DVD Review: Burning Questions

About: There are Burning Questions, the answers to which have profound implications because they effect so many other areas of life: for instance, whether or not life has meaning, purpose or hope. Yet, too often, attempts to talk about these questions are marred by a clash of fundamentalisms, by extremists (religious or secular) simply yelling or trying to outsmart each other.

Is there a better way to have discourse on these questions that really do matter? Join Dr. Andy Bannister as he tries to do just that - journeying across three countries - talking to a wide range of experts - people of all faiths and none - in search of some clarity. Whether you're a skeptic or a seeker, a doubler or a disciple, Burning Questions will encourage you to listen well, think deeply and to follow the evidence where it leads.

My Review: A few weeks ago, my husband said something that really struck a cord. He said that before we can say "I disagree," we have to be able to say "I understand." When discussions touch and threaten our worldview, it is normal to shut down and get defensive. It is hard to actually listen and hear what an opponent has to say. What I love about this DVD series is how all views are presented in a respectful way. Too often we think about those who oppose our view as stupid, but through this series it is clear that there are intelligent people on all sides of the issue. I believe this series is a great conversation starter.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this DVD to anyone and everyone.

I received this DVD from Graf-Martin Communication for the purpose of review.

DVD Review: The Way Home

Product Description: A missing child. A family in crisis. A faith tested. In their darkest hour, God gives hope.

Dean Cain stars as Randy Simpkins, a husband and father torn between the demands of his job and family. Asked by his wife to watch their two-year-old son, Joe, for a few minutes, he becomes distracted by work. When he returns, Joe is gone. He and his wife search desperately for their missing son through the vast countryside. But as their fear grows, the community responds – hundreds of supporters uniting behind the family in a powerful spiritual journey that will test the couple’s love and faith, and forever change a community.

My Review: The description of this movie caught my eye. The fact that it was based on a true story made it even more appealing. My husband and I are always on the lookout for good, clean, family friendly movies. So, when I got the opportunity to review this movie, I took it. My husband and I watched it together, as a date night activity. Honestly I was very disappointed.

Let me start off by saying that the cinematography was horrible. The camera angles kept changing, spinning around characters and was generally unsteady. The result: my husband had to spend most of the movie with his head between his knees because he felt ill, sea-sick. I too felt a little nauseous.

Second, there really wasn't a moving plot. The general idea of the story was sound, but I don't know that there was enough there to make a full length film. The scenes relied heavily on emotion, and the search through the woods... zipping by trees and all.

Third, the "spiritual" portions of this film felt forced. The conversations were stilted, and the acting was pretty bad. I understand that most Christian films run on a low budget, and work with what resources are available, but it seems like the "spiritual" portions should be the most authentic in the whole movie. That's just my opinion.

Needless to say, we won't be watching the video again. Not unless I provide a barf bag for my poor husband.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I would not recommend this movie unless you have taken your motion sickness medication beforehand.

(I received a complimentary copy of this DVD for the purpose of review.)

DVD Review: Does God Exist? Building the Scientific Case

Excerpt from Booklet: Once upon a time, in a universe far, far away... Wait, this isn't a fairy tale; we're talking about reality. If you and I could go back far enough in time, we would come to a point when the universe did not exist. But if the universe truly had a distinct beginning, then what caused the cosmos to come into existence? Does God Exist? pg 21.


Product Description: In this first DVD set of the TrueU series, Dr. Stephen Meyer plays a “philosophical survival game,” pitting four worldviews against one another in the quest to decide which one gives the best answers. Dr. Meyer examines the evidence and provides the tools needed for students to defend their faith and make it their own. This is the perfect resource for students preparing to enter college and a culture that may be hostile to their faith.


My Review: This isn't your typical youth curriculum. Focus on the Family has done a great job helping teens think more clearly about what they believe and why. The arguments and apologetics used in the curriculum will help teens stand up in the real world, outside of the safe sphere of our homes and churches.


I was a Christian going to a public school. I can clearly see how a curriculum like this could help teens who are living in that environment. It would be specifically helpful to teens that are looking to attend a secular university. 


My husband, who is a scientist, and I enjoyed watching these ten lessons together. It was fuel for many conversations, and I found the experience enlightening. I wish that something like this had been presented in my teen years. 


My Rating: 


My Recommendation: I would highly recommend this TrueU curriculum to youth leaders and/or parents of teenagers.


(I received a complimentary copy of this kit from Tyndale for the purpose of review.)