CHAPTER AND VERSE
If you don't know a Gnostic from a Gentile, here's a book for you. “The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Gnostic Gospels,” by J. Michael Matkin, provides the kind of need-to-know digests that the Idiot's Guide series has perfected.
Topics range from beliefs of the ancient devotees to the impact on modern pop culture. Before long, Nag Hammadi will be rolling off your lips.
SOUTH OF HEAVEN
Whether it's the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” from the Civil War or “Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream” from the 1960s protests, songs for and against war have been a popular part of our culture.
Last week, a young Marine corporal from North Carolina made headlines for his guitar-strumming song about killing an Iraqi family. After the “Hadji Girl” video was posted on the Internet, the global backlash was fast and furious. Joshua Belile, 23, apologized to any Muslims he offended, promising not to sing it again and to try to remove any postings.
Somewhere in America, someone must be dusting off the old Pete Seeger song, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” Remember the refrain? “When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?”
SOUL FOOD
Hasidic reggae star Matisyahu gets a mazel tov from Heeb: The New Jew Review, a People-style magazine for hip, young Jews, for turning down an advertising offer from Burger King. The plan, according to Heeb, was for Matisyahu to be in an ad with a cheeseburger, saying “I can't eat it, but you should.” The singer keeps kosher, which means he doesn't mix dairy with meat. The magazine called it “a refreshing outburst of integrity.” Note to fans: Matisyahu will perform here Sept. 12 at a Viejas bayside concert, Embarcadero Marina Park South.
GOD SQUAD
Some are calling it “Jesus Christ Superman.” The newest movie about the man of steel continues Hollywood's love affair with spirituality. In “Superman Returns,” which opens next week, our hero is resurrected, sort of. In the preview, he hears his father's voice tell him he was sent to Earth because humans “lack the light to show the way.” The father adds: “For this reason. I have sent them you, my only son.”
THE WORD
Dharma: In Hinduism, the code of religion and morals. In Buddhism, the teachings of the Buddha; the doctrine and ethical precepts of Buddhism.
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