To See or Not To See: That is the Question

By Dante Longo II
 
Your co-worker, anonymous Joe, just told you about a box office smash, one that will certainly break attendance records. It's so good he's compelled to see it again–if you'll accompany him to a 7:30 p.m. showing at "The Bijou Theatre" on Main Street. Never quite sure about the connection between "bijou" and "bayou," your antennae quiver, seeking signs of submerged obstacles in low-lying waters.

Refraining from pointed questions such as, "Does it honor the Lord?" you take a tactful route, "What's it about, Joe?" He responds, "It has Jane Fonda and Michael Moore in it." Your antennae break into a linear rendition of the funky-chicken. Knowing that your question was misinterpreted, or avoided, you ask "Is it gory?" Joe, ever forthright, replies "Not really. Jane portrays an aging club dancer addicted to crack cocaine and younger men . . . ." Standing next to the water cooler, you shift your feet. Ummm. "What is it rated, Joe? How would my kids benefit from watching it?"  Joe, enthusiasm dampened, crumples a paper cone cup and stuffs into the right front pocket of his chinos. "I think it's R-Rated, but that doesn't mean anything – you know how ten little cuss words and a few seconds of nudity can skew a rating."  Your antennae go rigid, and faint.
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Artist Spotlight: Candlefuse

By Brad McBrayer 

The dictionary would call a candle “something burned to give light.”  Similarly a definition for “fuse” might be “something filled with combustible matter to ignite a detonation.”  Put the two together – Candlefuse – and you get an explosive rock band who intends to share the Light of the World through their music.

From the Northeast Corner of Alabama, and the shadows of Lookout Mountain, comes this guitar-heavy group of guys blasting out a hopeful message through their full-length debut album “Never Go Unheard.”  “Look out!” is appropriate.  You better pay attention, or you might get blown away by their dynamic success, because these guys are for real and sound as if they have staying power.

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Ugly Betty

By Hope Chastain

True to form, the writers of Ugly Betty on ABC had many surprises for viewers on the season opener.  Having ended the first season with a number of cliff hangers, they raised our hopes on some issues, only to dash them to the ground again.  It is interesting to watch the characters come to life and become somewhat real to us over the course of just one season.

In this new season, once again we see Betty’s very square peg trying to fit into the round (very thin) hole of Mode Magazine.  She is overworked and underappreciated.  Everywhere she looks, the shallowness and emptiness of the lives of her co-workers and bosses grate on her nerves.  Meanwhile, she’s coping with serious family problems including the death of her nephew’s father, her sister’s sorrow, and the immigration problems of her own father, who is still stuck in Mexico.  At work, she is trying to run the office for her boss, Daniel, who is hospitalized after a car crash that almost killed him.  If this wasn't enough, Betty is still grieving over the departure of her boyfriend, Henry, as well as trying to handle what seems like a dozen other difficulties.  

I could go on and on about the escape of Claire Meade from prison, Amanda’s sudden weight gain after finding out she was adopted, the heartless ad campaign Wilhelmina Slater is having done while planning her marriage to Bradford Meade and her ultimate goal of taking over Mode Magazine.  But, if you’re familiar with the show, you can probably guess what will be next.  There were some significant surprises though, like Alexis regaining consciousness.  It looks as if the show is off to a good start on its second season.  If the writers keep up this pace, there will be many more surprises in store for viewers.

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Artist Spotlight: Rosanna Fiorazo

By Stephanie Colucci

When listening to Rosanna’s music, you can't stop yourself from wanting to dance.  The joy of the Lord is contagious in her music.  This is the kind of music to listen to in really bad traffic.  While everyone else is battling road rage, you can be singing and praising your Savior. Being stuck in traffic just means more time to listen to some good music. On a bad day, a good song can change your perspective.

Rosanna has a real heart for God and it really comes through in her song writing. She came to know Christ in 1996 and that is when she started writing new music. She started her ministry singing in front of anyone who would listen.  Today, she brings a sense of openness to the Christian music scene.  Her music will make you feel comfortable and at ease.  With just one listen, you get the feeling that she would be just as content leading worship at a local church or in a stadium in front of 20,000 people.  

On her latest album “Haven’t you heard”, Rosanna wrote
10 out of the 11 songs on the CD.  The only one not written by her was written by Rich Mullins and Mitch McVicker.  Mitch also sings on her version of My Deliverer.
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Finding Christ in Christian Movies

By Don Parker

This is my first article for The Christian Pulse.  Shall I be afraid to be controversial?  Nah!  Jesus always told it like it was or he used a parable which did the same.  If we are called to emulate our Master, should we not also learn to speak the truth with love?  Here I come with the question that will no doubt bring a rainbow of responses.  Is it a sin to watch movies?   Asking that question in a forum for films might seem like blasphemy or heresy.  Hopefully you all checked your stones at the door.

In the recent past, certain groups have placed movies on the forbidden activities list.  Most people today would consider that Puritanical. Should we as Christians pay any heed to such "man made" rules?  My answer is no . . . and yes. Think I'm waffling or sitting on the fence?   Not even close. The "no" applies to movies in general.  There is absolutely nothing in the Bible that forbids movie watching.  However Jesus said that men shall give an account of every idle word they speak in the Day of Judgment.  It might be argued that every idle moment is also a cause for concern.  How we spend our free time has to be an issue for someone who abides by the scriptural passage which says "if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged."  In other words, using contemporary vernacular, police yourself so you don't get busted.  Would I be out of line to suggest people should pray about watching a particular movie (or TV show)?
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