Faith | Kevin Barrett's Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Faith’

The Battle Of Faiths

Posted in Quotes, Philosophy, Faith, tagged Culture Wars, Darwinism, E. O. Wilson, Faith, Natural Selection, Philosophy, Quotes, Religion, Rivals, Survival Of The Fittest, Toleration on June 9, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Every major religion today is a winner in the Darwinian struggle waged among cultures, and none ever flourished by tolerating its rivals.

— E. O. Wilson

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Click here (9 June) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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The United States Used To Support Freedom Of Religion

Posted in Faith, Philosophy, Politics, Quotes, tagged Abuse Of Freedom, Actions, American Politics, Beliefs, Faith, Philosophy, Quotes, The First Amendment, Timothy Virkkala on May 27, 2026| Leave a Comment »

What a person believes is not as important as how a person believes.

— Timothy Virkkala

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Click here (27 May) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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God Is Great!

Posted in Faith, Philosophy, Quotes, Science and Learning, tagged Carl Sagan, Faith, Philosophy, Quotes, Religion, Science, Universe on May 10, 2026| Leave a Comment »

In some respects, science has far surpassed religion in delivering awe. How is it that hardly any major religion has looked at science and concluded, “This is better than we thought! The Universe is much bigger than our prophets said, grander, more subtle, more elegant. God must be even greater than we dreamed“? Instead they say, “No, no, no! My god is a little god, and I want him to stay that way.“

— Carl Sagan

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Click here (10 May) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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Vice President J. D. Vance And The Bible

Posted in Faith, Philosophy, Quotes, tagged Books, Faith, Nick Hornby, Philosophy, Quotes, Reading, The Bible, Vice President J.D. Vance, Writing on April 25, 2026| Leave a Comment »

We are never allowed to forget that some books are badly written; we should remember that sometimes they’re badly read, too.

— Nick Hornby

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Click here (25 April) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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A Living Document: Subject To Change

Posted in Faith, Philosophy, Politics, Quotes, tagged American Politics, Change, Faith, Founding Parents, Genius, Gore Vidal, Joe Pesci, Philosophy, Profesor Pitkannan, Quotes, Simon Wilder, United States Constitution, Wisdom, With Honors (1994) – movie review on April 20, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Simon Wilder (Joe Pesci character): You asked the question, sir, let me answer it. The genius of the Constitution is that it can always be changed. The genius of the Constitution is that it makes no permanent rule other than it’s faith in the wisdom of ordinary people to govern themselves.

Profesor Pitkannan (Gore Vidal character): Faith in the wisdom of the people is exactly what makes the Constitution incomplete and crude.

Simon Wilder: Crude? No, sir. Our “founding parents” were pompous, middle-aged, white farmers, but they were also great men. Because they knew one thing that all great men should know: that they didn’t know everything. They knew they were gonna make mistakes, but they made sure to leave a way to correct them. They didn’t think of themselves as leaders. They wanted a government of citizens, not royalty. A government of listeners, not lecturers. A government that could change, not stand still. The president isn’t an “elected king,” no matter how many bombs he can drop. Because the “crude” Constitution doesn’t trust him. He’s a servant of the people. He’s a bum, okay Mr. Pitkannan? He’s just a bum. And the only bliss that he’s searching for is freedom… and justice.

Quotes from the movie: “With Honors” (1994) (review here)

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Click here (20 April) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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Raise Up In Praise To The Lord

Posted in Faith, Family and Friends, General Comments, Philosophy, Quotes, tagged Andy Stanley, Faith, General Comments, Happy Birthday James, Joy, Philosophy, Pride, Quotes on April 7, 2026| 4 Comments »

Your greatest accomplishment may not be something you do but someone you raise.

— Andy Stanley

[Happy Birthday, son. …Like your sisters, you are a great source of pride and joy for us.

Love Always,
— Mum and Dad]

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Click here (7 April) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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It Is Time To Announce

Posted in Faith, Faith Family and Friends, General Comments, Movie Review, Movies, Reviews, Series (TV or Streaming) Review, tagged Apostle Andrew, Apostle Matthew, Brandon Potter, Cana, Centurion Gaius, Eden, Elizabeth Tabish, Erick Avari, Faith, General Comments, Jesus of Nazareth, Jewish, Jonathan Roumie, Kirk B.R. Woller, Lara Silva, Mary Magdalene, Mormon, Movie Reviews, Nicodemus, Noah James, Paras Patel, Prefect Quintus, Protestants, Red Quarter, Reviews, Roman Catholic, Romans, Series (Online) Review, Shahar Isaac, Simon Peter, Strong TV-Series / Movie Recommendation, The Bible, The Chosen: Season 1 (2019) — movie (TV series) review, The New Testament, TV-PG Rating on March 28, 2026| Leave a Comment »

“The Chosen: Season 1” (2019) — movie (TV series) review
Today’s (2nd) review is for season one of the (mostly) on-line historical / religious drama “The Chosen: Season 1”, starring Jonathan Roumie as Jesus of Nazareth, portrayed with a calm, grounded presence that anchors the series; Shahar Isaac as Simon Peter, the impulsive fisherman drowning in debt and pride; Noah James as Andrew, Simon’s loyal but anxious brother; Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene, whose early episodes give the season its emotional core; Paras Patel as Matthew, the socially isolated tax collector whose analytical mind can’t reconcile what he’s witnessing; Erick Avari as Nicodemus, the respected Pharisee whose certainty begins to crack; Lara Silva as Eden, Simon Peter’s wife, whose frustration, loyalty, and quiet strength give the domestic stakes real weight; Brandon Potter as Quintus, the ambitious Roman prefect whose pressure drives much of Simon’s desperation; and Kirk B.R. Woller as Gaius, the Roman centurion assigned to Matthew, whose wary professionalism slowly shades into something more complicated. The supporting cast fills out the world of first-century Galilee with families, merchants, and the occasional miracle-seeker. The season builds slowly, letting the characters breathe / grow before their lives intersect with Jesus in meaningful ways. There are eight episodes in season one and they run between 30 and 60 minutes, so watching / re-watching is a substantial “investment” of time.

Background: This is my second full viewing of Season 1. A few years ago, I heard about the series on-line (YouTube) and the first three seasons were available in a “pack” near my price point. I’d seen a few (shorts) spots, and was sold, so I went “slightly” over my regular price limit. LoL. Because I’d not done a review of the three seasons and because the fourth season just fell to my price point, I’ve decided to re-visit the first three seasons before watching number four. Released in 2019, the series became something of a phenomenon, funded outside the traditional studio system and gaining a large following. Historically, the series is significant because it tries to tell the story of Jesus by focusing on the people around Him (their daily struggles, their doubts, their debts, their families) instead of starting with the miracles. It’s a character-driven approach, and it works better than I expected. It is a multi-faith project with advisors from Protestant, Roman Catholic and Jewish faiths and is produced by Mormon production company (although they don’t “appear” to have any other input).

Plot: The season follows several story lines that slowly converge. Mary Magdalene is introduced at her lowest point, she is depicted as a prostitute tormented (possessed) by “demons” and isolated, until a quiet encounter with Jesus forever alters her life. Simon Peter is scrambling to escape crushing tax debt, making questionable deals with the Romans and dragging Andrew along with him. Matthew, who seems to be autistic, is the tax collector for the Romans, watches events unfold with growing confusion. Nicodemus (who at first attempts to exorcise Mary Magdalene’s “demons”) investigates a strange incident (Jesus cures Mary) in the Red Quarter and begins to suspect something extraordinary is happening. As the season progresses, Jesus calls His first disciples, performs several early miracles (including the healing of a leper, the paralytic lowered through the roof, and the wedding at Cana), and begins teaching publicly. The season ends with His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well — a quiet, powerful moment that sets the stage for what comes next.

So, is this series any good? How’s the acting? The filming / FX? Any problems? And, did I enjoy the season? Short answers: Yes; very good; atmospheric and effective; a few; yes.

Any good? Yes. Season 1 is one of the better dramatizations I’ve ever seen of this material because it doesn’t feel rushed. It takes its time building the world (the Roman occupation, the religious tensions, the economic pressures) and it tries to establish the characters as real people instead of icons. The show is at its best when it focuses on the small moments: a shared meal, a quiet conversation, a moment of doubt. The restraint works surprisingly well.

Acting: Roumie gives a warm, steady performance as Jesus: approachable without losing the sense of mystery. Isaac’s Simon is impulsive, proud, and often unlikeable, which makes his eventual calling feel earned. Tabish’s Mary is the emotional anchor of the early episodes, and her transformation is handled with care. Patel’s Matthew is one of the season’s most distinctive choices: socially awkward, brilliant, and painfully aware of his isolation. Avari’s Nicodemus provides the season’s most poignant arc, especially in the later episodes. Although Roumie and Matthew are (IMHO) near perfect in their roles, I was continually drawn to Potter and Woller portraying the two Romans most involved in dealing with Jesus (before they even know it). The ensemble fits the material naturally.

Filming / FX: The cinematography is warm and earthy, with natural light and textured sets that make the world feel lived-in and historically appropriate. The show uses muted colors, candlelit interiors, and wide outdoor shots to create a sense of place. The music blends Middle Eastern influences with modern tones. There are no flashy special effects, but the miracles are handled with a quiet confidence that suits the story.

Problems: A few. The series is a dramatization, not a literal Biblical-following re-enactment. The pacing may feel slow to some viewers, particularly in the early episodes. The show occasionally leans into modern phrasing that may distract religious purists. And because the season focuses so heavily on character development, some biblical events are delayed or re-ordered, which may bother viewers expecting a more traditional chronology. None of these issues break the season / series.

Did I enjoy the season? Yes! I found it thoughtful, well-acted, and surprisingly (repeatedly) moving. The character-first approach works, and the emotional beats land without feeling forced. It’s not a “perfect” Biblical re-telling (as if there could ever be one), but it’s a compelling one — and I’m looking forward to continuing with Seasons 2 through 4. LoL.

Final Recommendation: Strong recommendation. “The Chosen: Season 1” is a well-crafted, character-driven retelling of familiar Christian stories, with strong performances, grounded cinematography, and a steady emotional core. It’s worth watching if you enjoy historical dramas, religious stories, or ensemble character pieces. Rated TV-PG, it’s suitable for most audiences and offers a fresh perspective on material that is often handled too reverently or too stiffly. I’ll continue the series and review the next seasons as I get to them. I currently own streaming rights to four of the five released seasons. I have to wait for Season 5 to fall to my price point and since it’s titled: “The Last Supper“, I guess there will be at least one more season after that. LoL. (I just looked it up on-line and there are seven planned seasons, so I guess they’ll be the crucifixion and the resurrection.)

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Click here (28 March) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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Advancement Requires Tempered Openness

Posted in Education, Faith, Philosophy, Politics, Quotes, Science and Learning, tagged American Politics, Carl Sagan, Churches, Education, Faith, Governments, Hard Questions, Knowledge, Philosophy, Public Credulity, Quality, Quotes, Science, Skepticism, Vulnerability on January 28, 2026| Leave a Comment »

But our openness to the dazzling possibilities presented by modern science must be tempered by some hard-nosed skepticism. Many interesting possibilities simply turn out to be wrong. An openness to new possibilities and a willingness to ask hard questions are both required to advance our knowledge. And the asking of tough questions has an ancillary benefit: political and religious life in America, especially in the last decade and a half, has been marked by an excessive public credulity, an unwillingness to ask difficult questions, which has produced a demonstrable impairment in our national health. Consumer skepticism makes quality products. This may be why governments and churches and school systems do not exhibit unseemly zeal in encouraging critical thought. They know they themselves are vulnerable.

— Carl Sagan

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Click here (28 January) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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Jump – Because You Never Know…

Posted in Faith, Philosophy, Quotes, tagged Beginnings, Faith, Inspiration, Jean-Paul Sartre, Job, Jump, Knowledge, Love, Meeting, Moments, Passion, Philosophy, Precipice, Quotes on January 13, 2026| Leave a Comment »

I know. I know that I shall never again meet anything or anybody who will inspire me with passion. You know, it’s quite a job starting to love somebody. You have to have energy, generosity, blindness. There is even a moment, in the very beginning, when you have to jump across a precipice: if you think about it you don’t do it. I know I’ll never jump again.

— Jean-Paul Sartre

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Click here (13 January) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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We Are One With The Universe

Posted in Faith, Philosophy, Quotes, Science and Learning, tagged Faith, Infinite Distance, Influence, Life, Living Things, Nikola Tesla, Philosophy, Quotes, Science, Sphere, Universe on January 10, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Every living being is an engine geared to the wheelwork of the universe. Though seemingly affected only by its immediate surrounding, the sphere of external influence extends to infinite distance.

– Nikola Tesla

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Click here (10 January) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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Christmas Wishes For 2025

Posted in Faith Family and Friends, Family and Friends, Family History, General Comments, Philosophy, Quotes, tagged Battles, Blessings, Evil, Faith, Family and Friends, Family History, Gaza, General Comments, https://pacificparatrooper.wordpress.com/, Human History, Human Kindness, Images, Kernels, Life And Fate, Memories, Other Blogs, Pacific Paratrooper, Philosophy, Prayers, Quotes, Time, Ukraine, Vasily Grossman, X-mas 2025 on December 25, 2025| 2 Comments »

Human history is not the battle of good struggling to overcome evil. It is a battle fought by a great evil struggling to crush a small kernel of human kindness. But if what is human in human beings has not been destroyed even now, then evil will never conquer.

— Vasily Grossman
From his book: “Life And Fate“

Merry Christmas to all… !!


Once again, I wish I could say the world is a more peaceful and loving planet since last Christmas, but that would (still) just be the optimist in me speaking. I continue to pray for the lives and freedom of the people of Ukraine and Gaza…

I do hope it (peace and personal safety) is true for anyone reading this and your family / friends (close and extended).

Please reach out to your family and friends. Share with them the gift which really matters: your time! Make memories…

Peace and Namaste to all!!!


[A big shout-out to http://pacificparatrooper.wordpress.com/ for providing today’s image. Please visit the site if you have a chance. — kmab]

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Click here (25 December) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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The First Of Many Such Days…

Posted in Faith Family and Friends, Family and Friends, Family History, General Comments, Philosophy, tagged Faith, Family and Friends, Family History, General Comments, Philosophy on December 24, 2025| 2 Comments »

My younger brother (Sean) passed away this last November… Tomorrow will be the first Christmas in decades when I won’t be able to “simply” call him up and wish him a Merry Christmas.

Over the last fifteen years, Sean beat throat cancer but went from dialysis two days a week to five days a week as his kidneys completely failed. As you can well imagine, it wasn’t easy for him, but most of the time, he faced life with joy and optimism because he loved life, his family and friends, and music – which gave his spirit wings.

For those of you fortunate enough to be with family and friends, hug them and make memories. For those not quite so fortunate, call them and let them know you are thinking of them and hugging them in spirit. If you are able to spare a few hours of your day, go spend some time volunteering at an event for those less fortunate than yourselves. Trust me. Giving OF yourself is one of the best ways you can give to yourself the true gift of the holiday season… Peace on earth, goodwill towards man.

I hope you are all able to enjoy a safe and Merry Christmas!!

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Click here (24 December) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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All Churches / Faiths…

Posted in Faith, Philosophy, Quotes, tagged Andy Stanley, Church, Faith, Hypocrisy, Insiders, Outsiders, Philosophy, Quotes on December 14, 2025| 2 Comments »

The Church must stop expecting outsiders to act like insiders while insiders act like outsiders.

— Andy Stanley

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Click here (14 December) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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Don’t Overlook Those Lovely Intangibles

Posted in Faith, Family History, General Comments, Movie Review, Movies, Reviews, tagged Academy Awards, AFI, American Film Institute, Bellevue Hospital, Best Original Story, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor Oscar, Charlie Halloran, Doris Walker, Edmund Gwenn, Faith, Family, Family History, Fred Gailey, Gene Lockhart, General Comments, George Seaton, Granville Sawyer, I Believe, John Payne, Judge Henry X. Harper, Kris Kringle, Lloyd Ahern, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Maureen O’Hara, Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – movie review, Movie Reviews, Natalie Wood, New York City, Porter Hall, Reviews, Santa Claus, Susan Walker, The Quiet Man, U.S. National Film Registry, U.S. Postal Service, Valentine Davies, Very Highly Recommended Movie, William Frawley on December 6, 2025| 2 Comments »

“Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) – movie review
Today’s review is for the holiday classic “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947), directed by George Seaton and starring Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle (a kindly old man who insists he is the real Santa Claus), Maureen O’Hara as Doris Walker (a pragmatic Macy’s executive raising her daughter to reject fantasy), John Payne as Fred Gailey (a lawyer whose faith in Kris becomes both personal and professional), and Natalie Wood as Susan Walker (the skeptical child whose belief in Santa is tested and transformed). Supporting roles include Gene Lockhart as Judge Henry X. Harper (the presiding figure in Kris’s sanity trial), Porter Hall as the officious psychologist Granville Sawyer, Harry Antrim plays H.R. Macy, and William Frawley as political fixer Charlie Halloran. This ensemble anchors one of Hollywood’s most enduring Christmas films, a story that blends courtroom drama with holiday magic.

Background: This is a film I’ve seen WELL over twenty times. My wife and I watch it every year in our Christmas films review – we have about ten(10) we cycle through each year, and have done for more than a decade. LoL. This is my “second” review of this film. My first was way back in December 2010 and it was back in the day when I was doing three or four sentence reviews. Basically, those reviews went something along the line of: film name, I liked this film a lot (or not), and I recommend it (or not). So, this is “really” my first “full” review of this film.

Released in June 1947 (ironically, not during the Christmas season), “Miracle on 34th Street” became an immediate success, winning three Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Edmund Gwenn), Best Original Story (Valentine Davies), and Best Screenplay (George Seaton). It was also nominated for Best Picture. The film has since been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the greatest holiday films ever made and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. Its cultural footprint includes multiple remakes, but the original remains the definitive version (IMHO).

Plot: The story begins with Kris Kringle stepping in to replace a drunken Santa in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. His authenticity and warmth win over customers and staff alike, but his insistence that he is the real Santa Claus alarms Doris Walker, a single mother determined to raise her daughter Susan without “fairy tales.” Doris’s neighbor Fred Gailey, a lawyer, befriends Kris and Susan, encouraging belief in something greater than logic. When Kris is committed to Bellevue Hospital after being accused of delusion, Fred defends him in court. The trial culminates in a dramatic gesture: the U.S. Postal Service delivers thousands of letters addressed to “Santa Claus” to Kris, validating his identity. Susan, once skeptical, finds her faith restored when Kris’s promise of a new home for her and her mother comes true.

So, is this movie any good? How’s the acting? The filming / FX? Any problems? And, did I enjoy the film? Short answers: Yes; excellent; restrained but effective; minor; absolutely.

Any good? Yes. “Miracle on 34th Street” is both a holiday fable and a courtroom drama, balancing sentiment with sharp social commentary. It asks whether faith, imagination, and kindness can coexist with modern pragmatism / capitalism / commercialism. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to make cynics believe, if only for two hours.

Acting: Edmund Gwenn delivers a career-defining performance as Kris Kringle, winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. His warmth, humor, and quiet dignity make the character believable and beloved. Maureen O’Hara brings strength and nuance to Doris, portraying a woman torn between professional skepticism and maternal love. While O’Hara’s role in “The Quiet Man” is generally considered her “greatest” role, this is the film I think of when I think of her. LoL. John Payne’s Fred Gailey is earnest and likable, anchoring the courtroom scenes with conviction. Natalie Wood, remarkably poised for her age, captures Susan’s transformation from doubt to wonder. Gene Lockhart, as Judge Harper, embodies the tension between political expediency / correctness and moral courage. The ensemble is uniformly strong, with Gwenn’s Kris shining brightest.

Filming / FX: George Seaton’s direction favors realism over spectacle. Macy’s parade footage grounds the film in recognizable New York tradition, while courtroom scenes are staged with restraint. The cinematography by Lloyd Ahern is straightforward, emphasizing character over visual flourish. The film’s “effects” are emotional rather than technical: letters to Santa piling on the judge’s bench, Susan’s whispered “I believe” at the end. These moments resonate more deeply than any visual trickery.

Problems: Very minor and few. The pacing in the middle act slows a tiny bit as the trial builds. The resolution, while satisfying, leans heavily on sentiment. Of course, these issues are small compared to the film’s overall charm and thematic depth.

Did I enjoy the film? Absolutely. “Miracle on 34th Street” is both entertaining and moving, a film that rewards annual revisiting. Its blend of humor, romance, and courtroom drama makes it more than a seasonal confection — it is a meditation on belief, community, and the power of kindness.

Final Recommendation: Very highly recommended. “Miracle on 34th Street” is not just a Christmas movie; it is a cultural touchstone. With Edmund Gwenn’s Oscar-winning performance, its Academy Award pedigree, and its preservation in the National Film Registry, the film stands as one of Hollywood’s definitive holiday stories. Watch it for Kris Kringle’s gentle wisdom, for Susan’s awakening belief, and for the reminder that sometimes faith is validated not by logic, but by the simple act of choosing to believe.

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Click here (6 December) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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Share Your God

Posted in Faith, Faith Family and Friends, Philosophy, Quotes, tagged Alek Wek, Faith, Giving, God, Noun, Philosophy, Quotes, R. Buckminster Fuller, Receiving, Verb on November 25, 2025| Leave a Comment »

When you give, you receive.

— Alek Wek

God is a verb, not a noun.

— R. Buckminster Fuller

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Click here (25 November) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.