ugly legalism rises out of the sea of self-righteousness
A NEW WAVE OF CULTURE BASHING
There seems to be a new wave of culture bashing in the name of Jesus. I am sick and tired of it. Certain folks seem to take delight in crucifying George Lucas for the violence in “Episode 3.� How soon the extreme violence of “The Passion of the Christ� is forgotten. When was the last time these folks read the book of Joshua or the book of Revelation in the Bible (containing unparalleled blood baths). It seems to me that Star Wars is about the battle between good and evil. Its depiction of spiritual struggle really connected to the culture (as demonstrated by the largest box office ever). The real issue is: Why has the culture responded as it has to a story of spiritual struggle?
Additionally and more to my point, Christianity is being paraded as conservative politics. In the last U.S. Presidential election Fox News scored the vote as “Blue States, Red States, and Evangelical.� I was shocked. It gave the appearance that “believers in Jesus� were a political group campaigning to get their particular agenda forced on everyone else. Is there any one out there besides me that finds this disturbing?
I am pleased to be a part of a Christ-centered website that finds great value in all people; that seeks respectful dialogue with people of all political views, faiths, opinions, backgrounds, and ethnicity. Being “Christ-centered� means following the pattern of Christ. Jesus hung with all types including “wine bibbers, lepers, sinners, tax collectors, and the “wrong kinda� women at the well. The only hard words Jesus had were for the self-righteous religious systems of his day that was forcing its agendas on others. But even then Jesus took time to dialogue peacefully with its members, such as the religious ruler Nicodemus (John 3).
A message to all my non-Christian friends: Often Hollywood Jesus is mistaken as part of some religious right political group. It is not. It is about viewing pop culture with spiritual eyes. It is about Jesus and following his teachings, such as “love your enemies� “do good to others� and “do not judge others.� Following Jesus is the path to God that is life giving. It is not a political agenda. You are welcomed here.
Below is an excellent posting at HJ from a follower of Jesus that expresses some of the concerns I have:
“The following comments are made from a Christian deeply concerned for the wellbeing of the Church as well as how we as Christians are to be held accountable by our peers in the faith.
“Certainly the Church and the community of believers need to be held accountable for the way they show their religiosity and often negligence for the actions taken unheeding the word of God.
“However first of all this sin-slinging game amounts to a mudslinging contest between two politicians: about a ten foot pile of crap. I'm sick of it, the church doesn't need any more of it, and scripture doesn’t condone it. Accountability has nothing to do with finger pointing. Jesus' teaching and time of discipleship with the apostles, who stumbled and failed to grasp the overwhelming depth and wisdom of Jesus' message countless times, never forsook or ostracized them, nor divided them against Jesus.
“...Here’s a small suggestion to you if you really need a "Wakeup call" to restart your Christian life: pick up the nearest bible you can find, sit down and read the Sermon on the Mount very carefully and you'll find very quickly that a lot of your attitude towards your life is something less than what it should be. Then read the part where it says Jesus has taken our burdens away (meaning the law) that we are fallible, but ya know hes been there and he loves us, and in the end that’s the final rule anyway so we're good to go, loving him with our whole being is good enough for him, and so now we should love others and be accepting of them just as he has to us...�
I am interested in how you feel:
There seems to be a new wave of culture bashing in the name of Jesus. I am sick and tired of it. Certain folks seem to take delight in crucifying George Lucas for the violence in “Episode 3.� How soon the extreme violence of “The Passion of the Christ� is forgotten. When was the last time these folks read the book of Joshua or the book of Revelation in the Bible (containing unparalleled blood baths). It seems to me that Star Wars is about the battle between good and evil. Its depiction of spiritual struggle really connected to the culture (as demonstrated by the largest box office ever). The real issue is: Why has the culture responded as it has to a story of spiritual struggle?
Additionally and more to my point, Christianity is being paraded as conservative politics. In the last U.S. Presidential election Fox News scored the vote as “Blue States, Red States, and Evangelical.� I was shocked. It gave the appearance that “believers in Jesus� were a political group campaigning to get their particular agenda forced on everyone else. Is there any one out there besides me that finds this disturbing?
I am pleased to be a part of a Christ-centered website that finds great value in all people; that seeks respectful dialogue with people of all political views, faiths, opinions, backgrounds, and ethnicity. Being “Christ-centered� means following the pattern of Christ. Jesus hung with all types including “wine bibbers, lepers, sinners, tax collectors, and the “wrong kinda� women at the well. The only hard words Jesus had were for the self-righteous religious systems of his day that was forcing its agendas on others. But even then Jesus took time to dialogue peacefully with its members, such as the religious ruler Nicodemus (John 3).
A message to all my non-Christian friends: Often Hollywood Jesus is mistaken as part of some religious right political group. It is not. It is about viewing pop culture with spiritual eyes. It is about Jesus and following his teachings, such as “love your enemies� “do good to others� and “do not judge others.� Following Jesus is the path to God that is life giving. It is not a political agenda. You are welcomed here.
Below is an excellent posting at HJ from a follower of Jesus that expresses some of the concerns I have:
“The following comments are made from a Christian deeply concerned for the wellbeing of the Church as well as how we as Christians are to be held accountable by our peers in the faith.
“Certainly the Church and the community of believers need to be held accountable for the way they show their religiosity and often negligence for the actions taken unheeding the word of God.
“However first of all this sin-slinging game amounts to a mudslinging contest between two politicians: about a ten foot pile of crap. I'm sick of it, the church doesn't need any more of it, and scripture doesn’t condone it. Accountability has nothing to do with finger pointing. Jesus' teaching and time of discipleship with the apostles, who stumbled and failed to grasp the overwhelming depth and wisdom of Jesus' message countless times, never forsook or ostracized them, nor divided them against Jesus.
“...Here’s a small suggestion to you if you really need a "Wakeup call" to restart your Christian life: pick up the nearest bible you can find, sit down and read the Sermon on the Mount very carefully and you'll find very quickly that a lot of your attitude towards your life is something less than what it should be. Then read the part where it says Jesus has taken our burdens away (meaning the law) that we are fallible, but ya know hes been there and he loves us, and in the end that’s the final rule anyway so we're good to go, loving him with our whole being is good enough for him, and so now we should love others and be accepting of them just as he has to us...�
I am interested in how you feel:
16 Comments:
I agree completely with your comments. We as Christians are to grow to be more Christ-like which really means that we are to be more surrendered to Christ so that he can be revealed through us in a greater way. This kind of surrender brings about a humility that was completely evident in the life of Christ. Humility was and is who he is and is what we should more than excited to reveal to the world. It is in his humility that the awesome love of God dwells. He does not find one of us not good enough to love and cherish and neither should we. So, that would mean democrats, republicans, or those who find no need to vote are cherished and loved. Trust me, there is not a political view or agenda that would even begin to warrant his love. I am thankful that he is that kind of God!
I totally agree. Jesus really had do affiliation with the political parties of his day. Neither did Paul who said:
"Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they're interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them. The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ's praise as we do it. We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it— even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God's law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting Christians; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God's law Book.
The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ.
(Philip. 3:2-8 MsgB)
I also agree with much of what you say. Regarding getting all worked up over the violence in ROTS: it's overblown and it is not mandatory for Christians to watch this movie. If you don't want to watch it, don't. It is entertainment and should be judged as such.
I do think, however, that you are oversimplifying things in equating the violence in the Bible, whether in print or a film adaptation, with violence in a fictional movie. The Passion of the Christ portrayed a real, historical event (or so many of us would maintain); and to imply that those who criticize any violence in movies like ROTS while tolerating the violence in the Passion are being hypocritical . . . well, I just don't think that advances your point.
Maybe a better comparison would be violence in the Passion of the Christ to movies such as Saving Private Ryan and Schindler's List. Both portray violent acts for a reason that goes beyond mere entertainment. If someone were to criticize Private Ryan because it was violent, but not have a problem with Passion of the Christ, then that would seem to me to be quite hypocritical.
Another quibble: The Gospel accounts , as well as the Sermon on the Mount, are not the whole of the Bible's counsel on ethics and living the Christian life. Maybe you're not implying this, but anytime I hear someone seek to justify a wishy-washy theology "because Jesus never said anything against" a certain behavior that Paul, Peter or some other NT author labels as being sin, I think that this person has a poor understanding of the nature of Scripture and God's revelation to us.
Of course, hypocrisy within our midst -- no matter from which side of the theological aisle it comes from -- kills our witness. Let us not major on minors, be legalistic, nor make light of the things that the Bible clearly labels as "sin."
Hey thanks for your thoughts! You are right I am being overlysimple, but I did not want to send a lengthy newsletter either. However, I want to comment on "If someone were to criticize Private Ryan because it was violent, but not have a problem with Passion of the Christ, then that would seem to me to be quite hypocritical."
Certain religious agenda groups did get Saving Private Ryan off the Network television for the same reasons. I am very concerned.
I have to say no fellow Christians in my fairly large circle have commented on the violence in the new Star Wars. There have been comments regarding Mr. Lucas' thinly veiled attacks on President Bush and the terrible acting, but none on the violence.
That said, keep up the good work. Often thought provoking, always entertaining
Well, the way I remember the SPR fiasco (and I haven't checked to refresh my memory, admittedly) there was no actual groundswell from the "religious right" or anyone else, but the fear of such an outcry was the stated reason that kept it from being shown, unedited, on network television.
I am concerned myself that the "religious right" is being held up as more powerful than they actually are and blamed for things "they" haven't actually done. And I KNOW they are sometimes maligned as being more critical than they often are. For example, I hear many more politicians on the left side of this country whining about how the "radical right" is curtailing this right, intimidating this group, etc., than I actually see real-world examples of.
I suspect (but I admit I might be wrong) that if you look into it, you'll find that SPR was not shown because of stated fear that Christians would whine to the FCC and fines would follow, but not because anyone actually did so.
However, if some Christian were to freak because it was shown on network TV, I would stand with you, brother, in calling that a ridiculous abuse of "Christian" ethics.
Update: a simple Google search turned up this: 'ABC affiliates in at least eight states will not televise the network's broadcast of the World War II film "Saving Private Ryan" because they fear repercussions from U.S. regulators.'
http://tinyurl.com/cwx4k
Even the dreaded "Parents Television Council" recognizes that "context is everything."
Be concerned, but check your facts, please.
In Him
On Veterans Day 2004, according to my sources, ABC honored America's vets for a third straight year by airing 'Saving Private Ryan.' But 66 local ABC affiliates, bullied by a small group of right-wing zealots who objected to the realistic violence and language in the film, asked the Federal Communications Commission for a ruling to protect themselves before proceeding.
How did the FCC respond? Silence. They left the stations hanging out to dry. And these 66 affiliates, fearing hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, chose not to air 'Saving Private Ryan,' depriving one-third of the country from watching it.
"Just a few months ago, the FCC finally ruled that the stations could air the film -- but it was too little, too late. And in the meantime, the damage to our democracy had been done -- a small group of right-wing zealots had held these stations hostage, using the fear of fines as a political tool, and the FCC played along.
I agree with Wes Clark when he stated, "This kind of de facto censorship is wholly unacceptable. We deserve a government that will stand up to these groups, leaving the decision about whether or not to watch these programs up to us. That's our right as Americans. That right was secured by the sacrifice of the fighting men and women portrayed in "Saving Private Ryan" and by all of us who have served in America's armed forces."
"You are not far from the kingdom of God," David.
Do movies sometimes go "over the top"? Of course they do; but I have watched movies which more conservative folk said were trash and been profoundly moved by them. Other times I just thought they were boring. Rarely, if ever, am I really offended by the content; but then I choose what I watch, also. (That is the form of censorship the government should choose: letting the people decide what to watch.)
Your blog and your hollywoodjesus.com site are a blessed thing.
Mike
David, I gave you the URL to "my" source, which was a mainstream news site. You neglected to give me your source.
I still maintain that this particular argument is a straw man.
I've been a Christian for 33 years and have very often been embarassed by the way many "Christian" groups act like God has made them judge over others. In doing so, these radical groups who are often the loudest and/or most publicised give the rest of Christianity an awful mess to try and clean up after, in an effort to undo the destruction done to Christs reputation, and the alienation of non-believers from Christ. Frankly it's got so bad the last few years that if I had not recieved Christ earlier in my youth, I probably would not accept him now, because of the poor/condeming reputation Christianity has today. Many would blame Hollywood ,entertainment, culture or politicians but frankly I think it's a well deserved, poor/bad reputation we have received, because of the misguided actions of many radical "right wingers" who all to often have really "been there and said that etc."
Your newsletter article: "ugly legalism rises out of the sea of self-righteousness" is right on the money, I only wish the "radical right" could see it that way.
Fascinating.
On the other side of the world, we know nothing at all of this controversy.
it seems there is a benefit to living in paradise, after all! :)
Nigel (New Zealand - where all the best movies are filmed!)
David - all I have to say is "amen." We have a phrase around here that is catching on..."the religious left." We are followers of Jesus who are appalled at being lumped into a category with people who confuse politics with righteousness. We simply try to live by the phrase "It's all about Jesus." Whatever Jesus wants, that what we want. Thanks for adding a sane voice into the cacophony.
The "Religious Left" wow! What a great idea. There are many Christian that lean to the left rather than to the right. The problem is that so many think that just because you are a Christian you automaticly believe a certain way politically. This is of course wrong thinking. I am an independant. I think for myself. I encourage others to do the same. Jesus takes away your sins --not your brains!
I am proud to be a part of the Christian Left. Here in Australia the groupings are similar to the US. Our major political parties could be categorised as conservatives, moderates, progressives and evangelicals!
Also similar is the evangelicals' adoption of the Right wing as 'Christian Morality' and 'Family Values.' Now realistically, all political parties have morality and family values at their heart. I am deeply disturbed that 'Christianity' has been hijacked by the Right to push agendae which are often socially destructive. A clear example is that one candidate for the Christian party, a church leader would you believe, said on the record that all lesbians should be burned like witches! That shows the clear distinction between so-called 'Christian Values' and 'Family Values,' and which one that party is promoting at the other's expense.
I see Jesus as an anarchist and a rabble-rouser, someone not afraid to stand up to the lawmakers of His day and make His opinions known. He stood up for drug addicts, the sick, prostitutes, destitutes and the oppressed. He calls us to follow Him!
I run a blog of news and outrage (humbly) on behalf of the Australian Christian Left. You can find it at http://zane.net.au/blog/christiangreen.
Hey thanks.
I hope the "Chrisitian Left" idea catchs on. I really do! It would bring a degree of needed balance. Personally I find myself conservative in some areas and totally the opposite in other concerns. I like independant thought, I value it. (Which is why I love your blog) --I am sold on the priesthood of the believer idea --we are all ordained of God regardless of political agenda. Everyone is so important. Dialogue is essential to human existance. Iron sharpens iron as the Bible says.
Mr. Bruce:
I agree with much of your sentiment regarding hyporcrisy in the church community.
However, the crticism that came out against the violence in Star Wars Episode III was justified, in that the Star Wars franchise has been aimed at small children. "The Passion of the Christ" was not aimed at or marketed towards small children. I daresay that very few small children demanded that thier parents take them to see "Passion." Ditto for a movie like SPR, which was also not markteted at small children.
But Episode III was connected with breakfast cereal marketed for little kids, toys for kids as young as 2 or 3, had ad tie ins with fast food resturaunts popular with kids, and ran commercials on Saturday morning kids shows and on the Kids cable TV networks. Lucas can't have his cake and eat it too. You can't design a film that is inappropriate for kids under 13, and then do a media blitz that is aimed at preschoolers. There were no Burger King or Fruit Loops tie ins with "Passion" or SPR. There wasn't a "Passion of the Christ" Mr. Potato Head. You don't have to be a Christian to see that sort of thing as manipulation and crass business.
As for the concept that "right wing christians" kept SPR off the air in some markets, I don't get that. Why can't "right wing christians" keep the rest of the horse manure that passes for entertainment on television off the air? Because its all a ruse. I think the media outlets cook up these sorts of things as an excuse to blame Christians -- we're a convennient whipping boy. Of course, I can't speak directly to this issue, as I don't watch television (I have not had a connection to cable or commercial television in my home for nearly 15 years. My family watches movies and other forms of video that we choose to watch). I think any film rated PG-13 or above would be inappropriate for commercial television, but, then again, I imagine I would find much of what passes for mainstream entertainment as "innappropriate." I guess i have come across the one antidote for inappropriate programs on telvision -- turn it off, or watch something else.
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