In this episode, we dive into how rigid "black and white" labels in church culture can actually stunt our spiritual growth and dull our discernment. We swap stories (from Metallica tattoos to Law & Order: SVU) about how labeling art as simply "good" or "bad" keeps us from wrestling with the deeper questions of faith. We laugh about the shortcuts we've all taken in the name of "safety," and unpack how these habits can lead to a white-knuckled, yo-yo kind of Christianity. By the end, we remind ourselves that discernment is a muscle, and the only way to grow it is to actually use it.

Website: https://www.parablearrows.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows

We are back! In this episode, we take a quick dive into Wake Up Dead Man and wrestle with the question: what actually makes a movie "Christian"? Along the way, we break down the "Christian sandwich" analogy, challenging the idea that a Christian creating something makes it inherently Christian art. We also explore the movie's nuanced portrayals of faith, from caricatures to heartfelt moments, including a powerful scene where Judd wrestles with the sin of the heart. Ultimately, we call for deeper artistic literacy and a willingness to engage earnestly with secular stories that reflect spiritual truths.

Listen to Femi's Episode with High Point Church:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ug/podcast/424-is-knives-out-3-a-christian-movie
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Q93X3w38MPLCSgYucRSpv?

Check out Cinema Theology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematheology/

Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows

In this second and final part of our series on building story skills, we share how building trust is essential if we want the next generation to really hear us. We talk about the importance of aligning with a child or student's goals instead of forcing our own agenda. We reflect on how curiosity and asking questions can open hearts more effectively than giving lectures. We admit that owning our mistakes and showing humility often strengthens relationships far more than trying to appear perfect. Finally, we encourage listeners that connection doesn't require liking the same movies, just respecting the other person's interests.

Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows

We kick off this series on building story skills, by talking about why every Christian needs a solid Bible Base to navigate today's endless stream of media. We explain how building a "Bible Bank" equips us to filter TikToks, movies, and shows through the lens of scripture. We walk through Bloom's Taxonomy, showing how we can move from just remembering a story to analyzing and even creating new ideas from what we watch. We share how seeing God as the emotional hero of the ultimate story changes the way we empathize with flawed characters. Finally, we get personal with stories about how movies like Dragonheart sparked deeper reflection for Josh, while Femi describes how scripture grounded him during a season of emotional struggle.

Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows

In this final part of our discussion on The Invention of Lying, we explore how Scripture addresses the complexity of truth and deception. We reflect on the story of Shiphrah and Puah in Exodus 1, where the Hebrew midwives lied to Pharaoh to save innocent lives and were blessed by God for their fear of Him. We wrestle with the difference between selfish lies and life-preserving ones that align with God's heart and covenant purposes. Our conversation broadens to other biblical examples, highlighting that God's plans can work even through human deception. Ultimately, we conclude that our hearts—not just our words—determine whether our actions honor God.

Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows

In this episode, we explore how The Invention of Lying sparks meaningful conversations about honesty, kindness, and faith. We discuss why the film is generous to atheists and how it can open doors for evangelistic conversations with teens and families. We wrestle with the difference between storytelling and lying, considering whether parables or films mislead or simply inspire. We also share practical ways to speak the truth with both candor and kindness when navigating tough conversations about sin and belief. Finally, we tackle self-deception, offering a four-step path to honesty that invites us to drop the masks and live authentically in community.

Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows

In part one of our discussion on The Invention of Lying, we take a look at Ricky Gervais's satirical world where no one has ever lied until Mark Bellison discovers how. We walk through Mark's journey from a failing screenwriter to the accidental prophet of the "Man in the Sky," exploring how his lies bring both comfort and chaos. We reflect on the tension between truth and kindness, asking if brutal honesty is any more virtuous than compassionate deception. Our conversation dives into the film's atheistic critique of religion, unpacking its suggestion that faith functions as a collective coping mechanism. Finally, we wrestle with whether the movie argues that lying is neutral or if we ultimately long for a life built on real truth.

Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows

In this final part of our discussion on The Pale Blue Eye, we dive into the theological dimension of the film and connect its themes to Scripture. We explore how verses like Psalm 51:10, Luke 6:45, and Numbers 22 challenge us to examine the heart and avoid the arrogance of thinking we can manipulate God. We reflect on how characters like Landoor and Dr. Marquis fall into Satan's shortcuts, seeking immediate solutions instead of trusting God's long, faithful path. Our conversation highlights that true spiritual growth comes through patience, humility, and recognizing that misapplied love and revenge only lead to pain. We end by encouraging listeners to embrace daily obedience and the slow, steady work of God in their lives.

Website: https://www.parablearrows.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parablearrows