Lead with Love

Lead with Love, a new film for parents with children who are homosexual, is now available to view free at http://www.leadwithlovefilm.com/. Religious issues are among the topics the film addresses in this context.

This 35-minute film offers good, practical advice summarized in the acronym LEAD, which represents four things parents should remember when a child discusses homosexuality:
Let your affection show;
Express your pain away from your child;
Avoid rejecting behaviors;
Do good before you feel good.

Dr. David Huebner, a psychologist who studies prejudice and mental health at the University of Utah, received a NIMH grant to create the film. It is well worth viewing and recommending to others.

The Nature of Existence

The Nature of Existence, a film by Roger Nygaard, is opening in several cities in the coming few weeks. Nygaard began by asking friends why they thought we exist; this question carried him around the world seeking opinions on the question. He even interviewed me, and David Wulff about the topic. Go see the film if you are in an area where it is playing. (At this point, theaters are scheduled to show it in New York, California, Hawaii, Texas, Georgia, Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona.)

Independent Lens - PBS

For those of you who are in the US, check your television listings to view Independent Lens. The series is showing two films that are of interest to psychologists who study religion. One is Scenes From a Parish, about racial tensions in a Massachusetts parish over a four-year period. The other, Knocking, offers a look at the Jehovah's Witnesses who are known for their door-to-door proselytizing efforts. Your local show times will vary. Look at this page to locate times in your area.

Circumcise Me: The Comedy of Yisrael Campbell

Yisrael Campbell, an Irish American Catholic who converted to Judaism, is a comedian in Israel. His film, Circumcise Me, offers a humorous and personal look at life as a Jewish convert. Several of my favorite lines are in this youtube clip, but if you can, see the film in its entirety. I caught it on the The Documentary Channel, available through the Dish Network. It may be available through other sources, too.

Oklahoma Evolving

Richard Dawkins' appearance at the University of Oklahoma to discuss science came under scrutiny by at least one state legislator, who investigated the lecture in an apparent attempt to discourage such lectures. There are details at Dawkins' website, and at the The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. If nothing else, the episode illustrates the themes in Nygaard's film and in the ongoing science-religion discussion society is having.

Follow-up on Roger Nygaard

A few days ago I mentioned Roger Nygaard's The Nature of Existence. Here is an interview with Nygaard that will give you a taste of his perspective.



He mentions in that interview driving across the country with Brother Jed. Just in case you have never seen a confrontational preacher such as Brother Jed, here is a brief video illustrating his style of preaching.

The Nature of Existence

Roger Nygaard's indie film, The Nature of Existence, is now in the film festival circuit. It recently played at Cinequest in San Jose, and will be playing in other festivals in the coming months. While making the film, he interviewed me. I loved his questions -- they showed a tremendous deal of thought and seriousness. I don't know when I'll get to view the film, but if you have a chance to see it, let me know. I've added the blog to my bloglist on the right so that you can view it when it is updated. Or, add it to your blogreader so that you can stay abreast of it. I see that David Wulff and Dan Gilbert are also among the people he interviewed. I can hardly wait to hear what they had to say!

The Undertaking

If you are in the US, check your local public broadcasting station for The Undertaking, part of the Frontline series. This program follows Thomas Lynch, a small-town Michigan undertaker who has a gentle approach with people experiencing the loss of a loved one. I was touched by the openness with which people allowed us into their lives, most especially by Nevada and Anthony Verrino. Their two year old son was born with a rare genetic condition, sick from the beginning of his short life. Their frank and moving interview is well worth seeing. You can view online the entire program, along with additional footage, including the Verrinos' loving eulogy of their son.

Water: Religion, Culture and Tears

While flying from Atlanta to San Francisco today I watched a film that has been on my "must watch" list for some time now. Water is set in India during the time Gandhi was instilling ideas of independence from the British. It focuses on the lives of women and girls who are widowed, and therefore set apart from the rest of Indian society. Never to marry again, they are considered somehow unclean or defective for having outlived their husbands.

Water is one of the most visually beautiful films I have seen in a very long time. It also is one of the most moving. While the crew of the plane cajoled most of the passengers to stretch their arms and shoulders in unison, I wiped tears from my eyes. Water has a powerful story. And even though this movie portrayed events taking place in 1938, millions of widows there experience the same sad fate, some 70 years later.

Water is a sad film, but it is well-worth your time.

New York Doll

I'd heard good things about the movie New York Doll, but I was unprepared for just how strong a film this is. While in film school, Greg Whiteley learns that Arthur "Killer" Kane is in his congregation and preparing to play a concert with his fellow New York Dolls. This has been Kane's dream, and comes after the group split up 30 years ago. During that time, Kane went from stardom and fame to obscurity. In the process he had a religious conversion and lived a humble life, working in a church library while dreaming for the day when he and the other two remaining members of the Dolls might play together again.

Through the efforts of Morrissey, the group reunited in 2004 to play a concert that exceeded everyone's expectations. Past hurt had been forgotten, and the band's music was a triumph.

In case you don't know Kane's story, I won't give away the ending of the film. I will say only that I was deeply touched by the story of this gentle soul. My musical tastes don't include the style of the Dolls, but this film will be one I watch many times for its beautiful message.

It also will be one I recommend to my class. Kane's story illustrates many elements in theories of conversion as well as the role that religion can play in one's life. Rent or purchase a copy of New York Doll and see for yourself. You will be glad you did.