FILMS

The Soloist (PG-13), based on a true story, illustrates the power of friendship between a journalist and a homeless musician struggling with mental illness. The film explores the complexities surrounding homelessness, for example why someone might choose to live on the streets. Not all the scenes portraying the thoughts of a schizophrenic convinced me, but the incredible cello solos and soundtrack compensated for any shortcomings.—Anna Groff

Earth (G) uses stunning photography to show the teeming complexity of animal and plant life on Earth. James Earl Jones’ narration follows three families—of polar bears, elephants and humpback whales—as they seek survival in increasingly unfriendly environments. The film shows the effects of global warming but does not dwell on it.—gh

BOOKS

God Does Not … Entertain, Play Matchmaker, Hurry, Demand Blood, Cure Every Illness, edited by D. Brent Laytham (Brazos Press, 2009, $17.99), includes essays by theologians who challenge misconceptions of how God works in the world. Laytham’s concluding essay on the Trinity emphasizes that “God does who God is.” He offers an alternative to careless speech and sloppy thinking about God and concludes: “God offers us a participation in the divine doing that is God’s eternal communion.”

Living Gently in a Violent World: The Prophetic Witness of Weakness by Stanley Hauerwas and Jean Vanier (InterVarsity Press, 2008, $15) grew out of conversations between theologian Hauerwas and Vanier, founder of the L’Arche communities. The book concludes: “L’Arche helps us begin to see what peace looks like.”