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with comments by David Bruce

THE ESSAY
Subject: Lord_of_Rings
Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001
From: micah

Hello, I skimmed (admittedly, did not have time to read thoroughly) your essay on the spirituality of LOTR, and I found it seriously lacking. The most glaring omission was that (even under the heading "Tolkien's Faith"!) you neglect to mention that Tolkien was a Christian! Surely this would be at least helpful in determining whether he consciously interwove spiritual elements into his story?!? You seem to conclude that Tolkien created Middle-Earth to somehow replace the ineffectiveness of the Christian mythology. Nothing could be further from the truth. Tolkien was always quite emphatic that LOTR was not a spiritual allegory, nor indeed an allegory of any kind. It is simply a wonderful story, full of beauty and heroism. The only 'gap' it is intended to fulfill was the lack of existence of an epic saga with Anglo roots like the Norse and Icelandic ones.

It seems that you have embarked on a kind "textual criticism" which seeks to extract "obvious" inferences about the intention of the writer, and your attempts have failed just as those who attempt the same approach to the Bible.

Finally, I could not recommend more highly that you read the book of Tolkien's letters (compiled by Humphrey Carpenter and Christopher Tolkien). It gives great insight into Tolkien's mind and thoroughly demolishes many of the erroneous conclusions to which you have arrived. Read it, and you'll be embarassed to think about what Tolkien would say after reading your essay. The issue you attempt to explore is, in the end, a non-issue.

Sorry if this comes off as acerbic. LOTR is my favorite book, and I hate to see Tolkien being misrepresented, when he went to such lengths to avoid it.
Micah Newman

YEP... WHATEVER
Subject:
Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001
From: Christisking

I guess Jesus told us about false prophets in the gospels......He warned us that they were here in the world and would claim to be of Christ, but the fruit they bear would show us the truth. You may not be an anti-christ...but your message certainly comes from the spirit of the Anti-Christ ...may God bless you and show you the err of you

Response: Thanks for you condemnation. I really needed that!

TWO SIDES TO EVERY COIN
Subject: Newsletter_27
Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2001
From: Tombmaster

Just like there are 2 sides to every coin, and life is inevitably like that (i.e., 9-11-01 is both an attack of Satan as well as a type of judgement from God), so it is with art, films, tv...and, guess what, reality! Every day beauty and crap! (excuse my French)

Anyway, Kincade's paintings, while colorful and 'pretty' in their own way, do not impress me like a Monet, Bouguereau, or Da Vinci, and yes, they are devoid of anything challenging, but that's the other side of the proverbial coin, sometimes we need a little escapism in our lives to be able to deal with real life. Thanks for the critique. I sort of understand the comparison, because I volunteer some time each week in an inner city ministry to children, but I live in the so-called beautiful suburbs, so I know the meaning of both. Good insight. Remember Paul's words, learn to be content in feast or famine (Phillipians 4:11, 12). Again, thanks for your reviews...
Long live the king! Frodo lives!
And the True and Living God is still awesome!
Tombmaster

Response: I am glad you a person who is involved with others! -David

NO TO HARRY POTTER
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2001
From: Tammie

I don't want my e-mail address given out.

Let me start by saying that I haven't read the Potter books, but I have read several reviews on them from assorted web-sites and newsletters. It is enough for me to know that there is cursing, violence, witches, wicca, vampires, and other "evil" things in these stories to keep child from reading them. As for being concerned with the prohibition on books that promote Christianity, I would rather accept that than tolerate the promotion of books sanctioning the use of Wicca. My child is educated in Christianity at home and in God's Church. He is a Christian saved by Grace and he loves to hear about the heroes in the bible the main one being Jesus. He also understands that there is real evil in the world and there is a spiritual warefare going on around us. We may not be able to stop the prohibition on books that promote Christianity in the schools, but we can read our Bibles at home and teach our children about the love of Christ and arm them for the war on evil. Books that promote the use of wicca, magic, and other spiritual powers that are not of God should not be allowed in our schools.
Tammie

Response: All age appropriate books should be allowed in school. Let's end all censoreship, both their's and yours. -David

DAVID ON DVD?
Subject: Inquiry
Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2001
From:

Hello, Where can I find/buy DVD of "David", a Turner Home Entertainment, Warner Alliance Home Video. I don't know the year and it is on 2 VHS tapes. I live in Long Beach, CA, and want to know where I can go to buy it. I only saw the first Video (part 1) and now want to get the whole story of 'David' for DVD
Thank you David
Princene Onyeador

Response: David is not available in DVD -David

THIS FILM FAILED
Subject: Baby Boy
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001
From: Chris Utley

...i would have liked a more comprehensive review. i would like to know from your POV how this movie was aiming for the soul. i strongly disagree with this notion. as a Black MAN-not boy-living in South Central LA and as a supporter of John Singleton's films, i think this film failed. all John did was tell us for the umpteenth time what all the problems are...the only solution he offered was "kill off all your enemies and go home to your girlfriend and all your problems are solved."

we in South Central LA know what the problems are-absent fathers, lack of male role models, no Jesus Christ in our lives...and the little bit of Christ we see is watered down with church stuff. i wish John would have offered some real solutions and showed a REAL portrait of the transformation from Boys to Men.
Chris Utley

REVOKE MY SALVATION...
Subject: American Pie 2
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001
From: Chris Utley

church people will "revoke" my salvation for saying this...but i loved American Pie 2. no, not the sex or the gross-out jokes. i totally agree with you...this film had heart. it's hard for religious people to look beyond the surface of things because the church has taught them to judge things based on what you see. thank God i'm not like that! both of the American Pie films have a gentleness and earnestness about them that most people can't see. Holy Rollers dismiss them. but the films have made big money at the box office...because of heart. those of us who were not sheltered and hidden from the world can relate to this film. we all know the sex crazed jock. we all know "the high school sweethearts who were destined to be together-like Oz and Heather." we all know "the couple who broke up but one of them is still in love"-like Kevin and Vicky. seeing AP and AP2 makes me remember the good things about high school-mostly my friends. hence the tagline: it's all about sticking together.

if only they cut out the lesbo stuff...that was too much for me!
Chris Utley

GOOD JOB!
Subject: encouragment and insight
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001
From: Jonny

Hello David;
Let me start off by saying that I was recently brought back on the path of my relationship with God from a secular movie.."Bless The Child", shown at a friends house. That movie made me realize the power of secular media as outreach. I was wondering if you had any sources (in addition to your wonderful page) that would aid me in my writing a paper on the power of secular media (movies, music, etc) on outreach. Any insight would be greatly appreciated, and as I know you must be a busy man, feel free to take your time in responding to my email ;)
- Jonny

PS - its your webpage that made me realize not all Christians fall victim to the "everything else besides Christian media is evil" Focus-On-The-Family mentality which I'm not a big fan of. I have a great respect for you and your work, keep it up.

Response: Thanks Jon, I try. -David

YOU ARE THE MAN!
Subject: R rated_newsletter#26
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001
From: Chris Utley

i've been wrestling with the mind of the Church ever since i've become a Christian over this very issue. i also have been attacked and judged because, quite simply, i love movies. i go see 90 percent of what comes out. some of my favorites are R-Rated. but "church folk" have questioned my faith and have discouraged me. one church i used to go to threatened to raid my DVD collection of such "sinful" films. you are one of the first people i've seen who understand my point of view. i agree with what you say. it's not going to see an R rated film that's sin. it's walking out of that R rated film ready to shoot or screw somebody that's sin! people just don't understand that God has given us a free will to enjoy all things. He just wants our hearts to be committed to Him. the church doesn't teach that. they just want us to follow a bunch of rules (live under the law). but their rules keep me in worse bondage than i was in when i wasn't saved!

do your thing, Mr. Bruce. because you look at the world with compassion and love and not pre-judgement, God will continue to draw the world to you. my prayers and my support are with you, brother. and now...i'm going to buy American Pie (the R-Rated version, of course...not for the sex...but i love the coming of age story) with NO CONDEMNATION!!!
Chris Utley

PS
Faithful Central Bible Church-Inglewood (Los Angeles
this church is sooooo awesome. how awesome? they bought the Great Western Forum, the former arena of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings. they have church services on Sundays. BUT they still hold concerts (MOSTLY SECULAR) and sporting events too. this church is very very free from Church-based bondage and they move in the freedom of the Spirit. i should know...i attended there for 6 years!
Chris Utley

WHAT ABOUT MULHOLLAND DRIVE?
Subject: Mulholland Drive
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001
From: Sharon

I realize that you can't work on HJ everyday but am curious if you are going to address the movie Mulholland Drive? I saw it with little info as to what it was about and left at the end wondering what all I was suppose to see. You have such a knack of finding a redeeming value in strange places. I love this site and refer to it frequently and have tried to get others interested. However, I often find myself reading the reviews after I see the movie though because some of the reviews are so thorough that it leaves little to discover !
Sharon

Response: I will try. -David

AGREE
Subject: "O" OTHELLO
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001
From: "AL CRACKENBERG"

I AGREE WITH MUCH OF THE REVIEW OF O BY SIMON REMARK. I SAW THE MOVIE WITH MY SON, A COLLEGE FRESHMAN. HE HAD SAW SHAKESPEARE'S OTHELLO AT ASHLAND OREGON FESTIVAL. HE FELT THIS MOVIE WAS FAITHFUL TO THE FORM AND CONTENT OF THE ORIGINAL. I THOUGHT THE MOVIE WAS AN ACCURATE DEPICTION OF TEEN RELATIONSHIPS AS I REMEMBER THEM. JEALOUSY, ENVY AND REVENGE ARE VERY HUMAN FEELINGS. WITHOUT SOME SPIRITUAL INPUT, THOSE EMOTIONS GET OUT OF CONTROL AND HAVE DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES.PARENTS, TEACHERS AND ADULTS NEED TO WORK WITH CHILDREN AND BE AWARE THAT HELPING RESOLVE ISSUES IS A FULL TIME JOB.WHEN LEFT UNRESOLVED, TRAGEDY IS THE OUTCOME. IF YOU WANT SOME BIG ACTION MOVIE OR MINDLESS ENTERTAINMENT, DON'T SEE THIS FILM. I ALSO THINK THIS FILM COULD BE VIEWED WITH A GROUP OF HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR COLLEGE ARE KIDS. IT COULD PROVIDE FOR LOTS OF INSIGHTS INTO THE ADOLESCENT PSYCHE.
AL CRACKENBERG

GOOD JOB!
Subject: Dyan_Cannon
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2001
From: Robert

I have alot of respect for Dyan. I believe God is using her in a beautiful way.

WOLF?
Subject: Training_Day
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2001
From: Jason

"You gotta be a wolf to catch a wolf" - is that true for a Christian? Does that mean that in order to reach out to non-Christians, to an extent, you gotta do what they do to understand them - which would include things like drugs, alcohol, and sex? Maybe you gotta think like a wolf to catch a wolf, not actually be one.

KINKADE
Subject: Newsletter_27-Kinkade
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2001
From: S.B. Kidwell Tulsa, OK

I am in complete agreement with the assessment that the only way that the kingdom of the Lord can expand and be furthered is by Christians immersing themselves in the world: by living out our daily lives, loving our neighbors with the love of Christ, striving to be as Christ-like as humanly possible. I also positively adore Kincade's paintings. I think they are beautiful, brilliant depictions of scenery displaying genious use of color and light. Considering the houses and cottages to be isolated from the rest of the world is limiting the possible interpretations of the works. Perhaps the cottages don't represent our isolated souls at all. Perhaps the cottages represent the beauty of our souls to Christ, and the safety and security we can find in Him regardless of what our true surroundings might be. Perhaps we are getting just a little over-exhuberant in trying to discern exactly how the paintings can be interpreted. Instead, let's celebrate the talent of the artist bestowed by the Creator. Lets pray that people's eyes will be blessed by the beauty of the works and their hearts will be touched by the artist's creation, because just maybe as a result they will research into the life of Thomas Kincade, and his witness will serve the Lord's purpose. I certainly don't feel that we need to be criticizing his work. Are we just looking for ways to discourage our brothers in Christ? This is a public figure who is proclaiming his faith in Jesus Christ. We should be applauding his efforts to witness through his talent, not criticizing him because one possible interpretation of his work might be isolation and that is something some Christians might need to practice less. Let's keep our negative comments to ourselves and go do something positive for the Kingdom!
S.B. Kidwell Tulsa, OK

ARGUMENT OVER CREED
Subject: Creed
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2001
From: Kim

I just thought I'd pitch in my thoughts of this "argument" over the review of Creed.

I'm gonna start by humbling myself and saying I have been a hypocrite in the past, and sometimes I'm hypocritical without realising it today, but I try not to.

The whole G-D issue reminds me of an account of a new believer giving testimony. He was so passionate he blurted out an expletive to accentuate his joy and overwhelm-ment (if that's a word!). He was escorted out of the church because of this outburst, but the people only identified what accidently surfaced instead of looking into what the believer's heart was saying. I'm not saying we should tolerate swearing, but as ambassadors of Christ (a reflection of Christ) I believe we should learn to have patience. Jesus Christ was sworn out while he was hanging on the cross, but showed forgiveness for his oppressors, not criticism. Look at what these musicians hearts are saying rather then the words.

Also, I have looked into the history of singer song writer Scott Stapp of Creed. He grew up as the son of a severe and strict southern baptist who believe "Rock and Roll is the work of Satan". So harsh was the environment, Scott ran away from home and was pushed away from Christ because of religion; a man made endeavour. This information is in Creed's official web site. Plus they address the GD issue themselves there.

I'd also like to address comments of staying away from secular music, and secular environments. I believe we can not isolate and privatise our spiritual lives. If Jesus Christ stayed away from secular (sinful) people, where would we be now? One could argue "Bad company corrupts good character", but this is only true if you become distant from the body of Christ. Some people criticise musicians such as Payable On Death for hanging out with secular musicians such as Korn and The Deftones, but miss the point of friendship evangelism. In a study most people that became Christians did so because of people they knew well who were Christians. Not because of someone pointing out the rights and wrongs of their life, or from a new faith initiative... from friendship. They got to know eachother as people, not as a suit & tie.

Any, there's my £0.02
Peace be within you,
Kim
England

PROSTITUTING FRIENDSHIP
Subject: Big_Kahuna
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2001
From: JENNIFER

I didn't make the connection between the Big Kahuna and God at all. I thought the movie couldn't have been more right on in terms of indicting us Christians for our salesmanship tactics in trying to convert people outside of the church. It seemed as though all 3 characters in the film were critiqued in their own right, especially the Baptist kid!...who shouldn't be praised for his ''strategies''. It became apparent that the young salesman was a Pharisee who's life revolved moreso around his belief system, than an authentic love for people where they are at in life. I recently read an excellent quote by author Brian McLaren who says he hates the term ''friendship evangelism'' because the friendship usually gets prostituted out according to whether or not the friend accepts our belief system. Doesn't unconditional love even move out beyond the framework of our belief system?

COMMENT
Subject: Moulin_Rouge
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2001
From: "justin"

Hi, I was most impressed on reading your movie review of Moulin Rouge - I recently watched the film and seeked a deeper meaning to what I perceived to be the concepts held within the movie - and your review was brilliant in making its various points! Many thanks Justin

REACTIONS
Subject: Lord_of_Rings
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2001
From: L J M

I enjoyed your thoughtful essay. While I think it unprofitable to seek consistent & exact parallels with Christology in literature, including Tolkien's, it is certainly true that several of HIs characters take on Christlike roles and characteristics from time to time, most notably Gandalf and Aragorn. To me the most thought provoking aspect of Tolkien's work is the partnership he posits between the efforts of these greater ( in the social/political structure of the world he posits) characters and the hidden, unheralded work of the relatively weak and insignificant hobbits, especially Frodo and Sam. It is here that I see parallels with Christian theology. We can see ourselves and our faithful fellow believers in Frodo, overcoming great evil by patient endurance and dogged faithfulness, in cooperation with the more publicized and dramatic efforts of others. Others may be actual leaders and may do great deeds in a more dramatic and visible manner, but our small works too are essential if right is to prevail. In our theology, we see the great deed of Christ has been completed, "It is finished!", yet its desired result - salvation - will not be manifested in the world, certainly not in OUR world, without our cooperation, our undertaking our part of the effort. We too must overcome our own inclinations, come to see that worldly thing which we had viewed as precious as not only worthless but harmful and ultimately cast it away for the greater good. The attraction of Tolkein's work is indeed founded on the chords it resonates within us with our concept of the Lord and our relationship with Him, but not so much in exact parallels as in the general truth that ALL GOOD STORIES ARE HIS STORY - every good tale draws us to Christ, illumines something about God and our relationship with him. Tolkein's LOTR is a GOOD STORY. It moves not only the mind but the heart and may spark much pondering on eternal truths. I do hope that the films retain this ability.

JUST A COMMENT
Subject: Dracula_2000
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2001
From: MarCia

I see in this film just another entertaining horror movie to the movie watcher who likes horror. But in the spiritual sense, it would appear that someone at some time in their life heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then later in their career wanted to make a vampire movie, and decided to find a person in Biblical history whose recorded life left an open ending for a vampire to pop out. Although, the scriptures reveal a bit more detail to the death of Judas which the makers of this film apparently left out in order to transition Judas to a vampire. Someone could do the same with Adolph Hitler. It is an undeniable fact that mankind will express his theories, concepts, or searches for truth and meaning through whatever means or media he or she is involved in. This is true for song-writers as well as movie-makers. The overall fact I see, is that from Superman, to Star Wars, to movies of prophecy, even movies intended to portray the Messiah's Life, man is not perfect...therefore neither will there ever be a "perfect" film concerning things that are spiritual. I am a Christian...that is...I have made the Messiah the LORD of my life, and this does not drive me to (as one commented) "little white churches"; nor retreating from the world or hiding in fear or going to bed before 9:00pm, (I wish!). Instead it moves me to minister to the needs of hurting people (AIDS, prisoners, homelessness) simply doing exactly what Jesus said His followers were to do whenever there is the opportunity. As for my Father in Heaven "liking" the film"...well, I think some should take a good look at the portrait they've painted of GOD. Some may find that it's really a portrait of themselves. The portrait GOD painted of Himself in His Word causes me to think He'd laugh at this film. Because He knows that only HE gives eternal life, and He knows how true believers in Christ defeat evil. Personally, David, even though some comments do appear to be uninformed, I appreciate the passion some people have out of their sincere love for GOD that would cause them to be concerned about some movies. I just notice you come down pretty hard on certain comments. As I'm sure you will mine.

SMALLVILLE
Subject: RE: Superman site
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2001
From: "Joe

David, Hello. Congratulations on a coherent analysis of the Superman hero myth. I wrote an undergraduate term paper on the subject for my Myth and Symbolism class (yes, yes, philosophy major--insert joke here) but hadn't seen anyone else's take on the matter. I imagine you've seen the "Smallville" series; despite the horrific acting, at least the writers did well enough to have Kent tied to cross in a desolate cornfield. Perhaps the show has hope yet. Take care and thank you, Joe

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