Category: Reviews of Books & Movies

Book and movie reviews of Christian friendly content.

Video Review: The Last Sin Eater

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date July 1, 2009

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

Historically, a “sin eater” is one who ritualistically takes upon himself the sins of a dead person in order to provide absolution.

The movie The Last Sin Eater considers this custom in Appalachia circa 1850 amongst a backdrop of superstition and secrets.

Although slow starting, those who don’t give up on the film will be rewarded with an intriguing plot line and mystery that goes deeper than the soon evident connection of a human sin eater to the ultimate sin eater, Jesus.

As the movie progresses, a secret past is unveiled piece by piece until a completed puzzle satisfactorily emerges.

The Last Sin Eater is based on the book of the same name, written by Francine Rivers; the movie was produced by Michael Landon Jr.

[Read more reviews by Peter DeHaan of other faith-friendly videos and movies.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

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Tags Jesus, mystery, sin

Reviews of Books & Movies

Movie Review: Race to Witch Mountain

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date May 13, 2009

Jack Bruno (Dwayne Johnson) is a Vegas cabbie who just wants to do his job and stay out of trouble, but when two teens flash a wad of cash and give a cryptic destination, he reluctantly obliges.

The teens are actually aliens, sent by their parents to retrieve an experiment to determine earth’s suitability for their race’s inhabitation.

The results of the test, however, show how their own dying world can be revived, but an opposing faction seeks to suppress this truth and is planning an imminent invasion anyway.

The trio enlists the help of Dr. Alex Friedman (Carla Gugino), a discredited UFO expert.

Together they race to the top-secret government installation on Witch Mountain to retrieve their spacecraft so that the “kids” can fly home with the evidence to stave off the attack.

In addition to US military and government opposition, they face a killer robot, sent from their home world, to hunt them down.

Fans of the 1975 Escape to Witch Mountain will enjoy some pleasing and subtle tie-ins, including cameo appearances of the original stars.

This is an action packed movie, with something for everyone, that is sure to please.

Do you like this post? Want to read more? Check out Peter’s book, Bridging the Sacred-Secular Divide: Discovering the Spirituality of Every Day Life, available wherever books are sold.

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: Muslims, Christians, and Jesus

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date April 8, 2009

Gaining Understanding and Building Relationships

By Carl Medearis b

Most Christians are fearful and distrustful of Muslims and author Carl Medearis asserts that Muslims are likewise fearful and distrustful of Christians.

In both cases, these attitudes are largely misplaced, resulting from misinformation, false stereotypes, and the highly publicized work of a radical minority—from both camps.

In the book Muslims, Christians, and Jesus, Medearis effectively breaks down these divisive preconditions through education and explanation, interlaced with poignant personal stories, which are a result from his many years spent in the Middle East.

In the course of doing so, this book provides an excellent primer on the origins of Islam, core beliefs, and Muslim parallels to Christianity. Most enlightening, however, is the elucidation of the perspective of the majority of Muslims.

Medearis explains how followers of Jesus can reach out to Muslins and form relationships.

He shares guidelines on what to do and what to avoid, explains the common ground between the two monotheistic faiths, and provides helpful insight into the Qur’an.

This book is a must read for any follower of Jesus who desires to understand and connect with his or her Muslim neighbors.

[Muslims, Christians, and Jesus: Gaining Understanding and Building Relationships, by Carl Medearis. Published by Bethany House Publishers, 2008; ISBN: 978-0764205675; 192 pages.]

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Tags author, faith, Jesus

Reviews of Books & Movies

Movie Review: Fireproof

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date April 4, 2009

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

Fireproof is a compelling drama with a powerful message that is sure to grab your attention and give you something to ponder for your love relationship.

Fireman Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) lives by the mantra “Never leave your partner behind”—at least at work. For his marriage partner it’s a different story.

After seven years, he’s ready to give up on her and she’s had it with him. Still he has a glimmer of hope.

At the encouragement of his father, Caleb agrees to make a last ditch effort to save his marriage.

Reluctantly he agrees to take the “Love Dare,” a 40 day effort to show that he cares and wants to change. Will that be enough or is it too little, too late?

[Read more reviews by Peter DeHaan of other faith-friendly videos and movies.]

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: Sleeping with Bread

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date March 1, 2009

Holding What Gives You Life

By Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn and Matthew Linn (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life, opens with the account of World War orphans who, although provided with all their material needs at refugee camps, were unable to sleep at night.

They feared that they would awake the next day and not be feed.

An insightful worker solved the problem by giving each child a piece of bread at night to take to bed and hold.

This gave them assurance that there would be something to eat the next day and the children began sleeping soundly.

In a very real sense, what we take to bed each night affects our sleep and shapes our perspective for the next day. Sleeping with Bread gives a simple, yet profoundly effective way to end each day in a positive and helpful manner.

Taking this concept to the next level, Sleeping with Bread, provides a means for a lifetime of increased understanding, guidance, and ascertain purpose.

This is not a magical, mystical cure all, but rather sound advice for bettering one’s life.

This book may look and feel like a children’s book, but its content is geared for adults—though the concept can easily be taught to children.

[Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life, by Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn and Matthew Linn. Published by Paulist Press, 1995; ISBN: 978-0809135790; 80 pages.]

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Tags biblical Christianity, food

Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: Miracle Workers, Reformers, and the New Mystics

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date February 5, 2009

Miracle Workers, Reformers, and the New Mystics

By John Crowder (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

The subtitle of this book serves as an apt description of what to expect: “How to Become Part of the Supernatural Generation.”

Building upon the understanding of a Christian mystic to be “one who lived a life of deep, extensive prayer,” Crowder expands that definition to encompass “miracle workers and all who pursue a supernatural journey of divine experience.”

Towards that end, this book is essentially education by example, with over 50 mystics from the past two millennia being exposed and elucidated.

The accounts of their lives, spiritual devotion, and God-powered accomplishments are inspiring and motivating.

Although a common thread among these mystics is the intentional, dedicated, and purposeful pursuit of God, the point is made “there is simply no formula for hearing God.”

Nevertheless, if you want to pursue a mystical adventure, this book will get you started.

[Miracle Workers, Reformers, and the New Mystics, by John Crowder. Published by Destiny Image Publishers, 2006; ISBN: 978-0768423501; 391 pages.]

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Tags miracle, prayer, supernatural

Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: Diary of God’s General

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 30, 2009

Excerpts from the Miracle Ministry of John G. Lake

By John G. Lake (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

This small book is a quick read, yet filled with amazing stories and accounts of God at work through his servant, John G. Lake. This work was compiled by Lake’s son-in-law and takes the form of a first-person narrative.

Trained to be a minister, Lake instead opted to start a newspaper. When his wife was miraculously healed from a prolonged illness by John Dowie, Lake was forever changed and went into the ministry.

This book chronicles his life’s works as a minister, revivalist, and healer, as well as providing the biographical framework in which these events took place.

Though the accounts may seem incredible to the modern thinker, many have been documented and verified by others.

For the post-modern spiritually inclined, however, these descriptions of the supernatural give cause for excitement and the realization that there is so much more available to those who diligently follow Jesus.

[Diary of God’s General: Excerpts from the Miracle Ministry of John G. Lake, by John G. Lake. Published by Harrison House, 2004; ISBN: 978-1577945284; 96 pages.]

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Tags heal, miracle, supernatural

Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: Under the Overpass

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 12, 2009

A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America

By Mike Yankoski (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

College student Mike Yankoski felt a promoting to truly understand what it was like to be homeless—by living among them.

After careful planning Mike, and friend Sam, embarked on a six-month, six-city odyssey that completely changed all their perceptions of what it is to be homeless.

Along the way, they made many new friends (mostly among the homeless), were helped by only a few non-homeless people, and were largely ignored and even vilified by the rest.

With rare exception, the organized church’s response was inadequate at best and adversarial at worst.

Most of us don’t have the option to live among the homeless for six months; plus we would likely lack the courage to do so even if we had the time.

This book may be the next best alternative to increasing our understanding of what it is to be homeless.

If you read it, you will be changed.

[Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America, by Mike Yankoski. Published by Multnomah Books, 2005; ISBN: 978-1590524022; 256 pages.]

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Tags church, faith, homeless

Reviews of Books & Movies

Movie Review: Bolt

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date December 17, 2008

Movies about pets striving to be reunited with their owners are not new, but the movie Bolt one adds a unique twist: the dog Bolt (voiced by John Travolta) thinks his movie-set existence as a super dog is real.

Did I mention that he is cute, too?

Then when accidentally thrown into the unsheltered real world, Bolt struggles to be reunited with his beloved Penny (voiced by Miley Cyrus).

He knows that her love for him is real and refuses to consider that she was just acting.

This comedy-drama provides many great laughs, but has truly touching moments, too.

It is filled with interesting animal characters and voiced by talented actors; plus it has great scenes, creative elements, and a well-conceived plot.

In addition, the 3D effects are not gratuitously inserted, but wisely apportioned throughout the show.

Bolt is a must-see movie—for children of all ages.

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Movie Review: Amazing Grace (2006)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date November 30, 2008

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

The movie Amazing Grace (2006) is a compelling and moving account of the efforts of William Wilberforce at social reform, specifically ending slave trade in the United Kingdom.

His fight for abolition was a life-long effort (and only fully realized three days before his death).

Taking on the full Parliament, Wilberforce at first stood alone, sacrificing his health and friendships for what he believed to be right.

Gradually picking up support, he and a small team slowly move the process forward, garnering the backing of many of the people, but making little inroads with the legislature.

It was through a cunning political ploy that the Slave Trade Act was passed in 1807.

This is an inspiring chronicle of what one man, committed to a cause, can accomplish over time and through perseverance.

What might comprise a mere paragraph in history texts is expanded in this film to add depth and color to the character of the man and the causes he believed in.

What the film makes clear is that his fight was neither quick nor painless; doing what is right seldom is.

Perhaps most meaningful is the vivid narrative of the horrors of how slaves were treated, disregarded, and exploited.

Sparing the audience from gratuitous scenes of slave torture and abuse, the dialogue suitably communicates the depths of inhumanity to which humanity had sunk.

[Read more reviews by Peter DeHaan of other faith-friendly videos and movies.]

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