ON FAITH & MEDIA | In the Valley of Elah

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In the Valley of Elah

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Source: Catholic News Service

Inspired by true events, this is a powerfully understated drama about a patriotic ex-military man (Tommy Lee Jones) who, leaving his worried wife (Susan Sarandon) at home, searches for their missing son who's just returned from duty in Iraq, and who joins forces with a police detective (Charlize Theron) to break through the military's red tape, as they begin to suspect foul play. Writer-director Paul Haggis's script ultimately delivers a strong anti-war message, and cast members -- who also include Jason Patric, James Franco and Josh Brolin -- give sensitive, nuanced performances. Rough language and profanity, rear shower nudity, upper female nudity, brief gruesome war and morgue imagery and verbal descriptions, suicide, drug references and violent scuffle. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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Bede the Venerable: Bede is one of the few saints honored as such even during his lifetime. His writings were filled with such faith and learning that even while he was still alive, a Church council ordered them to be read publicly in the churches.
<p>At an early age Bede was entrusted to the care of the abbot of the Monastery of St. Paul, Jarrow. The happy combination of genius and the instruction of scholarly, saintly monks produced a saint and an extraordinary scholar, perhaps the most outstanding one of his day. He was deeply versed in all the sciences of his times: natural philosophy, the philosophical principles of Aristotle, astronomy, arithmetic, grammar, ecclesiastical history, the lives of the saints and, especially, Holy Scripture.</p><p>From the time of his ordination to the priesthood at 30 (he had been ordained deacon at 19) till his death, he was ever occupied with learning, writing and teaching. Besides the many books that he copied, he composed 45 of his own, including 30 commentaries on books of the Bible. </p><p>Although eagerly sought by kings and other notables, even Pope Sergius, Bede managed to remain in his own monastery till his death. Only once did he leave for a few months in order to teach in the school of the archbishop of York. Bede died in 735 praying his favorite prayer: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As in the beginning, so now, and forever.” </p><p>His <i>Ecclesiastical History of the English People</i> is commonly regarded as of decisive importance in the art and science of writing history. A unique era was coming to an end at the time of Bede’s death: It had fulfilled its purpose of preparing Western Christianity to assimilate the non-Roman barbarian North. Bede recognized the opening to a new day in the life of the Church even as it was happening.</p>

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