“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” – Jackie Robinson

A prophetic statement from the man who literally changed the face of baseball.

It is almost unthinkable that there was a time within the last 100 years when the color of your skin was a qualification from Major League Baseball. Even more unthinkable that Jackie Robinson was the beginning of racial integration in professional sports, not it’s climactic completion.

Sitting in the theatre watching the incredible story of Jackie Robinson unfold, I kept saying in my head:

I can’t believe that Remember the Titans, the story of a newly integrated high school football team in Tennessee, took place 30 years after this!

When it comes to prejudice and racial harmony in America, we have come a long way, but Jackie Robinson reminds that we are not as advanced as we’d like to think. There are few places where our sinful tendencies toward exclusion are more blatantly obvious than when it comes to our treatment of those who are different that we are.

42 is about what it takes to rise above such sinfulness: unwavering self-sacrifice.

The movie opens in the midst of a major shift in American life. WWII had just ended, the Great Depression seemed like a lifetime before, the country was poised to move into the next phase of its existence, and a young black ballplayer was about to turn society on its head. We are allowed to watch the progression of Jackie Robinson (powerfully portrayed by relative newcomer, Chadwick Boseman) from negro-league standout, to champion of American civil rights – before anyone had heard that term.

Jackie’s rise was not by accident. Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey (age-appropriately and award-worthily acted by Harrison Ford) saw with prophetic insight the direction the country was going and decided that rather than sit by and watch it happen, he would be a part of ushering in the new era of integrated American sports.

For him, Jackie Robinson was the right man at the right time. He knew that black ball players in the Major League was simply a matter of time. Of this reality, he says:

I don’t know who he is or where he is, but he’s coming.

Enter Robinson, the savior of Major League Baseball. The movie chronicles well the absolutely impossible spot into which Robinson was placed: to be Jesus in the outfield. In a pivotal scene in the film, Robinson suggests that Branch Rickey wants a player who lacks the guts to fight back, and Rickey’s response sums up the tight rope that Robinson walked during his debut in the Majors:

I want a player who’s got the guts not to fight back.

What the audience is treated to for a good portion of the film is a man who continually lays his own life down for what he knows is right. Robinson plays for something more significant than personal or even cultural pride. He turns the other cheek at racist remarks and threats of violence. He chooses not to fight on his own behalf. Rather, he lays himself down, choosing to be mistreated for the greater cause of full racial integration in the major leagues.

I’m not familiar enough with Robinson’s story to tell you how accurately he is portrayed. Nevertheless, it is a powerful depiction of the type of sacrifice that Christians are called to take up for the cause of the Gospel in the world, and I applaud the filmmakers for making that so clear without straying (much) into sensationalism or sentimentality.

The movie itself is solid. Casting is very good across the board, with most minor parts filled by skilled actors. Nicole Beharie, was particularly powerful as Jackie’s unceasingly devoted
wife Rachel. And Alan Tudyk‘s portrayal of Ben Chapman, the bigot manager of the Phillies, provided the audience with a clear picture of the utter foolishness of the racism and hatred that Robinson endured.

As I said already, Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Branch Rickey is a refreshing change for the film legend we all know. He seems very comfortable playing characters his own age and I hope this marks a new stage in his career. He may not receive an Oscar nom for the role, but he could, and it wouldn’t be undeserved. What he does so well in this film is deliver hard and heart felt dialogue with ease over and over again. It makes him utterly likable and a wonderful partner for our hero, played with incredible dignity by Chadwick Boseman.

Where 42 falls short is not with direction or pacing, but with something that would seem like a given in a film of this nature: heart. It is not heartless, but with the stakes of the film being so high, and the fact that these events actually took place, you would expect to feel more. The triumphs lacked the power that they may have had, and the darkest, most difficult moments never seemed to delve as deeply as they could. Not sure if this is a script issue or perhaps directing, but it is what will keep 42 just out of the upper echelon of sports films.

But this should not prevent anyone from going to see this one. In fact, I think everyone should see it. There’s a reason why it’s been in the box office top 10 for so long. It’s a great film and one that’s worth seeing for it’s historical significance, for it’s insight into current American culture, for its unashamed gospel parallels, and for a welcomed change from the big budget action that is beginning to crowd the theaters now. So go with confidence, take the older kids, and enjoy a well-crafted look at one of the most significant figures in the history of sports.

Christianity is not Conservatism or Liberalism – This is a great summary post on how Christianity differs from both political conservatism and political liberalism. If you’d like to read the source material, it’s here and here.

The Battle for Christianity – Here’s an interesting piece from Time explaining where traditional Christianity is winning, not in the political and social spheres, but in the church itself. If that doesn’t sound like good news, it should.

Help I married an Introvert – A great little post about how God makes husbands and wives to compliment each other. Worth reading for any who either is or is not married.

This video has been making the rounds for a reason:

This one is around for very different reasons:

Matt Chandler Sermon Jam:

A Time To Lament:

Bifrost Arts: Learning Lamentation from josh franer on Vimeo.

J.I. Packer’s new book promo. Very excited:

Wellspring Church’s upcoming Collision Course event. Dual Citizens: On Earth as it is in Heaven?:

The Power of a Soccer Ball – People all over the world are thinking of innovative ways to bring sustainable power to places that have yet to see the *incandescent* light. This article highlights one of the most unique power sources on the planet.

John Piper’s Finale – John Piper has been a spiritual father to countless men and women around the world, most of all to Bethlehem Baptist church, which he pastored for 33 years. Easter Sunday was his final sermon as pastor. Download and watch it here.

The Greatest Slaughter in Human History – This is by no means an easy read, but it brings to light the terrible and tragic history of abortion in China over the past 40 years.

Christian College, Gay Student – CNN tackles an issue being wrestled with at Christian colleges throughout the country: how should students, faculty, and administrators approach the growing number of students at Christian colleges who are coming out.

Around the World at 17 – Laura Dekker is pretty rad. You should read this article and see the film when it’s released.

Facebook Likes – I can’t confirm the validity of the research, but it’s certainly important to realize that our internet presence says a lot about who we are.

St. Patrick – In honor of St’ Patrick, here’s a fairly balanced look at what we really know about the life of Patrick of Ireland from a non-Christian perspective.

The Greatness of St. Patrick – And here’s one from Jonathan Rogers of the Rabbit Room. The emphasis on Patrick’s life as a pioneer missionary is especially important to note here.

Proper Punnery – Is a lost art according to this Slate Magazine writer. As one who abhors our cultures obsession with combining words that have no idea being together (i.e. Subway’s “Februany” campaign), I thoroughly enjoyed this piece,

This video is the promo piece for an upcoming event at Wellspring Church, where I serve as pastor, if you’re in the area on April 20, you should register here.

Solidly Reformed, Strikingly Small – Is one Reformed Brazilian Pastor’s reflections on the unusually small numbers in Brazil’s reformed churches. It’s a challenge for any who are prone to place what he calls “respectful blame” on God’s sovereignty. This post is well-written and full of wisdom.

The Bible on Film – TGC’s Joe Carter provides a brief outline of the surprisingly long and ongoing relationship between the Bible and the motion picture industry.

Noah – And Speaking of which, here’s a look at Darren Aronofsky’s star studded adaptation of Noah, scheduled to set sail next March. Looks like it comes complete with a fictionalized take on the Nephailm.

The legacy of a modern giant of the Christian Faith:

Get ready for tears:

The Dangers of Faking it in Ministry – Kathy Keller, wife of noted pastor Timothy Keller, offers some insights into the dangers that ministers face in their walk with God:

The day will come when you have to deliver a sermon, or counsel someone in need, or listen to a heartsick soul, and you will be in no fit condition to do it. Your prayer life may be lagging, or you have an unreconciled relationship that needs attention, or any number of things may have interrupted your communion with God and your rejoicing in the gospel. When that day arrives, you must sit down, at whatever expense of time and ruination to your schedule, and get right with God. Then, and only then, should you attempt to minister in his name.

The Beards of Ministry – Some blogs are informative, some are interesting, and some are absolutely inspirational. This post is the definition of the latter:

Growing a beard is habit most natural, scriptural, manly and beneficial.

First World Problems:

The Gospel in 1 minute:

The Gospel in 2 minutes:

The Gospel in 5 minutes:

Effective youth ministry boils down to pursuing relationships, teaching scripture, proclaiming the Gospel, worshiping, and praying fervently. That is it.

60 Reasons Jesus is Better than I think is a great post by Dane Ortlund exploring the reasons why Jesus is great. A wonderful reminder of our Savior, His work, and His great love for us.

Honoring the Pope – Southern Baptist pastor and author Russell Moore helps Evangelicals understand what in worth honoring about the careers of the two most recent Popes of the Roman Catholic Church.

Unequally Yoked – How should a Christian wife live towards her unbelieving husband? Marci Turner at the Resurgence offers some Biblical and practical advice on this difficult issue.

Abraham Lincoln – John Piper recalls Abraham Lincoln’s path to discovering the Divine Providence of God:

Fondly do we hope—fervently do we pray—that this mighty scourge of war might speedily pass away…. Yet if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man’s two hundred years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid with another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago so still it must be said, “the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether.”

The End Times: A Visual Aid

The secret to intimacy with another person is discovering the sufficient of God’s love without that person. It is the only way we are ever free to give love to another human being who can never meet the needs of our souls… Couples… cannot be Jesus for each other, which means they dare not need to get married in hopes of finding what only a Savior can provide.

M. Craig Barnes, The Pastor as Minor Poet, pg. 46

“If we wanted applause, we would have joined the circus.”

It’s fitting that this quote would represent so well the true life account of the most outlandish CIA rescue mission in US history and so poorly the movie upon which it is based.

At this point in the Hollywood awards season Argo has won:

AFI Movie of the Year Award
Critic’s Choice Award (Best Picture, Best Director)
Golden Globe Award (Best Picture, Best Director)
Hollywood Film Award (Ensemble of the Year)
National Board of Review (Special Achievement in Film Making)
Screen Actor’s Guild Award (Best Motion Picture Cast)
Director’s Guild Award (Outstanding Directorial Achievement)

It has become the frontrunner to win the best picture Oscar, and has received dozens more regional awards and nominations.

The true life account of Argo sat on a shelf somewhere for almost 20 years before it was declassified by president Clinton in the late 90′s. And it wasn’t until the release of the Antonio Mendez’s book Argo: How the C.I.A. and Hollywood Pulled of the Most Audacious Rescue in History in Sept of 2011, that the general American public truly came to know this amazing story.

And it is amazing.

Argo is the story of a mission to rescue the 6 Americans who escaped the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran in 1979. At the core of the story is a C.I.A. operative named Antonio Mendez (Ben Afleck) who is sent to get the Americans out. It soon becomes apparent, however, that no conventional rescue plan will suffice, which is where things get interesting. Mendez and his superior, Jack O’donnell (played by Bryan Cranston in top form) devise a scheme to get the 6 Americans out under the guise of being part of a Canadian film crew searching for exotic locations for their latest science fiction adventure story, Argo. And to make it believable, they enlist the help of two hollywood heavy-weights Lester Siegel (played by the deservedly Oscar nominated Alan Arkin) and John Chambers (portrayed by the ever enjoyable John Goodman) to create a real-life fake movie. Not the simplest and most subtle of ideas, but it’s “the best of the worst ideas” they had.

The film is a dramatic retelling of everything from the storming of the Embassy to the debrief following the mission, and it is a thrill. As an actor, Ben Afleck does a decent job in the role of Mendez, he’s likable and calculating, two qualities that are not unimportant for the role. But as a director, Afleck is at the top of his game. He knows how to convey a story with precision and beauty. One thing that becomes apparent only as the credits role is the meticulous attention to the visual details of the story. pictures of the actors and their real life counterparts bring about double and triple takes. But more impressive than make-up and hair, is the obviously labor intensive work of recreating photographs of the events in celluloid form. Argo is stunning in subtlety and grand in gravity.

Argo is not an action film. In fact, much of the film takes place in small rooms with stationary people. But the film is nothing short of riveting. It’s reminiscent of the type of suspense created in a film like The King’s Speech, but the stakes are significantly greater and the activity level higher. The excitement of Argo rests in its excellent pace, its sense of immanent danger, and a near immediate connection with the central characters.

Much is due to Afleck’s confident hand at the helm, but there’s a reason why Argo keeps winning screenplay awards.Simply put, first-time screen writer Chris Terrio knocked it out of the park. Look for his name to appear more often in the coming years. It seems that Aaron Sorkin has some company in the deep-end of the words per-minute pool. Argo is anything but light on dialogue, but there is no place I can recall where exposition takes over story. I’ve yet to read Mendez’s book, so I can’t comment on the accuracy of the adaptation, but I can say that regardless of adaptation, this is a stellar script.

Culturally, Argo is a reminder of the sensitivity of international relations and the reality of how little the general public actually knows. We need both reminders as we consider how we speak of our government. We don’t know much of what goes on, yet we speak as though we’re experts. We’re not, most of us anyway. The majority of the American public has very little idea of why one president is more effective than another, or how governments relate to one another. Argo should be a wake up call toward a more humble and measured approach to criticizing “The Man”.

But I suppose it won’t be. We are so entrenched in the idea that we have a right to know all things, and that we can know all things. It’s ironic that in a world where absolute truth is frowned upon, absolute knowledge of facts is so highly regarded. God is denied because He is in many ways unknowable to us. Faith is disregarded as an inadequate replacement for “real” knowledge. But at the end of the day, we don’t actually know much of anything, whether it be the goings on of secret government organizations throughout the world, or the reason why our bodies function the way they do.

Being a Christian is being able to embrace mystery with confidence. Mystery is part of life. There are things we don’t know. Things we won’t ever know. And things that we wouldn’t understand even if we knew them. Once we can begin to think honestly about these realities, we’ll begin to understand how it’s possible for a loving God to require justice for sins committed against His holiness and how He could send His perfect Son as a willing sacrifice for those same sins that would have meant the eternal destruction of our souls. We’ll be able to believe that there is eternal existence just beyond what we can see and that Christ is the only true way through.

But if we can’t be ok with not knowing such small things like middle east rescue missions because we feel like our government is hiding stuff from us, we’ll have an impossible time searching deeper and more significant mysteries.

The Bottom Line

Argo is excellent and totally worth your time. It’s not for young children, but I would consider it worthy a conversation opportunity for older teenagers. On top of this, it’s an accurate portrayal of a recent and important historical event. It’s also coming out of DVD and Blu Ray in about two weeks. I recommend it, and hope it gets its due come Oscar night.

and though the quality isn’t the best, here’s a bit on Mendez himself: