This summer has seen an unusually large number of celebrity deaths, perhaps none more notable than pop-star Michael Jackson's. People around the world have celebrated Jackson's artistic contributions while uncomfortably remembering the singer's well-publicized flaws and eccentricities. Fans of football star Steve McNair likewise have had to balance celebrating the good while struggling with the bad. McNair's legacy as a hero on and off the football field was tarnished by the circumstances of his death. LinC looks at the dangers both of turning our heroes into idols and of passing judgment on people whose flaws have been made public. We'll remember that every one of us is a sinner who stands in need of love and grace. Key Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14; Luke 18:9-14; Acts 9:1-22. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth installment of the popular book and movie franchise, Lord Voldemort and his minions are gaining strength, casting a dark shadow of death, destruction, and evil over the wizarding world (and the muggle world as well). Christians aren't always comfortable talking about evil, sin, and death, but Scripture and church tradition warn us not to take these unpleasant realities lightly. Next week LinC looks at how we can recognize wickedness in our world and be a witness of the goodness of God's kingdom even in the face of evil.
