The Book Lightwalker Files

Today we Americans honor Independence Day. To celebrate, I’ve chosen to talk about what independence means to us, both as Americans and as Christians. This is one of the few topics where I agree with Trek’s opinion; two others are the bane of racial prejudice, and the value of seeking peace above war.

Kivas Fajo in Next Generation’s “The Most Toys” is one of the most playfully sinister villains I’ve seen; his uniqueness is a...

As I mentioned last week, the book The Neverending Story follows the adventures of Bastian, a boy whose life on Earth is tough because his mother has died and his father is hypercritical of him. However, the movie of the same name covered only half the story. The second movie, The Neverending Story II: the Next Chapter, concludes the adventure, with all the philosophy of the first movie still in place—obviously. The message is still clear that when people stop using their ...

I remember reading a book many years ago, whose drop caps of all 26 chapters had stylistic designs starting with A, and running through the alphabet. In addition, the book had a creative frontispiece that announced the story in intricate scrollwork detail. The book’s title: The Neverending Story.

So when the movie came out, I just had to see it. As with most movies from books, there are significant differences. But here I will talk only about the movies...

Part 6 of 6 on the “next generation” of space travelers.

In honor of Mother’s Day, May’s blog chain theme is “Nurture,” and in that spirit I present a story of two little boys in science fiction, one of whom is my own invention. This also finishes my series on children in space, so it works out perfectly.

I have indicated throughout this series that children need to be seen in space more often. Contrary to the ideas of ...

Eighth Star Trek pick: “Miri.”

Today it’s my turn to talk about our blog-chain theme of “Quest,” which fits today’s planned discussion of “Miri.” Not only is it one of my favorite episodes, but my ex-wife liked it too, despite that she generally didn’t share my interest in Trek.

The quest in “Miri” is twofold: the people’s life-prolongation project, in whi...

In a way, today’s blog entry is a break from the Star Trek favorites run, but in another way it’s an extension of what I said last week about “Bread and Circuses.” This is because our CW blog chain is going with the topic “Gifts of the Heart” this month, and I meant to bring in the idea of gifts more than I did.

The focal point today is a third-season episode of Quantum Leap, the early-’90s series that I’ve alrea...

Last week, I commented on some of the sensual overtones in sci-fi offerings and demonstrated how they contrast with biblical principles. Today I’m flipping the coin over to see how Christians should view sex, and especially write about it. Next week, I’ll talk about the apparent freedom found on the Star Trek episode “Mudd’s Women” and related shows, and try to bring it all together.

I’m far from being a prude. I don’t mind a...

The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 7

The Last Battle

Over the past three months, we’ve been looking at each of C.S. Lewis’ stories, known collectively as the Chronicles of Narnia. Today’s entry finishes the series, bringing it full circle. Whereas The Magician’s Nephew showed Narnia’s beginnings, The Last Battle explains how it ends.

It introduces us to two ta...

The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 6

The Horse and His Boy

Like most people, I love horses. I didn’t grow up on a farm or a ranch, so I’ve never owned one nor cared for one. But I have ridden one several separate times in my life. The feel of those powerful muscles under me, even at a steady trot, is an experience which will always stay with me. Watching them gallop with flowing mane, I can feel their magnificent display of...

The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 5

The Magician’s Nephew

Of all the Narnia stories, this one is my favorite. I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing how The Magician’s Nephew plays out on the big screen, complete with CGI effects, because I’m utterly fascinated with imagining how God created the Universe, based on the Genesis account. I have even considered writing a semi-fictional account of the Bible s...