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This week . . . a Christian artist’s response to judgmental Christians, God moving in the Olympics, and the future of video-games and television through an analysis of “Pokemon Go” and “Stranger Things”… Also, a mysterious orb deep in the ocean.

Olympic redemption and the testimony of Michael Phelps

The most decorated Olympian of all time (22 medals in three Olympiads), Michael Phelps, recent spoke to ESPN about a massive spiritual restoration in his life. Over the years, Phelps lost a lot of support and sponsorship when a video surfaced of him smoking marijuana out of a water pipe. News had also come out of two separate incidents of drunk-driving. In the interview, Phelps describes hitting rock-bottom in his life with a complete sense of hopelessness. He goes on, however, to talk about a connection with Ray Lewis, a former NFL player who also experienced controversy in his athletic career. Lewis shared his own dramatic restoration through Christ and gave Phelps a copy of the book “The Purpose Driven Life.” Since then, Phelps describes finding peace with God, freedom from addiction, reconciliation with his father, marriage to his long-time girlfriend, and now a newborn son . . . all as he prepares for the Rio Olympics.

An incredibly fitting story considering this year the statue of Christ the REDEEMER will overlook the Olympic games in the city of Rio, Brazil. One of the wonders of the world, the statue speaks of Christ’s redemption of humanity. Even in the midst of Olympic controversy surrounding the Zika virus in Brazil through blood-sucking mosquitos, there is One who gave His own blood to suck out the disease of sin. It is redeeming blood that is more powerful than any addiction or virus or hopelessness or defeat.

KORN’s Brian “Head” Welch statement to Christians

This past week, Korn guitarist Brian “Head” Welch posted a picture online with him and some fans who had requested prayer for their lives, and specifically for transgender friends of theirs who they described as being in a lot of pain. Brian responded with a surge of warmth and love. He has said that many unsuspecting people are being touched by the love of Jesus while on tour.

Unfortunately, Brian’s post was met with some highly critical statements from some Christians who began mentioning Sodom and Gomorrah and God’s judgment upon the LGBT community. Brian came out with a powerful, heart-felt statement in response to the religiosity.

“Pokemon Go” and the future of video-gaming

The hit sensation Pokemon Go has exceeding all expectations of success with its recent release. It is an “augmented reality” game that uses the GPS technology in phones to bring people out into the real world so they can capture virtual creatures called “Pokemon.” Since its release, there have been some negative stories coming out through mainstream media about accidents that have occurred while people were playing the game. What’s not often heard are the countless stories of kids who are typically absorbed into technology, but are getting outside and seeing things in their community for the first time because of the game. Forbes recently did a good review of the positive aspects of the game.

That being said, there is an even bigger picture behind the wild success of Pokemon Go. This is the beginning of a revolution in gaming. It is mind-boggling to look back at video games from 30 years ago and see the wild progression to today. (Think about the simplicity of Pong and compare that to the world-connected web of people playing the realistic miltary game Call of Duty.) Considering the exponential growth of technology, try to imagine games in the next 30 years. Odds are, you can’t even fathom it. But herein lies the appeal of Pokemon Go. This is the first glimpse of 30 years from now. Anticipate more and more of an integration between reality and gaming that takes people way beyond the confines of the living room. Expect Call of Duty to look like Pong in the very near future. Pokemon is pioneering something that investors and gaming engineers will soon give much of their time to.

“Stranger Things” and the future of television

This summer, Netflix released a new sci-fi/horror show called Stranger Things that has been met with wild success and already has gained the traction of a cult following. The show deeply resonates with fans of pop culture, and brings an extremely nostalgic feel from 1980s Stephen Spielberg movies and Stephen King novels.

What many people do not know is the unique circumstances behind the show’s production. The creators of the show, two brothers, were given unparalleled freedom in their construction of the show. Because Netflix does not need to bend and manipulate programming to advertisers, they have the ability to allow for more flexibility in how a show is created. The fact is, most of the television shows you’ve watched throughout your life have had great writers who then have to stifle their creativity and purposely add fluff or take away genius plot ideas in order to appease an advertising scheduling. They are essentially writing for commercial breaks. Obviously, this has still brought out amazing television shows throughout the years. But imagine the creative overflow when writers and directors have a more blank canvas at their disposal?

Already, Netflix is winning more and more Emmy’s for its original shows, and there are no signs of them slowing down. In the days ahead, there will be more creativity and freedom coming forth in the television industry as other companies see the success of shows like “Stranger Things” and look for the secret recipe. Unfortunately, many companies will not like the recipe, because it will mean less corporate control and advertising manipulation.

An unknown glowing blob found in the deep sea

Last week, a research vessel exploring the depths of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California came across a mysterious glowing orb. It was initially described as an unknown “purple blob.” The object was taken for further examination. No further news at this point.

Joy and light-heartedness amongst Team USA

In other Olympic news, the USA basketball team posted a hilarious video of them singing “A Thousand Miles.” The song is typically a teenage girl love anthem. It’s wonderful seeing America represented by a group of guys who know how to have lighthearted fun, especially in a time of political turmoil, economic worry, and Olympic controversy. A great reminder that the joy of the Lord is America’s strength!