Why Film's Golden Age Ended

Chuck Colson argues modern films are on-the-whole inferior because filmmakers have lost the art of storytelling-along with their grounding in a view of life that fits with the structure of reality. Instead, they offer false claims of salvation-along with graphic sex and violence to titillate instead of challenging the imaginations of their viewers. Requiring movie makers to exercise restraint “was, on balance, beneficial to the creative process."

Jason Castro - An 'Idol' with Soul

Though he didn't win the seventh season of American Idol, third-place finisher Jason Castro was an enduring fan favorite for his sweet demeanor and soaring performances of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and his own ukulele-accompanied "Over the Rainbow." Both songs appear on "deluxe" versions of Castro's self-titled debut album, which released two weeks ago.

The dreadlocked singer/songwriter wants the world to know about the second part of that description—songwriter. He's not "just" a singer, like most Idol alums. Castro penned seven of the eight songs ("Hallelujah" is the eighth) on the more widely available version of the new album—mostly poems about love (he just got married in January) and friendship.

A committed Christian, Castro talked to Christianity Today about his new album, how his faith informs his songwriting and his performances, and how David Crowder Band was instrumental in his conversion.

The Afters & Jordin Sparks Share "Secrets of the Mountain"

The Afters’ “Never Going Back to OK” is featured on the soundtrack of the family friendly film “Secrets of the Mountain.” Hand-picked for the soundtrack by American Idol judge, Randy Jackson, The Afters’ music will be featured with the likes of Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks and more on the soundtrack. The “Secrets of the Mountain” debuted in first place on NBC April 16th.



The movie focuses on a single mother who brings her family to a mountainside cabin. The film highlights values such as generosity, honesty and togetherness. The DVD version of the film bundled with the soundtrack will be available exclusively at Walmart.

Winning the Debate

Trevin Wax has a fantastic article that addresses the unfortunate recent trend of Christian artists 'coming out' and how we can better defend our position. He writes in part:

If we are to re-frame this discussion along biblical lines, then we must emphasize the necessity of repentance for the Christian faith. The point is not that the pastor and the Knapp are both sinners. It's that the pastor agrees with God about his sin, while Knapp remains in her sin without repentance. That is why he is questioning her Christianity, for Christian teaching makes clear the necessity of repentance as the entryway into the Christian family.

Find the rest of this must-read here.

"Letters to God" Remains in Top 20

Letters to God fell 42% to receipts of $800K in its second week of release. This was enough to land in 17th place, but likely not enough to keep it in theaters.

“In the movie world, in Hollywood world, that’s not a very good showing,” said David Nixon after the film's release last weekend. "And unfortunately, the theater owners are threatening to take the movie out of theaters because not enough people came this weekend."

Last week, the movie director encouraged the film’s supporters to get their friends, family, and even church to see the movie this weekend or even purchase tickets in advance for following weekends.

“That would make all the difference,” Nixon said. “We need to change this trend right now and get more people to come see the movie this weekend. And then hopefully the theater owners will keep it in theaters so that more people can see it."