I showed the trailer to Hunger Games to my students to segway into the lesson by telling them that the actual Hunger Games competition to the death was a metaphor for needing to be prepared to face the much more serious version of life as an adult as opposed to a relatively sheltered teen. It worked!

When building my Fallon Ford character in Maitreya I was initially inspired by the Twilight characters, Bella and Edward. My Holden Harwell followed Edward to the down side of becoming immortal while Fallon, early on, began to think for herself and ultimately resisted and turned away from the path Holden was on.

As readers of Maitreya I hope, like Hunger Games, you find my Katniss, Fallon Ford, to be a strong character you can relate to and use as a role model.

A Global Uprising Against Injustice . . .

At the time of the posting of this blog entry over 70 million people have not only watched the "Invisible Children" YouTube video about Ugandan Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army atrocities against children as well as other human rights violations. He has been indicted by the International Criminal Court, but to date has not been apprehended or brought to justice. These criminal abuses have been going on for years, but what is happening to bring global awareness to the issue is unprecedented!

In my book, Jesus returns to Earth after 2,000 years and going by the name, Maitreya, challenges his followers to finally realize the global implications of Love Thy Neighbor by applying the principles of Justice and Sharing to end poverty and crimes against humanity.

Given the global reaction to the Joseph Kony YouTube video, perhaps humanity is now spiritually ready to take that next step in their evolution toward Enlightenment--which is the principal reason why Jesus will be returning soon.

This isn't just about 70 million people viewing the video, all over the world demonstrations to finally take action are being planned and all springing up at the level of passionate people, not governments.

These are extraordinary times to be alive!

Ash Wednesday - Are You Catholic?

It was Ash Wednesday today, the first day of Lent, a Catholic period of soul-searching and sacrifice in preparation for Easter. For the last 12 years I've been teaching in a Catholic school, so on most Ash Wednesday's I've gone with my students to church to get the symbolic cross of ashes on my forehead. Most religions have the potential to help a person develop the spiritual dimension of their lives.



The last few years, however, I've had an afternoon shift on Wednesdays and consequently have missed getting the ashes. The symbolism is powerful and humbling . . . from ashes to ashes. Yes, our bodies are mortal reminding us to cherish the life we're given and try to grow from our experiences, good and bad. I'm working on Chapter 6 of Hereafter and Fallon is about to attend her first orientation meeting with all the other newcomers in the quadrant of heaven where the souls from Earth go.

Yes, our bodies eventually give out, but our souls will live on and our short lives here on Earth are probably much more about how we can grow spiritually than about where we'll spend eternity.

Just one writer's opinion . . .

Love & Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the calendar corner. If you live long enough, you'll find yourself going through a number of stages and passages during which your priorities will morph along with your goals and interests. There was a time when I put a lot more thought, resources, and energy into setting up and realizing a  romantic Valentine's Day date. Things certainly have changed.



Love is still at the center of my Valentine's Day . . . and my life . . . but that Love has a different focus. I've fallen in Love with my calling, my desire to be of Service through writing. Having completed Maitreya, I'm working on the sequel, Hereafter. What happens after we die? What will life be like in heaven. Are we alone in the universe? Through the power of the imagination, combined with some of the clues given to us by those who have passed over, I'll be attempting to use the tool of fiction to pry open those confusing door of misunderstanding. Wish me luck!

Australian Open - Finals Sets Record

I just finished watching the men's finals which set an Australian Open record for its nearly 6-hour length. The competitors, Raphael Nadal and Novak Djokovic battled for 5 sets, pushing through pain, anguish, disappointment, and near complete exhaustion to the last stroke, which was an off forehand by Novak after a bending serve down the T from the ad court. This was a match that could have gone either way except for some fantastic intangible.



Nadal used to be the player no one could defeat . . . then, the tables turned and Novak stepped into that rarefied air at the top of the game. When it was all over I couldn't help but reflect on what force could drive a player to endure all the sacrifice required to be a successful professional athlete. Yes, there is a lot of money to be made, but it's clear that when the players are in the heat of battle, the drive has nothing to do with money. If not money, what then?

Deep within most human hearts is the capacity and desire to strive for excellence. Usually it involves one or more of your creative gifts. When gripped with such a passion there is is typically no price too great to pay in terms of time or sacrifice. Working on the sequel to Maitreya, I find myself having to imagine a heaven where the pursuit of excellence continues, but at a much higher level. If that's the case, better dismiss any thoughts of cushioned armchairs and endless NFL football when you get to heaven.

Roger Federer Honors Rod Laver at the Australian Open

If you're into tennis at all you probably know the name of living legend Roger Federer. Yesterday he was interviewed along with the great Rod Laver, one of the pioneering players who blazed the trail for professionals to play in the open era. Roger, probably the greatest player of all time, was humbly reverent and respectful in the presence of Rod Laver who returned the respectful admiration of Roger.



Spiritually, we are all building on the insights, wisdom, and achievements of those believers who came before us. The Bible, of course, is a record of many pioneering spiritual leaders. Yes, we can learn from their recorded wisdom, but only through our own personal experience, being confronted with difficult choices, can our faith be refined.

Roger Federer wasn't born knowing how to serve an ace on match point. It took hard work and humble determination. The same applies to achieving a "winning" faith!

Maria Sharapova Makes the Quarters of the Australian Open

A tennis fan, I was watching Maria Sharapova willfully fight her way past a determined and talented young opponent, Sabine Lisicki in three sets. Don't get me wrong, I love Maria, but  though rich and famous and beautiful, something perhaps even more important is missing when she's on the court. The joy of her early victories when she was just a tall gangly kid, new to the tour, is all but gone. The commentators pointed out several times during the match that her left hand was tightly clenched.

She might smile after the match during an interview, but even her answers to questions seem scripted. She works so hard and sacrifices so much to pursue her dream to win another major and become Number 1 again. What is my spiritual point, it is so important to have something you're passionate about driving you, giving your life meaning. It's also important for the object of your passion to have some meaning beyond the material. When you incorporate something like that into your life, each day becomes a gift.