thinkyouthministry.ca

Twilight Phenomenon: Book Review

Kurt Bruner, in his work Twilight Phenomenon, does three things absolutely well:

[1] Expresses the true power of story on the readersʼ lives,
[2] illuminates the myths of both stories and vampires, and finally,
[3] allows the readers to see the greater good that comes from knowing the content of the Twilight series.

The power of art over argument – it worked for Dickens and child labour, it worked forBambi and the decline of hunting, so what is the power of this mega-hit?

Edward had always thought he belonged to the world of horror stories. Of course, Iʼd known he was dead wrong. It was obvious that he belonged here. In a fairy tale. – Bella

Stories are made to transform, encourage and challenge us. It is obvious that Bruner does not want that to leave the readerʼs mind as they work through Twilight. He points out three key spiritual concepts that Twilight raises:
[1] What it means to be human,
[2] the nature of the soul, and
[3] how romantic love inspires us towards our ultimate destiny.

The power of story for Bruner is found in connection with spiritual formation, which takes imagination, “Boys, girls, men, and women alike love stories because we are all hungry to connect with reality.” The power found in fictional realities is what brings us face-to-face with our own realities we experience everyday, the realities that we want to run away from, and the ones we would like to forget, but the power of story is what can provide answers.

The history of the vampire within the book is quite helpful and complete. It allows the reader to see the formation of the myth as well as the literary history of the character. The turn made by the author to point the reader toward the connections between the myths that make up vampires, and the truth that is spoken from the Bible about Satan, is incredible. There is a breakdown used, to show the nature of Satan and the myths that make up vampire methodology, that will prove how sinister a true villain really is.

The connections drawn to the Twilight series are done in completion, often citing the exact location of his findings which allows the reader to draw on his conclusions and also allows for the reader to form their own thoughts on the subject. In providing the reader with both positive and negatives about the qualities found within the characters, it allows for those both for and against Twilight to see both sides. The immaturity of the love portrayed, contrasted with the virtues illuminated through Edward, is only an example of the complete functionality of this literary critic.

Bruner is quick to point out that stories only have influence if we look at the authorʼs underlying assumption, as their spiritual agenda is often leaked out through their pen – whether they mean to or not. Thus, we need to be aware of the lenses that we, as readers, look at the story. The story is shaped by our experiences and influences, which is how we discern what is good or evil. When we become aware of these two filters, we can answer the three questions that Bruner wants his reader to focus on:
[1] What are we made for?
[2] What is wrong with our world?
[3] How will it be made right?

These are the questions he seeks out and provides the answers for. It is these three questions and the power of the complete story that makes Twilight relevant to anyone working with youth. How are the words shaping the worldview of those in our midst? What are the experiences that draw them to these stories? Ultimately, this book will allow youth to come face-to-face with many questions they may have about their faith and worldview. The complete breakdown of this process, done by the author, makes this book worth the read and purchase, as with two movies left to go this phenomenon, it is going nowhere fast.

Add comment February 8, 2010

Escaping the Vampire: Book Review

by Adam Clarke

When I was first asked to read over Escaping the Vampire by Kimberly Powers, I will say that I was excited. Right away, the connection to Twilight was unmistakable, the font type, the image bearing likeness to the forbidden fruit on the cover of the hugely popular series (hands holding a snow white rose). Being a fan of the relevance of Twilight, and
the influence it has had on the generation at large, I was ready to jump in and read it.

It took me two days.

However, after reading it through twice, I felt a little let down and disappointed. It was not in the content or the message the book sends to teen girls, but by the tie-ins to Twilight. They were present – and plenty – but there was a stronger push by the author for teens to watch out for the “Ultimate Vampire” or Satan. Although this is a strong statement and worthy of every tween and teen alike to take seriously, the original feeling and desire of the Twilight connection caused the message to be glanced over, as the reader constantly looks for the next quote about Edward and Bella.

Now that the misconceptions of this book are out in the open, the content becomes clear. This happened for me during the second read once I got rid of my Twilight bias. For Powers, the Twilight series is such a hit with young teens because it is a love story, and every girl longs for the type of love Edward has and shows to Bella.

A love that is attentive, protective, fought for, and to be desired.

Many of these qualities are not easy to fault a girl for, so why do many youth workers dismiss Edward as a tool? Too many times I have heard and witnessed leaders who, when asked by their youth why they should not read Twilight, have been told that “Itʼs bad …or evil …about vampires, who are evil.” I think that these misconceptions and default answers are why youth leaders need a book like this on their shelf: To allow them the ability to be culturally relevant.

If we cannot meet our youth in what penetrates their world, and have quality communication with them about the content, underlying themes, and the qualities that make the characters we love endearing, then we have lost some respect in their eyes.

That was one of the qualities of Kimberly Powersʼ book that I enjoyed. It was the ability to see connections and lessons that can come from popular culture.

Powers points the reader in to a strong conclusion – Satanʼs lies in our life are based on our selfish twisted desires of destruction. Too many times are young teens swayed by author, and therefore, buy into what society tells them is acceptable, and then try everything in their power to attain it. Such thinking is a bold-faced lie by Satan. Once attaining that goal becomes unsuccessful, they settle for a substitute: A form of enticement that they have been tempted with to ease the pain (i.e. cutting, eating disorders, anything that can lead to deeper pain and destruction). Satan is a masterful liar, as mentioned in Genesis 3, and there is only one true way out and that is not in the Escaping the Vampire – Kimberly Powers arms of Edward, but in the arms of the “Ultimate Hero” – God. The truth of Godʼs Word contrasts Satanʼs lies and can establish strength in the shadow of destruction.

As a resource that entices and draws on strong parallels to Twilight, I would give the book a “D+” but, for a resource that points young girls towards valuable life lessons through the truth of Godʼs Word and Godly women of faith, I would give it a strong “B.”

Worth the read, but probably not a permanent place on youth workerʼs shelf.

Add comment February 1, 2010

Soul Care of the Youth Worker

One of the biggest failures in youth ministry today is that lack of soul care of the average youth worker. One of my first lessons in soul care was when I was part of a guys small group in university. The professor who was leading this group opened himself up by sharing this intimate story with us;

I have been doing this guys bible study each week for the past number of years and each year it has grown in size and in impact. Last night my wife asked me, “when are you going to care for the spirirtual shape of our marriage like you do with the guys in your bible study?”

I was astonished at his honesty but it also caused me to think, as a single university student, who is caring for my soul? Who is caring for my spiritual growth? Who is responsible for the daily relationship I have with God? It’s not my pastor, not my small group leader, not my friend, etc… It is completely up to me!

Now that I’m married and have a family I realize that being in youth ministry that their are many distractions that can keep me from my own personal soul care.

Distractions from Soul Care

Personal: my hobbies, TV, movies, internet, iPhone, etc…
Family: schedules, after school activities, meal time, sickness, hospital visits, driving everywhere, etc…
Work/Orginizational: performance pressure, commute, eating out, leadership, changes, etc…
Cultural: where you live, your friends, family culture, finances, books you read, etc…
Ministry: paid/not-paid volunteer, church politics, budget, vision direction, etc…

What distractions most threaten you? Why?

The bigger problem is even with all those distractions listed above preventing you from caring for your soul is the biggest distraction of them all. EXPECTATION! This one transcends into every possible distraction that you have in your life.

I now the verse, “Be still…” Psalm 46:10 and there are many things in this world that cause me to take a pause in my life. One of those things is any two-stroke motorcycles. Especially any Harley Davidson that is driving down the road or parked. They bring instant pause in my life. But do you take pause in your life for your relationship with God. How can we expect to introduce students to a personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit if you don’t have one?

So What’s the Answer?

Time Management: family, work, etc…
Eating: eat healthy, put a menu plan together for your family, stop eating so much fast food! (Why are youth pastors seen as overweight?)
Exercise: this needs to be in your weekly schedule 3-5 times a week for 30minutes max.

Pain that Heals

Here are a few things you should have in your life as a youth worker if your are paid or volunteer:

Journaling
Sabbath Rest
Lectio Divina

Make room in your life by looking at what needs be removed from your life. If you are not willing to go through the pain that these things may bring in to your life, I will guarantee you one thing: burnout!

Youth ministry is not hard, if you continue in your current pattern you will not be in youth ministry much longer.

2 comments January 27, 2010

Week in Pictures: January 14th – January 20th, 2009

: Indian schoolchildren use solar viewers to observe an annular solar eclipse

: A reveller rides his horse through flames to celebrate Saint Anthony

: A Hindu holy man takes a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers

: Peter MacKay spoke to the crew onboard HMCS Halifax before it departed for Haiti

: The world’s shortest man and its tallest make a promotional appearance in Turkey

: A Brazilian firefighter receives a kiss from his mother before departing for Haiti

: Activists from a Ukrainian female rights organization protest the country’s politics

: An Orthodox priest conducts a service in the town of Vyshgorod, Ukraine

: Gov.-Gen. Michaelle Jean pauses during a statement on the situation in Haiti

: Afghan National Policemen stand at their checkpoint at Delaram district

: Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton walk out of the Rose Garden

: A composite image shows what Osama bin-Laden could look like today

: Father Juan Villa blesses an iguana outside Madrid’s San Anton church

: A U.S. military aircraft drops humanitarian aid into Port-au-Prince

: Chile’s President-elect Sebastian Pinera celebrates his victory; ht to MacleansMagazine.ca

Add comment January 22, 2010

Highlights of the Week#2

Quote of the week!

Lady from church, “Pastor Lisa, what do you do? Do you work?” Me, “Ummm….I work at the church.” Lady from church, “Oh, are you the secretary?” Me, “No, I’m the Youth Pastor.” Lady from church, “Oh that’s nice.” LOL…wow….

Megachurch Enters Doritos Super Bowl Ad Contest; In Top Six

By Michelle A. Vu|Christian Post Reporter

A Doritos chip commercial made by a Southern California megachurch is among the final top six contestants battling it out for a commercial spot during the Super Bowl.

Mosaic Church, with main campuses in the Los Angeles area, beat out more than 4,000 entries in the Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” contest to make the top six. The top three entries will be aired during the 2010 Super Bowl – Super Bowl XLIV – which will be played on Feb. 7.

“It’s a miracle and a divine comedy that we’ve made it this far,” says Erwin McManus, senior pastor of Mosaic and the producer of “Casket,” according to USA Today. “I think it’s God’s sense of humor.” Click to read the article

Casket Video

Doritos Crash the Super Bowl Six Finalist: Vote Here

The Myth of the Perfect Parent

Why the best parenting techniques don’t produce Christian children.

by Leslie Leyland Fields

I find most Christian parents at the front of the line—the anxiety and success line, not the slacker line. With my own offspring ranging from first grade through college, I take turns stepping into both, perfecting my own blend of angst and aplomb, depending on the issue. This one question, however, sends me elbowing to the front of the anxiety queue, where I find most of my friends and fellow believers. Our most consuming concern is that our children “turn out”—that is, that our Christian faith and values are successfully transmitted, and that our children grow up to be churchgoing, God-honoring adults.

Click to Read Full Article

Highlight Video

Add comment January 15, 2010

Haiti Relief from Canada: Donate Multiple Ways [Pt:2]

ht to CBC.ca for this list.

The Canadian Red Cross is accepting donations to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. Donations can be earmarked to the Haiti earthquake fund. Canadians who wish to give may donate online by clicking here. Donations can also be made by calling 1-800-418-1111 or by visiting any Red Cross office.

Evaluating a charity
Before making a donation, consumers should take precautions to evaluate a charity. Here are some tips: Check the database of registered charities on the Canada Revenue Agency’s website. Registered charities are authorized to issue donation receipts for income tax purposes. Contact the charity to confirm that they do provide official donation receipts to donors. Cheques should be made out to an organization, not an individual. Call the charity or look on their website to see how your donation will be used. Ask for supporting literature on the charity’s past missions to learn more about the charity. Check the Department of Foreign Affair’s guidelines on how Canadians can help.

Evaluating a charity

Before making a donation, consumers should take precautions to evaluate a charity. Here are some tips:

Check the database of registered charities on the Canada Revenue Agency’s website. Registered charities are authorized to issue donation receipts for income tax purposes. Contact the charity to confirm that they do provide official donation receipts to donors. Cheques should be made out to an organization, not an individual.
Call the charity or look on their website to see how your donation will be used.
Ask for supporting literature on the charity’s past missions to learn more about the charity.
Check the Department of Foreign Affair’s guidelines on how Canadians can help.

The Canadian Red Cross sent $200,000 immediately to support emergency relief efforts on the ground and is on standby to provide additional emergency assistance Pt:2 . The Red Cross response includes evacuation support, search and rescue efforts and providing shelter and first aid. Local Red Cross volunteers continue to work around the clock to help the many people affected by this disaster.

UNICEF Canada is taking donations for the earthquake in Haiti. An income tax receipt will be issued for all donations $25 or more. For donations less than $25, receipts will be issued upon request. Please email secretary@unicef.ca or call 1-800-567-4483.

The Salvation Army in Canada is sending $100,000 US in aid and has started a fundraising campaign. You can also use your cellphone to send a donation by text message.

Médecins Sans Frontières Canada – (Doctors Without Borders) is setting up clinics to replace damaged medical facilities in Haiti. The group is also working to bring more teams into the country.

World Vision is preparing to distribute emergency supplies to those affected by the earthquake. World Vision has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, helping an estimated 300,000 Haitians each year to overcome poverty through providing access to education, clean water and nutrition, as well as helping families with medical care.

Oxfam Canada is taking donations for the Humanitarian Coalition Appeal For Haiti.

Partners in Health reports its Port-au-Prince clinical director, Louise Ivers, has appealed for assistance: “Port-au-Prince is devastated, lot of deaths. SOS. SOS… Temporary field hospital by us at UNDP needs supplies, pain meds and bandages.” Follow link to help by donating.

Direct Relief is committing up to $1 million in aid for the response and is co-ordinating with its other in-country partners and colleague organizations. Their partners in Haiti include Partners in Health, St. Damien Children’s Hospital, and the Visitation Hospital, which are particularly active in emergency response. Donate to Direct Relief online.

The Humanitarian Coalition — Care/Oxfam Canada/Oxfam Quebec/Save the Children. In collaboration with a number of organizations, The Humanitarian Coalition is taking donations for relief for those devastated by the earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday.

Artists for Peace and Justice, which was established after director/producer/writer Paul Haggis met Rick Frechette, an American doctor and community organizer working in the slums of Haiti for 22 years, is accepting donations. Call 310-319-1394 for further assistance.

International Medical Corps. a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonprofit organization, is deploying an emergency response team to Haiti.

Adventist Development and Relief Agency is a non-governmental organization present in 125 countries providing sustainable community development and disaster relief. ADRA is asking for any donation possible to support its emergency response fund.

Yele Haiti was established by musician Wyclef Jean to inspire change through programs in education, sports, the arts and environment. Yele Haiti is accepting donations to help make a difference in Haiti via its website. Because of high traffic to the website, Yele is accepting donations through mobile phones, with people able to text the word “YELE” to 501501 to make a $5 contribution. Yele Haiti can also be followed on Twitter.

Plan Canada has been operating in Haiti for nearly 40 years. Donations can be made by calling 1-800-387-1418.

Mennonite Central Committee is responding to the Earthquake disaster in Haiti. MCC is responding with emergency relief supplies and will be there for the long term in reconstruction and trauma support and other work to be determined. Call 1-888-622-6337 to donate or for more information.

Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace is collecting for aid work in Haiti.

United Nations World Food Programme is airlifting almost 90 tonnes of high energy biscuits — enough to provide more than half a million emergency meals. An income tax receipt will be issued for donations over $10.

United Jewish Appeal-Federation of Greater Toronto and Combined Jewish Appeal of Montreal have established funds for humanitarian relief aid to the afflicted areas. In Toronto call 416-635-2883 and in Montreal call 514-345-2600.

Add comment January 14, 2010

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Week in Pictures: January 14th – January 20th, 2009

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