Tag Archives: movies

The Message Behind the Music-October 7

Electric Light Orchestra – Evil Woman (With Lyrics HD)

Inspiration Behind Evil Woman:

The lyrics of Evil woman stems from the turbulent relationships that were prevalent during the 1970s. The Electric Light Orchestra wasn’t referring to a specific woman. Rather as society rapidly changed, interpersonal relationships were challenged by the rise of the feminist movement and the sexual revolution. This empowerment of women inspired the lyrics of this classic song.

Biblical Application:

Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife, Proverbs 25:24.

Exegesis of Evil Woman:

You made a fool of me
But them broken dreams have got to end

Either one of many of the band members had unpleasant interactions with woman. This woman either dumped him or broke off dreams of marriage.

Hey, woman, you got the blues
‘Cause you ain’t got no one else to use
There’s an open road that leads nowhere
So just make some miles between here and there

Reaching out to a woman who is depressed. No longer with a man. Using driving as a way to calm down and relax, like drying out in the country to blow off some steam.

There’s a hole in my head where the rain comes in
You took my body and played to win
Ha, ha, woman, it’s a cryin’ shame
But you ain’t got nobody else to blame

His mind hasn’t recovered from his previous relationship like a constant drip. This man was either used for his body or status as a rock star. A sarcasm jab at his ex.

Evil woman
Evil woman
Evil woman
Evil woman

Referring to her as the evil woman.

Rolled in from another town
Hit some gold, too hot to settle down
But a fool and his money soon go separate ways
You found a fool lyin’ in a daze

Meeting someone from out of town. Living off of a recent divorce or her parents’ wealth. When this man spent all of his money to impress this new woman, she left him. He was confused by the end of this relationship.

Ha, ha, woman, what you gonna do?
You destroyed all the virtues that the Lord gave you
It’s so good that you’re feelin’ pain
But you better get your face on board the very next train
(Hey, hey-hey, hey!)

Calling out for this woman’s next move. You’ve ruined your reputation and the blessings God gave you. He is happy to see her hurt. Hoping she leaves town immediately.

Evil woman
Evil woman
Evil woman (you’re an evil woman)
Evil woman

She is dark and consumed with evil.

(Hey, hey-hey, hey!)

(Hey, hey-hey, hey!)
(Hey, hey-hey)

Transition that serves as an exclamation point.

Evil woman
Evil woman
Evil woman (you’re an evil woman)
Evil woman

Yes, this woman is evil.

Evil woman, how you done me wrong
Now you’re tryna wail a different song
Ha, ha, funny, how you broke me up
You made the wine, now you drink a cup

Pointing out the damage she has done. Putting a spin on this, complaining and crying out. This man was dumped and now she is rubbing slat into his wombs.

Came running every time you cried
Thought I saw love smilin’ in your eyes
Ha, ha, very nice to know
That you ain’t got no place left to go (oh, oh-oh-oh)

The man got played as she cried to get attention. She would smile from time to time, but mow has no place left to go.

Evil woman
Evil woman
Evil woman (you’re an evil woman)
Evil woman

This is why she was so cruel. She reaped what she sowed.

Evil woman
Evil woman (you’re an evil woman)
Evil woman (such an evil woman)
Evil woman (you’re an evil woman)
Evil woman

Focusing on evil traits.

Final Thoughts:

Since ELO was writing about a specific cultural trend that was making women of this era cruel, they just couldn’t believe the depths of their devious ways. The older I become, the less I enjoy hanging around negative people. When an individual becomes too toxic, I try to stay as far away from this person as possible. While some women may simply be misunderstood, the longer you hang around a pessimistic person, the more you will become like them. Perhaps, this is why God wants human beings to flee from all evil.

by Jay Mankus

The Message Behind the Music-October 1: Halloween Themes

Michael Jackson – Thriller (Official 4K Video)

Monthly Theme:

Outside of Christmas, Halloween has become the most popular celebration in America. Between candy, costumes, and decorations, over 13 billion dollars was spent on Halloween related events in 2025. While many in the Christian community struggle to embrace Halloween traditions, it’s the only day of the year where children come to your front door. This is your one chance annually to leave a lasting impact on your community. You have one of two choices, decline to participate or provide the best candy/food options in your neighborhood. As a former trick-or-treater, I remembered which houses who gave out the best and largest pieces of candy.

Inspiration Behind Thriller:

Michael Jackson’s love of horror films started with An American Werewolf in London in 1981. Subsequently, when Rod Temperton’s presented a shift from a song called “Starlight” to a horror‑themed concept, Thriller was conceived. Actress Peggy Lipton suggested horror legend Vincent Price become part of this project. Rod Temperton wrote Vincent’s monologue on the way to the studio. These are the influences that spawned one of the most iconic and popular music videos of all time.

Biblical Application:

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels, 2 Timothy 2:22-23.

Exegesis of Thriller:

It’s close to midnight
And something evil’s lurking in the dark
Under the moonlight
You see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream
But terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze
As horror looks you right between the eyes
You’re paralyzed

Setting the scene and tone to frighten you. The moon and darkness are associated with superstitions. A glimpse of something unexpected grips your heart with fear. Frozen by terror, unsure of how to respond.

‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night
And no one’s gonna save you from the beast about to strike
You know it’s thriller, thriller night
You’re fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight, yeah
Ooh

The human response to fear. Paralyzed by an unknown beast. Running for your life.

You hear the door slam
And realize there’s nowhere left to run
You feel the cold hand
And wonder if you’ll ever see the sun
You close your eyes
And hope that this is just imagination, girl

Sounds associated with a haunted house. Where fear produces a chilling cold over your body. Afraid you may not see tomorrow, hoping this is just a bad dream.

But all the while
You hear a creature creepin’ up behind
You’re out of time

However, this noise isn’t going away, getting louder behind you.

‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night
There ain’t no second chance against the thing with forty eyes, girl
(Thriller) ooh-ooh (thriller night)
You’re fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight

Like being in a no-win situation, hoping to survive.

Night creatures call
And the dead start to walk in their masquerade
There’s no escaping the jaws of the alien this time (they’re open wide)
This is the end of your life, ooh

Images of legendary creatures, aliens and zombies. Your life flahses before your eyes.

They’re out to get you
There’s demons closing in on every side, ooh
They will possess you
Unless you change that number on your dial
Now is the time
For you and I to cuddle close together, yeah
All through the night
I’ll save you from the terror on the screen
I’ll make you see

Demonic entities and influences that you sense all around you. However, the source of this is coming from the television as this couple cling to one another. Michael seeks to be the hero and protector.

That this is thriller, thriller night
‘Cause I can thrill you more than any ghoul would ever dare try
(Thriller) ooh-ooh (thriller night)
So let me hold you tight and share a killer, thriller (ooh), chiller (ooh)
Thriller, here tonight

Michael uses this horror show to his advantage, promising to bring excitement to this new relationship.

‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night
Girl, I can thrill you more than any ghoul would ever dare try
(Thriller) ooh-ooh (thriller night)
So let me hold you tight and share a killer, thriller, ow!

This chorus is repeated, trying to impress his date.

I’m gonna thrill you tonight
Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize y’all’s neighborhood (I’m gonna thrill you tonight)

Using thrill in a positive way, to entertain and excite like never before.

And whosoever shall be found
Without the soul for getting down
Must stand and face the hounds of hell
And rot inside a corpse’s shell (I’m gonna thrill you tonight)
Thriller, ooh, babe (thriller)
I’m gonna thrill you tonight (thriller night)
Thriller, oh, darling (oh, baby)
I’m gonna thrill you tonight (thriller)

A call to dance or else. Promising his date the night of her life.

Ooh, babe (thriller night)
I’m gonna thrill you tonight (thriller)
Oh, darling (oh, baby)
Thriller night, babe (thriller night, babe)
Ooh
I’m gonna thrill you tonight (thriller)
Thriller night, babe

Michael’s goal for this night and their relationship.

Final Thoughts:

Syncretism is defined as the blending of cultural traditions with spiritual beliefs. To avoid occultic connections with Halloween, Christian denominations have adopted Halloween traditions into annual events such as Trunk or Treat and Harvest Nights. To avoid any long, drawn-out theological debates, I have evolved my own personal beliefs. God doesn’t call Christians to be like Puritans who separated themselves from society to avoid being corrupted. Rather, Jesus called first century followers to be the light of the world, Matthew 5:13-16, in a world filled with darkness. What better way to do this than by giving out the best food to all the visitors to your house on Halloween. This will plant a seed for future opportunities to reach your community for Christ.

by Jay Mankus

The Message Behind the Music-January 12

Inspiration Behind No Easy Way Out:

Robert Tepper’s song No Easy Way Out was a perfect fit for the Rocky IV soundtrack. While some may refer to Robert as a one hit wonder, this hit was huge and is brought back to life during monthly Rocky marathons on cable television. No Easy Way Out is an anthem for driven individuals who avoid taking short cuts in life. Rather, this fighter mentality urges listeners to face their challenges, obstacles and trials head on.

Biblical Application:

 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come, 1 Timothy 4:6-8.

Exegesis of No Easy Way Out:

We’re not indestructible
Baby, better get that straight
I think it’s unbelievable
How you give into the hands of fate

In the context of Rocky IV, Rocky has just agreed to fight Ivan Drago who just killed his friend Apollo Creed in what was supposed to be a friendly bout. After an argument with his wife. Rocky gets in his car to blow off steam.

Some things are worth fighting for
Some feelings never die
I’m not askin’ for another chance
I just wanna know why

Rocky is a fighter who only knows how to fight. This is what he does. Unfortunately, his wife doesn’t understand.

There’s no easy way out
There’s no shortcut home
There’s no easy way out
Givin’ in can’t be wrong

As the chorus begins, Rocky is going to have to train like he has never trained before. Taking a shortcut may result in his own death.

I don’t wanna pacify you
I don’t wanna drag you down
But I’m feelin’ like a prisoner
Like a stranger in a no named town

Rocky feels like he has to fight Drago even if his own wife doesn’t think he has a chance.

I see all the angry faces
Afraid that could be you and me
Talkin’ about what might have been
I’m thinkin’ about what it used to be

Rocky’s decision has put a strain on his marriage, going to Russia alone to train.

There’s no easy way out
There’s no shortcut home
There’s no easy way out
Givin’ in can’t be wrong

Accepting this challenge is the only logical choice for Rocky to make in his mind.

Baby, baby, we can shed this skin
We can know how we feel inside
Instead of goin’ down an endless road
Not knowin’ if we’re dead or alive

Unfortunately, Rocky’s relationship with his wife is on cold ice, not sure if he can repair his marriage after the boxing match with Drago.

Some things are worth fightin’ for
Some feelings never die
I’m not askin’ for another chance
I just wanna know why

Any type of questionable decision will put a strain on a relationship.

There’s no easy way out
There’s no shortcut home
There’s no easy way out
Givin’ in, givin’ in can’t be wrong, no

Rocky believes he is making the right decision by fighting Drago.

There’s no easy way out
(There’s no easy way out)
There’s no shortcut home
(There’s no shortcut home)
There’s no easy way out
(There’s no easy, no easy, no easy way out)

Taking short cuts while training will result in defeat, death or both.

There’s no easy way out
(There’s no easy way out)
There’s no shortcut home
(There’s no shortcut home)
There’s no easy way out
(There’s no easy, no easy, no easy way out)
There’s no easy way out
There’s no shortcut home
There’s no easy way out

These are the thoughts racing through Rocky’s head as he returns home.

Final Thoughts:

In this age of NIL (Name, Image and Likeness), athletes are losing the hunger to win. As high school athletes are now getting paid to play a specific sport, they are losing their competitive advantage, the Eye of the Tiger. Although certain professional athletes may not get the attention that they deserve. However, as long as they individuals avoid taking short cuts along the way, fame or fortune will come over time for this relentless hard work.

by Jay Mankus

Engaging Our Culture: April 9-Giving to a Friend in Need

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 film “Sandlot”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done, Proverbs 19:17.

Biblical Connection:

As a former baseball player and coach, Sandlot is one of those classic baseball movies to pass down to the next generation of ball players. While James Earl Jones plays Mr. Mertle, he is the owner of Hercules, the baseball eating dog who the boys in Sandlot refer to as the Beast. After Scotty Smalls accidentally takes his father’s ball signed by Babe Ruth to play with the boys, it ends up in Mr. Mertle’s backyard which sets the scene for today’s video clip.

The older I get, the more I realize that I don’t need the things that I have amassed and collected over the years. As I’m about to move for the second time in three years, I find myself willing to give away some of my collections. Perhaps, this is what went through James Earl Jones’ mind playing Mr. Mertle. Realizing the trouble that Scotty was in with his father, Mr. Mertle was willing to let go one of his prized possessions. In return, all Mr. Mertle requested was companionship talking baseball.

Closing Song:

When you give out of the goodness inside your heart, there’s not many better feelings like this in life. While the Bible, church and your parents may have encouraged you to give, this I something that I’ve learned through the tugging on my heart. The next time you have the opportunity, give to a friend or stranger in need.

by Jay Mankus

Engaging Our Culture: March 10-Lost and Stolen Talents

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1996 film “Space Jam”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path,” Matthew 13:18-19.

Biblical Connection:

 The amusement park planet Moron Mountain is desperate get new attractions. Swackhammer, the owner, decides that Looney Tune characters would be a great fit. Bugs Bunny devises a plan to recruit retired legend Michael Jordan to play Swackhammer’s team filled with stolen talent from current NBA players. Winning this game would release all Looney Tune characters from Swackhammer’s contract by earning their freedom on the basketball court.

Talents can be lost through injury, stolen by unforeseen circumstances or wasted by a lack of desire and effort. I was working for the Michael Jordan Golf Company in Chicago when Space Jam debuted. Michael Jordan’s greatness as a basketball player came from despising losing. When God given talent is enhanced with a passion for greatness, talents are maximized. Yet, according to Jesus, the Devil is working overtime behind the scenes setting to steal, kill and destroy lives. Setting up hedges of protection via prayer is your best option from having talents lost or stolen.

Closing Song:

The greatest threat to modern day faith is believing that the Devil isn’t real. Meanwhile, blaming God for all your problems is simply falling prey to the father of all lies, John 8:44. Although today’s video clip is from a cartoon, the spiritual war detailed in Ephesians 6:12 is no laughing matter. This is why gifts and talents continue to be lost or stolen today. When you feel broken, cry out to the Lord in prayer.

by Jay Mankus

Engaging Our Culture: February 7-Celebrating the Perfect Day

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2006 film “The Ultimate Gift”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that,” James 4:14-15.

Biblical Connection:

The Ultimate Gift is a movie based upon the book written by author Jim Stovall. In the screenplay, Drew Fuller plays Jason Stevens, a grandson of a dead billionaire who leaves him with an unusual inheritance. As Jason pursues this inheritance, he crosses paths with a single mom, Alexia (Ali Hillis) and her daughter Emily (Abigail Breslin). During one of the assignments given to Jason, he relies on Emily who befriends him. However, when Emily’s medical condition worsens, Jason does everything in his power to help Alexia and Emily through this trying time.

The author of today’s passage is one of Jesus’ younger brothers, one of a few children born by Mary not mentioned in the Bible. According to first century scholars, James aligned with first century religious leaders, not believing that Jesus was the Messiah and Savior of the world. Realizing the error of his way, James urges first century Christians to live one day at a time. While human beings may have aspirations and dreams for the future, no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Therefore, celebrate today while you are still alive. If you’re fortunate enough to see tomorrow, enjoy it when the sun rises. As for now, be thankful for the friends and family currently in your life.

Closing Song:

Take sometime today to look around, pause, and reflect upon all the good things God has given you in this life. Make gratitude a part of every new day the Lord grants you.

by Jay Mankus

Engaging Our Culture: January 15-Facing the Unknown

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2015 film “My All American”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me, 2 Corinthians 12:6-9.

Biblical Connection:

Freddie Steinmark (Finn Wittrock) with the help of his father Fred, Michael Reilly Burke, go into strict training to develop the skills to play football at the college level. Attacking this game like Rudy Ruettiger, Freddie gets noticed by University of Texas coach Darrell Royal played by Aaron Eckhart. After rising up the depth charts, Freddie suffers an injury that leads to a shocking diagnosis. This is the context of today’s scene as Freddie faces a condition beyond his control.

Outside of Jesus, the apostle Paul is the most successful leader in the New Testament. However, during a trying period, Paul opens up about some kind of physical ailment that he’s dealing with. This unknown medical condition is described as a thorn in Paul’s flesh. Whatever debilitating ailment Paul was battling, this kept him humble. Therefore, if you ever find yourself facing the unknown, in your weakness lean on Jesus to be strong to get you through this trial in life.

Closing Song:

Whenever you face a medical emergency, cry out to the Lord to get you through the unknown.

by Jay Mankus

What Voices are You Listening To?

Movies are littered with famous lines from Hollywood actors and actresses. Amber Tamblyn played Joan Girardi in Joan of Arcadia, a teenage girl who suddenly has a special connection with God. To disguise this ability, creator Barbara Hall had Joan come down with Lyme Disease to rationalize the voices in her head. Subsequently, as season one ends, doctors chalk up Joan’s hallucinations as side affects of Lyme Disease.

Now the serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat the fruit from the trees of the garden, 3 Except the fruit from the tree which is in the middle of the garden. God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die, Genesis 3:1-3.

In season two, one of her brothers Kevin, played by Jason Ritter recalls Joan’ imaginary friend as a child. Forgetting this period of her life, as Joan puts two and two together, she realizes this still small voice was God the whole time. Unfortunately, talking to an invisible entity often results in being labeled as crazy by your peers. In A Few Good Men, Tom Cruise wanted to know the truth as do I so ask yourself, “what voices are you listening to?”

But the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die, 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil and blessing and calamity. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good (suitable, pleasant) for food and that it was delightful to look at, and a tree to be desired in order to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she gave some also to her husband, and he ate, Genesis 3:4-6.

In the Garden of Eden, a snake begins to talk to Eve. Since Eve isn’t surprised by this talking snake, perhaps all animals could speak prior to the confusion at the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. Regardless of how, the passages above are similar to thoughts rushing through your head daily. As Christians learn to take their thoughts captive, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, you can start to figure out what voices you should listen to and those you need to rebuke and flee from.

by Jay Mankus

How Should a Christian Respond to Smut?

A generation ago, the content of movies, songs and television shows were heavily scrutinized.  If there was any traces of questionable material, conservative critics might label this as smut.  This term refers to anything that might be seen as obscene, pornographic or too revealing.  As Hollywood continues to push the envelope beyond decency over the past half century, smut has become mainstream, available at most check out counters in America.  This reality has caused me to ponder, “how should a Christian respond to smut?”

While He was in Bethany [as a guest] at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster vial of very costly and precious perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured the perfume over His head, Mark 14:3.

In the passage above, Jesus is anointed by a woman with a questionable reputation.  According to other accounts of this event in the gospels, this woman’s name is Mary.  Based upon comments made by local guests, Mary was a first century prostitute.  Having a lady of the night approach you at a party might be tempting to the average guy.  Yet, this encounter didn’t phase Jesus, even if Mary’s breasts were hanging out of a low cut blouse.  Jesus was tempted in every way just as men are tempted today by smut, but did not sin.  This makes Jesus the supreme authority on how to respond to and overcome smut.

For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin, Hebrews 4:15.

In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to eyes as the lamp of the body.  Keeping them pure is crucial to responding to immodest attire as the summer approaches.  One of Jesus’ disciples refers to three aspects that must be held in check.  According to 1 John 2:15-17, lust, sensual cravings and the longing of eyes stand in the way of responding to smut in a godly manner.  The apostle Paul urges one of his pupils to run away and flee from youthful desires in 2 Timothy 2:22.  According to Paul, the best way to respond to smut is by pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace.  May this advice equip you to overcome future encounters with smut.

by Jay Mankus

You Shouldn’t Be Surprised

 

I have watched thousands of movies over my many years on earth.  Depending upon your personality, people tend to create lists like classics, favorites or worst ever.  While I have seen some pathetic films, none were more disturbing than The Last House on the Left.  This 1972 horror flick was an obvious sign of a changing world, but I missed it.  I couldn’t convince myself that this was the direction and path America was on, yet I shouldn’t be surprised.

Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law, Proverbs 29:18.

Compromise is a painful reality that people usually don’t grasp until it’s too late.  No society is immune to the pitfalls of history.  Like a vicious cycle, civilizations tend to reject morality over a period of time.  In it’s place, evil, lust and violence is embraced.  No matter how noble one’s beginning, there will always be a fall from grace that shouldn’t be a surprise.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, Hosea 4:6.

Past winners of the lottery wake up millionaires over night.  Unfortunately, many of these individuals end up far worse than living a normal life.  I recently read a case study of former winners.  Many follow the path of the prodigal son, blowing their pay out quickly with lavish gifts and wild spending sprees.  The Bible warns souls of this possibility, but greed has a way of blinding individuals from the truth.  Subsequently, those who attempt to live life without vision will soon perish.  Take heed so you won’t be surprised.

by Jay Mankus