Hell Freezes Over: Bill Powers Unintentionally gets one thing right

"For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,"
2 Timothy 3:2

In his exit interview with the Trib, Bill Powers discussed the reform effort:

Powers, however, said he sees those fights on a broader scale. They fit into a nationwide debate about the future of higher education. People pushing for reform believed that the growing state of Texas will need to accommodate more students. And many of those students will need inexpensive opportunities.

[Author's Note: Emphasis added.]

Exactly.

The U.T. reform effort has always been about the national effort to alter the unsustainable trajectory on which American Higher education finds itself.  What's been astonishing throughout this process is the degree to which the Powers (pun intended) of the status quo have resisted even the smallest changes.  No one expected to find the corruption when we embarked upon this process (though, in hindsight, it's obvious how the two are linked).

American Higher Education, epitomized by the University of Texas, is a bloated cesspool of cronyism and Marxism that poorly serves it's customers.  No one should have to take on tens of thousands of dollars worth of debt to subsidize do nothing bureaucrats making six figures and ideological bullying on campus.  Good for Bill Powers to finally admit this on the way out.

Faith and Family Day: Jonathan Saenz (Religious Liberty Amendment)

"The first one to plead his cause seems right,
Until his neighbor comes and examines him."
Proverbs 18:17

Texas State Capitol -- Jonathan Saenz of Texas Values spoke about religious liberty and marriage:





Highlights:

• Started to see this local stuff a couple years ago.

• Other side is trying to wear us down.

• "What happens at the local level is really important."

• The case that got him involved in this work is one of the ones that inspired God's Not Dead.

• "Religious freedom is under attack like never before."

• SJR 10 - Religious Liberty Amendment.

• "I'm not sure what we have in statute is enough."
• Constitutional amendment = More protection.

• Beat the old Austin C.C. to defend crisis pregnancy centers.
• But it took two years.

• "The time is now to do something lasting."

• Redefining marriage is a threat to religious liberty.

• Why should we wait another year and a half to address religious liberty?!?

Kevin Sorbo: God's Not Dead

He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.”
Mark 12:27

During his recent California trip, Glenn Beck sat down with Kevin Sorbo:



Highlights:

• Freedom of speech seems to be going away in this country.

• I give scripts 20 pages, I read this one straight through.

• The movie is based on a number of court cases.

• I thought this was a great movie to start discussion.

• People don't normally sit through the closing credits.

• Hollywood is the only business that isn't a business.

• Noah proves Hollywood doesn't understand faith.

Read our God's Not Dead review here.

Movie Review: God's NOT Dead

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,

‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”
Revelation 2:8-11 [Emphasis Added]

Yesterday, we saw God's Not Dead.  Two hours earlier, Pastor Danny preached on the Church at Smyrna (the quote from Revelation above).  Only God could line those two up.

God's Not Dead has something for everyone.  Non-believers get the full gospel message (twice!).  The film has FANTASTIC apologetics (including *Hallelujah* Genesis!!!).  At it's core, however, God's Not Dead is a triumphant examination of perseverance in the face of persecution.

Based on several true stories, the plot centers around Josh Wheaton, a first-semester LSU freshman who grew up in the Church.  On the first day, Josh is attacked by Professor Radisson, a conventional anti-Christian totalitarian.  Josh is forced to defend the existence of God in front of the class.  To do so, Josh embarks in a challenging, faith-deepening, study of apologetics.  Simultaneously, the story integrates several sub-plots, all of which center on persecution.

Every faithful Christian suffers.  Josh loses his "Christian" girlfriend who, in a display of courage worthy of Caiphas, fears for her academic standing.  Aiesha, an Islamic girl who secretly comes to faith in Christ, is beaten and thrown out of the house by her father.  Mina is emotionally abused by the same Professor Radisson that threatens Josh.  But everyone who perseveres triumphs (eventually).

One noteworthy scene was the cameo by Willie Robertson.  Having been ambushed by some progressive blogger chick, Robertson responds with grace and kindness.  We've never watched Duck Dynasty, but we hasten to add that Willie Robertson's wife is smoking hot; Proverbs 31 indeed!!!

The film's biggest drawback is character development, especially for the villains.  While the totalitarian professor and the Islamic father were well done, others came across as one-dimensional caricatures.  The progressive blogger chick was the worst.  We can't shake the feeling the writers have never met a progressive blogger chick, otherwise the character would have been less idealistic and more of an entitled narcissist.  Chicks like that are a dime-a-dozen in East Austin, and a more realistic portrayal would have made the character more believable and less likable.

God's Not Dead is the second rock solid Biblical  film this month.  It is a rousing defense of the faith that inspires believers to endure temporary trials.  It's the best movie we've seen in a long time.

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