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with comments by David Bruce

I AM FREE
Subject: Exorcist
Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2001
From: TERRY AIMA

I have written a book, as God led me to do, about my personal testimony of demonic oppression and His love of me and His power to free me. What I endured for eight months makes the Exorcist look like a day at the beach. Praise God, I'm free!

DO MUCH DRIVAL
Subject: Newsletter_27-Kinkade
Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2001
From: TERRY AIMA

I wonder how you sleep at night reading so much drivel into the simplest of things. Simply enjoy what you see. Analyzing everything will only make you crazy and you will become one of those Christians who, in their minds, go where no man has gone before... it's a scary and lonely place.
Terry Aima

HEY LET UP
Subject: Lord_of_Rings
Date: Thu, 06 Sep 2001
From: C T Blake

Man, I look away for a couple of days, and everyone pounces on poor Pastor Wright! I knew he was delving into dangerous waters in a critique of Lord of the Rings, but I had no idea it would get this nasty. Look, it a book(s) folks. Pretty ripping yarn. Don't build a dang religion out of it. Also, quit confusing the private person with whatever art they produce. tolkien was an artist of words, and he created something that many of use were deeply moved by, or inspired by. That doesn't mean that he was writing about his own beliefs or view of the world. He wrote to entertain, and that's all. I might not agree with the esteemed Pastor on most issues, but let's pull the claws in a bit. Shameful behavior from the "love thy neighbor" bunch. -tongue firmly in cheek
CT Blake Nacogdoches,
Texas FirstConsul@Earthdome.com

GREAT JOB
Subject: (no subject)
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001
From: JESSE HABER Miami Fl USA

hi i just want to let you guys know that you are doing a great jon=b i found this site thru a friend and now i refer it to just about anybody that seems intrigued about movies and then looking for the spiritual twist to them. it has helped lead programs with my youth group where we watch a movie and then will og onto the site to see what you have to say about it. keep up the good work and thank you.
JESSE HABER Miami Fl USA

FEW COMMENTS ON ARTICLE
Subject: Lord_of_Rings
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001
From: Marie

Dear Pastor, I read your article with interest, but must disagree with a few things. First, Tolkein himself stated that he did not see the LOR as an allegory and readers who read it as such were to be discouraged from doing so. Second, Tolkein is more Christian than Lewis in that he traces back his Roman Catholicism to the earliest Church. His beliefs in Christian humanism, which you omit, are based on St. Augustine. In other words, his background would include a greater "Incarnational" view of history and myth than Lewis, who as an Anglo-Catholic shared much the same vision, but not quite.Catholics usually see the Incarnation of Christ as redeeming nature and humankind. This leads me to the third point of departure, in that the humans at the end of the LOR are not left without spirituality, but like us, are left with the mythology, the teachings, and the grace. There is a sadness about the world of Tolkein, but that would mirror many people's view that the Church is now a small remnant, with few real Christians holding onto the faith. To imply that Tolkein is a modernist is really not understanding his view, which is the view of Catholics, that when Jesus ascended into heaven, he left the Church itself as a sign of His living presence, through Peter and the other apostles, and eventually all the People of the New Covenant. Of course, Tolkein also stated that he wanted to create a myth for England; that England did not have an ancient mythology, like the Scandanavian countries or the Germanic tribes. Tolkein's myth is, if anything, pre-Christian, more Old Testament, but indeed, leading up to the Arthurian myth, which is Christian and humanistic. By the way, do make a philosophical distinction between secular humanism and Christian humanism, otherwise you are ignoring 1400 years of Christianity. Tolkien consciously wrote a moral tale, a tale wherein some scholars see Frodo as the "flawed Christ" and the idea of mercy toward even Gollum as indications of forgiveness from the Cross and the presence of the merciful God among us today. The morality of the LOR is definetly Christian-good is victorious, bad is overcome by great deeds played out by the "little people", the Hobbits, much in the same way as the saints of God in their daily lives live out heroic deeds. Plus, you must remember that Catholics do not have the same distinction of "profane" and "Sacred" as the Calvinist, or even the Lutheran, who claims all political endeavors are "of the world" and therefore evil (Luther). Catholic art, or myth, as in Tolkein, would not mind using Norse mythology to explain an universal truth of good and evil, or the basic idea of Resurrection heroism. Remember that the great theme of the LOR is "free will" and "choice", the great gift of God at our Creation and where we are most like Him, in our spirit and in our freedom. Frodo's odd lack of choice is "redeemed" by God or Fate, if you will, at the end, when Gollum inadvertantly destroys the ring. Our freedom, such as Aragorn's to continue the fighting in the face of ruin, is part of "the image and likeness" of God. In these choices, we are truly great and like God. The point of leaving men supposedly alone at the end of the trilogy is to emphasize that the "age of men" is dawning and the age of the elves is over. By the way, recall Galadriel's rebellion which led to her time of exile? The elves are capable of sin as well as the humans. Even the angel-types sin, as in Saruman, who choses evil over good and undergoes a fall as the consequence. Sounds like the choice of Satan all over again--but no allegories, insists Tolkein. Just remember, Tolkein was a Catholic and the worldview is much more inclusive and "sacramental", more "Incarnational" and "redeemed". Tolkein saw the industrial revolution (all the factories and cutting down of trees) and the two World Wars as separating people, especially Europeans, from their natural, Medieval roots. Which would be another point, which could be a paper in itself, that is the belief of Tolkein, as a Catholic, in "Natural Law", which as Paul states, is written on the hearts of all people. "Natural law" philosophy is still maintained by Catholics and some other Christians as the basis for our civilization, which has obviously put it aside.Middle-Earth is built on "natural law". Part of this dilemma, of the secularization of Western Civilization, is part of the theology behind the LOR. Thanks for reading this.
God bless. Marie Dean

LOVE THE SITE!
Subject: Love your site! Cool_Churches_Newsletter_26
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001
From: Todd

I think your site is great. I am a pastor who loves films and our church has a film club that meets monthly to review films with non believers and folks from other religions invited to create engaging dialog along the lines of your site. We are using this as an evangelistic opportunity to bring Christ to our culture. That's our mission and you are helping provide tools and equipping for our people to fulfill it.
Thanks. Todd Graham Rodarmel
Pastor, Mercy Covenant Church
San Juan Capistrano, CA
949-306-1312
trodarmel@home.com

MUSIC
Subject: music
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001
From: Craig

I'm blown-away by EmmyLou Harris' Red Dirt Girl:
"we were always headed toward eternity
hoping for a glimpse of galilee
like falling stars from the universe, we are hurled
down through the loneliness of the world
until we behold the pain become the pearl
crying allelujah, allelujah"

"me and my best friend Lillian and her blue tick hound dog Gideon"

END SONG
Subject: Blair_Witch_2
Date: Thu, 06 Sep 2001
From: Conrad

Benny: The first song played during the end credits is "Haunted" by Poe. The song is from her second album of the same name released last year.
Conrad

REJECTION
Subject: rejection Lord_of_Rings
Date: Thu, 06 Sep 2001
From: Jasmine

I know that there is evil all around us and as Christians i don't really think we have the capacity or should have the interest to completely hide from it all, but I do think movies and music can creep their messages into our subcultures and do us harm. For myself, I can't say that I only fill my mind with holy messages (I enjoy a good movie) but I wouldn't encourage anyone to watch the Lord of The Rings on principle. If we accept this film because we are "not sure" about its spiritual influence, then we may be opening the way for further trouble. We don't need to seek evil in this world, enough of it will sneak up and attack us without provoking it.
Jasmine, New Zealand

GARBAGE
Subject: (no subject) American_Pie_2
Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001
From: Jan

This movie was pure garbage!

GREAT MOVIE WITH A MORAL MESSAGE
Subject: AI_Artificial_Intelligence
Date: Wed, 05 Sep 2001
From: Grim Reaper

AI is a movie that I feel makes you think about what messages the director is trying to tell the audience(typical Spielberg movie). Spielberg movies always have some kind of moral lesson in it(e.g Jurassic Park, Schindler List)its kinda like his trademark

In short, I think Spielberg is trying to say "becareful what u wish for, for u juz might get it...and loads of trouble as well"

THAT GUY ABOUT SEEKING GOD IS GAY
Subject: Megadeth_The_World_Needs_A_Hero
Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001
From: Mu Dv Ay Ne DiG

just to let you know man you aren't suppose to force religon on anyone.

THE MATRIX SYMBOLISM
Subject: Matrix
Date: Tue, 04 Sep 2001
From: "Wes Butler"

I am thrilled to have found your site. I, too, have been deeply moved by watching "The Matrix". It literally changed my life, and my perception of life as a Christian. Immediately prior to seeing The Matrix i had been pondering deeper life questions like "my role as a christian" and the concept behind the following verses:

Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Luke 9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

While it is much more common for Mark 8:36 to be quoted by preachers and such, i think that the symbolism in The Matrix more closely aligns itself with Luke 9:25 in the movie, it is as though the essense (i use this word to mean "soul") of humankind is being deceived, yet the human physical body is being lost to the world, then cast away. at the risk of sounding like a nut, i can say that there is not a day that goes by that i do not think about this movie.
Signed, Wes
p.s. feel free to post my first name, but please do not post my email address.

DAMAGING GUILT
Subject: Miss_Congeniality
Date: Sat, 1 Sep 2001
From: "a learn"

I love to log on and wander thru this sight - you go!!!! In response to your comments to Sam et al.... I agree! I am personally getting tired of folks using the scripture to "shouldn't" all over everyone else! Even the ones who preach freedom - then put so many of their own rules on folks you can't move. LIke the pastor who preaches freedom then criticises folks for not wearing a dress suit on Sunday to church. Heaven forbid if we show up in khaki's and a sweater - what NO coat???? I'm thinking God's a whole lot more interested in my heart than my clothes. Now I'm not advocating unrestrained freedom. But, we really risk damaging folks when we guilt them into behaving the way we think they should or the way that makes us comfortable. And isn't that really why we put that stuff on other people - to make us feel something? more powerful, more in control, more righteous..... Just a thought.

COMMENT ON WRIGHT'S ANALYSIS
Subject: Lord_of_Rings
Date: Mon, 03 Sep 2001
From: "Ben Forster"

Dear Greg Wright, First of all, I would like to say that I am German and that therefore my English is not as fluent as I would like it to be - begging your pardon on that point. I read your spiritual analysis on "The Lord Of The Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien. I was impressed how profoundly you have analysed the work of Tolkien . I myself have just read "The Lord Of The Rings" and have turned out to be a fan of Tolkien. Even though I do share your belief on the connection between Christianity and the book, I disagree with your possible conclusions. For instance, in the first paragraph of your "Conclusion", you say that in the work of Tolkien there may be the danger of the conviction that "spirituality is metaphysically barren". There ist absolutely no "danger" in LOTR. Tolkien said himself that he doesn't wish is novel to be interpreted as having such and such allegories that point out this and that. Though it is worthwhile to think about the LOTR's influences, I believe the novel to contain no message ,not even a secret, hidden message, which could endanger the faith of a Christian.

Since I am not Christian (thank God), I must say "you, the Christians". Why are Christians always worried about reading or perceiving things which might give them to think and might awaken doubts in theirs faith? Isn't it important to make it clear to yourself regularily why you believe in God? Secondly, you say that there could be hope for the reader concerning the belief in a spirituality that enables one to have faith in the fact that everything is possible (in a Christian sense, I suppose).

As for myself - I, too, am caught up in this world of fantasy or mythology or whatever you may call it.Already it feels as if I were a part of the whole story. And for me that is proof that it is "a story magnificiently told, with every kind of colour and movement and greatness" (New Statesman), a world so full of beauty that you enjoy to fell as if you played a part within the scenario. Maybe it even awakens a desire to have our world a little bit more similiar to that one, in whichever sense. Though, when one returns from his journey to the world of LOTR, he/she still knows the limitations of this world and remembers the fact that Tolkien's masterpiece is a very, very good story - but, in the end, not much more and not much less. Wouldn't you personally call it little sane if reality and a fantastic world, however great it may be, to become mixed up? I know I am being annoyingly rationalstic, but I hope that I have at least conveyed my point. Sincerely, Benjamin Forster

REVIEW?
Subject: Pleasantville
Date: Mon, 03 Sep 2001
From: Stuart

Hi David,
The movie "Pleasantville" was on TV here in NZ over the past weekend. I wonder if you seen this movie and what you made of it from a Christian point of view. Looking foward to hearing from you. Stuart Houghton Auckland, NZ

Reponse: Yes, I did review the film. Go here.

HI
Subject: Dyan Cannon
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2001
From: "lori hicks"

Mrs. Cannon, I am 36 years old and here latley it seems every where I go people tell me I look like you. I have certainly taken that as a complement. It has to be the natural curly hair, that I have fought with all my life. I just wanted to tell you it is quite an honor to be told I look like you, you are a unique woman, I could only dream to be like that. Well have a wonderful week.
Lori

IN RESPOSE TO SERIOS
Subject: Chocolat
Date: Sun, 2 Sep 2001
From: Big daddy rix

I am a college group leader at a church in Phoenix. My wife and I went to see Chocolat and liked it so much we took our whole college group to see it with us. We had a great discussion about the movie and what the symbolism might mean.

Later, my wife and I came across this website and went over these reviews of the movie. We were especially intrigued by your response - So much so that we read it to our college group. Every one of us were really interested in your perspective on not only the movie, but on Christianity as well. We consider ourselves rational, free-thinking, and intelligent people, and we were wondering if we could invite you into a rational, free-thinking, intelligent, and thought provoking dialog with us via e-mail. You may feel free to discuss any aspect of Christianity, Religion or philosophy that you wish to discuss, in a safe yet thought provoking way. If you would be at all interested in such a dialog, please respond and we'll figure something out. This could be a lot of fun for all of us!

Response: Sure, I would love too. -David

PLENTY OF MOVIES WITH A SPIRITUAL MESSAGE
Subject: top movies
Date: Sat, 1 Sep 2001
From: "Todd"

High I've got plenty of films that have spiritual messages.

1 Speed = a bomber on the loose because of greed and God sends a police officer as a deliverer .

2 Thumbelina= faith and friends

3 Gremlins 1 & 2 = Cute & fluffy creatures turn out to be nightmarish creatures that plague the area like a disease because of disobedience but at the end there was deliverance.

4 Powder= an abnormal person with advanced abilities and wisdom finds friends and enemies and even helps his enemies.

5 star wars "all" Justice, loyalty, endurance, changing lives, and ect.

6 T.M.N.T= Justice seekers fight the bad guys and help the victims

QUESTION
Subject: Big_Kahuna
Date: Sat, 1 Sep 2001
From: Stephen

To Whom It May Concern,
My attention was drawn to one particular detail of the movie that I am curious about. DeVitto's character tells about a dream in which he encounters God in the form of a child but God has the head of a lion. Does anyone have any information on what inspired Roger Rueff to use this image?
Sincerely, Stephen C. Norwood

BOW YOUR HEADS
Subject: Planet_of_the_Apes
Date: Sat, 1 Sep 2001
From: Darren

It seems as of this writing, "Planet", despite a good opening, is what the media wants to tell us, a "disappointment'. We even get a news report on director Tim Burton complaining about how the studio (Fox) handled the film and how it was given to him. (To me, this is passing the buck- he had, what? Nine different 'endings' to choose from? I'd say that's creative control if there ever was.) Anyway, I am pleased by HJ's review of the film, hitting on just about everything there is in the spiritual parrells. I noted that this film is co-produced by Ralph Winter, a Christian. (His recent producing credits include "X-Men" and "Left Behind") This film was also a HUGE step up from Tim Burton's previous effort, "Sleepy Hollow" which I liked mildly at best (now if people are looking for a few Anti-God/ Anti-Christian messages in favor of 'White' Wicca, there you go.) But I too would like to address the board.

1. PETA. Perhaps the Goldwater reference was ad-libbed by an actor (these things happen) or, I think it was written and later on, someone pointed it out and it all was unintentional. Because, y'know, I didn't see any agenda pushing in this film. Besides, there are scenes of Apes attacking other primates (see below) so this arguement is flimsy.

2. The film was terrific. Yes, I loved this film too, but I question Burton's faith in some of his actors. Kris Kristofferson doesn't get to do much (but when he does, he gives his life for his daughter and the other slaves) and I think Estella Warren is a great up and coming actress (see "Driven") but she hardly says much. It's like she is there to give a nod to Raquel Welch in "1 million yrs BC" or something.

3. Rick Baker & crew? Oscar? The little golden guy? Nah...ya' think?

4. I liked Cary H. Tagawa as Krull. Michael Clarke Duncan as Attar...Tim Roth...as Thade.. heck, any actor in Rick Baker's ape makeup.

5.Beastiality. There was another summer flick, "The Animal". Someone got that and "POTA" confused. Human characters smooching space aliens or space monkeys/apes is nothing new. I bet these people had a heart attack when Star Trek's Captian Kirk made out with that Green alien woman in the original "Trek" series!

6. Thade. Tim Roth has done 'great' villians before ("Rob Roy") but this guy is so bad he IS the one character who is actually being shown harming a small monkey. (He also kills two ape warriors -in the back!)

7. The ending. I don't think it was stupid. I thought it opened the door to speculation and was a neat sf plot twist.

8. Evolution. This isn't "Jurassic Park" people. You aren't spoon fed evolutionary thought. Hey, that reminds me. Can I recomend a website? Creation World View This site really debunks evolution not only from a Judeo-Christian perpective, but a scientific one as well. As for 'evolution' in this film, there wasn't any. Here's what happened:

*The ship goes looking for its lost pilot. They get caught in the rift and instead of going to the future, they hit a wee bit into the past (*they got thier own distress call!) on the planet. The rift also caused a genetic change in the monkeys, making them stronger and more agressive. They killed most of the crew. The human surviors became what remained of the "Human tribes" seen in the film. While the apes and the chimps formed in a period of mirco-evolution, and eventually, spoke english. The Apes dominated the planet, and used humans for slaves.
-Darren J Seeley

YOU ARE NOT GOING TO HEAVEN
Subject: Powder
Date: Sat, 1 Sep 2001
From: Glamor Girl

i think that is retarded that you should make Jesus an albino, Jesus is Jesus, and nobody should ever try to change that. you should never ever, try to make Jesus like a star or something that he never was, I'm sure you will not be going to Heaven when you die.

Response: Well, so be it. I trust you will have a better day than you wish on others. I'd like to say, ahh, go ta heaven. -David

THIS IS EVIL
Subject: Megadeth_The_World_Needs_A_Hero
Date: Sat, 1 Sep 2001
From: SeekingOurLord

I WASNT GOING TO POST MY COMMENT BUT SINCE YOU ASKED FOR IT HERE IT IS. I THOUGHT I HAD GOT ON A CHRISTIAN SITE BUT I CAN SEE CLEARLY I DID NOT .....THE BIBLE TELLS US PLAIN TO SHUN ALL APPEARANCE OF EVIL AND ANYONE WITH TWO EYES CAN SEE THIS IS EVIL.WE ARE TO UPLIFT THE NAME OF JESUS AND NOT TO BRING REPROACH UPON HIS NAME AND THAT'S PLAINLY WHAT YOU ARE DOING YOU NEED TO GIVE YOU'RE HEART TO THE LORD AND HE WILL CLEAN YOU INSIDE AND OUT YOUR EYES TOO. I WILL PRAY GOD WILL OPEN YOU'RE BLIND EYES UP AND GIVE YOU A REALITY OF WHAT BEING A CHRISTIAN REALLY IS ....THE BIBLE ALSO SAYS COME OUT FROM AMONG HER MY PEOPLE [THE WORLD ].SEE !! WE HAVE TO LIVE IN THE WORLD BUT NOT BE PARTAKERS OF ITS SIN....PLEASE ASK GOD TO SAVE YOUR SOUL ...

Response: So we are not Christian! Well, well, well. Hmm, who would have guessed? It is wonderful to be enlightened by you. -David

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