Had to choose between Shrek 2 and Raising Helen last night. I chose Raising Helen (although I know I still *need* to see Shrek 2). I loved it (and not *just* because of Kate Hudson – although I am definitely considering becoming a Lutheran instead…it must be the clerical collar that got her). What a great story, and there are many fun parts in the film. I love the fact that Jenny thought her way of raising kids was the only way, and Helen shows that her unconventional ways of rearing her sister’s children really DO work and in fact, may work better for the children she has been entrusted with. In the end, Jenny realizes that she needs to let go of her control issues, give Helen the children and let her raise them.
I wonder how this plays out in our churches today (and maybe this was already discussed by those Emergent attendees who went to see this film during the convention week). So often denomination-heads, traditional-church types look at people who aren’t doing ministry (i.e. raising kids) the “right” way or the “proper” way, but in ways that are actually really reaching people? Will those in traditional settings and those on the “fringe” be able to embrace like Helen & Jenny at the end of this film? Or will we continually be at odds with one another…