Category: Reviews of Books & Movies

Book and movie reviews of Christian friendly content.

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Movie Review: Chocolat

Choclat

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

Nomadic traveler, Vianne Rocher (Juliette Binoche), shows up unexpectedly at a rural French village and creates quite a stir. A non-catholic, unmarried mom, and free spirit, she is not like the intransigent townsfolk.

To make matters worse, she has the audacity to open up a chocolate shop across from the church—during the season of Lent.

Initially opposed by all, she responds to their opposition with non-conditional acceptance, to their indifference with open compassion, and to their snubs with kind generosity.

Possessing a demeanor more like Jesus than the locals who attend church every Sunday, she gradually wins over some with her uncompromising love—and delectable chocolate.

But will it be enough to be welcomed into their tiny town or will its leaders prevail in running her out?

Her open acceptance of the disdained river drifters, along with winsome Roux (Johnny Depp), threatens to drive the wedge even deeper. Perhaps it’s time to move on anyway, yet there is an allure to stay and settle down.

Note that while this is not a faith-friendly movie per se, it is faith confronting—and highly recommended.

[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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
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​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Movie Review: The Other Side of Heaven

The Other Side of Heaven

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

The Other Side of Heaven is a wonderfully inspiring real-life saga that is a part love story (on two levels) and part adventure, with a touch of spirituality mixed in for a pleasing result.

In the 1950s, fresh out of college, young John Groberg (Christopher Gorham) agrees to a three-year missionary stint and is assigned to the faraway island of Tonga.

Though he is willing, he is quite unprepared for the culture shock and the many dangers that await him.

In going, he leaves behind a budding relationship with Jean Sabin (Anne Hathaway). With letters being their only source of communication, their relationship blooms as they are passionately and steadfastly drawn to each other.

At the same time, John’s love for the Tongan people also emerges, forming deep and significant relationships in the process.

Although John does not escape his share of humorous—and at times life-threatening—blunders, his hard work is ultimately rewarded as he lovingly and patiently wins over the hearts and minds of the native peoples.

[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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Video Review: Everything is Spiritual

Everything is Spiritual

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

A unique educator with the flair of the entertainer, Rob Bell, from Mars Hill Bible Church, gives a powerful and compelling discourse on the spiritual reality of man’s existence in his inspiring and awe-filled video, Everything is Spiritual.

Beginning at the beginning with the Genesis narrative of creation, Bell, quickly segues into a confident and rapid-fire recitation of scientific facts and mind-boggling concepts.

He reminds us of the vast complexity, grandeur—and strange behavior—of stars and the universe.

Then equally he adeptly dives into the minuteness, intricacies—and strange behavior—of quarks and matter at the sub-atomic level.

Rather it is interstellar astronomy or quantum physics, the physical reality in which we find ourselves is both amazingly unexplainable and confoundedly complex—and only part of the picture.

Factor in other dimensions and the idea that time need not be linear or unidirectional and the certainty arises that there is more to reality than mere physical existence.

At the intersection of these grand convergences of the huge and minute, of the physical and non-corporeal, stands man. Seemingly, everything is spiritual.

[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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: A Generous Orthodoxy

A Generous Orthodoxy

Why I am a missional, evangelical, post/protestant, liberal/conservative, mystical/poetic, biblical, charismatic/contemplative, fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, catholic, green, incarnational, depressed- yet hopeful, emergent, unfinished Christian.

By Brian McLaren (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

In A Generous Orthodoxy, author Brian McLaren seeks to move the modern world’s theological dialog beyond the paralyzing impasse of liberal versus conservative, into a “post-liberal” and “post-conservative” inclusivity.

This, however, does not mean attempting to merely merge the two, but rather moving beyond them, linking orthodoxy with practice (that is binding spiritual theory to loving action) from a biblical perspective.

Towards this end, he shares the various ways in which different manifestations of Christianity (think of denominations) have shaped and influenced his appreciation for and understand of Jesus.

This evokes a realization that God is an “unified, eternal, mysterious, relational community/family/society/entity of saving love.”

Often using hyperbole to provoke critical thinking among his readers, McLaren then asks the confrontational question, “Would Jesus be a Christian?”

This sets the framework for the rest of the book, with each of the ensuing 16 chapters addressing one item in the book’s cumbersomely long subtitle:

Why I am a missional, evangelical, post/protestant, liberal/conservative, mystical/poetic, biblical, charismatic/contemplative, fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, catholic, green, Incarnational, depressed-yet-hopeful, emergent, unfinished Christian.

In doing this, McLaren does not promote an all-encompassing and inclusive orthodoxy—one to conclusively end all orthodoxies—but rather shares his thoughts on what it might include so that productive dialogue can be advanced in constructing an orthodoxy that is generous, as well as accepting, inclusive, and loving. 

Towards that end, each chapter concludes with a list of discussion questions to start the conversation.

[A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I am a missional, evangelical, post/protestant, liberal/conservative, mystical/poetic, biblical, charismatic/contemplative, fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, catholic, green, incarnational, depressed- yet hopeful, emergent, unfinished Christian, by Brian McLaren. Published by Zondervan/Youth Specialties, 2006; ISBN: 978-0310258032; 352 pages.]

Read more book reviews by Peter DeHaan.

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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: Christianity for the Rest of Us

Christianity for the Rest of Us

How the Neighborhood Church is Transforming the Faith

By Diana Butler Bass (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

Diana Butler Bass opens her book, Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church is Transforming the Faith, by admitting that mainline (that is, liberal) Protestantism is in trouble, with declining attendance and a loss of significance.

This is not a hopeless situation, however, as there are signs of revitalization at some mainline churches with energized growth and renewed relevance, focusing on tradition (not traditionalism), practice (not purity), and wisdom (not certainty).

Looking at selected mainline congregations that exhibit this emergence, she shares ten signposts of renewal: hospitality, discernment, healing, contemplation, testimony, diversity, justice, worship, reflection, and beauty.

In doing so, these churches are on a path of transforming lives, transforming congregations, and transforming the world.

She does this with a compelling narrative of her pilgrimage to find the emerging mainline, connecting the church’s story with her own and sharing Mainline’s emergent journey with her own travels.

The conclusion is clear: Mainline churches need not continue their downward slide, they can experience rebirth. This book shows how it can happen and what it will look like.

[Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church Is Transforming the Faith, by Diana Butler Bass. Published by HarperOne, 2007; ISBN: 978-0060859497; 336 pages.]

Read more book reviews by Peter DeHaan.

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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Book Review: The Prayer of Jabez

The Prayer of Jabez

Breaking Through to the Blessed Life

By Bruce Wilkinson (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life, is a short work and a compelling read. It is based on a brief, two-verse Biblical account of an obscure ancient man, named Jabez.

All that is known of Jabez is recorded in these two verses, which provides a short bio, a brief prayer, and a concise pronouncement of the outcome.

The book greatly expands on the aforementioned two verses, informing readers of the man, his life, and his character, before delving into his concise prayer to God. 

Only five lines long, Jabez’s succinct entreaty carries with it great meaning and significant applications for us living several thousands of years later.

Throughout the book, Dr. Wilkerson shares his own thirty-year journey with the prayer of Jabez, educating and inspiring us in the process. 

Although he lived a long time ago, Jabez and his prayer is still relevant today, being insightful and instructive to all who will consider it’s deeper meaning and applications.

[The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life, by Bruce Wilkinson. Published by Multnomah Books, 2005; ISBN: 978-1590524756; 96 pages.]

Read more book reviews by Peter DeHaan.Save

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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Book Review: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

By Donald S. Whitney (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

As stated in the book’s title, “Spiritual Disciples for the Christian Life,” this work discusses spiritual disciplines for those who follow Jesus.

Spiritual disciplines are willing and intentional actions that promote spiritual growth, making us more like Jesus.

They should not be thought of actions that earn us anything, get God’s attention, or are an attempt to manipulate God into doing what we want, but rather as training that draws us closer to God and prepares us to better serve him.

Donald Whitney discusses ten such spiritual disciplines in this book: Bible “intake” (that is, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Bible), prayer, worship, evangelism, serving, stewardship, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, and learning. 

Each is expertly covered in detail and through practical example.

This book is a great primer for anyone who is serious about more fully following Jesus and being his disciple.

[Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, by Donald S. Whitney. Published by NavPress, 1997; ISBN: 978-1576830277; 272 pages.]

Read more book reviews by Peter DeHaan.Save

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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Video Review: The Devil’s Arithmetic

The Devil’s Arithmetic

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

The Devil’s Arithmetic, based on a book by the same name, focuses on narcissist American teenager, Hanna Stern (Kirsten Dunst). Although Hanna dismisses her Jewish heritage, she is compelled to attend her family’s Seder celebration.

In the midst of her reluctant participation, she is translated to Nazi occupied Poland, circa 1941.

Wishing she paid more attention in history class, Hanna finds herself enmeshed in the unfamiliar Jewish culture of that day and is soon rounded up for “relocation.”

Hanna experiences firsthand the horrors of the brutal, heartless, and inhuman treatment by her captors, all the while developing a deep compassion and sacrificial love for her fellow prisoners.

As Hanna changes, viewers cannot help but be affected as they vicariously experience the atrocities committed by one people group against another.

The result is a powerful and poignant rendering of a history too painful to remember and too important to ignore.

Dunst gives a compelling standout performance, ably aided by Brittany Murphy, with support from Louise Fletcher and Mimi Rogers.

[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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Video Review: Genesis with Max McLean

Genesis with Max McLean

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

In Genesis with Max McLean, which was recorded live, Max McLean gives a dramatic recitation of the first 35 chapters of the book of Genesis from the Bible.

As the quintessential storyteller, Max powerfully delivers with passion, expressiveness, and occasional humor.

All the while, he faithfully follows the text as presented in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.

This video is ideal for anyone who wants a fresh perspective on the book of Genesis—or for anyone who wants to know the story, but doesn’t like to read!

[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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Video Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoatis a film adaptation of the popular and undying musical of the same name.

Although initially written for children and intended to be a school production, it has transcended this original intent to become an ageless classic.

With some poetic license, Dreamcoat retells the Biblical account of Joseph being despised and disposed of by his brothers, languishing in prison, being exalted to power because of his dream-telling ability, and eventually being reunited with his family.

The snappy lyrics, catchy music, and eclectic staging move this music forward at a delightful pace.

Joseph is powerfully played by Donny Osmond (who preformed the role over 2,000 times on stage), with the narrator (Maria Friedman) holding the storyline together with her perky delivery.

Also notable is Joan Collins as Potipar’s seductive wife (and the reserved piano player).

Although most enjoyable, the costuming is a bit suggestive at times and not appropriate for all audiences.

[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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.