Idol Chatter

It’s a question that’s especially valid today as the Catholic Church battles with our government over the proposed healthcare mandate requiring faith-based institutions to cover contraception.  We ask ourselves if this is a breach of religious liberty and if so, how will this fight will end?

Religious freedom is one of the themes tackled in FOR GREATER GLORY, an independent film that isn’t released in theaters until June 1.  The film chronicles a little known civil war that took place in Mexico during the early to mid- 1920s.  Known as the Cristero War, the movie begins when Plutarco Calles, the newly elected President of Mexico, promises his people an age of enlightenment and modernization.  He views Christianity, and specifically Catholic leaders, as a backwards threat to his goals and soon enacts a series of laws that at first restricts religious freedoms such as displacing or deporting “foreign” priests and ministers, but increasingly becomes persecution against anyone critical or opposed to his policies.

The people’s increasing resistance against Calles’ government is one of the most interesting aspects of this film.  What starts as marches and economic boycotts to voice displeasure against the government, eventually shifts into an armed underdog and underground resistance movement as Calles and his troops become increasing hostile and then violent.  Men AND women are equally portrayed doing what they must to contribute to the fight against oppression.

Academy Award® nominee Andy Garcia (The Godfather III) headlines an acclaimed cast as General Gorostieta, a retired military man who at first thinks he has nothing personal at stake as he and his wife (Golden Globe winner Eva Longoria) watch Mexico fall into a violent civil war.  Yet the man who hesitates in joining the cause will soon become the resistance’s most inspiring and self-sacrificing leader, as he begins to see the cost of religious persecution on his countrymen.  He is joined by Academy Award® winner Peter O’Toole (Lawrence of Arabia), Academy Award® nominee Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full Of Grace), rapidly rising star Oscar Issac (Drive, Robyn Hood), Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek, Super 8), Nestor Carbonell (The Dark Knight Risses), and Eduardo Verástegui (Bella). 

FOR GREATER GLORY is both inspiring and heartbreaking.   Inspiring because we can celebrate the triumph of humanity, courage, and absolute faith, and heartbreaking because freedom does come at a high cost, including the loss of loved ones.

The movie brings up some key issues with regards to religious freedom and government interference.  It is beautifully shot and it strikes a chord especially as a debate is happening within our own country.  The film will release in theaters on Friday, June 1.

For additional information or to watch the trailer go to: http://www.forgreaterglory.com

The Monastary of Christ in the Desert was founded in 1964 in Abiqulu, New Mexico. It’s located in, you guessed it, the middle of the desert. Being surrounded by miles of government-protected land, the abbey is the perfect place to guarantee a quiet life of solitude perfectly suited to the Benedictine way.

The Monks have a number of business ventures that help support the monastery: hand crafted items, a thrift store in Santa Fe, and their own Abbey Beverage company that they sell Monk’s Ale through. But they also have a choir and a new album, a compilation of peaceful chants and beautiful hymns. We’re giving away a copy of the album, Blessings, Peace, and Harmony to one lucky Idol Chatter reader. You can find the nitty gritty of the rules here if you’re interested in such things.

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this blog describing a time when you felt most at peace with God. It could be a favorite park that you visit, a special time of worship, or a moment when you were suddenly struck by God’s goodness. Tell us when that moment was, making sure to leave a valid name and email address, and you’ll be entered to win the CD! The contest will run through April 30th at which point we’ll choose a winner to receive the album.

After leaving your comment, check out the video below for a peek inside the monks’ world, and then head on over to Amazon to pick up the album for yourself (hey, not everyone can win!).

Travis Ryan, worship pastor at Saddleback Church, has a brand new worship album out called “Fearless” with a wonderful single on it, “Jesus Precious Jesus.” You can listen to a sample of the song (it’s great!) and download the single here.

Rick Warren, Saddleback’s pastor (and author of “The Purpose Driven Life”), also has some thoughts on the single!

UPDATE: This is an exclusive first look at the poster for the film!

I don’t know much about For Greater Glory. I know it stars Andy Garcia, Evan Longoria, and Peter O’Toole. I know it’s the true story of the Cristiada, a Mexican civil war that happened in the 1920s. I know it’s about the persecution of Catholics by the predominantly Marxist government of the time. And I know that the man who led the uprising (played by Garcia) was an atheist who chose to fight on the side of the Christians because he believed in their right to freely worship.

But that’s about it.

When I first heard about the film I definitely got a “movie of the week” vibe. But after watching the trailer and reading a little bit about the Cristiado conflict (Wikipedia is your friend!), I am genuinely excited about this film. It feels very much like The Mission, which I consider to be one of the greatest films of all time. Will it be an epic film that actually makes you think and take stock of what you believe? Judging by what’s on display here, the chances of that are good.