Paul Apostle of Christ - Movie Review

Whenever someone says a Christian movie was really good, I ask, "Was it a good movie or did it have a good message?" Cuz there's a big difference. I was quite excited to hear "Paul Apostle of Christ" was being made because I enjoyed "Risen" immensely (which was made by the same people as this movie). Unfortunately, in my opinion, "Paul" feel a bit flat.

Perhaps it was because I assumed it would be a telling of Paul's life, not of Luke writing it down but there just didn't seem to be much of a plot. Plus, as so often is the case, I wonder at why scriptwriters feel the need to have biblical characters say lines other than ones straight out of Scripture when the lines from Scripture are so powerful and easily understood. (I completely understand not using only Scripture - both for ease of understanding as well as creative license.)

One moment in the movie hit me in a profound way though. Paul says (seriously paraphrasing) - "If you are holding a handful of water, you must work very hard to keep it. Yet still it slowly drains away. Why work so hard to keep a handful of water when it's the ocean we've been offered?" Boom!

Indeed, more than the movie "Paul", the life of Paul should inspire us to press hard after the ocean instead of the handful. 

I truly hope that many will be touched by this film. I was. In a small way, as mentioned above. For this reason, I was hesitant to write this review for I hate to turn anyone away from watching it. But I also don't want anyone going in with their expectations too high. It isn't an exciting movie but it was a movie with an exciting message.

"Film has been provided courtesy of Sony Entertainment Releasing Canada (Affirm Films) and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

"Judah's Wife" Book Review

I love Angela Hunt's work. Whenever I'm asked to review one of her books, I get all bubbly. As per her norm, with "Judah's Wife", she did not disappoint.

Important disclaimer: I've never read the Apocrypha.

Does this book hold true to the historical records? Sorry, couldn't tell ya. All I know is that I loved it.

When I first saw the cover, I assumed the title was referring to Judah, the son of Israel. It's not. It's about Judah Maccabeus.  This was a pleasant surprise only because, like I said, I'm know very little about the Maccabean revolution. (Hopefully Ms. Hunt didn't lead me astray. Yes I know this is only fiction)

To be honest, reading this book inspired me to be a better wife. What? From a fiction???  Yep. Something about seeing into the heart of a man who is fighting, fighting, fighting coming home and only wanting one thing - a supporting wife, made me question my own life. Am I doing all I can for my husband who has his own daily stress? Sure, he isn't leading an army, but he does face battles.

Due to the nature of the people this book is based on, there are some graphic parts. However when you think about how gory it could have been, I think Ms. Hunt did a fantastic job of finding the line between realism and decorum.

I also loved how God is honored and Judah's trust in HaShem is honored without sermons. (If I was in the mood for sermons, I'd read a non-fiction)

Once again, Angela Hunt, you wrote another winner. If I had a ribbon, I'd give it to you!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."