Finding God in Unusual Places; the T.V. Show "Bones"

For those that follow my blog, you know that I have began to do a series of posts under the theme of, "Finding God in Unusual Places". The whole premise of this series is that I believe that God can show up in places other then our preconceived areas that we may expect God to show up. Previously I wrote about a Nickleback song that I felt that God had showed up. This month I want to present the possibility that God shows up often in a increasingly popular T.V. show; "Bones", which airs on the Fox network.

First, I admit that I haven't watched this show until this past Christmas, where my in-laws introduced me to this show. I was instantly addicted. "Bones' is very similar to a C.S.I . type-of show. I believe what separates this show however, is the fact that the character development is top notch. You have two main characters named Brennan and Booth. Brennan is a anthropologist, and Booth is a F.B.I. agent. These two team up in murder cases that involve unusual bone remains from the murder victim.

The F.B.I. agent, Booth, is a traditional Catholic that holds on to a faith that puts his sometimes unexplainable world into context. Brennan (the anthropologist) is a character that believes that everything can be explained by the facts. She uses science and anthropological reasoning to explain her world. (This would be a good time to add that science in itself is not inherently evil. I think its important to remember this, because too often, Christianity has made the scientific community the enemy.)

With a very noticeable on screen chemistry between the two characters, there is a lot of opportunity of very rich conversation between the two characters concerning heavy matters. Topics such as the God question, morals, faith, and the supernatural are discussed often. As interesting as these discussions prove to be, (These conversations tend to be witty and cleverly written.) the real God moment that comes to mind is the relationship between Booth and Brennan.

Time after time you witness these two disagree on really important and heavy items, but at the end of the day the relationship is more important. The show provides a context in which such matters should be discussed, that is a relationship. This show reminds us that no matter the points of disagreement on heavy issues, relationships are far more important. This is a powerful display on what our conversations and even disagreements should look like.

When I see this I cannot help but think of "evangelism methods" that seem to be popular. I have seen groups hand out tracks, scream from soap boxes on city streets, cram scripture upon those that choose not to listen. The problem isn't the zeal of these groups. The problem is that this method is outside any meaningful relationships. As a result, it comes across very much like propaganda or commercialism. We need a new path of sharing God, but I believe that path is a difficult one. It involves intimacy and love. It involves a relationship, and often times this can be very messy.

Booth and Brennan on the show "Bones' very much exemplify what this relationship can look like. We will disagree, we will be hurt at times, it will be difficult! But at the end of the day, can we say that the relationship is more important? That's a question we must consider! I encourage you to watch "bones" and as these lively discussions occur, think of this relational context and how we may be able to do this in our lives.

-dj

http://audaciousliturgy.blogspot.com/

Book Recommendation; "My Beautiful Idol" by Pete Gall

There is something about a memoir that I just love. I think the reason that I love a memoir so much is because of the fact that a memoir brings in a relational aspect to a reading. I feel that through a memoir the reader has the ability to engage with the author in such ways that the reader may finish feeling like they know the writer. With that said, I think there a couple ways you judge a memoir.

1) Does the author show vulnerability? In order to bridge a relationship with the reader, the author must find ways to become appealing and brutally honest.

2) Does the author bring a writing style that is engaging to the reader so that the reader may feel like they just shared an experience with the author. I believe this to be important because I feel that the memoir should be appealing in the way of a relational writing.

I give this background first because I feel that "My beautiful Idol" not only meets this criteria, but it exceeds it. Pete Gall writes with incredible vulnerability, at times the book becomes a confessional. This is not a confessional that makes the reader uncomfortable. It actually builds a bridge to the reader in common ground. I found myself many times thinking that I have always thought about the various topics that he presented, in a way that put words to my thoughts.

Pete Gall also has a very engaging writing style in the way of Donald Miller. A part of the style in which it was engaging is the content itself. I will address some gems here in a little bit. Gall presents the material in ways that really were unpredictable. I am not a big fan of writing in which I can guess the point behind a certain story before it even happens. Gall kept me guessing the whole time. The flow is very fast paced and thought provoking.

Here are a couple of gems I found:

1) The race track illustration for salvation was absolutely phenomenal. If you want a description of what Pete Gall said about this, refer to my previous post "unfinished Bono".

2) The presentation of Gall's various "Idols". I believe that this is a shared experience with many followers of Jesus.

3) The ongoing stories that follow Gall in his occupations and identities were delightful.

4) The struggle that ministers and leaders often have in the ministerial process. There is always a temptation to sell the Christian product so that the buyer feels they purchased good Christian points for God. Gall talks about this process extensively and struggles with it. I relate to this struggle.

After finally picking up this book to read, I could not hardly put it down. If you are a follower of Jesus and you like to listen to life stories and have a "shared experience" with a memoir style writing, I would encourage you to pick this one up.

You can find Zondervan's page for "My Beautiful Idol" here.

-dj

http://audaciousliturgy.blogspot.com/