Mind over media

Group, Jul/Aug 2001 by Belknap, Bryan

destiny's child MUSIC song: "Happy Face" (from Survivor)

theme: Optimism

synopsis: The singers encourage a positive attitude.

background: Destiny's Child may not bring much that's new to the musical diva pantheon, but they package it with more beauty and attitude than the rest. The pure power of their voices joined in tight, swirling harmony is undeniable. Destiny's Child sounds most forceful when they're cranking out funky dance numbers, but they can stoke the emotional heat on soul-stirring ballads, too. The theme of survival runs throughout this CD-surviving critics, jealousy, heartbreak, and even sexual abuse. Their Christian worldview infuses many songs, especially those about love. (in published interviews, they're very vocal about their Christian faith. They never promote lust or fornication, although from their provocative dress and music videos, you'd expect otherwise.) Destiny's Child won't revolutionize the music world, but their overwhelming presence, drive, and beauty will keep us thoroughly entertained.

discussion questions: Ask: Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Why do you think you view the world the way you do? Read aloud John 14: 1. As Christians, what's the basis for our optimism? Does being pessimistic mean a person doesn't have faith in God? Why or why not? How can we learn to see life's blessings in any situation? In what area of your life do you most need to put on your "happy face"? What can you do to foster a more optimistic attitude? I.a. symphony

song: "Whirlwind" (from Call It What You Want)

theme: Temptation

synopsis: Temptation and sin can hit the second you let your guard down.

background: L.A. Symphony, a collective of eight MCs and one DJ, creates positive rap for the masses. Several cuts (including "Very Expensive" and "Champion Birdwatchers") weave tales of humor, faith, and social commentary into rhymes and grooves that will make dead men dance. These MCs also deftly handle West Coast gangsta sensibilities (sparse, beat-heavy tracks), producing masterpieces such as "What You Say?" and "L.A." This music is groundbreaking, accessible, and so dope that even jaded listeners will heed the theological arguAents peppered throughout. Make no mistake-this is rap music that will make. the world take notice. L.A. Symphony's subtle and artistically superior approach offers hip-hop music hope for a bright future.

discussion questions: Ask: Have you ever felt blindsided by sin? What happened? What made you fall suddenly? How could you have prevented it? Read aloud James 1:13-16. Where does temptation come from? Why is temptation like a "whirlwind"? What are the steps that lead from temptation to sin? What are some sources of temptation in your life? How can you guard yourself from falling into future sin? a.i. artificial intelligence

MOVIE

In the not-too-distant future, the ice caps melt and the world's coastal cities are flooded. To maintain modern life, people turn to computers with artificial intelligencemachines with the ability to think and make decisions on their own. This ultimately leads to robots that appear to be human. A.I. follows one robot (Haley Joel Osment) as he searches to discover if he's something more than a machine. Steven Spielberg asks his audience to examine what makes humans unique, a question first posed by Pinocchio that still resonates today. With the increasing sophistication in computers, as well as the expansion of rights for animals in our society, it's important to help teenagers draw the line that separates humanity from the rest of creation. Point them to God's Word for answers concerning what makes us unique.

Ask: What are some things we think of as "human"? Could a machine ever be human? Why or why not? Read aloud Genesis 2:7. Ask: What sets humanity apart from the rest of creation? What does it mean to be the "image of God?" What responsibilities do these qualities give us? How does this affect your view of yourself? of God's creation?

meet the parents (pg-13)

theme: Prayer

scripture: Matthew 6:5-13

clip location: 24:30 through 26:15*

synopsis: Greg (Ben Stiller) endures a disastrous weekend with his girlfriend's parents while hoping to gain her father's permission to marry her. When Greg is asked to say grace before dinner, Pam says he can't because he's Jewish, but Greg tells them he will. They all bow their heads, and Greg gives a hilariously random prayer.

gospel filter: One of the most important ways of connecting to God is prayer, and many people, including Christians, are clueless about what that actually means. Use this silly scene to teach young people the reasons for prayer, as well as the proper way to pray so they get the most out of their relationship with God.

discussion questions: Ask: What were some of the "routine" prayers you had as a child? Is prayer an impiortant part of your life now? Why or why not? Read aloud Matthew 6:5-13. Ask: Why is prayer so important? What are the specific elements of Jesus' prayer? Do you pray for all of the things Jesus mentions? Why or why not? How does prayer affect your relationship with God? What can you do to improve your prayer life?