I’ve become aware of Christians with convictions opposed to their own holiday. Not too be rude, but Christmas is basically a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. Of course, it hasn’t always been this way. Historically, there was no appointed celebration of Christ’s birth by the first century Church, or in the Old and New Testaments, so celebrating the birth of Jesus is not a Biblical appointed occasion. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: December 2008
The Structure of Storytelling
I’ve been a huge fan of fiction the greater portion of my life. What started as my interest in the simple charm of the characters in the Hundred Acre Wood (Winnie the Pooh books and cartoons) and the heroic spirit of Superman (Christopher Reeve’s first two Superman movies) grew into the full fledged and ever swelling compulsion to find another great story. Life is great, and man’s ability to mimic life in imaginative worlds of his own is one tremendously valuable gift that God has exclusively bestowed to mankind. After all, to be more like God (made in His image) I think He wants us to scratch our imagination with stories of our own that reflect the nature of His own [His]story.
What you’ll find from being a part of the story’s audience is a good story is seemingly simple and natural. A good story doesn’t usually seem forced or contrived by a gifted (or well-trained) storyteller. This is an art and a method. Usually art in general is accused and confused of being random. However, storytelling is a prime example that contrary to modern popular opinion, storytelling is much more like a science then an accident. The fascinating detail that makes all good stories great art is that the method of the telling is in sync with a quality of human emotion which appears to be random. Emotions—seemingly random to the average observer—breath life into the science of a well-plotted story. The composition of the story becomes art thanks to the harmony it shares with expression from the spirit (where emotions come from). Interestingly, man’s spirit, being much more dynamic and sophisticated than that of animals, is another attribute that makes us more like God’s image (persona).
In light of these characteristics of the storyteller and story, one can see clearly that the art of a story is not dictated by human standards and whims of change, but a Higher more consistent power dictates the qualities that always drive a good story home. There is never a story that can brake the bonds of God’s storytelling structure and principles. The better we understand God’s nature the better storytellers we can be, and the more we learn from stories the better we may understand the nature of God.
Book Review: 48 Liberal Lies About American History
There are quite a few trying to twist history for their own benefit. When it is convenient to make a conservative look like a bad guy, liberals will doctor up history to push their own agenda. Of course, I think that liberals will also do this sort of thing to their own—liberals will back-bite other liberals if it will help them in their cause today.
Front Cover
Of course revisionist history is not limited to liberal efforts. Twisting history is rather common among professional historians these days of all political backgrounds. Whatever their motive, they are not interested in the integrity of history. You could say these people are better storytellers than historians professionally. I admire their creativity. I have great disdain for their attempt to remold facts. I don’t mind learning that a group or individual has done something wrong if it is historically relevant and true. Just don’t dish out to me and the ignorant masses your lies to perpetuate your schemes—it is a scheme if you cannot find an honest method to make your mission possible without lying to the masses.
An excellent book that was recently released on this subject is 48 Liberal Lies about American History. This book topically hits 48 specific lies liberals perpetuate from the founding of America all the way up through recent events like 9/11. It keeps to the subjects and knocks them out concisely in a short number of pages for each lie. It would be good to have a general knowledge of American history going into reading the book, but nevertheless I think people rusty on history would still enjoy the book.
It’s also a great looking book. I love the cover. I didn’t have anything to do with it. 
I’m not sure if there is a paperback, but definitely get the hardback with the dust jacket. It’s very attractive from all sides, and the pages open up nicely so you don’t have to fight the book to keep it open as you read.
Some of the Lies addressed:
• The founders wanted to create a “wall of separation” between church and state
• Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation only because he needed black soldiers
• Truman ordered the bombing of Hiroshima to intimidate the Soviets with “atomic diplomacy”
• Mikhail Gorbachev, not Ronald Reagan, was responsible for ending the Cold War
You get the idea. It has a great deal to do with wars, presidents, property, and international relationships.
All of author Larry Schweikart’s refutations of the lies are well documented and legit. I may differ on him with an item or two—like whether some of the lies may be labeled liberal ones—but the facts are all clean (no revisionist history in the process of refuting revisionist history).
You can find the book for sale by most booksellers. It is also available through the ministry American Vision where I work and found out about the book. I trust you check into it soon. It would be good as a gift if it doesn’t suit you topically as a read for yourself.
A Christmas Carol Audio Dramatization
The classic work by Dickens, A Christmas Carol, is one of the most recognized pieces of english literature in America. There are more than a dozen screen adaptations, plays, and books that play up unique perspectives and approaches to the classic itself. But, have you ever read the original book?
I designed the cover.
Do you know that there are several Christian themes all throughout it? Granted, Dickens’ economic socialism is there too, but in large part he was telling a story in a time of history that was mainly Christian in nature. English civilization was reaping the benefits of a Christian worldview, and this was profiting all areas of life. Christian culture was in the air and one of the reasons the book was so successful. The general nature of “good will towards men” is a Christian concept.
I’ve had the privilege of co-working on a production of the book for audio dramatization. Steve Cook of Five Talents Audio produced an unabridged dramatization with sound effects, music, character voices, and narration of the works entirety. The finish time-length of the program is approximately 4 hours. What I did for the product was design the casing and CDs labeling.
I got to take a listen to it and it’s superb. Steve has a great voice for his authentic treatment of the story. There are elements to the story you miss when watching a movie with or without movie narration. With the dramatization you know that you’re getting the original work without alteration. Dickens is usually more witty than I’d given him credit for before listening to the adaptation.
You can get the audiobook via American Vision’s online store.
Good Will Toward Men
It has been the busiest holiday season to date for me and my small family. Still, I notice the people around me, what they are up to, and how people in general are just nicer this time of year. True, the shopping craze might get the better of people and bring the worst out of people, but in general, people are just nicer.
I think it has to do with the music. People are used to listening to a variety of depressing and “man against the odds” type music 11 months out of the year, and for one month they tune into jolly, folksy, and “good cheer” tunes. Up beat music is all around, and it’s bound to have a positive effect. A shame there isn’t more cheerful music for all occasions year round.
I think it has to do with the traditional gatherings. People are inherently social and driven to have relationship. God just made us that way, and there’s no other time of year that we socialize all with a common goal of bonding and renewal.
But more than just the music and family togetherness, I think it has a lot to do with your outlook of the world—what you believe. People that don’t know what to do with themselves—without faith—can celebrate Santa Claus, but inevitably, the holiday is empty without the celebration of Jesus coming (yes, I know he wasn’t born on December 25th); with Santa and all all other approaches.
So it’s the joy of His people that are ultimately spreading the cheer. Knowing you have something to celebrate that has really impacted the world and your family makes it all matter. This flows out of Christendom and purmeates civilization all about us this time of year, and it even gives reason/motivation to the unbelievers to enjoy the season too. It’s nice to see Christianity leading the way in this small, but very significant, manner every year.
