Monte Sahlin alerted us last issue to Fireproof, a Christian movie in theaters now. What he didn't mention was that it was ultra-low-budget, made by volunteers, and directed by two pastors!

Fireproof puzzles secular critics, being accustomed to cinema as a medium for mockery of religion. David Burchett critiques the critics. Quote: "My wife of thirty-two years and I both thought the movie had a great message. Perhaps that is because we lived it... My rededication to my Christian faith changed... how I treated my wife and reordered my priorities. Her faith allowed her to forgive me and eventually trust me again. If I put that story to paper it might sound like a mediocre soap opera. But it was life saving for us."

Interestingly, a sacreligious mockumentary of religion by Bill Maher is playing at the same time - but Fireproof beats it at the box office. Even secular writer Richard Corliss of Time magazine was ever so slightly touched by Fireproof - more than by Maher's sarcasm.

Perhaps you remember this study from a few years ago, that overturns Hollywood's conventional wisdom on what people like to see. Quote: "While the average G-rated movie earned a $79 million profit, the average R-rated film was $6.9 million in the black."

Shared by Tim Mitchell: "This article from the Seattle Times is about watchers' reactions to the last presidential debate. Whatever your political persuasions, it's a helpful read for preachers. Summary: confidence and respect wins. Attacks lose. Emotional empathy wins the audience. Both candidates' favorability rose during the debate - McCain's rose 9 points, but Obama's 39 points.  If you're interested in why, read the article."