Kenny and Mike discuss their favorite television programs that are up for Emmy Awards. While there is some discussion of the awards the sheer number of categories and programs makes it much more challenging to cover than the Academy Awards. That said, there are many very well done programs on TV that deserve attention. Follow link to Faithspotting Podcast page to for episode player and faith notes.
https://www.faithspotting.com/faithspotting-ted-lasso-the-queens-gambit-mare/
Faithspotting hosts Kenny Dickson and Mike Hatch discuss the documentary film Val, and spot reflections of faith presented int the auto-biographical film of Val Kilmer. The film uses some of the over 1000 hours of video tape Val had shot since the 1970s as well as interviews, current film and film clips from his filmography. Val’s son Jack reads much of the narration as Val’s lost most of his voice from the treatment for his throat cancer.
Follow Link to listen to the episode as well as Faith Notes from the film and Scripture Passages for Seasons of Grief.
https://www.faithspotting.com/faithspotting-val/
Kenny and Mike discuss the Hulu film Summer of Soul and spot faith elements presented in the documentary of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Summer of Soul is a documentary of the Harlem Cultural Festival held over 6 weekends at Mount Morris Park during the Summer of 1969. Using 40 hours of footage and interviews with participants and attendees Ahmir Khalib Questlove Thompson directed and produced Summer of Soul. It is available on for streaming on Hulu.
Follow link for Podcast and transcript.
https://www.faithspotting.com/faithspotting-summer-of-soul/
Faith Elements Spotted:
Story and history are foundational elements in establishing and developing faith as they create and build identity and community. Erasing story and history serves to weaking identity and damage or destroy community. Music tells as well as shapes story, offers shared experiences which bind individuals and isolated groups into communities through which love and care is shared and witnessed.
The Diverse Nature of God’s Kingdom. John 14:2. The “House”/Kingdom of God is not made up of one room and experience, but many. The diversity of people working together, Sly and the Family Stone, the Mayor with the organizers, the Black and Latin communities in Harlem. The Lyrics of Everyday People.. “We have to live together.”
The New Creation initiated through the birth of Jesus offers light in the midst of the failures of the flesh and world. Faith in the new age of God’s Kingdom allows one to have hope and allow the light of the Son to shine in the midst of darkness. John 1:1-5, 16-18.
The hope and healing power of Gospel music.
Follow link to listen to the epiode https://www.faithspotting.com/faithspotting-nine-days/
Faith Issues Spotted:
The film presents a foundational and stark choice among people of faith, to live through the struggles and darkness of life with Paul’s “Rejoice in the Lord Always” spirit from Philippians, or the worldly spirit that sees darkness overcoming the Light that is Christ and the hope of the Gospel. What are the costs of each perspective?
What is the Righteous choice of candidates?
A discussion of Christ figure(s)
Recovery of Joy in the midst of grief and loss.
The latest episode from The Faithspotting Podcast. Mike Hatch and I had a lot of fun both watching the film and recording the episode. It is a fun film to watch, especially if you can see it in a theater. Follow the link to the Faithspotting page and look for the faith notes.
Faithspotting “In The Heights” | Faithspotting
Check out the newest episode of Faithspotting as Guest Eric Folkerth, a United Methodist pastor and singer songwriter joins Kenny Dickson and Mike Hatch to discuss the Netflix Documentary Echo in the Canyon. In Part 1 we discuss the film in general and the music of the era. Next week we will spot the faith matters reflected in the film in Part 2. The film features the last on-camera interview by Tom Petty before his death in October of 2017.
Also check out the new Faithspotting.com website, where you can find all the episodes in one easy place as well as information on Hosts Kenny and Mike as well as the guests we have had thus far. We are still addiing elements, but it allows us to offer more elements to the show.
https://www.faithspotting.com/faithspotting-echo-in-the-canyon-pt-1/
Kenny and Mike discuss the film and spot faith elements presented in Crip Camp, the Netflix documentary that tells the story of a camp for children and youth with disabilities. The film also shares the impact many of the former campers had as adults in the Civil Rights Struggle for persons with disabilities. Follow link to listen to Faithspotting episode Faithspotting: Faithspotting “Crip Camp” on Apple Podcasts
Crip Camp is a production of Higher Ground Productions and is directed by James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham and stars Lebrecht, Judith Heumann, Denise Sherer Jacobson, and Lionel Je’Woodyard. Barack and Michelle Obama, Priya Swaminathan serve as executive producers.
Faith Issues Spotted: Primacy of Jesus’s Ministry to the outcast and socially marginalized:
Jesus associates and heals lepers and others with illnesses and disabilities: Mark 1: 40-41, Luke 5:12-13, Luke 17:11-19, Luke 7:18-23.
Jesus response to the need of persons outside Israel: Luke 7:1-10
Jesus and the Samaritan woman and her village: John 4
Jesus heals woman with hemorage: Matthew 9:20-22, Luke 3 8:43-48
Jesus dines with Levi and other “sinners:” Mark 2:13-17
All people are fully children of God, abled as those with disabilities.
Kenny and Mike discuss the Academy Awards, winners, runners-up, and the show. Afterward they discuss the film and spot the faith elements in the Oscar winning feature length documentary film, My Octopus Teacher. Click below to listen to the episode
Time Index: Oscar Recap 00:00 My Octopus Teacher 24:30 Faith Spotted 28:34
Faith elements:
Incarnation, the importance of being physically present and a part of creation, God through Jesus, and the part the disciples and the Church play in offering the presence of Christ to the world. Genesis 1:1-14, John 1:1-14,
Majesty of Creation which leads to an expansive view and understanding of God. The unveiling of mystery of creation and God allows for greater wonder of God. Genesis Psalm 8
The importance of Spiritual Disciplines, intentionality of time and purpose in connecting with God and overcoming the Barriers to greater connection and relationship with God.
Recognizing windows and seasons of time. All times pass, both the mountain and valley seasons in life. Easter faith reminds followers that the only season that is everlasting is eternity in God’s Kingdom. Ecclesiasties 3
Respecting God’s ordering of Creation, even if at times difficult or painful.
As children of God and disciples, being “sensitized to other,” as God’s children as well. Being open to “others” who look, act, eat, smell etc. different.
Mike and Kenny are joined by guest Dr. Ryan Parker in a discussion of The Academy Award nominees for Best Picture and the faith elements spotted in films. Ryan is a theologian with an Masters of Divinity degree as well as a PhD. in Religion and the Arts. Ryan also works in the film industry in marketing, public relations, and story development with an eye also toward film production. See the Oscars handed out Sunday April 25th 7:00PM CDT on ABC.
Click below for the Faithspotting Best Picture episode.
Faithspotting: Faithspotting Academy Awards Best Picture Nominees on Apple Podcasts
Faith Elements Discussed:
Sound of Metal: Stillness as tool for experiencing and connecting with God and the Kingdom., acceptance and graititude
Nomadland: Healing and new life that comes through community and journeying through grief and pain. The faith to hear and choose a new calling and different way of living.
One Night in Miami: Answering the call to seek justice and use talents, gifts, and place in life and in service of Justice
My Octopus Teacher: The place and purpose of life journeys and connectedness to creation.
Borat Subsequent Movie Film: The place of the prophet in speaking truth to power.
Overall themes in this and previous discussions of the nominated films: the importance and purpose of Community as presented in many of the films. How does the repetition of this theme reflect our time and needs as a part of the Community of Faith.
Perils of forgoing: When individuals and communities ignore and dont live out of core Christian teaching and theology – Humilty, Community, Following the path of retribution rather rather than Forgiveness.
Resources:
For more detailed discussion notes or group studies please contact Kenny at kenny@crossroadsfaithandfilm.com
Ryan Parker Blog and Podcast https://poptheology.com
Contact Ryan: jamesryanparker@gmail.com
Follow link to listen to episode Faithspotting: Faithspotting: Academy Award Nominated Directors on Apple Podcasts
In the 3rd of the 4 part series leading up to the 2021 Academy Awards (April 25th) Kenny and Mike offer their thoughts on the nominees, including their favorites, predictions, possible swaps. In addition, they discuss faith elements spotted in the film Another Round for which director Thomas Venterberg is one of the nominees. For faith elements spotted in the other nominees’ films see the Faithspotting episodes for the acting nominations.
Faith Issues Spotted in Another Round:
The importance and place of having purpose and meaning in life. Such meaning and purpose, as desired by God impacts the lives of others as well as self and can come through vocation as well as avocation.
Purpose and meaning are especially important when one’s life, plans, and hopes, fail to live up to one’s expectations.
Purpose, meaning, and passions are often discovered after intensional examinations of one’s interest, skills, and needs of others. Such can also change over time.
Living out of one’s meaning and purpose bring joy and pleasure to God.
Scripture Reference: Jesus recognizes the offering of the poor widow. (Mark 12:41, Luke 21:1)
Film Reference: Chariots of Fire
