| On this page I post your e-mail and my response. A running dialogue about spirituality and popular culture. | ||||
  PAGE 12 DECEMBER 16-31, 1999 INDEX TO ALL COMMENTS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE (Home) (Contents) (What's new) (News) (Store) (Upcoming Movies) (Current Movies) (New On Video) (Videos) (Music) (Television) (Great Art) (Spiritual Insights) (Cartoons) (Humor) (New Birth) (Spiritual Direction) (Correspondence) (E-Mail) (Guest Book ) (About Us) (Links) (Technical and Legal) |
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with comments by David Bruce |
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| I receive a lot of e-mail. I am not able to post all the mail. I have included a good sampling, however. If the subject is the same I might group the newer messages with similar older ones. Also, my response may appear a few days after the original posting. I can't do HJ everyday. You must include your "name" and e-mail address within your comment if you want it posted, otherwise it will not be posted (there is a privacy issue here and we respect that). I do, however, encourage you to give your "name" and e-mail so others can respond to you personally. | ||||
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| WILL
THERE BE A PRINCE OF EGYPT 2? Subject: Theres going to be a Prince of Egypt 2??? Date: Fri, 31 Dec 1999 From: Alex Hi, I was at your site and you said something about a prince of egypt 2. I am a very big fan of the 1st one. How can they make a 2nd? In the 1st one it already went to the end of the Exodus story. Is it going to be something on his childhood or something? Do you know ne thing about it? Please e-mail me. Thanks Alex My response: No there will not be a part 2 |
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| IS
GESUNDHEIT HOSPITAL STILL IN OPERATION? Subject:Patch Adams Date: Fri, 31 Dec 1999 From: Margaret I have watched the movie dozens of times, and it has transformed my life!! I am a Christian, and I completely disagree with the comments made that it is about "reincarnation." The butterfly simply represents Monica telling Patch that it is ok for him to continue with his dream to help the sick. Anyone who has known a close friend who has died, knows that God DOES allow the person to send us signs during life's critical moments. Patch was going to kill himself and God sent a sign, that's all. I would like to know if the Gesundheit Hospital is in operation now, and if it is possible for someone like me to become involved. Every time I watch that movie, I feel like THAT is where I want to be, to be able to help people. Thankyou... Margaret My response: I don't know. Perhaps someone reading this may have some info. |
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| THE
EVILS OF POKEMON I have been receiving e-mail from several people who believe that Pokemon is a satanic plot to subvert children. Read what they say: POKEMON SHOULD BE "VIEWED AS DEADLY THREAT" POKEMON HELPS BRING IN THE ANTI-CHRIST POKEMON CARDS MADE BY DEMONIC COMPANY SATAN IS MORE POWERFUL! |
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| PROPHECY
2 -WHY NOT A DIFFERENT ACTOR? Subject: The movie Prophecy 2 was Great!!! Date: Wed, 29 Dec 1999 From: Mickie I thought that Prophecy 2 was great I own both of the Prophecy movies and watch them as often as I can. Christopher Walken play the part of Gabriel well and If there is a part 3 I think he should still play that part. the only thing I didn't like was that Steve Hynter played another part and not the part of Thomas as he did in the first Prophecy.why do they do that have one person play one part in a movie but in the second part they are someone else? Did they think people wouldn't notice? I did. and Glenn Danzig was great the angel he played but it was unexpected to have him in there and as an angel of all things. But all and all the movie was great. Mickie |
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| SOME
RESERVATIONS ABOUT GREEN MILE Subject: The Green Mile Date: Wed, 29 Dec 1999 From: Debbi My husband and I are going to see this movie Friday. After reading the reviews I was ready to see it without reservation until I read the last letter from Dorothy. Then I read your response.......what to do? Well, with some reservation we will go to see it, but like Dorothy it has been a LONG time since I have seen an R-rated movie. I will let you know what I think about it this weekend, Y2K permitting!!!!! ;) Debbi |
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| SPIRITUAL
NON CHRISTIAN LIKES DOGMA & HOLLYWOOD JESUS Subject: Your site and Dogma Date: Tue, 28 Dec 1999 From: Sean First, I'll introduce myself. I'm 16 and I live in Australia. Technically, I'm not Christian. I was never baptised, I don't own a bible and I can count the number of times I've been to church on one hand. I listen to heavy metal music and dress mostly in black. However, I consider myself to be a very spiritual person. I firmly believe in God and Jesus, while maintaining an open mind on other religions. I'm also quite a movie buff. I recently visited your site while I was searching for movie reviews. At first, I was a little cautious - I've been to several other Christian / Catholic sites who make a crusade out of abusing popular culture. However, upon reading your reviews, I see that you don't critise pop culture as such, but rather, just put a religious angle on it. Some of the stuff you say about certain movies has made me think more deeply into what I would normally consider to be fairly shallow movies. I'm also glad that you've kept an open mind when seeing movies that touch religious issues, especially movies like "Dogma" (which, incidentally, I consider to be one of the best movies that I've ever seen). I want to congratulate you for having an excellent site and an open mind. It's when I see people like you, strong in Christian faith and yet open to popular culture, that I'm proud I maintain my spiritual side the way I do. Keep up the good work! |
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| FIGHT
CLUB IS AN ALLEGORY Subject: Fight Club. A Lesson in Discipleship Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 From: Glenn Jordan Hi There! I loved Fight Club. It seems to me that the film is an allegory, with Tyler Durden as the Messiah/Christ figure. Let me explain why. There are three types of violence in the movie. 1. the violence of consumerism, which numbs the spirit. 2. the violence of thuggery (displayed by the thuggish owner of the bar) a violence which brutalises people. 3. the violence of Fight Club. Here the men gather not to inflict violence on others, but to have violence inflicted on them. This to me is the key to the film. FC was established for those men who have been numbed and brutalised by the culture they live in. Everything that Durden does is designed to subvert the intentions of the thuggish and to awaken the senses and the spirit of those who have been numbed to reality. One scene which springs to mind is a voice-over to a fight in which the Narrator says something like "the cries of the men were the tongues at a Pentecostal Church, and every Saturday night we were born again; we were redeemed." Significantly the Director chose to conclude this voice-over by a telling shot of blood spilled on the ground! Similarly, when the brutish owner appears Durden confronts him in a kind of cruciform stance, completely vulnerable. He takes upon himself the blows so that the FC might remain free to all who came. (Note also that one of the members of FC throws up during this violence, indicating it was of a different order from what happens regularly at FC) By covering the man in his blood Durden 'redeems' the situation. He even invites them to join. One other observation. The scene outside the house where the novice presents himself for membership of 'Operation Mayhem' was jaw-dropping. For it seems to me that the writer knew about monastic orders, particularly the Benedictines. Novices were forced to stand for three days outside the monastery during which time they were forced to face their own humanity and unworthiness. They also lost their name on joining, and only received it again at birth. The Benedictines were part of a movement in Church history which preserved the Gospel during the Dark Ages. Western Christianity only survived because of people like them. The Benedictine Rule (which Durden appears to quote at times) was a form of spiritual violence which restored the monks' true humanity. By the way, did anyone notice the transformation of Marla Singer in the course of the movie? No more chain smoking or dark glasses by the end. A Mary Magdalene figure perhaps? I saw this movie twice. For me it is the most profound movie I have seen in many, many years, perhaps ever! It taught me that sin is awful and that true violence is the violence that wakes us to its reality, and strips us of the flesh, mortifys it if you prefer the old term. The true violence, which is the violence of the Holy Spirit on our flesh, restores our humanity and makes us new people as God intended us to be. It also leaves its mark. As Durden says, "I don't want to live my life without a scar". I'm with him on that. But the scars I want are those which are inflicted by my Lord as he seeks to make me whole. In our cushy, comfortable society we need to learn the value of pain. C.S. Lewis knew it (see Shadowlands). Paul knew it (see 2 Cor 12) (Was Meat Loaf's character called Robert PAUL-Son for nothing?). Jesus knew it (Heb 2:10). And I just wonder what Jesus meant in Matt 11:12?? There is so much more of value in this movie, I look forward to the release of the video. It will then take its rightful place on my shelves alongside books of more obvious theology! Glenn Jordan Bangor, Northern Ireland |
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| BWP
IS SHEER BILLIANCE Subject: Blair Witch Project = incredible filmmaking Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 From: BJ This is to "Carlos" and all others who got posted saying that the Blair Witvh Project was, well, in your words, "it stunk". Anyone who feels this way is obviously either uneducated and ignorant on the study and appreciation of film or simply brain dead. Heres what you do for a deeper appreciation of the movie. Go and rent it on DVD. Then watch all of the "extras", these include a documentary that interviews the "families" of the three students who die in the film as well as other very real feeling things as great appetizers or deserts to the brilliant movie. Then after you have watched all of them (including the whole film at least one time through), watch the movie again with the directors commentary. This great commentary from the directors reveals incredible insights about the making of the film and it also shows you the sheer brilliance of the actors and producers. My point: check it out on DVD and then lets see what you think. As for me, its one of the most intellegently made films of all time. -BJ |
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| ABSOLUTE
FAVORITE FILM Subject:Sixth Sense Date: Sun, 26 Dec 1999 From: Brandi Hey everyone! I went into "The Sixth Sense" thinking I was going to regret ever letting my friend talk me into seeing it. When I left that theatre room my view was COMPLETELY changed! I think "The Sixth Sense" has been one of my absolute favorite movies of all time. Everything about it kept me on the edge of my seat and my attention was never taken from the screen. Everything about this movie takes you completely in the actors positions. By the end of the movie, I was shaking and shivering and I had cried so much my eyes burnt! But I LOVED it! This movie also starts a wonderful conversation topic. My friend and I talked about it for hours on end. "The Sixth Sense" is also a movie that is very observent. Watch for certain things that actors say or things shown, it all adds up in the end. If you haven't seen this movie, DON'T miss it! |
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| SHAME
ON DAVID BRUCE Subject: Matrix. Nice page,but... Date: Sun, 26 Dec 1999 From: Vince Why didn't you include the ending? Shame! -Vince My response: Did you go to page 2 of the review? |
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| GABRIEL
BYRNE IS FANTASTIC SATAN Subject: End Of Days Gabriel Byrne Date: Sun, 26 Dec 1999 From: Mercedes Patty I think that Gabriel byrne is fantastic as Satan , Gabriel is waooo! I don´t understand the people who say: this film is patetic. and I answer them is an thriller-action film isn´t a horror-thriller film. bye. |
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| GREEN
MILE HAS STRONG CHRIST FIGURE Subject: The Green Mile JCoffey is more JChrist than you think. Date: Sat, 25 Dec 1999 From: BJ First of all, OUTSTANDING MOVIE! Simply incredible. And to the woman who posted a comment that it was too violent and was an example of a cause of highschool shootings, please. From one Christian to another that sort of comment simply makes us look out of touch with the rest of society and appear as if we want to hide from the evils of the world instead of deal with them. I do think your horror was sincere, but the sins that Christ died for were not pretty either, they still aren't. How reach out to those in the darkness (heck how can we reach oursleves) if we aren't willing to get a little "darkness" on ourselves to reach them. Christ was not afraid of mixing with the sinners. Dorothy you sound very much like a Pharisee who was appalled when he heard that Jesus was hanging out with "tax collectors and prostitutes". I agree, do some independent thinking. On to the movie. I agree so strongly that JCoffey is obviously a Christ figure that I have noticed a couple of similarities still left out. When aked by Paul Edgcomb if he wants to help him escape, JCoffey's response is surprising and perfect. He wants to die, wants to return, to leave this earth, because the pain of OTHER people is too strong to bear ("like shards of glass in my head"), hence the constant mourning for others, not for himself or for his own fate. This is a clear conection to Christ in that modern desires to die almost always only stem from an intense personal pain, not a pain felt for others. He does show a hint of a human side in his nervousness and as he sings "heaven..I'm in heaven.." before the switch is thrown. This corralates well when Christ himself calls out to his father while on the cross ("heaven") and also when he prayed beforehand in the garden. There are still several other connections I have seen. But because this is already long I have a question that is nagging me in this film that perhaps someone could shed some light on. "It happens everyday, Paul. He kills them with his love." This statement, or a paraphrase of it, is made on more than one occasion by JCoffey. What does it mean? Is the "He" here capitolized, meaning of course, God. Or is the he incidental meaning a third person singular nuetar. Is this statement in direct reference to the horrible murder and rape of the two little girls by Billy "the Kid"? I tend to think it must be because JC throws the statement in there both times describing the murder. And also he uses, almost in reference it seems, to the deal with the girls that Billy made "if you love your sister you won't tell..." . Which is also the opening of the movie. What does it mean?? I am baffled. All of my possible theory's can too easily have holes punched in them. Please respond. Also, I am on my sister-in-law's computer, so this is not my email address. My email is ABJStrawser@xxxxx please feel free to respond directly to me or post a response. Again, an excellent movie and WONDERFUL acting by several very talented actors. -BJ. |
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| HOLY
MAN ABOUT GAINING WORLD BUT LOSING SOUL Subject: Holy Man holy dude. Date: Sat, 25 Dec 1999 From: Dave and Cathy Just got done watching this one...It made me think of a Bible verse: "what good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? (Matthew 16:26)" When Ricky lied and manipulated to get what he wanted, where he thought true fulfillment lied (in that NEXT big promotion. Funny thing, when we think we have ultimate fulfillment, we come to find out that it has once again slipped our grasp, and lies in the NEXT thing. I think it would have been the same with Ricky. If he would have kept on going in the same direction, the enthrallment of the big office would soon die away and he would be catapulted into searching again, seeking significance in a bigger and more elaborate thing...folks, only God is big enough to fill our souls completely and give us significance. But...I digress), did you notice how lousy he was? He knew it wasn't right; that moral law that God instills in our conscience was pricking his heart, and guilt was strangling his soul. It did him no good to gain all the world had to offer; he forfeited his soul for it. Yes, there is more to life than the physical world, there is something more out there. The movie did point this out, but it failed to go the distance, and if we stop in our search where G stopped, then we will miss out. G's way was, I am sad to say, another one of countless poor attempts of man to reach fulfillment on his own. "Just take a deep breath, embrace life, go on the journey, and love" or whatever he said. Yeah right, life don't work that way. The only true fulfillment lies in the Living water Christ gives. Whoever drinks of the cup of religion will always thirst, but whoever takes one drink from a relationship from me will never thirst again (to roughly paraphrase Christ's words). Yeah, the principles in this film have some value, like the value of each and every human being, loving not hating, and not putting significance in material things, but the all-religions life-force trip just don't cut it. "I'd rather be dipped in bubonic plague,--God is not a secret to be kept" as the Newsboys put it. |
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| OCTOBER
SKY IS COMPELLING Subject: October Sky comments Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 From: Dennis I found the movie compelling in its portrayal of real life conflicts between father and son. I think it has tremendous potential as a stepping-off point for conversation between parents and kids over values and dreams. Overall, it is far and away one of my favorite movies ever. However, I agree with a previous reviewer on the unnecessary language. While some might say that it wasn't over-done, but just enough to make it realistic, I would ask how much the movie would have been "damaged" if it was left out. There are plenty of other ways of expressing oneself. All we have to do is look at some of the older classics for examples. Honestly - it was the language that has kept me from purchasing a copy of my own. I prefer not to give my three daughters the impression that expressing yourself with four-letter words is acceptable in certain instances. |
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| JUST
LIKE JESUS Subject: Green Mile Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 From: Mike Craig Ironically my wife and I were just finishing teaching a Sunday school class centered around Max Lucado's book "Just Like Jesus" when I viewed the movie. The next to the last chapter of the book deals with the enduring heart of Jesus. Imagine on His last day on earth, Jesus was deserted by all His earthly friends, had not had His prayers answered by the Father, and had been betrayed by one of his closest associates. Lucado notes that He may have even heard such remarks as "See what happens to evil men" from parents to their children as He struggled by. Yet He endured. It seems that John had an enduring heart as well. Even though he knew he was on the way to his crucifixion, he still performed his mission without complaint. He heard the angry cry of "Hope you die twice." He endured. At least he had a loving shake of the hand at the end. I am still perplexed by the transfer of evil from the mouth of John to the mouth of Percy with the resulting murder and insanity. Would Jesus do such a thing? I believe He never would. Or did I miss something? Mike Craig |
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| LATEST
ON BRIMESTONE Subject:Brimstone Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 From: Mark Just a quick note... I checked the schedule on the Sci-Fi Domain and Brimstone will continue to run throughout January and February, although only one episode at a time. Check out www.scifi.com and click on the schedulebot link. Thanks! ---Mark |
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| BWP
IS NOT SPIRITUAL EVIL Subject: Blair Witch Project Themes Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 From: Tenzil R There are several points to be made. First, I do not believe the theme of BWP is spiritual evil. It is a movie about the fear of the unknown to induce a sense of dread and fear. After all, the students do not even contemplate the Blair Witch(on any level) to be the source of their ill fortune until close to the end of the film. Evil does not dominate the picture in any real way. Secondly, the fact that they do not turn to God means little. The movie is short with much footage left in the vaults. There could very well be footage of prayers or words of faith that did not make it into the film. Anything that derails the narrative does not help the flow of the story. Its not about evil so any scenes(if they exist) about faith are unnecessary. There is no need for counterpoint. Next, the one mention of God does not carry any real weight. Frustration breeds many feelings and many people would hurl insults at anything that may be responsible for their plight. In fact, they do scream at imagined strangers/pranksters and each other. Finally, the students could not take any lessons from Littleton. How could they? The film was finished before it even occurred. Even if the point is meant metaphorically it is a poor one. Think of the phrase "There are no Atheists in the foxhole".If two gunmen are shooting up my school and classmates I know many would turn to prayer of God but also anyone else that could be their rescuers. (Parents, teachers, Buddha, Allah, Mishkah the Mighty Moon Man) If God dominated Littleton...well its a strong religious community. Ultimately, BWP is a movie about one thing: fear of not controlling the events around your life. It is not a movie with even a subtle spiritual evil theme. Regards, Tenzil R. I respectfully ask my e-mail address not be posted. |
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| LOOK
TO THE HEART OF A PERSON, NOT THE OUTSIDE. Subject: Website Date:Tue, 21 Dec 1999 From: Lisa Hello David, I came across your site for the first time today, I love it! Thank you for your heart towards Jesus, it shows in everything you write. It is time as christians that we look to the heart of a person and not the outward apperance. I have done things in my life as a christian that I regret deeply, and I know that I looked like a real jerk at times to others, but thank the lord he knows my heart. The Lord has used many things in my life to get through to me, things some christians would say that God would never use, he cannot be put in a box. He uses anything that will touch our hearts. Thank you so very much for your webpage. May the good Lord bless you! Have a wonderful Christmas! In Jesus's Love, Lisa |
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| UPDATE
ME Subject: Jesus 2000 update Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 From: James On the mini series Jesus (2000) If you could update me with the info about the premier and the nextupdate on this page. Thank You My response: Except the series to run near Easter time 2000 |
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| FANTASIA
IS GREAT Subject: Fantasia 2000 Saw it, loved it! Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 03:32:36 EST From: Steve Bailey SKAD13@aol.com I saw a sneak preview of FANTASIA 2000 last week at the World Golf Village IMAX theater in St. Augustine, Florida, and ever since then, I've been raving about it to anyone who will listen. Please go see this delightful movie!! I've always loved the original, but I had to admit there will a couple of parts in it (the original) that kind of dragged. (Those cutesy satyrs in the "Pastoral Symphony" segment?? Yeesh!) By contrast, there's not a boring segment in the new movie. And watching it in the IMAX format just make it a double treat for the eye and ear. Don't miss this one!! Feel free to print my E-mail address and URL. Steve Bailey Jacksonville Beach, FL. SKAD13@aol.com http://pages.hotbot.com/movies/skad13 |
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| SLEEPY
HOLLOW IS NOT HOLLOW Subject: Sleepy Hollow is not so "hollow" of a movie... Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 From: Paul As a film that is designed to entertain and amuse you Sleepy Hollow is one of the best of the season. The movie runs like a rollercoaster ride and when it's over you can't help but feel dissapointed. Personally I felt the quick, throw it all together to tie it up ending fell miserably into the long list of stylistic cliches other movies like this wrap up like. |
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| EDWARD
OF THE CROSS Subject: Green Mile, Haven't seen it -- just pointing something out Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 From: Susan I noticed you make note of the meanings of the surnames of some of the characters. Eduard Delacroix is Edward Of the Cross. Since I've not seen the movie, I have no idea if this has any significance whatsoever, but thought I'd just mention it. Thanks for the website! It's helped us more than once make good decisions about what to allow our teenage children to see with others and which movies to reserve for "with mom and dad" permission! -Su My response: Thanks I'll use it. |
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| PURITAN
FEARS AND VIEWS Subject: Sleepy Hollow, witchcraft and puritans Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 From: Violet Yeah, Ted earlier has kinda a point. Puritan fear of witchcraft and history of Salem witch trials aside, it does seem unlikely that a woman would die for practicing witchcraft ca. 1770s. All the same, the treatment of Christianity vs. witchcraft was kind of interesting. It got me thinking about the Puritan view towards Catholics. Even now, more than a few Protestant sects regard Catholicism as a mess of Mary-worshipping, idol-loving, blasphemous papists. Catholics have so much STUFF. And to someone who's been brought up in a church with plain walls and a less frequent Eucharist, I can see how it would seem scary and wrong. (On the other hand, I'm freaked out by their really good music.) Pretty eye-opening. But let me point out that some prayer is a kind of spell as well- an attempt to influence the world through the supernatural. So there. This film prompted me to go on another musing over why someone would portray Christianity this way, but I just got the same answer I usually do: in the past and even in the present, religious folk have been cruel and self-righteous. We should not be like that. The End. I love you, Johnny Depp.And next time someone sets a movie in the Hudson Valley, shoot it there. Yes, we can tell the difference between the Hudson Valley and England. Thanks, Violet |
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| ON
GOD AS 'THEY', AND LITERAL OR NOT. Subject: Prince of Egypt Whoa . . . Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 From: Violet All right, first the flaws: There were a few historical problems. New archeological evidence suggests that the pyramids, temples, and other monuments of Ancient Egypt were built not by slaves but by wage laborers or by workers who paid part of their taxes in labor. I've attended a Passover supper once, and I was a little saddened that the filmmakers left out the baking of unleavened bread, etc., as this is such a large part of the celebration now. I was also a little let down by the decision to have a male voice of God; I'd heard that earlier, the filmmakers had planned to use a combination of voices-men, women, and children- for that. By implying that God is male, you've automatically claimed that He (I actually prefer to use the term "They"- what we need is a pronoun just for God) is not, by definition, female, and then you've just limited God and that's blasphemy. Ouch. I've read Harold Bloom's The Book of J, and have considered the possibility that the Exodus story and other parts of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles may not be actual, historical events. And you know what? I don't care either way. Does God appear only in literal, historical events? No! God can and does do that, but They also manifest Themselves in other ways, and one of those ways is in the inspiration for a story that's, so to speak, more real than real. Now I'm just confusing myself. But my point is- I think- a story doesn't have to have actually happened for it to be real. My brain hurts now. I'm kicking myself for not seeing this in a theater to see the passage through the Red Sea on the big screen, but to tell the truth the part I really liked is when God first appears to Moses. At the end, with the assurance that "I will be with you," and all those misty vapor-Raiders-things surrounding Moses, that struck me as being a real communion with God. That's kinda what it's really like to know you are in God's presence. Wonderful. Thanks, Violet My response: I am so impressed by your insight. I like your independant thinking. |
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| GOD
CENTERED PERSPECTIVE Subject: Hollywood Jesus Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 From: Robert We are always pleased when Christians can thoughtfully analyze pop media from a God-centered perspective to provoke thought, without fleeing screaming from the "intrinsically satanic nature" of entertainment. (Granted, there's plenty of satanic stuff going on in Hollywood, but there's plenty of it going on in our small midwestern town too!) Keep up the good work! Robert & Suzanne My response: Thank you |
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| VIEWED
IT TWICE Subject: Matrix Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 From: Colin Bosher Just seen it for the second time. Excellent and some observations as follows:- 1/ rise@obscurity.org - This guy wrote to your site & I observe that he claims to seek the truth, but doesn't acknowledge love as truth. Maybe he doesn't believe it exists, who's seen it anyway? He needs to know his ruler better, but I am sure he would claim not to have one. Conclusion: Great intellect lacks maturity. 2/ Neo is the savior. Faith and belief is the key to overcoming our adversary. The Father is represented by Morphious (? Spelling). Zion is the promised land. The Judas character sells out for material concerns. Love (the spirit of the Living God) resurrects the saviour. Death and the current state of the World is disarmed and faith perfected blocks the bullets of the enemy. The 1st can now open the eyes of all and show the way to salvation from slavery. Freedom is about losing the self and the ego. The matrix catered for the things the ego finds stimulus and comfort in. It's hard to accept the truth and walk out of the prison door, especially when one believes he has no right to leave. The savior of course shows the way. Seasons Greetings, Billy P.S. I wrote to you a year or more ago and mentioned my experience before becoming a Christian, where Jesus (before I new His significance) came to me and overwhelmed my being with a Joy 1,000 times any other 'reality' I have ever known. It has not happened since, however, it happend once, it was a reality for 20 minutes, and logic suggests to me that it can and will happen again, but in the hidden realm, the one where we have shaken off our physical self and needs and fears... and at last know the God of life without all the things that get in the way of knowing Him. 'Lose your life and find it' Lose your 'self' and find your 'life'. |
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| DISAPPOINTED Subject: Omega Code Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 From: John Have you reviewed this film yet? My wife and I were visiting family in Phoenix in October, watched the producer on TV hype the film, and then went to see it. We were disappointed at the "Hollywood" stretch the makers of this movie went to with Book of Revelation. Your comments would be appreciated as it hasn't come to Ontario yet, and maybe we missed something. Great site, first time visited. Got site name from Christianity Today magazine. God Bless. My response: Yes, I will. Soon. |
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| ABOUT
LOSING FAITH Subject: Dogma Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 From: Violet To prepare for the release of Dogma, I did a little research. I read Dante's Divine Comedy- well, most of it; I'm still sorta slogging through Heaven. I took a whole class on Milton's Paradise Lost. I'd already read the first nine books of Augustine's Confessions; I'd figured, after his mother died it was pretty sad, and anyway the rest of it was just theology, well . . . So I was prepared to see Dogma. I was so clothed in the armor of righteousness that I clanked when I walked, and the armor of righteousness is only a metaphor. And guess what: Dogma is a flawed movie. Dogma is a silly movie. But Dogma is also upholding a long tradition of Christian masterpeices in art. The Hagia Sophia, the Sistine Chapel, Bach, John of the Cross, Gregorian chant, even the Puritan Paradise Lost, all crazy, glorious odes to God. To be sure, Dogma suffers from too much exposition and too many pop-culture references. But it also addresses a part of religion that you never hear about: losing faith. Somehow Linda Fiorentino in a creek screaming "I hate you!" sums up my own spiritual crisis at the age of fifteen as well as does Augustine or Dante. Based on my experience in the Church, Catholicism is not special because it's got the best doctrine or because the Pope (John Paul II rocks, by the way) has a hotline to God. It's because the rituals and prayers bring us close to God. My mom, who was raised Protestant, said that Catholics view life as a journey; as the love and the greatness of God is never fully realized, there is always more to learn and deeper to go. And Catholics are often the ones who you find really contemplating Gospel or the Passion and Death of Christ. Catholicism is about depth, and there's always farther to fall. But I must admit, the idea of a perky God still scares me. Thanks, Violet PS |
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| SECRET
RAPTURE CAN DISTRACT PEOPLE FROM TRUTH Subject: The Omega Code, Help! Date:Sat, 18 Dec 1999 From: Violet New England, 1840s. A preacher named John Nelson Darby creates a theory called "dispensational premillenialism." Isn't that a great name? I love it. This is the start of the whole idea of the Rapture and Tribulation. As a possible scenario for the End Times and Jesus's return to Earth, it's fascinating to see how Darby peices everything together and interprets Biblical history. As an actual working theology, though, it's not so good. All theologies start with a story; a theology which requires a chart is bad news from the start. But for a baby theology it sure does get around. The Rapture, and so forth, are now major parts of many evangelical and fundamentalist churches. My fear is that the idea of the Rapture (believers are brought up to Heaven, non-believers, no matter how loving and gentle-hearted, don't) will distract people from the true message of the Gospels and teaching of Christ: "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love hath no one than this, that one lay down one's life for one's friend. You are My friends, if you do what I command you." (John15:12-14); "This I command you, that you love one another." (John 15:17). Sadly enough, this seems to be true. I rarely see fundamentalists or evangelicals quote from the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John); instead, they rely on the espistles such as Corinthians or Ephesians, and especially Titus and Timothy; also, they like Revelation despite the fact that nobody really knows what it means. Well, The Omega Code reminds me of this phenomenon. Where was the story of Jesus and His teachings and His rising from the dead? Huh? Also, the film apparently ended with the Rapture. Well, the Rapture, to the best of my knowledge, is based on part of Revelation 1:7, that is, "BEHOLD, HE IS COMING THROUGH THE CLOUDS . . ." (sorry, I'm not shouting, that's how my Bible printed it). The idea of the believers being lifted up to meet Him comes from another book completely. Where in the Bible does it say, "And those who believe in dispensational premillenialism will be lifted up into Heaven, while everybody else stays below for the Tribulation?" Nowhere really. (If you disagree with me on this, have the decency to at least make an argument for it instead of telling me I'm going to hell. Pride is a great sorrow as well as a dreadful sin.) Whereas those quotes from John are right there, I mean, they're RIGHT THERE (yes, now I'm shouting). Not only that, but they're the words of Jesus, our Lord and Savior himself. And what could possibly be more important than that? I get the feeling that for a lot of people who focus on the whole Rapture-Tribulation-etc. bit, they sort of feel like, "Okay, Jesus, thank You for dying for our sins and all, but we really don't care about anything else You say or do ever." please forgive me if I seem harsh; I'm really ranting here. But I was very surprised to think that someone would come to the Church because of The Omega Code. When did it say anything about the story of Christ at all? That's what Christianity is about, isn't it? Isn't it? Thanks, Violet My response: I am, again, impressed by your knowledge. Few know about the history and theology of the secret rapture as you do. |
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| ABOUT
THE LAST 10 TO 15 MINUTES Subject: Green Mile hopelessness... Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 From: Ethen Agreed- incredible movie about miraculous goodness in death row. The movie was a very good depiction of self-sacrifice for the pursuit of kindness. One major complaint, however, is the hopeless note that the movie ends on. Was it intentional for JCoffey to curse Paul Edgecomb with this meaningless extended life? Perhaps if Edgecomb had found purpose in longevity, rather than despair, the movie would have been a more accurate analogy to the "life abundant" that JChrist provides. I also agree that spiritual analogies can be applied to more of the movie, and would recommend this movie highly, although the quality of the story would have been ultimately higher without the last 10-15 minutes. Ethan efro21@icqmail.com |
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| DISAPOINTED
BY CANCELLATION Subject: Can't Get Enough Of Brimstone Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 From: furry I faithfully watched Brimstone the first time it came on,and was very disapointed when it was cancelled. I think Peter Horton is great. I can now see the re-runs on the Sci-Fi channel four times on Friday nights, and it is worth staying up late for,even if it means being tired at work the next day !!! I wish that they could make more episodes of it. ( A faithful fan ) http://community.webtv.net/furry3/Melissaswordstolive |
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| QUITE
MOVING Subject: Jesus and Mary, a moving story Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 From: Assistant I watched "Mary, mother of Jesus" and find it to be quite moving. I thought the scenes that moved the most was when Jesus was preaching in the temple and was forced to flee Jerusalem. I found that scene to be very moving and exciting. I found the crucifixtion scene to be very very sad and moving, the line :"Behold your son, behold your mother". The little times the movie MAY be unbibical (which can be debated) is OK, 'cause remember--we were not there-- the Bible don't contain every single detail about the life of Christ. And remember the gospel of John says that if they were to write the whole life of Christ- there would be enough books in the world to fill. The movie certainly sastified me a christain who loves Jesus Christ because he first loved me. |
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| MORE
COMMENTS ON THE GREEN MILE
PREACHER SAYS FANTASTIC! INCREDIBLE! |
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| CHRISTIAN
ARTS! Subject: The Omega Code Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 From: Gordon The best spiritual films, Wings of Desire, Babette's Feast, Jesus of Montreal etc seem to have to be done by non-christians. I think the makers of "christian" anything; books, movies, and film know that no matter how crappy the product if they slap a fish on it christians, mostly well meaning and hopeful, will lap it up. Makes one wonder if the god of the christian entertainment industry isn't Mammon? It sure isn't the Muses. So unless I'm soon proven wrong I will avoid the christian arts industry like the Plague. Great website by the way! |
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| CHRISTIANITY
SET UP TO MAKE MONEY Subject:Prince Of Egypt Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 From: Diabolino Hi I read your review on the prince of egypt and how you said that it was a good christian movie what does christianity have to do whith the jewish slaves for Satans sake christ was not born until another thousand or so years. Also many of jewish think that what you wrote was crap. And just to remind you Christianity was set up as a money making skeem by one of your saints I think it was paul or peter I can't remember. May The Lord Satan Rule this comming Milenia Yours truly Diabolino My response: You are right, in a way, God and money do not always mix. Moses is an important figure to the three great religions, not just to the wonderful Jewish faith. Moses is about liberation from the evil system of slavery. Christians resonate with this. Don't you? |
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| JIM'S
APPLE QUESTION Subject: gary Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 From: jim beck the guy that keeps e-mailing you wanting to know about the "it's an apple... only an apple" quote is in a trivia contest. i am in the samecontest. thanks jim My response: Thanks for the info. |
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| ABOUT
THE GREEN MILE
GREEN IS GOOD GREAT PICTURE OF CHRIST |
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| A
THIEF IN THE NIGHT Subject: Questions Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 From: Laurie Do know if the film "A Thief In The Night" is available on video. Has anyone considered a remake of the film for major box office? This film had a tremendous impact on my life and many others back in the '70s. And, I feel that with a great cast, talented (the operative word there is 'talented') writers, and somewhat of a name directing...this film would have a great impact right now! I did hear that a film entitled "Left Behind" is currently in production, and the storyline did sound very familiar. Do you have any information on this film? Laurie Dallas TX My response: No such project is under way that I know of. However, Left Behind looks promising. Hollywood Jesus will post details soon. |
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| LOVE
DEPP, NOT WITCHCRAFT Subject: sleepy hollow Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 From: Heidi I liked that there was a more in depth ending- as compared to the disney version- didn't like the witchcraft, but LOVED Johnny Depp ( What can I say...When I was in school I had a full sized poster of him..I find him a guy who can really play the strange characters well- especially Ichobod-( At one point he was pushing the boy with him in front of him because he was afraid- seemed funny.. and yet endearing) he makes them seem more real- and sensitive. heidi |
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| Your
Comments. Post your thoughts for all to read. Please include your "name." I will not post your e-mail address unless you want me to. CLICK HERE Comments_E-mail Your Private Comments. Hollywood Jesus News Letter |
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