Music & media

Group, Jan/Feb 2001 by Belknap, Bryan

music & media*biblical discussion starters

READYTOGO

u2

song: "When I Look at the World" (from All That You Can't Leave Behind)

theme: Seeing life through Jesus' eyes

synopsis: The singer confesses that he can't see the world with complete love and grace as Jesus does, but he wants to learn how.

background: U2 reinvents itself one more time and delivers 11 songs that sound like... well, original U2-solid pop rock songs that will bounce around your brain for months. Recently, U2 has been accused of abandoning their faith, but their devotion to Jesus appears to be something they "can't leave behind." "Grace," "Elevation," "Peace on Earth," and "When I Look at the World" are deep explorations of faith's expression on earth and a believer's desire to become like Christ. All That You Can't Leave Behind should find U2 roaring on radio once again and silence those who question their faith.

discussion questions: Ask: Who are some people around the world you feel compassionate toward? Do you feel animosity toward any nations or groups of people? Why or why not? Read aloud Luke 19:41-44. Ask: How does Jesus view all people, even his murderers? Play the song. Ask: What root attitudes do you have that prevent you from having compassion for everyone? How can you learn to see every person you meet as Jesus does?

calibretto 13

song: "Creep" (from Enter the Danger Brigade)

theme: Hypocrisy

synopsis: The singer rails against hypocrites in church who point out other people's sin.

background: Calibretto 13 successfully channels punk's snottiness and sarcasm into songs filled with righteous anger over greed, hypocrisy, and weak faith. (This is the music Jesus would've played while driving the money-changers out of the temple.) The music's power comes from the way it challenges listeners to seek a passionate, personal relationship with God and to love others without judging them. Enter the Danger Brigade offers Christians punk music with a purpose-it's fun to listen to, but it demands a lifestyle of integrity.

witchy women

A few quick channel-changes tell you that witches rule TV. On prime time alone, three shows boast witches as lead characters, and when you factor in cable, syndicated TV, and movies... trouble's brewing. Because witches hold a prominent place in pop culture, it's important to expose the deceptions behind the broomsticks.

Wicca is a neopagan religion that's experiencing tremendous popularity and visibility. Wiccans seek to harness energy and use this power for good-but each one decides what's good and what isn't. Most Wiccans believe in a goddess/god that's present in everything and everyone-their root belief is that we are all divine.

Even limited use of magic opens people up to dark spiritual forces. So educate your teenagers about Wicca's beliefs and dangers, otherwise they may find themselves caught in a deadly spell.

Play the opening (videotaped) credits from Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Ask: What are some myths about witches? What are some of the things witches, or people who practice Wicca, believe? Read aloud Acts 8:5-24. Ask: What's the root problem with Wicca? Do you believe people can really cast spells or use magical powers? Why or why not? What are the dangers of "magic"7 How is Christ stronger than all of these things? How could you share your faith with a Wiccan?

mystery men (pg-13)

theme: Anger

scripture: Ephesians 4:31-32

clip location: 28:15 through 29:30*

synopsis: The Mystery Men, a band of misfit superheroes, must save the city from the evil clutches of Casanova Frankenstein. Roy (Mr. Furious) gets a tongue-lashing from his crusty boss, who chastises him for being late and then harshly orders him to destroy an armored car with a crowbar. Roy grabs a stress ball and squeezes it to death, telling his boss she's lucky he didn't unleash his boiling rage on her.

gospel filter: Anger is a part of modern life-but it isn't a fruit of the Spirit, and God cautions us against allowing it to gain a foothold in our lives.;Challenge young people to get a handle on their anger, learn how todefuse it biblically, and channel their frustration toward furthering God's work, not working someone over.

discussion questions: Show the clip. When,was the last time you were really angry? How did you deal with your anger? Read aloud Ephesians 4:31-32. Ask: How do you know whether or not your anger is sinful? What are some constructive ways you can deal with your anger? Is there someone you're angry with right now? How can you heal that relationship?

the hurricane (r)

theme: Perseverance

scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

clip location: 1:38:15 through 1:40:15*

synopsis: Rubin "Hurricane" Carter has spent 30 years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. A small group of friends decides to champion his case by offering their services to his lawyers. The lawyers thank them, but point out that several people, many of them famous and powerful, have attempted to help Rubin over the years, but they all eventually gave up. Rubin's new friends stay the course, vowing not to give up until Rubin Carter walks out of jail a free man.