Best this month Tomorrowland
People today seem to be fascinated with dysto-
pias. These stories reflect the consequences of the excesses of contemporary societies: overpopula- tion, mechanized living, environmental destruc- tion, violence and war, technology used to con- trol people and other problems. Things aren’t that bad yet in this film, but the end of the world as people know it is clearly on the way. Director Brad Bird encourages us to empa-
thize with three unconventional rebels in a time when there is little hope for the future. They meet up in another dimension known as Tomorrowland, where an authoritarian leader thinks the way to get people to change is to bombard them with predictions of the world’s collapse. Can he scare people straight or is his mindset creating a self- fulfilling prophecy? Three idealists take a different approach. Teenager Casey
is an optimistic girl; Frank Walker was a boy-genius turned adult inventor; and Athena is a robot who can override her programming. They discover that averting the impending
Her Idea Sozi is a creative girl
whose head is swarming with hundreds of ideas. Alas, when she decides to begin a work of art, her wandering mind refuses to stay focused. Soon all her ideas flee the
scene, leaving her unhappy and unfulfilled. The real challenge facing imaginative children is
to stick with their creative endeavors and see them through to the end. Perseverance is a big word for small children, but it provides the spiritual energy propelling this celebration of creativity, imagination and books. Designed for children from kindergarten through second grade, this delightful book by Rilla Alexander has bold and vibrant illus- trations and a rousing text (Flying Eye Books, http://
flyingeyebooks.com).
Author bio:
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www.thelutheran.org
Whenever Casey Newton (Britt Robertson) touches a lapel pin with the letter T on it, she fi nds herself transported to Tomorrowland.
disaster requires a change of heart and a change of mind. They want others, especially young people, to join them, starting with the belief that transformation is possible (Walt Disney Studios—PG). Now on DVD.
Teaching—The Sacred Art:
The Joy of Opening Minds and Hearts Jane Vennard offers lec-
tures and leads retreats in ecumenical settings in the U.S., Canada and Australia. She is ordained to a minis- try of teaching and spiritual direction in the United Church of Christ and is the author of books on prayer and spiritual practices. This book is an evergreen resource filled with wisdom for teachers of all stripes, as well as lifelong learners. For Vennard, teaching is a sacred art and people
are called to it as a vocation. It’s about sharing our gifts and being of service in the world. Respect, challenge and kindness are its foundations. These are amplified by teachers as they speak passionately with wonder about subjects they love. The transformative power of the teaching-learning process comes alive in telling stories, asking questions and listening well. Vennard also discusses the heavy-duty dimensions of claiming authority by letting go of control and doing the inner work of dealing with our shadows (Skylight Paths, www.
skylightpaths.com).
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