The 4th Level Of Love

I am a Christian and I am a fan of Dan Brown’s Di Vinci Code. Unfortunately the book and movie portrayed the Roman Catholic church as a heartless self serving institution seeking only to preserve and expand its power. The book was indeed provocative, creative, and played with art and theology in ways that captured my interest, so much so that I could hardly wait to see the next one. Angels and Demons did not disappointment. I will admit that the main reason I go to movies is not to relearn theology but for entertainment. It just so happens that this particular genre, a religious action thriller, entertains me much.

I was very satisfied with the action, drama, and twists and plays. Having read the book I also enjoyed the liberties that Howard took in making it more interesting in just over two hours. For me the most interesting aspect is the favorable way the Roman Catholic church was portrayed. It was not the diabolical institution seeking to expand its power by any and every means possible, as in the Di Vinci code. The church was portrayed as a human institution, brave in the face of danger, courageous in making decisions, humble in the face of a changing world, coming to grips with science. I enjoyed the change immensely. These were two completely different movies. Angels and Demons does not have the bite that the Di Vinci Code did, and it will not make as much news either, but it was fun nevertheless.

Pentecost is next Sunday. Pentecost marks the birth of the Church. Let me give you the prescribed readings for Pentecost so that you can get a jump start on it.

Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21; John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15.

Red is the color of Pentecost so I want to encourage you to wear red to church next Sunday.

If you have not seen Angels and Demons it seems appropriate to me that you do before Sunday morning. There are many overlapping themes.

I love you – Bryan Martin