Tools for Contending
Helpful resources: articles, music, books, movies, and more
If you'd like to check out the previous "Tools for Contending" (from way back in 2022!) head here. What are these tools? Contending is a posture for living—a leaning into the Lord. But we also live in a world producing various things that can point us to and push us toward the Lord.
Here are some of the tools I’ve found helpful so far in 2024:
Jonathan Haidt’s latest book The Anxious Generation is a must-read for all parents, teachers, coaches, and people generally interested in how we’re raising children today. I don’t think it would be an exaggeration to call it the most important book written in the last 5-10 years. I hope, in the years to come, more analysis will be done on the effect of screens and mediated experiences on adults, but this book is an excellent starting point with its focus on children and teenagers.
The Washington Post ran a feature story on a middle school in Connecticut that eliminated cell phones when a new principal came in and saw that students were distracted, and that cell phones were increasing conflicts during the school day. Every single school in America should be doing this same thing. The problem? Parents.
Following last week’s 80th anniversary of D-Day, it seems like a good time to recommend Masters of the Air on Apple TV+. Produced by the same people who put together Band of Brothers and The Pacific. The quality of the in-air fighting far exceeded my expectations. You may come for the action or the story, but what I love about each of the 3 miniseries is the writing. Like this line from Major Crosby at the end of Masters of the Air: "On occasion, the world must confront itself, answer what we are with who we are."
My church went through the book of Exodus this spring. One thing that stuck out to me was how many stories are based on the Exodus story. Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Shrek, and many others, all take on a distinctly Exodus-like storyline. Here are a few Exodus-related resources:
Chris Renzema’s album Manna is in the running for my best album of 2024 (listen to YouTube), and the song “Narrow Road” off that album is still my favorite song so far this year.
Over the last year the Knowing Faith podcast has been slowly going through the book of Exodus. This is a gold mine of biblical theology.
Dune 2 is another Exodus-like storyline (available on Max) and is a truly incredible film. The messiah-theme in the movie is particularly worthy of reflection.
David Brooks’ essay in The Atlantic on cultural pessimism is both wonderful and sobering. As we approach another election cycle my cynicism can easily win out. He says, “Pessimism becomes a membership badge—the ultimate sign that you are on the side of the good. If your analysis is not apocalyptic, you’re naive, lacking in moral urgency, complicit with the status quo.”
This article starts out with the premise that art is dead and by the end you realize you’re part of the problem. The problem, according to Ted Gioia, is the dopamine loop. So insightful, and has me seriously considering my daily habits. It’s not a long read, but if this chart below intrigues you, then read it: “If you thought the drug cartels were rich, wait till you see how much money the dopamine cartel is making.”
Jess Ray has released two “Matin” albums, based on the French word for morning prayer, and they’re both wonderful. If you like devotional music (meaning worshipful, but not necessarily congregational), both her Matin: Rest and Matin: Love albums are can’t miss material.
Happy reading, listening, and watching!