Movie Review ; The Mark

Wow! Want to talk about a perfect blend of entertainment suitable for both secular and Christian audiences.

The film opens with a first trial human experiment in a cargo container on the docks in Bangkok, guarded by mercenaries who are attacked by Ninja type fighters. Most are killed except for Chad Turner who accidentally becomes a very valuable commodity for Avanti, a company waiting to announce a huge break through at a global conference in Berlin.

Most of the action takes place on a flight flying between Bangkok and Berlin. Some of the action reminds the viewer of 'Air Force One' with a hijacking attempt to capture 'the mark' Chad, executed hostages, and wounded pilots. Not to mention some twists very similar to the plane scenes in 'Left Behind'.

'The Mark' is an excellent film full of action, political intrigue and exotic locations. Not to mention happenings that could be ripped from today's headlines and realistic yet frightening future.

Out of five stars, one being the lowest and five the highest, this film is five.

Modern Day Prophecies

In recent months there have been a number of prophecies, both religious and secular, saying the United States is due for a major economic meltdown. Money will be useless, the government will fall and then with no where to go, everyone will turn to the church who will rise up and take care of people's needs.

Part of this has already been seen with churches stepping in during Hurricane Rita to help survivors. Many have food banks. Others are sponsoring job networking groups. More recently over a thousand volunteers descended on Denver, CO with KLOVE for Sharefest and saved the school district lots of money in upgrades and repairs.

The increase in church or religious involvement in the community is wonderful. Hopefully, there will be more in the future.

However, what makes the prophecies believable and yet not are two factors.

1. Secular economists are saying the US and the entire world is headed for another major collapse. Millions will die and after that happens life will be better for the survivors as they rebuild.

2. The prophets keep making these predictions saying the US is under God's judgement. Yet still they ask for money to buy their books, CD's or DVD's to tell people how to survive and prosper in the horrible days ahead. Really? And they're the ones saying that money will be useless? If that is so, why don't they just give their resources away?

Will these events really come to pass? Or are leaders just preying on peoples fears?

Sources: Various educational & religious channels.

'Why Not Question' - What Christians could learn from the Science Fiction Community

There is a great deal Christians could learn from the Science Fiction community. Yikes! Christians fleeing in many directions of the mere mention of Science Fiction.
Ahhh! Save us from that unGodly thinking.

Oh, come on now. There are Science Fiction fans in many churches. It just isn't talked about because of this very reaction. Why set one's self up for condemnation?

However, the original comment stands. There is much Christians could learn from this tight knit and very open community.

What you ask? What could unbelievers possibly teach us?

Ever been to a Science Fiction convention? Answer is probably no, but please, bear with the blogger.

To begin with a convention, or con as it's normally called, is a huge family reunion. Most in these circles, and there are many sub genres, only see each other once maybe twice a year. It is a time to catch up on each others lives, the things one wouldn't post on Facebook, go out to eat together, see out of town friends, and engage in activities mutually enjoyed, example, gaming, filking,(SF folk singing), talking with authors or artists, viewing art, buying new stuff in the dealer's room, hanging out in the Con suite where free food is served, making new friends because everyone there is attending for the same reason and have a common interest, not to mention all the hugs exchanged. They're family.

Unfortunately, in many churches, people do not feel so welcomed. Yes, there are small groups as in the SF circles. Yes, everyone attending church has the same reason for being there and a common interest.

But today, everyone in church seems to be so busy they don't get involved in each others lives. They rush in for the service and rush out, maybe saying a quick 'Hi', before leaving to get the family home, fed and in front of the TV for the football game or to get the homework completed.

Rarely do Christians seem to take the time to get to know each other, hang out, talk, go eat together, or do anything that is common during a Con.

After all, Christians are all part of God's family yet seem to treat each other as perfect strangers and content to stay the way. No, it's not way in every church, but in the larger ones, it's the norm. One can go to church, sit in a pew, be preached at and leave, without ever speaking to anyone else.

This is unfortunate and part of what is wrong with churches/Christians today. How can a secular group have it so right and God's people so wrong?