 |
The Transgression of the Integrity of God, by Craig Keen (Cascade)
Craig Keen has been described as a “theologian who knows how to whistle.” I need hear no more; I’m in. In this series of essays and addresses, Keen argues that we can not rightly learn of God by beginning with some abstract metaphysical theory or even doctrine about God. Rather, because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our theology must emerge from the life of the church busy in the work of worship and obedience. Keen covers a wide range of topics, and you’ll want to ponder each.
 |
Prophetic Jesus, Prophetic Church, by Luke Timothy Johnson (Eerdmans)
Johnson, a renowned New Testament scholar, contends that the modern church is desperate for prophetic words, words grounded in the ancient Scripture but proclaimed from the very immediate, present voice and life of the Church. Centered in the narrative of Luke and Acts, Johnson argues that the primary question for St. Luke was not structure or strategic implementation but rather “the character of the assembly’s response to the Holy Spirit at work in the world.” A word for the Church to ponder.
 |
Moonrise Kingdom, directed by Wes Anderson (Indian Paintbrush)
If you haven’t heard any rumbling praise for Moonrise Kingdom, then wag your finger at your film-going neighbor because you certainly should have. Tender, quirky, smart, fun—this storyline (and the characters that drive it) explores themes of innocence, belonging and the choices that make us the person we become. In a summer full of superhero blockbusters, make sure not to miss this subtle story that goes in an entirely different direction.
 |
Winn Collier is pastor of All Souls, a congregation with Baptist ties in Charlottesville, Va.