July (Web-only) 2004

Bourne Again
The Bourne Supremacy's a supreme sequel, but Catwoman stinks. Plus: More reviews of The Door in the Floor, I, Robot, A Cinderella Story, and The Terminal.
I, Re-Hash
Will Smith's I, Robot is full of summer movie cliché s but lacks Asimov. A Cinderella Story gets bad reviews from all ages. The Door in the Floor leads to mixed reviews. Plus, Napoleon Dynamite, Maria Full of Grace, and Metallica: Some Kind of Monster.
King Arthur Struggles in Quest for Good Reviews
Christian film critics are divided over King Arthur, unite against Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, and disapprove of Sleepover. Plus: More on Fahrenheit 9/11, Spider-Man 2, and America's Heart and Soul.
An Inspiring Journey for All Americans
What critics are saying about the exhilarating and inspiring America's Heart and Soul, the murky The Clearing, and the dissatisfying De-Lovely. Plus: More reviews of Spider-man 2 and Fahrenheit 9/11, and a new look at The Decalogue.
Critics Thrilled by Spidey, Unpersuaded by Michael Moore
Spider-Man 2 gets 4-star reviews from Christian film critics, but Fahrenheit 9/11 is not hot. Plus raves for the family-friendly Two Brothers, rants about White Chicks, and tears over The Notebook.
The Manchurian Candidate
Thunderbirds
The Village
In Defense of Mere Entertainment (Part 3)
Would Mother Teresa have thrown her head back and laughed aloud at The Pink Panther? Likely so, says the author in this apologetic for films that are simply "fun for the sake of fun."
The Bourne Supremacy
Teens Dig Donnie Darko
The film bombed in its 2001 release, but caught on as a cult favorite among teens and young adults, and is now being re-released to theaters. We asked several students what they like about the movie.
The Honest-to-God Truth About Movies (Part 2)
The best films don't shy away from truthfully depicting the human condition—even when it's ugly and sinful.
Happily Ever After?
Today's romantic comedies are fun to watch, but behind the laughs and snappy screenwriting is a message that often misses the mark.
A Cinderella Story
I, Robot
Fahrenheit 9/11 Emboldens Christian Filmmakers
Following the successes of Michael Moore and Mel Gibson, Christians in Hollywood are rethinking the "I'm a Christian who happens to be a filmmaker" approach to movies.
Paul the Apostle
What Is a Good Christian Movie, Anyway? (Part 1)
Is it a sermon in disguise? Is it honest? Is it "family-friendly"? Defining it is no easy task—but here's a good start.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
King Arthur
Top Ten Movie Musicals
With this week's release of a new musical biopic on the life of Cole Porter, we look back at the best movie musicals of all time.
Ten Years and Counting
Pop pianist Jim Brickman celebrates a decade of music with a greatest hits album—and hopes to include more inspirational songs on his next recording.
America's Heart and Soul
The Clearing
De-Lovely
Books & Culture's Book of the Week: How the Monster Grew
A Pulitzer Prize-winning historian looks at the origins of modern media.
What John Edwards Believes
John Kerry's Methodist running mate oversees his church's urban ministries, but can he win evangelicals' votes?
'Books & Culture' Corner: Tending the Garden
Evangelicals and the environment.
Why Kerry Is Sincere When He Says He Believes Life Begins at Conception
Plus: AmeriCorps loses suit on Catholic school placements, U.K. considers new religious hate law, Portland's Catholic archdiocese declares bankruptcy, and other stories from online sources around the world.
'Womb Walking' Ultrasound, Stats Prompt U.K. Abortion Rethink
Plus: Order removed for ex-gay mom told to avoid exposing child to homophobia, philosophy prof says he was punished for identifying himself as a Catholic, the Sabbath returns to Virginia, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Former Labor Secretary Predicts Religious War in America
Plus: Pastor on trial for exorcism death, Chinese woman beaten to death for distributing Bibles, European court rejects wrongful abortion suit, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Against Abstinence
What a South Dakota State Library debate pitting Christianity Today against Planned Parenthood reveals about the sexual left.
Which Federal Marriage Amendment?
Plus: Church of England rejects heresy trials, Narnia actors revealed, Va. prosecutor criticized for acting on his faith, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Army Facing Battle on Benefits
Domestic partners dispute may cripple Salvation Army-New York link.
Catastrophe and Compassion
Poems that wrestle with darkness and celebrate light.
All Apologies
Are today's kinda culpas more safe than sorry?
Federal Marriage Amendment Doesn't Even Make It to a Senate Vote
Religious activist groups respond. Plus: Clive Calver resigns as World Relief president, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Korean in Iraq Was Killed For His Faith, Say Terrorists
Plus: What's next for the Federal Marriage Amendment, Canada's Bible ban, university relents on mandatory profanity, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Separation of Ministry and Politics
In order to influence public policy successfully, Focus on the Family must quickly learn how to remove politicking from its ministry core.
Kerry Only Talks Religion Around Blacks, Says Washington Post
Plus: What will really get you in trouble with Anglican leaders, Will Willimon becomes a Methodist bishop as Joseph Sprague announces he'll retire, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Sudden Death in Darfur
John Danforth, new U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, demands Sudan stop murderous Arab militias.
The Prohibition of Gay Marriage
We can learn from the defeat of American Christian activism's greatest legislative victory.
Baylor Regents to Assess Expansive Vision
Plus: Bush says God speaks through him; VeggieTales goes south, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Books & Culture's Book of the Week: Ambiguous Redemption
A riveting memoir by the author of Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight.
After the Hurricane
Hugo struck my neighbors with terror but not with the fear of God.
Presbyterian Pastor Killed While Preaching in Indonesia
Plus: Sloan opponents say they have enough regents' votes to oust Baylor president, RQ's offspring, Kristof's at it again, and many other stories from online sources around the world.
U.S. Protestant Majority Gone By End of Year, Says Survey
Plus: Christians in Iraq, Terri Schiavo, Moore's monument, home churches, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Promise Keepers Coach Has a New Team, Aiming to Unite Christians and Messianic Jews
Plus: Jewish groups vs. the Presbyterian Church (USA), designer babies in the U.K., China reportedly detains 100 Christian leaders, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Moving into the 'Hood
In God's Neighborhood, Scott Roley says Jesus relocated to be with us, so we ought to do the same.
No Jesus Invocations, Says Court
Plus: Baylor regents don't vote on Sloan after all, House votes to take gay marriage out of judges' purview, coveting the original Ten Commandments, and other stories from online sources around the world.
All of Christian History in 6 Hours
This audio tour de force is strong meat for a mature Christian audience.
Baylor's Sloan Keeps His Job—Again
Regents steer clear of vote on president; unanimously reaffirm Vision 2012.
Orthodox Unity …
Autonomous Orthodoxy isn't an oxymoron. It's the fulfillment of a different kind of American dream.
… And Orthodox Division
Greek Orthodox prepare for contentious assembly in New York.
Nothing Personal
The dustup at Baylor is not about its president. It's about change.
Gracia Burnham Returns to the Philippines Amid Another Hostage Controversy
Plus: Who's talking religion at the Democratic National Convention, council vows to keep praying in Jesus' name, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Books & Culture's Book of the Week: China's Spiritual Hunger
The lessons of Falun Gong.
Worshiping an 'Awesome God' at the Democratic National Convention
Plus: Amish in the City premieres tonight, challenging Sri Lanka's anti-conversion bill, Christians accused of bad motives in Sudan activism, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Bill Cosby Was (Mostly) Right
But he overlooks the redemptive role of the church.
Faith and the Newest Rock & Roll Rebellion
Some bands are rejecting the Christian label for their music and instead singing about Christ to the masses.
Boston or Bust
Plus: Vonette Bright, a homeschool lawsuit, and a dearth of other religion stories from online sources around the world.
Peru's Second-Class Citizens
Christian legal activists fight to protect women and girls.
Kerry Touts His Sleeveless Faith
Plus: Mugabe's demand for church support, Economist predicts a new golden age of giving, new claims about the Dead Sea Scrolls, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Putting (Pro)Life into the Party
Democrats shouldn't be afraid of being pro-life says Democrats for Life's Kristen Day.
The Amish Come Knocking
UPN's Amish In the City shows us our modern selves in a mirror that is positively medieval.
Bill Cosby Was (Mostly) Right—Part 2
Why is church influence among blacks wide but not deep?
Hey, John Kerry, WWFFD?
What Would the Founding Fathers Do about the application of Christian principles to American politics? A few cautionary words.

Top Story December 28, 2023

CT’s Top 10 News Stories of 2023
CT’s Top 10 News Stories of 2023
The year brought news of revival and tragedy, with ongoing coverage of denominational divides and allegations of abuse in ministry.

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