Auditions and URLs!

 

It's been a great week for auditions! While I've been working on the remix for "All And Everything", more people have contacted me to submit or schedule auditions than I ever imagined for Pilgrim's Progress!

It's very encouraging and I'm excited to get new people involved in what we're doing!

I've also learned how to create new URLs that forward people to the sites of my choice! This may sound like a no-brainer to some and like a pointless excercise to others, but what it means is that I can make locations for the blog page, paeter's brain and the podcast all much easier to remember!

Although it will take people to the same places as always, you can now get to all three of our supplemental pages by going to:

www.spiritblade.net/blog

www.spiritblade.net/paeter

www.spiritblade.net/podcast

Who KNOWS what I'll learn next week!

-Paeter Frandsen

Paeter On "Critical Press Media"!

 

Last week I had a great conversation with internet buddy Winston Crutchfield about "Spirit Blade" and current fads and failures in the comic book world. We had a blast geeking out together and you can check it out at: http://criticalpressmedia.com

The Permalink to the episode is: http://criticalpressmedia.com/2009/02/20/spirit-blades-and-lantern-rings/

Enjoy!

-Paeter Frandsen

In Search Of Truth, 1st Corinthians 6:12-20

 

Paul uses the phrase "All things are lawful for me", acknowledging the popular thinking of the Corinthian culture. He then counters it with the phrases "but not all things are profitable" and "I will not be mastered by anything". Another popular slogan of the day, used metaphorically about sexual activity, was "Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food." This was a way of saying, "Sex and pleasure are natural parts of life and have nothing to do with my spirituality."

Paul responds by pointing out that "God will do away with both of them". What does this mean and what is Paul's point, here? Later in 1st Corinthians, we see indications that we will have resurrected bodies like Christ's body, post-resurrection. (1 Cor. 15:20,23) We also get a sense of what these bodies will be like. (1 Cor.15:42-58) Paul is indicating here that our current bodies and their need for food, will be destroyed to make way for something different. By referring to the future, eternal state of believers, Paul aims to keep their minds from focusing only on their immediate desires.

The second point of his argument is that "the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord is for the body." The Greek word for "immorality" here is specifically connected to sexual immorality. And the Greek word used for "Lord" here means "supreme master". In other words, our bodies are meant to serve God, and God's place is to be the supreme authority over our bodies.

Paul continues to offer an "eternal perspective" on the issue. As believers, our spiritual connection to Christ is so strong and complete that believers are referred to as part of Christ's body! And in Genesis 2:24, we're told that when a man and woman have sex, they become "one flesh". The are unified in the most intimate way humanly possible. His point is that someone who has been made pure and perfect in the eyes of God, sharing intense closeness with him, should never turn around the next minute and experience intense unity in an adulterous relationship.

Again, Paul points out in verse 18 that sexual immorality is against our own bodies, and this is wrong because our bodies, as believers, are now a place that God lives! Our bodies function as "temples" for the Holy Spirit. They do not belong to us. The Holy Spirit lives inside them and they are dedicated to serving him.

Verses 19 and 20 imply that we owe all that we are to God. He created us and all we enjoy. But he also bought us "with a price". We can't imagine what Jesus truly suffered on our behalf. Our justification, resulting in rescue from hell and entrance to heaven, is a free gift to us. But it wasn't free for God. He paid a terrible price. Paul says that our response to that should be to use our bodies and our lives to give God all the credit he is due. (Or to "glorify" him.)

The Bible does not support the idea that what we do with our bodies is our right. God designed our bodies and our sexuality with specific plans in mind that he wants us to enjoy. But using our bodies in a way that lies outside of God's intentions stands in defiance of God. There really is no such thing as a victimless crime. When we sin, we are always working against at least two people. First and foremost, God. Secondly, ourselves.

Next Week- Sex and Marriage!

Coffee House Question

Why do you think God wants us to be sexually involved with only one person in our lives?

Beyond The Cosmos (Book Review)

"How can my choices be totally ‘free’ if God is in control of all things at all times and knows the end from the beginning?"

"How can God really be both Three and One at the same time?"

"How could Jesus’ suffering, over a finite period of time, pay for the lives of millions of sinners who would otherwise be worthy of eternal punishment?"

Anyone who has ever thought deeply about these issues, or who likes to think imaginatively, yet logically "outside the box", will enjoy reading "Beyond The Cosmos".

Astronomer Hugh Ross uses recent discoveries in astrophysics to reveal logical responses to these questions, and for the most part, he greatly succeeds. Although the first two chapters may be intimidating and even difficult reading for those who aren’t good with math (yeah, that’s me I’m talking about), the book quickly settles into an easier read by chapter 3 or 4.

Recent discoveries in mathematics and astrophysics reveal the existence of multiple space-time dimensions beyond the four dimensions that we experience. Ross takes advantage of these discoveries to logically reason through some of the doctrinal issues that have left theologians scratching their heads for centuries.

A few chapter titles include: "Extra Dimensions in the Bible", "Extra-Dimensionality And God’s Trinity", "Extra-Dimensionality, The Incarnation and Atonement", "Extra-Dimensionality and Evil and Suffering". Of these chapter, the latter is somewhat disappointing, given that Ross doesn’t apply many of his previous arguments to this complex issue. Despite this, I found that some of his previous arguments could be applied to this issue, and I found some answers in my personal contemplation of the issue as a result of thinking through other parts of this book.

It’s not a book for everyone, but if you have an imagination that enjoys exploring new concepts in science fiction, you’ll probably enjoy the possibilities this book presents using real science. Your concept of God will likely be expanded beyond what you thought possible and contrary to what some may say, you'd better NOT check your brain at the door!

Highly recommended!


Quality: 9.0/10

Relevance: 10/10

Join The Interactive Audio Commentary! (Part 2)

 

This week I've started getting "Pilgrim's Progress" auditions from various folks on the "interwebs" and can't wait to get some more! Remember that the audition deadline is Friday, March 20th! For audition information, send an e-mail to info@spiritblade.net .

March 20th is also the deadline I'm setting up for your commentary questions about "Spirit Blade: Dark Ritual", Disc 1, Track 2! The questions I got for Disc 1 Track 1 were great and I'd love to keep the ball rolling! Just take another listen to Disc 1, Track 2(The Enemy Strikes) and send me any questions you'd like to have answered on the upcoming audio commentary I produce for www.spiritblade.net . You'll get an immediate response with an answer from me (so you won't have to wait for the commentary to get your question answered) and your question, along with a "shout out" to YOU included in that segment of the audio commentary, for all fans of Spirit Blade to hear!

So whether you sent me a question last time or not, I'd love to supply your answers and get in touch with you! Hope to talk to you soon!

-Paeter Frandsen

In Search Of Truth, 1st Corinthians 6:1-11

  

At the beginning of this chapter, Paul expresses disapproval of Christians who take civil (not criminal) disputes to the state to resolve, instead of being mature enough in their faith to resolve it themselves, with help from the Christian community if necessary.

Paul states that at some point in the future (we can assume after the return of Christ to earth), those who are truly Christians will take part in evaluating the universe(and possibly all of its inhabitants). The Greek word for "world" here is "Kosmos", which refers to all physical reality and not only the planet earth. Christians will in some way serve as a jury, hand-picked by God.

With this in mind, Paul calls the Corinthians to a higher standard of conflict resolution(v. 2). Christians will even evaluate angels at some point in the future. (This passage doesn't indicate if this will be only fallen angels, or if Christians will in some way evaluate all angelic life.) So we should learn to evaluate simpler matters of our own relational interaction with other Christians.

Paul's words in verse 5 and 6 indicate that the Corinthians are shamed(even of they don't feel it) by taking their civil disputes to the state, for three reasons:

1. It demonstrates their inability to resolve conflict in light of their future role in the universe.

2. It demonstrates their inability to resolve conflict any better than non-Christians, who don't even evaluate matters based on the standards of God, as Christians are meant to.

3. Their inability to resolve conflict well is put on display before non-Christians and presents a poor view of what it means to be a Christian.

He would rather they suffer wrong-doing from each other than go to a public court. (v.7) Instead, they take part in an endless cycle of hurting each other by their behavior.

Paul makes a very clear distinction between their behavior and the behavior that should be displayed by true Christians. In verse 9 he makes a list of the kinds of people that will not inherit the "kingdom of God". In other words, these people will not be a part of the eternal future that includes the presence of God and all those who have been made perfect by him. What we would commonly refer to as "heaven".

This list includes: Fornicators (The Greek word refers specifically to prostitutes, male or female), idolaters (someone who serves or worships idols/false gods), adulterers(Someone sexually unfaithful to their spouse. This is also metaphorically used in the Bible of those who are unfaithful to God), the effeminate (referring, in the Greek, to men who willingly submit themselves to unbiblical sexual activity), homosexuals (Greek refers to those who physically take part in homosexual behavior), thieves, the covetous, drunkards, revilers (those who are verbally abusive), and swindlers.

You may look at an item on this list and be alarmed. Does this mean that anyone who has ever done one or more of these things habitually will be excluded from heaven? The answer is no. As Paul continues, he says "and such WERE some of you." It's unlikely that all of these activities vanished the moment the Corinthians chose to believe and trust in Christ. But these activities are no longer their defining characteristics in the eyes of God. Why? Look at the rest of verse 11:

" but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."

Anybody remember some of these vocab words from the last few weeks? The Corinthians were sanctified (set apart and considered appropriate to be an active part of God's agenda) and justified (declared righteous and without flaw) in the name of (we would say "by the authority of") Jesus Christ, through the changing power of the Holy Spirit.

When a person chooses to put their trust in the identity and sacrifical death of Jesus, they are given a new identity in God's eyes. Paul is not warning the Corinthians that they will be excluded from heaven because of their actions. He is calling them to live in a way that reflects the new identity God has given them.

Next Week- The cost of casual sex

Coffee House Question

Do you tend to ignore conflict, allow yourself to be "walked on", or talk through points of conflict with others? Why?

Political Prayers

 

Romans 13:1 tells us that "the authorities that exist have been established by God", and verse 4 of that chapter says that "he is God's servant to do you good" and "to bring punishment on the wrong-doer". Verse 6 says "This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing."

As flawed as they each have been, our presidents have been put in place by God to serve his "big picture" purposes. Regardless of who you vote for or what you value or dislike in our government, I hope you'll consider joining me for a minute to pray and thank God for the presidential leaders in history that have held our democracy together and upheld the freedoms we have today. I hope you'll also join me in praying for our current president, asking God to give him wisdom as he makes decisions and to bless him when his decisions reflect the will of God for our country.

Have a great President's Day!

-Paeter Frandsen

Audition For Pilgrim's Progress!

 

Auditions are now open for our next project- "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream"!

Here's all the info you need:

Project Title: "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream"

Synopsis: Based on the classic allegory by John Bunyan, this re-imagined version takes place in a fantasy setting, with strange creatures and unusual characters.

Christopher Pilgrim is plagued by an evil curse and has discovered his city will soon be destroyed in a storm of fire. Despite opposition and rejection from those around him, he embarks on a quest to find the Mystic City, where he will be safe from prophesied destruction. But who can he trust on this perilous journey? And how will he reach his destination?

To hear a trailer of our most recent project, visit www.spiritblade.net.

If you are unable to record your own audition, and you live in the Phoenix area (Arizona), you may contact Paeter Frandsen at info@spiritblade.net to set up an audition in person.

Please send all recorded auditions in mp3 format via YouSendit (www.yousendit.com) to info@spiritblade.net and label your files "FullName_PPAUD_Character.mp3" using a different file for each role you audition for. Files must be a minimum of 128kbp, or higher if possible.

Be sure to set your recording levels so that your performance volume does not cause distortion. A pop-filter is also advised. Any distortion, "popping" or blowing on the microphone will reduce your chances of being cast.

All auditions are due no later than Friday, March 20th. Direct any questions to Paeter Frandsen at: info@spiritblade.net

If you'd like to include an accent in your audition you may. The general speech pattern in this world is defined as "clearly articulated", though not necessarily British.

Listed below are the roles available, with the appropriate audition lines:

KAPHAN- (Male)

University faculty member. Well-meaning friend of Christopher who doesn't see eye to eye with him, but is friendly and likes to go with the flow.

Kaphan: I may not think the same way that you do, but I don’t see a reason to bring the Overseer into this. He's excercized enough power already. And you don't need any extra trouble in your life. How are Tiana and the children?

Kaphan: Christopher? I was on rounds tonight and heard a noise in here- Have you been up all night? What are you doing?

Kaphan: Christopher, you’re making me nervous. I want to help you.

Kaphan: Come with you? I don’t even know where you’re going! Or why!

Kaphan: Gods preserve us. I’ve never seen power like that!

Kaphan: (Playful, while racing a friend) C'mon, leadfeet! You’re moving slower than a stone-beast!

OVERSEER- (Male or Female)

Stubborn head of university department. Proud of his accomplishments and likes the authority over others that his position gives him.

Overseer: Master Pilgrim. What is going on here?

Overseer: I will NOT have you uttering that ridiculous intolerable nonsense as a member of the Circle. You will report to the inner chamber immediately for emergency session and penalization.

VANGER- (Male)

A Woodsman. Friendly and unassuming. His quiet smile puts others at ease. Genuinely cares about Christopher, but also knows when to be firm and speak the truth. (This role may return in a future episode)

Vanger: Whoa, there! You alright? Here, sit down.

Vanger: No need to apologize. I travel these lands alone and have much time to think. One in my position can't help but become a philosopher. In fact most others I've met outside the city enjoy discussion as much as I do.

Vanger: Here. (Takes book) You are not directionless on this journey. There is a power in this book. When you feel lost, open the Chronicles and a light will emerge. Watch.

Vanger: It is the curse you feel. The power to break it lies ahead. Push through the weight and pain of it. You must live, Christopher. You must embrace life!

Vanger: The choice is yours, Christopher. It has always been yours. And you are living now the outcome of your choices. Go back the way you came! The fire may burn you, but you will live!

Vanger: Christopher, you must pay more attention to the things I'm trying to tell you. Taking council from others is wise. But you must weigh their words in light of their character.

AZER- (Male)

A Holy Knight. Heroic and strong sounding, yet also wise and helpful.

Azer: Don't give up, Christopher! They don't have you yet!

Azer: Unhand him, creature! You face Azer, Knight of Salvara!

Azer: Silence, evil shade! Look upon my sword. You know this weapon and its power. Leave now or I will destroy you with it.

Azer: You're not the first to read the Chronicles. Others have taken this journey, and like you, felt the despair of their own exposure. It flows down and trickles off of them, given form by the same curse that rests upon you now. That darkness gathers here, creating this swamp, inviting cruel denizins of the Otherworld to dwell here and feed on victims. For nearly 2000 years, the Absolute has dispatched craftsmen, day and night to Dread-Gloom, but the work never ends. The swamp is continually re-filled with the slime and stench of despair, pulling in one victim after the next.

DESPAIR- (Male or Female)

An evil spirit that lives in the swamp. It desires to seduce, corrupt and consume its victims.

Despair: Come back to us, Christopher. You belong here. You can go no further.

Despair: And we SHALL become one with him. He is afraid.

Despair: One drop of my essence upon your flesh will bring about your downfall!

SOPHIA- (Female)

Sage of an Elven village. She has settled into her opinions about life and feels very qualified to advise others. She takes her role seriously, with only a touch of pride evident.

Sophia: I come from a bloodline of Elves dedicated to wiping this curse from the land. Our entire culture is purposed to destroy it. For generations we have devised methods of removing this curse and have become quite proficient. As the Sage of my people I have collected much knowledge, gained through our efforts, and offer wisdom to all who may benefit. Would you mind if I gave you a little?

Sophia: Well someone ought to silence that fool! This road he's put you on is the most dangerous one in the world! I mean, look at you! You've still got Dread-Gloom dripping from your clothes! And that's just the beginning. If you keep going this way you'll find pain, hunger, and danger like you've never seen. You'll have swords at your throat, dragons at your back and in the end, death. I'm sorry, friend, I wish it were not true. But please do not march to your death at the word of some foolish woodsman.

Sophia: Oh, you'll like it in Moralin. A wonderful place. I'm sure you could get word to your family to come and join you there. Expansive homes of beautiful Elven architecture. Food and supplies are plentiful at little cost. And you'll share your days with some of the kindest individuals you'll ever know.

WILLIAM- (Male)

Robust and jolly dwarven guard. Tough as nails but quick to laugh. (Scottish accent if it's really solid. A likeable character performance is much more important.)

William: Who's there?

William: Rings of Sheol, its a dragon brood! Four of them. Not much bigger than horses yet, but trouble enough. Now stay behind me!

Willaim: Not just any dragon. Zebool is the dragon Lord. Sworn enemy of the Absolute. Cursed with unholy immortality, his existence is a wretched mockery of life. His only pleasure is in killing those who wish to find the Mystic city. Resurrecting them to an eternal living death. He wants all life to share what he has brought upon himself.

William: Ha ha! I've done this a few times my boy. Dwarf or no dwarf, it's The Incarnate that keeps pulling me through.

William: Your past doesn't matter here. We don't turn away anyone that really wants passage through the gate. Now who told you of this place?

William:(Pause and deep breath. He places an encouraging hand on Chris' shoulder and pats him twice.) Hold on a little longer. I don't have the power to remove it.

CITY GUARD- (Male)

Firm and serious, though not a bully.

Guard: Halt! Who goes there!

Guard: Hey. You alright?

Guard: Step back, sir. I will not ask you again.

KYBER- (Male)

Student(Late Teens or 20's)

SYTHEN- (Male)

Antagonistic Student(Late Teens or 20's)

SHAYRA- (Female)

Student(Late Teens or 20's)

Use all of these lines when auditioning for any of the "students".

Kyber: Master Pilgrim. What about the marks? I haven’t heard any teaching on them yet from The Order and have been hoping all year that you might bring them up.

Kyber: I’ve heard… rumors, sir. That you don’t always agree with the circle of mages and ask questions they would rather you did not.

Shayra: We’re sorry, Master Pilgrim. We were scared. We thought the overseer…

Kyber: I can feel the power. Spirits, we’ll be killed!

Polishing Pilgrim

 

The read-through for "Pilgrim's Progress" over the weekend went very well and I got some wonderful feedback from those involved. As a result, I'm now making another pass through the script. It's not an exhaustive re-write, but I'm "cleaning up" quite a bit.

My problem, as I've approached this project, has been deciding what kind of story it is. I knew I didn't want to simply reproduce the allegory in different wording. But I didn't want to add so much material that the original work is hidden. I wanted the story to be enjoyable on its own as a fantasy quest, but in pursuit of that end, I weighed down the front of the script with too much world-building and characterization.

My readers felt that the beginning was a little confusing and that in general I could shorten some of the longer lines of dialogue, saying the same thing with fewer words. I was also given a comment on my use of the word "magic" in the script, and was advised to use a different word. Not to avoid offending people, but to avoid the nebulous baggage that comes with a vague word like "magic". The point made was that if I create the name (for magic), I can define the term and my audience can more easily understand the concept, or at least not bring ideas to it that are not meant to be there.

I resisted this idea at first, but have come around to it (partially because I found a cool word for "magic") and am making adjustments to the script. This simple change has also brought a new tone to the story that I really like! (Amazing what changing one little word can do!)

I'm already finding that the script is more focused. It maintains needed character layers to avoid being a straight-up allegory, but also keeps the story moving forward. I'm hoping to have the polished version done by the end of this week, or early next. As soon as it is complete, I will select lines to use in auditions and post a casting call here and elsewhere online.

Stay tuned!

-Paeter Frandsen

In Search Of Truth, 1st Corinthians 4:18-5:13

 







In Paul's absence, some of those in the church in Corinth became arrogant and overconfident, attaching themselves to one teacher or another to gain status by association. Paul warns that he will come to be with them soon and cut through the slick packaging of deceptive ideas and instead evaluate their true power. And yet Paul still desires for the Coritnhians to sort these issues out before he comes, so that he can be gentle with them while he is there. (v.4:21)

Paul continues to express his concern by pointing to the sexual immorality among the Corinthians, and the fact that the Corinthian church is not doing anything about sin that the entire community is aware of! Although the sexual immorality mentioned here is between consenting adults, and is not biologically incestuous, sex between a man and his step-mother is still an activity that God hates. (Leviticus 18:8, Deuteronomy 22:30, 27:20)

The church community not only felt no shame for this activity among them, but they actually boasted about it! (v.2, 6) Scholars seem to agree that this boasting was the result of "grace abuse". If we aren't careful and decide to ignore some parts of scripture, we can start to believe that, because we are freely forgiven by God, we can do whatever we'd like without consequence. But this is not what the Bible teaches. Though we are justified (declared perfect by God and rescued from hell) when we put our trust in Christ, we can still miss out on some eternal rewards because of our sin and experience painful consequences while still in this life.

Paul's solution to this problem is taken from a principle in Deuteronomy 13:5, which he partially quotes in verse 13. "Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." This may seem pretty harsh. Shouldn't the church be a place where everyone is accepted and welcomed? Yes and no.

Paul identifies two groups here: "brothers" and "outsiders". He makes it very clear in verses 9-13 that we are not supposed to separate ourselves from those who are not Christians. We'd have to hide from the world to do that, and that is far from what the Bible teaches us to do! (A shame that we're all so good at it.) Paul also implies that judging outsiders is pointless(v. 12). This makes alot of sense. While we should try to discern whether or not behavior is in line with Biblical commands, we shouldn't be shocked or outraged when an unbeliever does something counter to scripture. If they don't know or value scriptural instruction, they shouldn't be expected to obey it.

But if someone CLAIMS to be a genuine follower of Christ, and yet ignores Biblical commands, resulting in blatant sin, we are supposed to deal with that. Jesus teaches this in Matthew 18:15-17. The goal is for the sinner to repent and remain connected to the church community, without fear of judgment. But if they don't acknowledge and commit to changing their behavior, the final step is removal from the church community.

Even the state of excommunication holds hope for the person removed from the church. Paul implies that the experience of being removed from the Christian community may ultimately result in the salvation of the person in question.(v. 5) Given the multiple meanings attached to the Greek word for saved ("sozo"), this can be true of either a genuine believer or a "so-called" believer.

In the case of a genuine believer, the reference here to being "saved" in the "Day of the Lord Jesus" (which refers to the final judgment of Christ, here) would refer to sanctification. In other words, since the church is not effective in helping this person grow in their relationship and committment to God, difficult trials would be used instead, stimulating growth (although very painful growth) all the way up until the judgment of Christ, if necessary. In the case of a "so-called" believer, the trials associated with separation from the church may result in a genuine repentence and trust in God, granting "justification" at the time of Christ's judgment.

Some challenging stuff here! We have the tendency to ignore sin in the lives of fellow Christians, while blasting message boards with our disdain for non-Christians. But this is the opposite of Biblical teaching! Why not take a minute now, or before that next message board post, and ask God to help you to be honest with the Christians in your life, patient with non-Christians, and genuinely loving toward both?


Next Week- Christians On Trial!

Coffee House Question
What are the "hot-button" issues that make it tough for you to be patient with non-Christians? What kinds of sin issues are hard for you to bring up with Christians?

Push (Movie Review)

If you're a fan of superheroes or just superpowers in general, you're probably itching to see "Watchmen" when it arrives less than a month from now. You might even look for another movie to scratch your itch in the meantime. "Push" may or may not be it.

The premise of the film is that humans with various superpowers (mostly mental and telekinetic or some variation of those two) have been created through secret experimentation. These humans have been experimented on against their will and many of them would rather live normal lives. But the mysterious organization responsible for the experiments wants to hang on to a few of these escaped super-humans who are especially powerful, so they can be studied and their powers duplicated to create super-soldiers.

The backdrop for the film is Japan. The vibrancy and color of the locations gives the movie a unique look that, while not over the top, is a far cry from heavily tinted movies like "The Matrix", "300" or "Underworld", and serves as a welcome change. The action scenes look very cool and the visual effects are stylish yet conservative. (The telekinetic "force field" was a favorite of mine!) Despite this, don't go in expecting a full-blooded action movie.

"Push" tends to drag its pacing now and then, without using the softer moments to build character effectively. I got the feeling that these characters might be interesting people, but the movie never really gives them the opportunity to show who they are beneath the surface. Performances by all cast members were good. Dakota Fanning continues to be impressive for her age and may well continue to stand out as an adult. Chris Evans is likeable and probably glad to be in a better superhuman flick than "Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer".
Despite the slow moments in the film, it felt like some key plot material hit the cutting room floor when it should have been on the screen. The last third of the movie is hard to follow logically. Characters suddenly have information without any justification for how they got it. The mysterious final plan of the heroes is a great set-up that never pays off. In the end, we're left saying "Okay, I think they just did something really clever. Can someone please explain it to me?" As a result, the ending of the film feels anti-climactic and is a bit unsatisfying.
This isn't a "bad" movie. But it's probably a rental.

As for points of potential discussion, not much there either. Although, any movie that deals with precognition or time travel can lead to discussion of the nature of time and our free will.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, brief strong language, smoking and a scene of teen drinking

Quality: 7.5/10

Relevance: 6.0/10

Pilgrim's Progress Read-Through This Weekend!

 

I'm finally finished with the script for "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream"! This weekend I'm having a few people over to read through the script with me and give their feedback. Unless I see the need for considerable re-writing, I'll begin audition preparations next week and announce auditions soon after!

I'm also beginning to collect music for the various scenes in this project and have found a main theme that perfectly captures the spirit of adventure and exploration I hope the series will contain.

Stories are brewing over at the Spirit Blade Underground Alliance! If you haven't signed on to join in the fun yet, you can get involved by visiting http://www.spiritblade.net/site.cfm/sbp/operations for more information. Then go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thespiritbladeundergroundalliance/ to sign up and say "hi"!

Have a great weekend!

-Paeter Frandsen

Behind The Scenes With Paeter And Tully, Part Two!!

 

I've just released part two of "Dark Ritual- Paeter and Tully, Behind The Scenes"!

Listen to some even wackier moments and insightful conversation that happened while Mike and I recorded his lines and songs for Dark Ritual!

You can download it right now on the Media Page of www.spiritblade.net !

Trust me. Tully is insane and you don't want to miss this!

Enjoy!

-Paeter Frandsen

In Search Of Truth, 1st Corinthians 4:1-17

 

In chapter 4, Paul gives the Corinthians the correct way to view himself and Apollos, whom the Corinthians had divided themselves into "fan groups" over. He says to view them both as servants of Christ, stewards entrusted with his property. In this case, that property is the truth of the Gospel.

Quick Reminder:

Gospel= "Good News" and most often refers to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, which secures salvation for those who put their trust in him.

Salvation= Rescue from the penalty of sin(hell), the power sin has over us in life and eventually the presence of sin altogether(after this life).

Paul points out that although servants of God should be trustworthy, we are ultimately not able to know objectively who is worthy of trust. Only God is able to accurately examine our minds and motives. (v.3-4) Since this is the case, Paul says that we should not make extreme statements about each other's character or being. God will do that himself, and give credit appropriately.(v.5)

Paul explains that he has injected himself and Apollos into the hypothetical scenarios of chapter 3 and 4 to make the point that the Corinthians should not "exceed what is written". Scholars differ on exactly what this is referring to, but in general, they agree that Paul is saying he doesn't want the Corinthians to add to what God intends for them by pursuing importance through association with a teacher.

Verse 7 reminds us that everything we have that brings status among our peers is a gift! Whether it's good teaching, a solid upbringing, or something more tangible like wealth. God created the social and physical enviroments that make every opportunity and reward possible. The credit always gets traced back to him!

In verses 8-13, Paul "rubs in" the Corinthians' worldy status a little by demonstrating how great and easy they have it compared to the Apostles, who put their lives on the line and suffer greatly to communicate the truth to their culture. (Verses 8-10 speak from the perspective of the popular culture and its views on wealth and honor.)

Teachers, philosophers and rabbis of this time were commonly thought of as metaphorical "fathers" to their followers. Paul uses that metaphor here. It was also common practice for followers to not only apply their rabbi's teachings, but also to imitate the rabbi himself. So Paul is urging them to give his words about divisions special attention, since they may have many tutors, but he is their "father". And Timothy is being sent to help them remember what Paul taught and how he lives.

Next Week- Christian Culture... and Immorality

Coffee House Question

Who is someone in your life that has been a good example of how to live? In what way?