Jesus, God & Love

Fashion photographer captures Jesus in 21st century

2009-09-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

A veteran fashion photographer who is used to having his works featured in Vogue, GQ and Elle will release his most “rewarding” collection – “Journeys with the Messiah” – on Friday, the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

by Michelle A Vu, Christian Post

Posted: Thursday, September 10, 2009, 21:56 (BST)

"I was in New York prepping for a photo shoot a week after 9/11 and saw many people searching for something," recalled Michael Belk, who created the Jesus photo collection out of his Christian faith.

"Similar to 9/11, I think many Americans don't know where to turn in the midst of the current worldwide financial crisis.”

Belk says he hopes his “Journeys With the Messiah” collection will help people who are anxious and looking for answers to find peace by knowing there is someone to turn to.

The photos are a retelling of the stories of first century Jesus to a 21st century audience. Included in the collection are photos of Jesus with Nazis, prostitutes, Ferraris and motorcycles, as well as Wall Street executives and high rollers. Collectively, the photos creatively address modern day social problems such as genocide, materialism, addiction, poverty and hypocrisy.

In the photo entitled “The Second Mile”, Jesus is shown walking and talking alongside a Nazi soldier. The Messiah is carrying the soldier’s backpack as well as his gun.

“Jesus’ teachings on this subject (forgiveness) were revolutionary: ‘Love your enemies as yourself. Pray for those who persecute you. Forgive people seventy times seven.’ Jesus reminds us that, just as God forgives us, we are expected to do the same for others,” wrote Belk in the accompanying journal entry for the photo.

Each of Belk’s images is accompanied by a written journal entry of a 21st-century take on a biblical story or parable.

In another photo, “Rest for the Weary”, a man in a suit and tie is shown collapsed on the steps of a building. His head rests on Jesus’ lap while his suitcase is opened with papers scattered about.

“I am writing this in March of 2009 while the world is in a serious economic upheaval,” Belk’s journal reads. “Fortunes have been lost, retirement incomes are gone, and the basic necessities have become a struggle for man.”

But then he writes, “In truth, we assign too much importance to issues that, in the end, will be of non consequence. Have you ever heard of a man on his deathbed who asked to see his stock portfolio one more time? Could the time we spend worrying be better spent in quiet, soothing fellowship with the One who created it all and promises more?”

The Christian photographer reminds the reader that Jesus said not to worry but to “seek His Kingdom first” and God will take care of our needs. He also invited those who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him.

“Maybe we should give it a try,” Belk suggested.

One of the aims of the photo collection, the 61-year-old photographer said, was to strip away the “religion” part of Christianity that has turned so many people away, and share the core message of who Jesus was and what He taught.

Belk believes the photos carry messages that God wants to say to people in the world struggling with countless problems right now.

In 2008, despite the economic downturn, Belk took time off from fashion photography and spent his own money to finance the project that cost $600,000 and took more than a year and a half.

Pre-production took 10 months and more than 100 extras were needed. An Italian actor played Jesus and a production company from Rome and a film crew from the US were hired.

Belk directed what he calls “the most gruelling, but most rewarding shoot” of his career.

All of the photos were shot in Matera, Italy, the location for Mel Gibson's movie “The Passion of the Christ”.

The fashion photographer-turned-Jesus’ camera man is considering exhibiting the collection worldwide in counterintuitive venues such as mass transit stations, corporate headquarters and projections onto urban buildings. He also hopes the images will be used in a greeting card line and small group curriculum.

Limited edition photographs, posters, 108-page photography book, DVD, and screensavers and wallpapers are available for sale. Proceeds from the sale of the photos will fund a worldwide tour of the exhibition.

On the Web: www.thejourneysproject.com

B Reith to unveil debut album in online listening party

2009-09-15T14:53:00.000-07:00

B Reith to unveil debut album in online listening party

Fans worldwide are invited to tune in as B Reith’s debut Now Is Not Forever is unveiled live via an online listening party at www.breith.com on September 22 at 0100 BST, with a special guest appearance by TobyMac and Dave Barnes.

The Nashville-based event will be broadcast over the web and feature new music from B Reith’s full-length Gotee Records’ debut, as well as dancing, contests, and behind-the-scenes chatter. The premiere comes on the eve of Now Is Not Forever’s street date release, with the 12-song album being available in both retail and digitally on September 22.

Longtime champion of B Reith’s music, TobyMac comments, “Brian is just naturally gifted from God vocally and his lyrics, when they hit tape, they sort of just ease into your heart.”

Since B Reith’s introduction to the music industry with his 2008 five-song EP entitled The Forecast; the Milwaukee-native has been hailed as an artist who not only entertains, but speaks the relevant dialect of today’s culture. In addition, he’s found a knack for interviewing and hosting with his popular Something2Remember (www.something2remember.tv) video blog giving a behind the scenes look at recording, the marketing process, and insider interviews with some of today’s favorite Christian musicians.

Fans can anticipate B Reith’s gripping live show as he heads out on the 30-city Creation Festival Tour with Jars of Clay this month, followed by a run on TobyMac’s 20-city Winter Wonder Slam with label mates Relient K and Stephanie Smith. The first single “Antidote” is currently going for adds at radio with a new music video underway.

“My vision is to use my gifts to build genuine connection with people,” says Brian. “I want people to not simply bob their heads to a song or sing along to a catchy chorus, but to share in my emotion and my experience. I want this music to be a dialogue with the listener-sometimes music has the power to communicate more that words could every say.”

christiantoday.com

Prayer for Patience

2009-09-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

by William Cowper

Lord, who hast suffer'd all for me,
My peace and pardon to procure,
The lighter cross I bear for Thee,
Help me with patience to endure.

The storm of loud repining hush;
I would in humble silence mourn;
Why should the unburnt, though burning bush,
Be angry as the crackling thorn?

Man should not faint at Thy rebuke,
Like Joshua falling on his face,
When the cursed thing that Achan took
Brought Israel into just disgrace.

Perhaps some golden wedge suppress'd,
Some secret sin offends my God;
Perhaps that Babylonish vest,
Self-righteousness, provokes the rod.

Ah! were I buffeted all day,
Mock'd, crown'd with thorns and spit upon,
I yet should have no right to say,
My great distress is mine alone.

Let me not angrily declare
No pain was ever sharp like mine,
Nor murmur at the cross I bear,
But rather weep, remembering Thine.

The Christian

2009-09-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

by William Cowper

Honor and happiness unite
To make the Christian's name a praise;
How fair the scene, how clear the light,
That fills the remnant of His days!

A kingly character He bears,
No change His priestly office knows;
Unfading is the crown He wears,
His joys can never reach a close.

Adorn'd with glory from on high,
Salvation shines upon His face;
His robe is of the ethereal dye,
His steps are dignity and grace.

Inferior honors He disdains,
Nor stoops to take applause from earth;
The King of kings Himself maintains
The expenses of His heavenly birth.

The noblest creature seen below,
Ordain'd to fill a throne above;
God gives him all He can bestow,
His kingdom of eternal love!

My soul is ravished at the thought!
Methinks from earth I see Him rise!
Angels congratulate His lot,
And shout Him welcome to the skies.

Iceland by Eva Sturm

2009-09-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

Iceland. Land of contrasts: Hot water and Ice, situated in the North Atlantic, right above the mid-ocean ridge that separates America and Europe.

Shooting was done in two stays (2 weeks each) in 2005 & 2006 (both in September) with a result of 15 hours of footage.

Camera was a SONY Z1. I used some COKIN semi-grey Filters extensivley to get the sky as dark as I wanted it to be. Almost not color correction was done in the post, but the timelapse and slo-mo.

Beauty is

2009-09-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

By Gerald W. White Jr.

Beauty is, as the sinking sun into the horizon.
Prelude to rebirth in the morn, when the sun returns again.
Creation of God's colorful portrait comes to life at twilight.
Now with sky so black, embracing beautiful stars of night.

Beauty is, Swirling waters in the cove, for a moment flowing with my existence.
It's beauty content to move my soul without resistance.
Rocks caressing its fluidity carry me away in thoughtful peace.
Beauty of His Glory, cleansing my spirit, giving me life and release.

Beauty is, mighty mountains adorned with white crowns of snow.
Flowing waters of blue cascade toward the valley down below.
Grand mountains reaching upward for the sky.
While colorful tree and flower were created for the beholders eye.

Beauty is, Winged musicians as they frolic and play.
Singing with such eloquence, moving my spirit every day.
My spirit dances among their tune that is carried upon the breeze.
Surrounded by His beautiful Glory, I am now upon my knees.

Some christian educational programs, free games & quizzes! Plus my new photomontage.

2009-09-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.crossdaily.com/trivia/millionquestion.php3
http://www.crossdaily.com/trivia/question.php3?challenge=Y
http://biblewordgames.com/noahsarkpage.html
http://www.higherpraise.com/EducationalSoftware.htm

2009-09-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

The American Christian Worldview

All across the United States Christians are talking about this term called Worldview. What is it anyway? Many times, we release our guard and end up allowing society to change our thinking into what the rest of the “popular culture” thinks of our very being. As Christians, we should be giving scriptural backup for whatever conclusions one makes about this culture.
Every society has a culture. Each culture has a different method of thinking. One of the major issues each culture eventually deals with is their basic theology. If I were to ask someone who God was, the answer would vary depending on which part of the country I was in. This is where the development of worldview begins. People within that culture begin to migrate towards those who have the same beliefs in fellowship. Those people who have the same beliefs begin to form a culture. After a culture is formed, cultural studies begin taking form. In a religious community, the members of that community begin to form a standard of ethics to live by. After the individuals form a religious community, start a culture that culture begins to do cultural studies. Those cultural studies are a basis for the individuals to set boundaries of accepted ways to produce or consume culture in their community. The next step in this process deals with aesthetics. Aesthetics are the ways in which the culture communicates their beliefs and values. After all these concepts have taken their course, the individual has developed a worldview.
Starting back at the very beginning of this process is the most dangerous aspect of this entire process we follow to gain a worldview. In today’s society there is a variety of versions of “God.” Depending on which God you believe in, your community and culture could be very far fetched from what the truth is. The overlying theme behind every formation that coincides with any worldview can be asked in one question. What is the purpose of my life? As Christians, we should be involved in society’s version of “popular culture.” We are called in the Bible to be the salt of the world, as the salt we shouldn’t be merely consuming the culture in which we live in, we should be part of it, adding everything we can.
Speaking about worldview does not make you automatically a believer of Christ. This topic has been discussed many times within the last five years at colleges, seminaries, and many other knowledgeable institutes around the world. We not only need to discuss what our worldview is, but we need to practice it as well. Many people don’t even know what a Biblical worldview is. Discussing it with intelligent people at major debates will only help. We are merely sitting around and letting the culture change around us. That is not salt.

2009-09-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Science and the Christian Church

The relationship between science and the Christian Church has never been viewed as a positive one. The Christian Church has often been ostracized for their role in the history of science, and to some degree is most commonly held responsible for most, if not all the struggles that science had to undergo to achieve it's status today. In David Lindberg's article titled "Science and the C hristian Church" Lindberg explores this idea by not taking sides with the Christian church, or the sciences, but by examining other possible explanations as to why the scientific struggle was so hard. Throughout Lindbergs ar ticle, he offers many additional possible explanations fo r the struggle of science then the rise of Christianity. Though he does not entirely dismiss the idea that the Christian Church had anything to do in hindering scientific achievement, he does not entirely blame them either. Lindberg even goes as far as to state that Christianity "did little to alter the situation." Lindberg primarily takes the pressure off the Christian church by emphasizing the fact that science in the antiquity was not the same as modern science today. This is a very important point because it is a common misconception that the sciences have always been viewed as a primary source of study, when in truth, it was not always so. Lindberg points out that in antiquity during the rise of Christianity the major disciplines of science did not exist, an d mostly all scientific study was categorized under the term of natural philosophy, which did not have a clearly defined social role or profession." This was caused by the fact that the roman empire was diminishing, intellectuals did not h ave a primary location in which to study, and people were more concerned with the basic needs for survival, thus, limiting their interest in natural sciences, and enhancing their interest in the hereafter.

Lindberg's article is very complete because though it point s out m any other issues that had a role in the lack of scientific popularity, it addresses the fact that the church did not entirely embrace natural science, and in many cases rejected much of what was being studied. But it did embrace some of the pagan study, and by altering, and choosing what it wanted from natural philosophy, the Christian church was able to preserve much of what was generally being studied, such as Aristotelian, and Ptolemaic philosophy, but rejecting blah, blah, blah,. Lindberg even points out that by preserving this natural philosophy, though slightly altered by identifying faith before reason, the Christian church was in fact a major contributor in the transmission of what science is today.

2009-09-12T04:05:00.000-07:00

2009-09-10T10:30:00.001-07:00

Clear Lake Lapse from Chad Richard on Vimeo.

2009-09-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

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2009-09-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

That's My King! from Albert Martin on Vimeo.
Visuals set to the audio of the famous sermon "Seven Way King" as spoken by Dr. S.M. Lockridge. The audio is slightly edited for a better flow in the video.

The music in the background was performed live by the GCC band while the video played on the screens. It then led directly into the worship song "Here is Our King" (To see the performance in it's entirety go here: gccwired.com/mediaplayer/playeropener.asp?id=478 )

Created entirely using After Effects with footage from the movie "The Passion of the Christ". The video took 30 hours to create plus around 6 hours of rendering. The final After Effects project file totaled well over 600 layers.

There Is A God

2009-09-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

There Is A God
by David Pekrul

There is a God; there is a God,
Just think of those words and be awed,
While many around us just think He's a fable,
And many more think He's a fraud.

There is a God; there is a God,
A Spirit who reigns over all,
A Power so mighty, yet One full of love,
When needy, on Him we can call.

(What a concept!, There IS a GOD!
How on earth can we really fathom this?
Just imagine; a Spirit who has existed for all time,
no beginning and no end,
One who created the universe
and yet cares so much about each one of us,
as insignificant as we may be.)

There is a God; there is a God,
A powerful statement for sure,
A Being so wonderful, truthful and good,
Who's love is so perfect and pure.

There is a God; there is a God,
Let Heaven and Earth praise His name,
If we will allow Him to enter our hearts,
Our future will not be the same.

2009-09-09T10:24:00.001-07:00

Dartmoor - Philip Bloom Comp from James Watson on Vimeo.

Lonely's Hill by Daniel Michael Ware

2009-09-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

Lonely's Hill
by Daniel Michael Ware

Lonely stands upon his hill of hate
High above the little town of love
Where happiness walks hand in hand with joy
And blissful minds stand innocent thereof
If, with a wave, his pain became their gift
To rob from them their unenlightened smile
You'd see them in their drones his hill ascend
To join with Lonely at the top awhile
Then standing many, on his hill of hurt
So many feel the things he keeps inside
He'd learn that this collective state does nought
And pain's assembled mass is no great bride
For no one sees the pain, but what they own
And empty Lonely hurts the same as filled
Except that now he can't despise them all
As did he, when below him they all spilled
When lived did they, the town of love below
Before his liquid pain had doused their face
So lonely was he that he never saw
The reason they came quickly to his place
The way was known to them without a word
For each one had a key to Lonely's gates
At stages, in their so called blissful lives
They left the town to stand where Lonely waits
Perhaps if a small house he were to buy
Just on the edge of town, so private still
He'd get to walk in ignorance and bliss
And spend less time up here on Lonely's Hill.

2009 Daniel Michael Ware

Taken from the book It's not God's fault... Expanded Edition.

Published by Capel Publications.

Available via http://www.amazon.com or www.danielware.co.uk

2009-09-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

Milky Way and Jupiter Timelapse, Cedar Mountain July 2009 from Richard Grossen on Vimeo.

2009-09-08T04:35:00.000-07:00

Timescapes Timelapse: Learning to Fly from Tom @ Timescapes on Vimeo.

2009-09-08T04:30:00.001-07:00

One year in 40 seconds from Eirik Solheim on Vimeo.

2009-09-08T04:10:00.001-07:00

Blue sky, green water timelapse from Timelapser on Vimeo.

All that was made in 7 days...

2009-09-08T03:09:00.000-07:00

2009-09-08T02:56:00.000-07:00

2009-09-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

2009-09-07T13:36:00.000-07:00