WHY WASTE YOUR TIME AMONG THE WEEDS?

C. S. Lewis Once wrote, “A young man who wishes to remain an atheist cannot be too careful of his reading,” meaning, of course, if engaged too heavily with God and His truth he risked being converted. I would suppose the opposite to be equally as valid. “The person who wishes to remain a true son or daughter of God cannot be too careful of his entertainment.” This would explain the recent brouhaha in blog posts and forwarded Emails and the like over Philip Pullman’s book made movie, “The Golden Compass.”

Apparently the dark warnings of the intent of the movie are entirely well based and for this reason I intend on not seeing this film. But the usual argument for seeing the movie from Christians of all stripes is already being heard as regularly as the Salvation Army donation bells, “But how can I know and make up my own mind that it is bad unless I see the movie?” I do not think I have heard this argument from anyone who has ever walked out on a movie.

I grant you that it looks very attractive. If there were no such background information on the movie it would be on the top of my list of things to go see. That is a temptation too much to bear for many Christians especially when, “But Daddy, I really want to see it!” is thrown into the mix.

Forget all the arguments. In the end it comes down to love. We are to be in a true and loving relationship with God. If this were a make believe story about a parallel universe in which your spouse, or mother, or sister were villainized and defeated as the source of evil in the world would you still go see it? Would you allow your kids to? “But they are going to see it anyway.” Perhaps. But not by your hand.

But enough of that. That trash is already occupying too much of our valuable life.

OTHER THINGS:

On the more positive note here are a few recommendations for your entertainment:

Of course the movie Bella is still out. Make a statement with your entertainment dollars. Let the powers that be know how you wish to be entertained and how you will spend your entertainment dollars!

“Swimming with Scapulars: True Confessions of a Young Catholic” is a great read. My cousin bought it for me and though a good read for any thoughtful Catholic, it might be of particular note to young men who are or who are contemplating the life of a Catholic husband, father, son of God. Mathew Lickona shares his thoughts about the struggles of balancing what the world demands of us and what we owe to God. Poignant, humorous, honest, and orthodox, it is a nice bolster in the faith. Though an easy read it remains thought provoking and a book with which the average Joe can relate and find inspiration. Fr. Benedict Groeschel said, “Swimming with Scapulars shatters many stereotypes. If you have been wondering about the emergence of an informed and sophisticated group of orthodox young Catholics who take the spiritual life seriously, this book reveals this fascinating group.” Loyola Press 2005.

Finally, do you have a long commute? Tired of the banal offerings on the radio? Consider ordering a course from “The Teaching Company.” Finding some of the topics tantalizing (and on sale) several courses were ordered. There were the usual fear that the classes would be like so many I have had at “Catholic” institutions, that is, presenting what the Church teaches with a some obligatory passivity and then moving on to that which challenges the Church at every turn singing the praises of some supposed higher human endeavor. I can only take so much of that. As it turns out, though this is not a Catholic Company, whenever they deal with the Catholic Church it is done fairly and to an extent that is much more true to Church teaching than many Catholic courses I have taken.

The classes reviewed thus far have been on Saint Augustine, C. S. Lewis, and a history of the popes and the papacy. They are well presented, interesting, informative, and at times intriguing enough to cause the need to drive around the block once more. (The last third of the C.S. Lewis series would perhaps work much better as a review immediately after reading the works mentioned in the course however.) Perhaps the biggest drawback is the cost, but there are always classes on sale and several hours of courses can be purchased for about $20.