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Christianity Today Magazine

July (Web-only) 2009

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Awkward Apology

Why did a Canadian newspaper have to apologize to its prime minister? What religious group is most likely to say that Hollywood threatens its values? Test your knowledge of this week's news.

Fiji Bans Massive Methodist Hymn-Sing

Church leaders say government officials fear singing would lead to political instability.

Faith-based Mutual Insurers Worry about Health Care Reform

Ministries hope the end result doesn’t put them out of business.

Le silence de Lorna (Lorna's Silence)

The Dardennes brothers' latest film is an intensely naturalistic tale of deception and desperation that retains the hallmarks of their celebrated body of work.

Funny People

The king of raunchy comedy makes a movie about comedy—and about death. But it's overly ambitious, and in the end, a bit of a sprawling mess.

We've Won the Lottery—Now What?

The meaning of evangelical scandals—including our own.

Harry Potter: Good or Evil?

Readers react as the debate continues over the merits (or lack thereof) of Harry Potter.

Four Letter Word

stellar, sing-along rock

Cheaters & Thieves

indie rock

Following the Outrageous Carpenter

David Wilcox says he's had to learn to break free from his "gated community" and to tag along with Jesus.

More Than a Sexy Cause

Social justice is 'fashionable' these days, but how do we keep it from being just a passing fancy? Donald Miller and others addressed that question in Nashville recently.

An Open Letter to ESPN the Magazine

Regarding your plans to one-up Sports Illustrated with a "no-clothes" issue ...

Seminaries in Peril

Government evaluation threatens training of Swedish pastors.

Orphan

Scary story and questionable filmmaking choices make Orphan extremely hard to watch.

That Keeps the Doctor Away?

What health recommendation did Britain's National Health Service recently make? What songs are two mothers suing about? And other questions from this week's news.

G-Force

Another Disney family action-comedy with computer-animated animal agents—but G-Force is no Bolt.

The Ugly Truth

A boorish man gives an uptight woman tips on catching a man in this "romantic comedy" that is rather ugly but, despite the title, rings very false.

The Answer Man

The actors do their best with a half-baked script in this comedy about a "spiritual" self-help author who is as clueless as his readers.

The Lab Rat of the 21st Century

The new executive director at the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity discusses recent bioethical debates.

Same Old Place

Classic country appeal

Stockholm Syndrome

Experimental Pop/Rock

A Happier Audience

Director Leo McCarey (An Affair to Remember, The Bells of St. Mary's) wanted his viewers to leave the theaters with a smile on their faces.

Green Bible, Horse Bible, What Bible?

Which niche Bible is coming out in September? Why did a bishop receive a 10-day sentence? Test your knowledge of this week's news.

The Hurt Locker

In the best (and most torturously tense) Iraq war movie yet made, we are given front-row seats for all the heroism and hell that is modern warfare.

(500) Days of Summer

Boy loves girl, girl says there is no such thing as love; their relationship unfolds over the course of 500 days in this extraordinarily creative rom-com.

Christian Groups Eye Hate Crimes Bill

Leaders appear divided over whether the law would hinder their right to address homosexuality.

The Great Evangelical Anxiety

Why change is not our most important product.

Creating a Tear-Jerker Ending

Donald Miller hints at what to expect from his upcoming book.

The Heresy of 'Individualism'?

The 'individualism' we profess is not only not a heresy—it is at the heart of the gospel.

Fireproof: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Cinematic orchestration

Glory Revealed II

Country gospel

The Power of Israel

Spinning off the title of his latest CD, Israel Houghton says that yes, one person can change the world—and he's living proof.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The boy wizard and his friends grow up, experience romance, learn about Voldemort's beginnings, and more. PLUS: Is Harry the Chosen One?

An Open Letter to Brett Favre

There's a season for everything, and for the great QB, now's the time to stay retired.

Honduran Hiatus

Political crisis disrupts short-term missions season, prompts introspection by church leaders.

Is Harry the Chosen One?

As Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince opens, we are once again reminded of the characteristics that make him something of a Christ figure.

A Private Matter

Forced resignation of Southern Baptist leader prompts calls for transparency.

You're Ejected!

What did a man do to get thrown out of Yankee Stadium? How many Legos does it take to build a 1:37 model of Noah's ark? And other questions from this week's news.

Why You Can't Just 'Love Your Neighbor'

According to Benedict XVI's new encyclical, trying to love people without knowing the truth about them leads to mere sentiment and will do them harm.

Calvin: Man for the Mainline

Reformer's 500th birthday draws out diverse cast of admirers.

I Love You, Beth Cooper

Denis Cooverman might love Beth Cooper, but we don't.

The Singing Bengal

Ben Utecht, tight end for the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, scores a touchdown with his music career too.

CDs on The List

Short reviews of new albums by Jars of Clay, Phillip LaRue, and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Blood and Desperation

Aaron Strumpel returns human struggle to the Psalms.

From Fireproof to Florida

Producer of Fireproof and Facing the Giants forms own Christian studio in Orlando, begins shooting his first movie, Letters to God, due in 2010.

Captain Abu Raed

This heartwarming Jordanian fable about a janitor with a dream puts cookie-cutter characters in a boilerplate plot, but still might make you cheer.

Lay Down Your Fireworks

On what date was the original Independence Day? How much debt has Oral Roberts University come out of? And other questions from this week's news.

An Open Letter to Donte Stallworth

Concerning the overall public indignation about Michael Vick's possible NFL reinstatement.

The Scandal of the Public Evangelical

What we really have to offer the world.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

With more action, a contagious spunk, and a new character who's cooler than a glacier, the third Ice Age movie is a joyful, energetic ride.

Voiceless Women

The Stoning Of Soraya M. exposes a dark side of Islam.

The Rotisserie Chicken Gospel

Author Susan Isaacs on comedy, church hopping, and having a 'middle-class white girl's Dark Night of the Soul.'

Don't Miss

Rob Bell's 'Ginormous' Mirror

Rob Bell's 'Ginormous' Mirror

To read his book is to read about our fascination with ourselves.