.
.
with comments by David Bruce

CURIOUS ABOUT BOB MESSER
Subject: I'm curious- Music_Reviews
Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2001
From: marc

Who is Bob Messer? Is he a practicing Christian? Thanks-

GOT A PROBLEM WITH THIS...
Subject: Megadeth_The_World_Needs_A_Hero
Date: 12 Sep 2001
From: marc

it appears to me that for a Christian site, there's quite a bit of non-christian music getting reveiwed...and it seems to me to be getting loaded into the other end of the spectrum. Christ is all about love, peace, sharing the Gospel. The world is about hate, fear, anxiety, death, and destruction. Not saying you aren't Christians- not at all, tho I do feel it's my responsibility as a Christian to bring up the point that the lines are getting washed over a bit; Sure, we can listen to anyhting out there in the world, buy Black Sabbath cd's, bang your head off at a Megadeth show. It's ultimately our own decision. But, careful reading of the word would go to prove that this is'nt the way we, as Christians, are to represent who's service we are in. I can't see how a Christian would have much credibility showing up at a Sabbath show, and trying to tell someone Jesus can save them, as you bang away. Credibility goes out the window, as you have managed to show the world you are certainly at ease at being in it (the world), and partaking heartily of it. Biblically, we are in the world, but "seperate from it". We need to live God's Word, and not throw it around as mere semantics. What we let in; see, hear, and say, is relfective of what is in our hearts. I don't mean to be a hard case here, but if we are to live as Christians, we got compromises to make for the Lord, on His terms, and certainly not ours. Righteousness won't happen on our own doing; takes the Holy Spirit to do this, and if you allow yourself to partake of the world's stuff, that exudes hate, fear, temptation, etc., the Holy Spirit will not be there. Sin and the Holy Spirit can not be in the same place; you are either in or you'r e going out. I ask that you would pray for some guidance in this, choices in music, movies, etc., and ask the Lord to direct our feet, and light our paths. Don't be fooled by the evil one; he does everything he does thru deception, and he is the very best at it. Be on guard; guard your heart, and seek the guidance of Jesus. God Bless you all, get out there and share the Word with a stranger- in a pub, in a club, on the street. It's outside the church where the real growth happens.
Marc

BETTIE STUFF
Subject: Bettie stuff Bettie_Page
Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2001
From: marc

I thank the Lord that He has moved in Ms. Page's life with such a tremendous impact- I hope that she and her church will continue to utilize the popularity of the images she was part of to somehow show the secular world that Jesus can save lives (everyone's), and is indeed a real person.

I do hope the lines don't get blurred here in chasing the image of Bettie Page's pre-Christian life to the point of being detrimental to one's understanding of Christianity, and the Biblical (God's) view of iniquity and it's total lack of righteousness. If we're not careful here, folks may be led to believe that the images that abound in the world glamourizing nudity and leading to iniquitous behaviour and temptation, are "OK, cause it's a Christian woman". We have to remember, this was before Ms. page became a Christian, and the popularity of those images grew without her knowledge of, or involvement with, the phenomenon.

We as Christian's are truly "in the world", and it's our reponsibility to spread the Lord's Word in a righteous manner, and in an uncompromising righteous fashion; let's not allow the lines to blur between what the Bible profeesses to be be righteous in the Lord's view, and what is permissible in ours. See Solomon, for a bit of background on this- I pray the Lord blesses all who read this, and that He conmtinues to move in our lives to spread His Gospel- I thank the Lord that this site is on line, and continue with it!
Thanks for the poortunity to say a bit!

CHOP SUEY
Subject: Chop Suey
Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2001
From: Joel Stjernholm

I know this is more of your music department's thing, but since you are the one who's name came up, you get the e-mail. I have been listening to System of a Down's "Chop Suey!", and I am getting a serious good friday vibe off of it. Are they a Christian band, and what is the song really getting at? If you could post a review or simply email me back, i would be very grateful.
Joel Stjernholm

HARRY POTTER DOES NOT PROMOTE WICCA
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2001
From: Leah D

My name is Leah i'm twelve years old and i read Harry Potter i also know a lot about wicca and it makes me laugh that people say this book premotes wicca true thay cast spells use cauldrons and wands but nothing else really promotes wicca exept maybe peoples names but when i read these books i don't think satanism, wicca i think comical childish stories that are fun to read. Harry Potter books don't promote any religion wot so ever and have little to do with Wiccans.

Another thing most of the people who want to ban these books in school have either not read the books or know little or nothing about the Craft these people think wicca they think Satanism and on the rare occasion they bother to give actual quotes from the book there incomeplete or they have twisted the meanings. So all i have to say to these people read all the books learn about theses religions before you say they promote things or even better leave the books alone and get a life.
Leah D

Why is this evil? I did not see any evil in it, a bit disturbing album cover, but Dave Mustaine and Megadeth do not put lyrically substanisial evil in this.

I'm guessing that this previous response is from one those people who heard that all things metal are Sataninc from a televangilist who hid his own subliminal messages in songs to "prove" his point, like they did with Led Zeppelin.(Stairway)

You holier than thou types make me sick.

JEWISH HERO?
Subject: superman isn't a jewish hero
Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2001
From: matt

this is the most retarded thing i've ever read. superman isn't a jewish hero if he's compared to Christ. Christ was killed by jews and romans on the cross. thus creating a new religion often referred to as Christianity. Duh.

Response: Mario Puzo has a Catholic background. All legends have an evolution. What is your point?

HONG KONG FILMS
Subject: Hong Kong Films
Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2001
From: Michael

I have long enjoyed Hollywood Jesus for your deep and profound insights into film spirituality. Almost all of your reviews have been of mainstream American films; however, I was wondering if you might be willing to try a bit of something different. There are two very good Hong Kong fantasy films that are my favorites: Chinese Ghost Story I and II. If you are interested in reviewing them, I could send you a copy on DVD. Of course, since these are Chinese films, they are based on a Chinese worldview instead of a Christian one. Based on your other reviews, though, I know that's never stopped you before. If you'd like to get a taste of what Hong Kong has to offer, E-Mail me and I'll send you the films. Keep up God's work!
Michael

Response: Thanks -David

MY TWO CENTS WORTH
Subject: American_Beauty
Date: Mon, 10 Sep
From: James

i am new to the HJ site, but love the concept let me say first off! I have not read every post on AB thoroughly, but people seemed to have missed what was one of the, if not THE, main messages in the film for me - Kevin Spacey finaly realising that he was searching for happiness in the wrong place - that he was projecting his real needs onto his daughter's friend (sorry it has been a while and cant remember all the names now! must see it again soon).

OK OK ITS ABOUT THE SCENE ON THE ROOF
Subject: Devils_Advocate
Date: Mon, 10 Sep
From: Shawn

in the bible satan tempts Jesus...he takes him to the top of the temple and says something to the affect of, "if you jump your angels will come and grab you so that you wont strke a foot on a rock" Jesus then responds with biblical quotes and they move on to the next temptation. i hope that helps

NUDITY IN AMERICAN BEAUTY
Subject: American_Beauty
Date: Sun, 9 Sep
From: "Jon Senior"

I've just looked at your site for the first time after seeing it featured in a Shawshank Redemption documentary, and (to be honest), it's a much better experience than I thought it would be - contains a great deal more open minded-ness than many a Christian website would - only the title, perhaps, is a deterrent, but that's a cultural difference, I guess!

Anyhow, it's late, and I'm not awake enough to write much, but I just thought I'd drop in my thoughts on the nudity in American Beauty. For all some have commented on it's graphic extremes, I find the opposite to be true, and I think the nudity is actually handled in an unusual and thought provoking way. When Jane undresses for Ricky in the window, it's hardly an erotic act - it's her attempt to make a connection with another human being. The film has already shown her alienation from the people around her, and it is as if she simply cannot think of another way to express herself. This may be disturbing, even uncomfortable, but it's hardly arousing! When Angela is uncovered by Lester towards the end of the film, it seems to me to be one of those rare occasions when the nudity is fully justified by the context. Lester is finally achieving his dream, but when the moment comes, the 'sex-object' of his fantasies becomes a vulnerable, nervous person, little more than a child. It is at this point that Lester realises that everything he's worked towards in the film has been misguided and worthless. Little coincidence, I think, that after this encounter, his thoughts turn to his daughter, and her needs - albeit in the brief time when he remains alive.

I think American Beauty is a truly fantastic film. It may seem bleak, and perhaps it is bleak, but it's also inspiring. The characters are all on a path for something greater than what they are. All try different ways of achieving this, and all ultimately fail. People have complained that none of the characters turned to God and found fulfilment, but that's what happens in life. After all, if Lester had had sex with Angela and suddenly become happy, or if Caroline had divorced Lester to start a new life, and suddenly become happy, this surely would have been worse - the characters achieving happiness without God.

Anyhow, my brain won't process much more at this stage of the day! Keep up the work!
Jon Senior

Response: I totally agree with you. -David

ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW
Subject: Blade Runner
Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2001

I read your review and found it interesting; I think some of the symbology is a little heavy-handed, but generally well made. I would just like to point out that as Batty kills Tyrell, he pushes his thumbs through the eyes, destroying them; perhaps (and maybe I am reading too much into this) so that he would not be "seen" to do evil by his creator?

SUPERMAN IS NOT CHRIST, BUT ANTICHRIST
Subject: Superman
Date: Sat, 8 Sep
From: Chris

I am very thankful for your site, because you have -- however unwittingly -- exposed a devilish deception. Obviously, I disagree with your conclusions about Superman being a type of Jesus Christ -- especially in the 1978 film, and I will tell you why. To understand this argument, you must understand Isaiah 14:12-15. This passage states: "How are thou fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning ... For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into Heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God ... I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH." The key is in the final words: "I (Lucifer) will be like the Most High." Satan spends most of his time imitating the things of God -- counterfeiting them, if you will. If you study Satan's titles in the Bible, you will see that this is so. He is called the "Anointed Cherub," in Ezekiel 28:14. The word "Anointed" means "Christ." Satan is literally the "Christ Cherub." This may also be a reference to his position as Anti-Christ. The Greek word "anti" has two meanings: it means "against," and it also means "instead of" or "another." Therefore, the anti-Christ is "another" Christ. There is a man who currenly bears this title. The Latin equivalent of "anti" is "vicarius." One of the Pope's titles is Vicarius Christi, the Vicar of Christ. If you handed this title to a Greek translator, he would hand you back the word "Antichrist." This is not slander, but is a simple fact -- which might be pertinent when you consider that Mario Puzo (one of the writers for the film) is a Roman Catholic. (Response: So, what you are saying is: because the Pope is "antichrist" it follows that Superman is also because writer Mario Puzo is Catholic. Hmm. You need to know that Catholics are not anti-Christ. In fact, they are pro-Christ. It is you who is anti-Catholic)

I find it also curious that Richard Donner (the director) had just finished working on "The Omen," a horror film (however inaccurate) about the Antichrist. (Yes, but the film was against the Antichrist, and was very pro-Christ. You are making a case by mere appearances). Are these both coincidences? Maybe. But then another interesting detail comes up: the film is given a favorable review from Communist China. Why? Since when does it matter what China thinks about a film? But this review somehow makes it to a place of recognition. China outlaws the Bible, except for the government "edited and approved" versions, and is one of the greatest persecutors of Christian martyrs in the world. If you do your homework, you will learn that Communism was bankrolled by the Vatican at its beginnings, and continues to be manipulated from Rome. I believe it is no accident that the godless Chinese government gave a favorable review to the anti-Christ rendition of the Gospel story. Check it out. (Holy cow! You do hate Catholics! You are accussing them of controlling communism and killing Christians! I think your argument of Superman being Antichrist has fallen. You are losing credibility)

Now let's talk about some of the symbolism in the movie. You've written about how "... the father becomes the son, and the son the father," concerning the relationship of Superman with his father. This is a curious detail if you have studied the occult. In the Babylonian Mystery Religion, this is basically a description of the relationship between Nimrod (the father) and Tammuz (his son). According to the legend, Nimrod was the king of Babylon (he also built the tower of Babel, upon which Babylon was built), and he was married to Semiramis. To make a long story short, Nimrod was killed and some time after, Semiramis bore a son -- all the while insisting that she was a virgin. She named the child Tammuz and claimed that he was the reincarnation of Nimrod. Some versions of this story even claim that Tammuz went on to marry his mother, symbolizing that "the father becomes the son, and the son the father." These were the early attempts of Satan counterfeiting the things of God, by creating a false Trinity. If you read the book, "The Two Babylons" by Alexander Hislop, (a very hate filled book against the Catholics -filled with inaccuracies, as you are) you will learn that this basic Trinity doctrine was carried to Egypt where it became the story of Osiris, Isis, and Horus. It also went to many other parts of the world, and reached its climax in Rome. When Constantine the Great overtook the Roman empire and declared Christianity to be an official religion, the pagans came into the church, and gave their pagan gods "Christian" titles. Will Durant in his "Story of Civilization" writes: "An intimate and trustful worship of saints replaced the cult of pagan gods ... Statues of Isis and Horus were renamed Mary and Jesus ..." Other sources go on to reveal that the famous statue of St. Peter is a revised version of the ancient god, Jupiter, and it goes on and on. This is significant when you consider the Vatican's potential involvement in this film. The Babylonian Mysteries are the foundation of the Roman Catholic faith. (OK, Let me get this straight. You say, the Vatican was involved in making Superman? I must tell you that your credibility is sinking even more than it was)

Why does Clark Kent (in disguise) work for a newspaper? Perhaps because the Vatican controls the media and the American press? (What? Oh my gosh. The Vatican controls the American media? I think you have totally bottomed out now) This may be a reflection of how Vatican agents work within the confines of a free society to manipulate the information system, which has not been a "free press" for at least a hundred years. You can quickly check out William Randolph Hearst, (who was supposedly paid $400,000 a year by Adolf Hitler to print favorable articles about Germany and the Nazis just before the war), and quickly realize that the papers were deceptively controlling the thoughts of the people. Hitler himself was supported by the Vatican -- the Jesuits in particular -- which is supported by many books (hate books, you mean) -- some of the best are from Dave Hunt, and Avro Manhattan. For more info. you might read "Vatican Assassins" by Eric Jon Phelps (a hate book). If you read "Fifty Years in the Church of Rome" by former Catholic priest, Charles Chiniquy, you will learn that the Vatican was controlling American newspapers even in the days of Abraham Lincoln.

"Eve saves Superman." Isn't this interesting. Eve it was who was deceived by the Serpent in the garden of Eden. It was Eve who gave the forbidden fruit to her husband (Adam) and helped to bring about the curse upon humanity. Eve is glorified among Mormons for leading mankind toward the knowledge of good and evil, which this cult believes is the path to salvation. I am certainly not against this woman, who is called "the mother of all living" (Genesis 3:20) -- but do not mistake the placement of her name in this story. (Eve in the film is a type of Mary of Magdeline, a sinner, not a saint. Please view the film again).

Next, to solve the great problem of "death," Superman turns things backwards. This is a very telling statement if you study the writings of Aleister Crowley -- a famed Satanist, and master of the occult. Crowley taught the "backwards" system of Satanic worship. He taught that Satanists should write backwards, talk backwards, and even walk backwards. When the Satanic church holds a black mass, they say the "Our Father" prayer of Jesus backwards. This is why so many rock bands write their names backwards on their album covers, and even recorded satanic messages backwards on the records themselves. So now, the movie Superman tells us that the path to life is to turn things backwards. Coincidence? Furthermore, according to the Bible, the Antichrist will "... think to change the times and the laws ..." (Daniel 7:25) If you compare this with Daniel 2:21, where the prophet says of God, that He: "... changeth the times and the seasons," you will see that -- once again -- Satan is seeking to "be like" God. (Oh my, Satanist walk backwards and talk backwards? Come on! Get real. This is so much nonsense aimed at the so called back masking dangers of pop music. This is anti-Rock and Roll rubbish)

Perhaps the most obvious Antichrist reference is the title of the character himself: Superman. Adolf Hitler referred to him as the "Ubermensch" -- the Superman, the Elite of the Race, the Lord of the Earth. This was taken from Nietzsche's "Thus Spake Zarathustra" where he wrote: "Behold I teach you the Superman. The Superman is the meaning of the Earth. Let your will say: the Superman shall be the meaning of the Earth. I beseech you, brothers, remain faithful to the earht, and do not believe those who speak to you of unworldly hopes ..." Nietzche was also an adamant hater of Christianity, saying, "I condemn Christianity" in his work "The Antichrist." Trevor Ravenscroft, in his book "The Spear of Destiny" gives us a bizarre quote from Adolf Hitler in his adoration of the Superman, recorded from "Hitler Speaks," by Hermann Rauschning. This is how it reads:

"The air became stifling so that I could barely breathe. The noisy scene of the Treasure House seemed to melt away before my eyes. I stood alone and trembling before the hovering form of the Superman (Ubermensch) -- a Spirit sublime and fearful, a countenance intrepid and cruel. In holy awe, I offered my soul as a vessel of his will." (Superman has Jewish roots. Not Nazi roots. You are an amazingly hate-filled person. I think you may be dangerous. You seem to hate Catholics, Mormons, rock artists, and New Agers. Hate is not good my misguided friend)

The New Age Movement is the strongest promoter of the New Age Superman, the Cosmic Christ, and sometimes called "Lord Maitreya" in occult circles. The real clincher comes when you learn that the "Father of the New Age" is a Jesuit priest named Teilhard Chardin. When Marilyn Ferguson wrote her famous book, "The Aquarian Conspiracy," Teilhard Chardin was the name most frequently mentioned by 185 leaders in the New Age movement when asked who the most influential person in their lives was. Chardin was treated as an apostate by the Vatican in his lifetime, but "returned to the good graces of Rome 26 years after his death." Why is this significant? Because it shows the Vatican influence behind the New Age movement. Jesuits don't get kicked out of the Catholic faith -- they're the ones running the show. It's no accident that Teilhard Chardin was "returned" to good graces after his death. (So, let me get this straight. You are saying that the Vatican is responsible for Communism, Adolph Hitler, and the New Age movement? You are dangerous)

If you love God, and our Lord Jesus Christ, then learn all that you can in these treacherous times. Remember that the Lord has told us: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 3:6). The apostle Paul also warned the Church of receiving "another Jesus" (2 Corinthians 11:4) -- and so we ought to be careful what manner of gospel is presented to us. We ought to be very careful about a Jesus that is loved by the world. Why? Because Jesus told us clearly that the world hates Him, (John 7:7) and so it is not likely that the world will in any way present a favorable version of His story. The versions of Jesus' story in the media, and entertainment industry are more and more corrupt every year. Read the Bible. And if you really want to know the truth, do some homework and find out which Bible you ought to read. Jesus sent his disciples out as sheep among wolves. He warned us to be as harmless as doves, and wary as serpents. We are to take heed that no man deceives us by any means. I would hearken all believers to the first passages of the Book of Jude, where he compels the church to "earnestly contend" for the faith. He gives this exhortation under the compulsion of the Holy Spirit, for the Church to withstand the false teachers who have "crept in unawares." (So the true test of being a Christian is to think like you? To hate like you? To use the Bible to justify hate, as you do? You are a very sick indidvidual. Please stay away from weapons. You can not be trusted)

May God our Father guide all those who seek and earnestly desire to know the Truth.
Peace in Jesus, Chris

Response: I do not believe in your type of "Jesus." Your hate filled Jesus is of your own making and imagination. Please get some serious help, before you hurt someone. I pray you do not own a gun and that there are no Catholics living near you. -David

INSPIRATION
Subject: Pearl_Harbor
Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2001
From:

I would like to respond to David Bruce's review of Pearl Harbor. First of all, I absolutely hate this movie, but that bears no influence on my comments. Bruce said one of the most tremendous scenes in the film was when Roosevelt stood up to show the military leaders what could and couldn't be done. This scene was the worst scene in the movie and in my opinion, the worst scene in film history. It's strictly manipulative crap and a far cry from anything possible. He never could have stood up out of that chair, and I think it's irresponsible of the filmmakers to imply that he could. It's very similar to the commercial with Christopher Reeve, where he is shown walking. It's all very manipulative and very much a Hollywood addition to the movie. The attack scene was very well done, but the rest of the movie is horrible. The reality of the movie is extremely minimal and most of the survivors of the attack don't like the movie. Unlike Saving Private Ryan and Schindler's List, the movie takes real, tragic events and gritters them up to get people to enjoy the movie. Both of the other movies portray things realisticly and have gone down as two of the greatest movies in film history. Hopefully, Pearl Harbor will only go down as a joke and another failed attempt at a worthwhile Bruckheimer film.

Your Private Comments.
I will not post these comments. What are your personal thoughts?  I also welcome your spiritual concerns and prayer needs.  I will correspond with you, usually within two weeks.
CLICK HERE
Private_Comments_E-mail

Hollywood Jesus News Letter
Receive the Hollywood Jesus Newsletter FREE.
Sign up here