If you're like me, you may have a love/hate relationship with faith-based or Christian films due to "preachiness" or low production values. In the last two decades, we've seen a new generation of Christian film makers strive to break those stereotypes and it's wonderful to see those succeed. Check out my review of the Erwin Brothers' Kingdom Story Company's latest film, Jesus Revolution below and find out how you can win a $10 Amazon giftcard (USA only)! 

Title: Jesus Revolution 

Starring: Joel Courtney, Jonathan Roumie, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Anna Grace Barlow, and Kelsey Grammer.
Release: Now available digitally and on bluRay/DVD on April 25, 2023

About the Movie: 

"In the 1970s, young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) is searching for all the right things in all the wrong places: until he meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie-street-preacher. Together with Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer), they open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to an unexpected revival of radical and newfound love, leading to what TIME Magazine dubbed a JESUS REVOLUTION."

The Artist Librarian Review: 
Directed by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle, I had high expectations for Jesus Revolution since Erwin has directed other faith-based biopics I've enjoyed (the latest being American Underdog, about NFL quarterback Kurt Warner). Inspired by the 2018 book of the same name by Greg Laurie and Ellen Vaughn, Jesus Revolution is a reminder of how the Gospel is for everyone and how Christ can work through us no matter what our background. Everything was on point in this historical: the soundtrack, the costumes, the acting ... it made me curious to dig deeper and learn more from Laurie's book and other resources. I attended a Calvary Chapel church growing up so I've always heard bits about their origins, so it was neat to see onscreen. I'm also a big fan of the 1960s-1970s so it was a "must watch" film for me. 

Content wise, families with young children should be aware that the film is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for “strong drug content involving teens and some thematic elements” --you can find detailed content reviews at Plugged In or Common Sense Media. I would say it's on the lower end of PG-13 and though it covers what you'd expect from the "hippie" era, it's not gratuitous or overly graphic, just enough to set the scene of the 1970s. Overall, it was one of the best, if not the best "historical era" Christian/faith-based films I've seen in recent years and I look forward to purchasing a copy of the bluRay to explore any extras and bonus features about the making of the film!

[Disclosure: I received temporary digital access to this film from Kingdom Story Company for review purposes, but opinions are 100% my own.]

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In a world where casual dating and "hookup culture" is becoming more common, I think getting people to think about intentional dating or personal standards, like this book does, is something to encourage ...

(c.) 2014 by Tyndale House Publishers

Title: The Old Fashioned Way: Reclaiming the Lost Art of Romance
Author: Ginger Kolbaba
Published: 2014 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

About the Book:

Contrary to popular opinion, being “old fashioned” doesn’t mean you’re dull or unromantic. In fact, a true old-fashioned relationship can be more exciting and romantic than anything you’ve ever experienced! So what does it mean to do things The Old Fashioned Way? Sure, it means opening doors, holding out chairs, and taking things slow. But a true old-fashioned romance goes much deeper than that. Inspired by the motion picture Old Fashioned, this book will show you how to reclaim the lost art of romance by introducing you to romantic love as God intended it—for all of us. Regardless of your past experiences, where you’ve been, or where you are now, you can find and create a love that will last a lifetime.
As you work your way through this 40-day journey of inspiring readings and questions for reflection, you’ll discover all the unique and amazing benefits of doing things the old-fashioned way and be well on your way to creating a love story for the ages.

The Artist Librarian Review: 
The Old Fashioned Way: Reclaiming the Lost Art of Romance is a 40 day devotional book based on the 2015 Christian/faith-based film, Old Fashioned.  Author Ginger Kolbaba invites readers to re-evaluate what they think about God, love, and romantic relationships in topical daily devotionals. Each devotional is about 4-6 pages long and opens with a quote (often an excerpt of the Old Fashioned screenplay), a devotion focused on a specific idea or topic, a passage or excerpt of relevant Scripture, and either journaling prompts or questions to consider. Many of the devotionals also feature a short prayer based on the topic of that day.

I don’t normally use devotional books for personal devotions, but I did enjoy working my way through this book. Despite the title, Kolbaba didn’t say “all Christians must court” or anything like that, but emphasized the importance of seeking God when coming up with your personal standards regarding romantic relationships, that it was something between you and God, something that can vary depending on the individual. One of the things that I felt I got out of this was focusing on being the person God wants me to be, doing what He has for me, no matter what the state of my love life is … and to try not to worry and to trust His timing.  However, in a world where casual dating and "hookup culture" is becoming more common, I think getting people to think about intentional dating or personal standards, like this book does, is something to encourage.

Finishing this book has only left me more eager to finally watch the Old Fashioned film!  Have you heard of this movie?  What do you think about intentional dating or courtship?  If you're curious, check out the trailer for Old Fashioned below!


[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.]

About the Author:

Ginger Kolbaba is an accomplished author who has written or contributed to more than twenty books. She is the former editor of the award-winning Today's Christian Woman, Marriage Partnership, and Kyria.com publications of Christianity Today. She's also appeared in national venues, such as CNN Headline News, Chicago Sun-Times, Family Life Radio, and Moody's Midday Connection. Visit her at GingerKolbaba.com.

                     Do you have a favorite "faith-based" film?  Will you be checking out any of these movies this week?

(c.) 2014 Tyndale House Publishing

 Many Christians feel daunted by the prospect of sharing their faith with others.  When it's with someone who's belief system may be unfamiliar to you, even more so.  In a post-9/11 America, there is so much (often conflicting) opinions and information regarding Islamic religion, that it can be overwhelming.   Journey to Jesus: Building Christ-Centered Friendships with Muslims is meant to be a starting place for Christians interested in ministering to or sharing with those who adhere to the Muslim faith.

This DVD Curriculum is produced by the Muslim Ministries Program and the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism at Wheaton College.  I liked how the focus of the curriculum and movies are on relationships and building personal friendships before trying to witness.  I think Christians can often put so much pressure on themselves, that we have to say all the right things and often end up not saying anything at all because of that fear.  Putting the emphasis on building relationships and letting God work through your life (and that HE is the one who saves, not us) can take some of that stress away.  The mini-dramas are cinematically well made (you can check out the trailer at the end of this review) and are kind of samples of hypothetical situations and questions you might encounter --these videos are also used in the study to encourage thought and discussion.

You'll need a computer and a PDF viewer to access the following materials:

Leader's Guide Session Plan for each session.  Meant for the facilitator, each session plan lists the purpose statement (the main goal of the session), preparation suggestions, a preview of the slide show study, and a break down of a sample hour long session: introduction, slideshow/video and discussion.

Each session also contains participant handouts, which are kind of like a paper copy of the slides. The questions to discuss after viewing the session's mini-drama are also included.

There are also supplemental handouts for each session:
Session 1 - Approach to World Religions

Extra Material: Timeline of Significant Events in Islamic History

Session 2 - Sharing Your Life in Christ with Muslims
Extra Material: "Can Christan Serve Halal Meat to Muslim Guests?" Rev. Mike Urton

Session 3 - Understanding Muslims
Extra Material:

• An Introduction to the Qur'an
• Manuscript Evidence for the Bible

Session 4 - Islamic Diversity
Extra material: "Sharing with Different Types of Muslims" Roy Oksnevad

Session 5 - Encountering Musilm Objections
Extra material:

• Encountering Musilm Objections - Prophets
• Additional Responses - Bryan and Abdul

Session 6 - Sharing Using Apologetics
Extra material:

• "Does Goodness Live in You?" Roy Oksnevad
• Understanding the Trinity: The Community of the Triune God
• Muslim Apologetics Resources

Overall, this DVD curriculum is a good basic overview of the Islamic faith, different sects of Islam, and approaches to apologetics, with a large emphasis of God's love and showing Christ through your words and actions.

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this DVD curriculum from Tyndale House Publishers. No compensation was received and the opinions expressed are my own.]