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History of Hymns
 Transfiguration inspires 15th-century English hymn
The 15th-century English hymn “O Wondrous Sight! O Vision Fair” takes its inspiration from the Transfiguration recounted in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Read more...
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 Hymn of forgiveness draws from Romans
Fred Kaan’s “Help Us Accept Each Other” is one of the 20th century’s most powerful hymns of reconciliation and forgiveness. C. Michael Hawn explains. Read more...
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 Brief healing hymn steeped in folk sound
Peter Smith’s “When Jesus the Healer Passed Through Galilee” is one of his many Christian folk songs, which uses an earthy style to tell its story. Read more...
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 Gospel hymn recounts prisoner's plea to Jesus
Fanny Crosby’s “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” was inspired by a prisoner’s heartfelt plea to be forgiven and not forgotten. C. Michael Hawn explains. Read more...
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 Famous Christmas carol popularized three kings John H. Hopkins’ “We Three Kings” may be the primary reason the image of the three kings in the Nativity has so much prominence in North America. C. Michael Hawn explains. Read more...
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Film Reviews
 FILM REVIEW: Clooney’s hatchet man finds his humanity
Jason Reitman’s Up in the Air tells the story of a traveling hatchetman who finds something like meaning in his life, even as it all comes down around him, says reviewer Ken Lowery. Read more...
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 FAITH & FILM: Life may turn some off, but give hope to others
The teen suicide drama To Save a Life overplays its hand in the ways many Christian films do, says reviewer Bill Fentum, but testimonials about its effectiveness make it a worthwhile endeavor. Read more...
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 FILM REVIEW: Holmes offers a holiday ride
The new film adaptation of Sherlock Holmes is a fun, witty ride, says reviewer Ken Lowery, so long as you treat it more like an adventure story than a true mystery. Read more...
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 FILM REVIEW: Invictus’ noble goals marred by preachy, haphazard telling
Clint Eastwood’s retelling of Nelson Mandela’s first year of South Africa presidency and how he helped the national rugby team to victory should be powerful stuff, says reviewer Ken Lowery, but the experience feels more like a sermon than a story. Read more...
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 FAITH & FILM: Football biography Blind Side tackles faith, ethical dilemma
Though at times a bit emotionally forced, The Blind Side—a film adaptation of the true story about a family taking in a homeless boy—is a sports movie with more than winning on its mind, says reviewer Bill Fentum. Read more...
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Book Reviews
 Exploring path to interfaith dialogue
The book Interfaith Dialogue at the Grass Roots, edited by Rebecca Kratz Mays, is an essential read to help people of faith connect with those of other world religions, says reviewer David Mosser. Read more...
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 Wesley’s Rules apply to Christian life today
Kevin Watson’s A Blueprint for Discipleship offers the church a practical guide to discipleship couched in a distinctly Wesleyan context, says reviewer Andrew Thompson. Read more...
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 Books gives tips to avoid burnout
Wayne Cordeiro’s Leading on Empty is a useful resource packed with ideas for pastors who tax themselves too much on the job, says reviewer Scott Endress. Read more...
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 New book about hymns sheds light on presidents
The book Presidential Praise: Our Presidents and Their Hymns is a fascinating examination of presidential administrations through the lens of faith, faith and hymns, says reviewer Michael Hawn. Read more...
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Music Reviews
 Drennan's CD offers hope in trying times
Singer/songwriter Brett Dennen’s low-key folk rock album Hope for the Hopeless says a lot about the struggle of the individual to find his place in the world, says reviewer Steve Morley. Read more...
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.jpg) U2’s atmospheric CD confounds expectations
U2’s newest album, No Line on the Horizon, confounds expectations by melding atmospheric electronic manipulation with their more familiar rock-and-roll, says reviewer Steve Morley. Read more...
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 Country-folk release is good-natured
Southern-born singer/songwriter Kate Campbell’s Save the Day is gentle, wise and often inspirational, says reviewer Steve Morley. Read more...
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 Costner takes no-frills approach
Kevin Costner and Modern West’s Untold Truths is a commendably honest country-rock outing, says reviewer Steve Morley. Read more...
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