Author Archives: davetcourt

“If we imagine that ‘law’ simply means a moral code- as many readers of Romans have done- we will miss much of the point.”– N.T. Wright (Into the Heart of Romans) 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in myContinue reading “The Double Edged Nature of the Law and Its Fulfillment”

Film Journal 2023: May December Directed by Todd Haynes I’m a big fan of Todd Haynes. Far From Heaven is a legitimate masterpiece, Carol isn’t far behind, and Wonderstruck is a legitimate all timer for me when it comes to my personal favorites list. May December doesn’t feel out of place in terms of hisContinue reading “Film Journal 2023: May December”

Film Journal 2023: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and SnakesDirected by Francis Lawrence Songbirds and Snakes might not have the same epic scope as the Hunger Games trilogy, but, like the book it is based on, it trades this for something intimate, self contained and distinct. It does of course fits within theContinue reading “Film Journal 2023: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”

Why does understanding John’s intent on reflecting a new Genesis and a new Exodus important for grappling with the idea of the incarnation? John 1:1-51 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came intoContinue reading “The Word Made Flesh: A Movement Into The Wilderness Space”

Film Journal 2023: SaltburnDirected by Emerald Fennell I could not get on this films wave length, and the end result was a viewing experience that felt more grating than enjoyable or even satisfying. I’m tempted to write that off as simply not my thing, but even still I’m having a difficult time understanding precisely whereContinue reading “Film Journal 2023: Saltburn”

Reading Journal 2023: Black, White, and The Grey: The story of an Unexpected Frienship an a Beloved Restaurant. I had no idea what to expect when I picked thiis one up. I was inspired to do some after my recent trip to Savannah. Black, White and the Grey tells the story of a white investorContinue reading “Reading Journal 2023: Black, White, and The Grey: The story of an Unexpected Frienship an a Beloved Restaurant.”

Reading Journal 2023: A Christmas Story Author: Jean Shepherd My first though after finishing this book- if they ever remake A Chrirstmas Story it needs to be Wes Anderson I actually had no idea the classic Christmas movie was based on a book. It’s actually more of an anthology, or a collection of essays, eachContinue reading “Reading Journal 2023: A Christmas Story”

Film Journal 2023: Wish Directed by Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn By far (and away), the greatest strength of the latest original to come out of Disney Studios is its honest to goodness attempt to reflect on and remember the reason Disney exists and why it makes films in the first place. It takes an originalContinue reading “Film Journal 2023: Wish”

Film Journal 2023: Dream Sequence Directed by Kristoffer Borgli This far into his current late stage renaissance and Cage is still finding ways to surprise. It’s almost tempting to say he’s playing to type here, but that doesn’t quite capture it. This is it’s own thing, and it’s a ton of fun. The same couldContinue reading “Film Journal 2023: Dream Sequence”

Film Journal 2023: Napolean Directed by Ridley Scott You wouldn’t be faulted for walking into this expecting a Gladiator type historical epic. By all appearances that’s precisely what this seemed to be advertising. If you were, or are, caught off guard by the fact that a fair portion of this film ends up a comedyContinue reading “Film Journal 2023: Napolean”