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with comments by David Bruce

COMMENTS
Subject: Legally Blonde
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001
From: "Ken Priebe"

Mr. David Bruce--
My name is Ken; first time message poster, long time fan of Hollywood Jesus! I am a movie-holic animator/writer/filmmaker/Christian believer and this site has done wonders for shaping my outlook on culture.

Just thought I'd comment on what I found compelling about Legally Blonde, which my wife and I rented last week. What struck me was that what made Elle a successful lawyer was the fact that she had experience with PEOPLE. Knowing details about how people think and what products they use, etc. helped her win her case. She didn't fit in or follow the crowd, but stood out as different, as human, interested and caring towards people with a childlike compassion. This contrasts with her peers who studied the books hard and knew all the "facts," but that's all they knew. A similar theme runs through Patch Adams, another wonderful film.

My point is that it made me think of Christians who memorize scripture and "know the Bible" in terms of facts, but don't live the Christian life by caring for people or knowing about them, what makes them tick. Forming relationships and loving others is what following Christ is all about, more than knowing everything the books say. A very modern parallel with the Pharisees and Jesus.

Again, I love your site; please feel free to post this message.
In Christ, Ken Priebe

PS Check out my web site! Contains my testimony and a "favorite movies" page! http://www.geocities.com/madkap75.geo

Response: Thanks for the good words. Love your site! -David

FRIDAY NIGHT SOUL CLEANING
Subject: Brimstone
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001
From: "Mark Kriston"

I was happy to find a site that was still talking about Brimstone. As I believe that the vast majority of Hollywood is of Satan, I was not surprised regarding the cancellation of the show. As the series progressed, I found myself contemplating my life and soul, how awful, a series with redeeming value! I still hold out hope for a movie or a continuation of the series by some up and coming producer. I would even consider a cash contribution to help it get started. Barbara, keep up the good work! Mark Kriston

CHANGING JOHN 3:16?
Subject: 'Newsletter_29_Revising John_3_16
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001
From: "Robert Searle"

I don't believe that the Christian leaders you quoted are changing John 3:16. I believe that they just did't think through their statements carefully. One should always pray & think before issuing public statements about events such as 9:11. I do think they have somewhat of a point. God is the Soveriegn Lord of the universe. Nothing happens that he does not allow to happen. (See the first 2 chapters of Job) He does not cause evil, but He does allow us (humans) to choose to follow Him or not and to reap the rewards or consequences of that choice. I think that the events of 9:11 should serve as a wake up call to the churches in America and to Americans in general. A study of the history of God's dealings with His chosen nation - Israel - will show that He repeatedly warned them and tried to get them to follow Him. He did finally send them into captivity and after the rejection of Christ, dispersed them through out the world. He has not finished dealing with them yet. Consequently, the United States, the most "Christian" and blessed nation in recent history, should be aware that God can remove his blessing if we continue to mock Him. God has always hated sin, but LOVED the sinner. Jesus compassionately offered the woman at the well "Living Water". But, He also told her to sin no more. I believe that the church in America has become secularized and has lost it's salt. We need to get it back, or God will judge not only the church (Rev. 3:13-22), but our nation as well.
Robert Searle

HEARING GOD'S CALL THROUGH HARRY POTTER
Subject: Newsletter_30 Harry_Potter_Can_Be_Used_Positively
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: edward

"Hearing God's Call Through Harry Potter"
Religion in Daily Life (c) By the Rev. Edward Chinn, D.Min.
Rector, All Saints' Church 9601 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19114 (215) 637-5225
Written 13 November 2001
EdwardChinn@earthlink.net www.allsaintstorresdale.org

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone is a new motion picture. It is based on Joanne Kathleen (J.K.) Rowling's best-selling novel of the same name. Rowling plans seven books in the series. Harry Potter is an eleven-year old orphan. He lives in England with a cruel aunt, uncle, and bullying son. Harry has to sleep in a cramped cupboard under the stairs. On his eleventh birthday, a giant named Hagrid appeared with the news that Harry is really a wizard. He is revered in a magical world that coexists with this one. Harry enrolls at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His best friends are Ron and Hermoine. Harry learns to battle the evil forces that threaten the world.

Reactions to the Harry Potter books range from rejection to praise. "In Minnesota, Michigan, New York, California, and South Carolina, parents who feel the books promote interest in the occult have called for their removal from classrooms and school libraries" (Christianity Today, December 3, 1999). However, columnist Charles Coulson pointed out that Harry and his friends "develop courage, loyalty, and a willingness to sacrifice for one another-even at the risk of their own lives." Thomas Hibbs (National Review Online, October 27, 2001) says: "I would argue that Rowling's series . . . is part of the solution to what ails our popular culture, especially our youth culture. In the aftermath of September 11, the books are remarkably timely, offering precisely the sort of lessons and examples young persons need to prepare them for life in a nation at war with the evil of terrorism."

God can use the Harry Potter story to call young people to increase the circle of friendship with others and to join with Him in the fight against evil. When Jesus of Nazareth bestowed a title on his followers, it wasn't "servants," but "friends" (John 15:15). Likewise, Jesus empowered his friends to join him in his fight against evil, saying, "Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons" (Matthew 10:8, The Message).

God calls persons of all ages. God called Samuel when he was a boy who served as an acolyte to an elderly priest named Eli (1 Samuel 3:1-10). In Samuel's case, the call came in his mind. God called a young man named Timothy through other people (his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice). It was a call to fight as a spiritual soldier (2 Timothy 2:3).God called Moses when he was 40 (Acts 7:23). Life began at 40 for Moses when he got into a fight against evil and for human rights.

Response: Thank you for your terrific thoughts. I really enjoyed this -David

DISTURBED BY ALL THE NEGATIVITY
Subject:Newsletter_30 Harry Potter Hysteria
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: Brett Brown

David, thank you so much for all your work on this wonderful site. I am disturbed by all the negativity surrounding Harry Potter. Once again, it seems that a close-minded Christian community is shooting itself in the foot. I am disappointed in my Christian brothers and sisters who desire to hypocritically bash quality art work simply because they are uninformed and want to feel they are taking a stand on something. Oddly, these same people would probably highly praise CS Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" as great Christian childrens literature. Isn't it interesting that Lewis wrote about magic, witches, talking animals and more in his great stories? George MacDonald, who Lewis considered to be his mentor, wrote some of the best fantasy that I (and Lewis, for that matter) have ever read. Yet, nobody seems to mention that.

I have not read any of the Harry Potter books, but after seeing the movie I was impressed with the story and the world that Rowling has created. I was particularly touched by the way that Harry and his friends are misfits and outcasts and yet they are the heroes. This movie (and the books) are not about the magic and wizardry, those are merely the tools for the story. Children resonate with Harry Potter and his friends not because they can do magic, and certainly not because HP and his friends are in the popular crowd. Instead, Harry is an unloved orphan with no place in the world. This is why kids connect with Harry Potter, because they feel like HP and long for a place like Hogwarts where they can be accepted and loved. Wait a minute.... that's what I long for too! Curiously, that is what Jesus offers us. Salvation and acceptance into the family of the God of the universe.

Not only that, but this film encorporates such Christian themes as self-sacrifice as well as the classic battle of good vs. evil. I enjoyed the film a great deal and will, at some point, use it in one or more of my upcoming youth talks to my junior high group (and maybe even my senior high group) as I am a youth pastor in the San Francisco Bay Area. What the heck.... I may even show it when it comes out on video! Thanks again David.
Keep up the good work!
Brett Brown

Response: Thank you for your kind words and your thoughtful approach. -David

COMMENT
Subject: Newsletter_30 Harry Potter
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: Carrie

I think all the hysteria is ridiculous regarding Harry Potter. My 11 year old daughter thoroughly enjoyed all the books in the series and looks forward to reading the coming editions. She is fearful to even bring up the name around any of her friends at church for fear of being shut out by people who think it's 'unChristian' to read such books. I told her that I believe that God gave her the ability to ascertain right from wrong as well as good from bad. She's a very imaginative young lady and hopes to be a writer herself on day. I think it's a shame that so many parents try to shelter their children to the extent of not allowing their children to read a book.
Blessings, Carrie

Response: Thank you Carrie. It kind of makes you wonder what the the real evil is. HP or Christians who slam little girls for reading HP. Wow! Imagine. -David

OLD MAGIC
Subject: Newsletter_30 HarryPotterCanBeUsedPositively
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: Randal

When Lily Potter gave her life to save Harry, she gave him a power that protects him from Voldemort. The idea that love and sacrifice creates protective power has a deep resonance with the Gospel.

Rowling's creation of that element of the story paralells the work of Lewis with Aslan's self sacrifice, and resurrection. The idea of a 'deep magic' or 'old magic' runs through Tolkein, Lewis and now in the work of Rowling. I believe that her work is as overtly Chrisian as her Inkling forerunners.

The notion that involvement with Harry Potter leads to witchcraft is the province of people who have very little else to do. I cannot for the life of me understand why some Christians don't see that the really tough issues in the Gospel involve letting go of spiritual pride, and the ability to help the least among us-- not finding behaviors to quit.

Response: I really agree with you. Thanks for your comments. -David

IS IT REALLY THAT HARMLESS?
Subject: Newsletter_30 Harry Potter
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: Patrick

Dear Mr.Bruce
First let me say how much I really enjoy your website. The content is great and overall it's really well done. I enjoy the way you engage today's culture by using what people see every day. Movies. The way I try to engage people is the same way Paul engaged the people in Athens. Just use what they know and take that as a springboard to talk about Christ. You're doing a great job with this website!

I just have one problem with your review of Harry Potter. It's true that there are some positive values and lessons in the movie but will some kids, teenagers, etc. really see those values at first glance of the movie? We live in a very spiritually hungry time. People are always looking for something spiritual to fill that void in their lives whether they realize there's a void or not. You stress the positive values of the movie and that's great but you also can't overlook that some kids or teenagers, even adults, are incredibly impressionable. They won't see the values of the movie. They may just see a flying broomstick, a three headed dog, gnomes, chocolate frogs, and the other cool special effects. I don't think that this can necessarily increase the ranks of witches, warlocks, or satanists across the country but it can definitely start them on that path if they're looking for something and they don't know what to look for. True, most parents will tell their kids that this is just a story and that this stuff doesn't actually happen, but what about the kids whose parents don't say anything to them? A few years ago a movie called "The Program" with James Caan came out. One part of the movie showed the guys on the school's football team laying in the middle of a busy road and cars whizzing by them while they're laying there. What reasonable person would try that? A few weeks later in New Jersey some kids, teenagers I believe, were killed trying that exact same thing. A movie called "The Craft" with Neve Campbell and Robin Tunney was about 4 high school girls who use witchcraft to get back at the other kids who oppressed them in school. Are you telling me that wouldn't sound really interesting to a kid who's having a hard time because he/she is constantly picked on in school? Not every parent, Christian or otherwise, is going to be so concerned about making sure that their kids know the diference between fact and fiction. They'll assume that their kids know better. It's a fact that some parents wi ll definitely be there and talking to their kids about the movie. For every kid (i'm including teens with that also) who has a parent there, there will be kids who don't have that stabilizing, reality factor there with them. Or have the moral background or maturity to know. "Harry Potter" may be a good movie but it definitely isn't for everyone. I think maybe a good disclaimer with any review on any movie is a good idea for everyone who reviews movies.

I hope you don't see what I wrote as a slam against you or what you're doing. I just think we all need to remember that, "All things are permissible, but not everything is beneficial. All things are permissible, but not everything is constructive."
Thanks for your time Patrick

Response: Well at least you saw the film before commenting. I can appreciate that. -David

HARRY POTTER AND CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: Paige

Thank you for your very enlightened view of Harry Potter. I've read all of the books...some twice and have gone to see the movie twice since opening day...two days ago :) I'm a huge fan. I work at a christian school where several of our young children....4th and 5th grade have read Harry Potter books and are just as exciting as I am. They love to imagine they are the Good people of Gryffindor. They have no desire to go out shouting incantations and boiling potions. It's just fantasy...just like "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" or "King Arthur". But no one cares about those things. People are down on Harry Potter because it's popular. We aren't allowed to talk to our kids about Harry Potter or even read in the book club for them that I, myself started. It's kind of backwards if you ask me. You'd think that whatever got these kids to read, educators would be behind it, but not Christian schools. Well, I love the points you've made. I just wanted to thank you for your views.
Sincerely, Paige

Response: Thank you for your kind words and you are welcome. -David

ARTIST'S VIEW
Subject: newsletter 27- Kinkade
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: "Steven Kozar"

Thanks for bringing up the subject of Thomas Kinkade. I'm a professional fine artist, and have been so for 15 years now. Among my friends and business relations in the real world of art, Thomas Kincade is esteemed only for his ability to amass profound amounts of money. He is not seen as a serious painter who is actually contributing anything to the world of art and culture. His sucess is the direct result of a bigger pile of money being thrown at marketing than has ever been thrown before. Usually, one builds a reputation and career in the art business over a long period of time. Usually, an artist receives recognition from other members of the art world; museum directors, curators, writers and reviewers, as well as fellow artists. Kincade has skipped past much of the traditional process and was fortunate enough to hook up with some business partners who had always been interested in promoting a single artist like crazy. He is the "brand name" of the giant Media Arts Group, Inc. To most Americans he is seen as a nice family man who just found himself fabulously rich and famous. I'm sure he is a nice family man, but he became rich and famous because of savy and relentless marketing. There is a gaping hole in the understanding of art in the minds of most consumers.Kincade has stepped in to fill this void. His trademark is the "Painter of Light", so most people think he actually is . That's like being a singer and calling yourself the "Singer of Notes", or being the "Chef of Food". If people understood something about painting they would reject Kincade's crass commercialisation. As it is, they spend hundreds of millions of dollars on over-priced art, most of it prints. It's discouraging, as an artist, to spend a month on a painting that sells for the same amount as a reproduction that the artist never touched. Most discouraging, however, is when Kincade promotes his work amoung Christians and he is given complete literary control over what is said (and not said) in Christian magazines. He avoids all talk of the aesthetic value of his work, and explains his vast fortune by saying "God is my agent". Although I appreciate giving glory to God, I believe Kincade would prefer that most people remain ignorant of the huge corporate engine driving his career. I am not an angry, jealous artist. Okay, so maybe I'm a little bit jealous.Seriously, I've got a number of Christian artist friends who, like me, have a growing reputation in the art world, and we respect each others work a great deal. I just sold three paintings last month for about $11,000 so I'm not a starving artist ( at least not this month). If anyone's interested in seeing some really good paintings check out my friend Morgan Weistling at www.morganweistling.com, or Scott Christensen at www.christensenstudio.com. My own site( not complete yet) is www.stevenkozar.com.
Thanks for letting me vent a bit.

Response: You are welcome. -David

FORMER ASTROLOGER SPEAKS
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2001
From: Marcia Montenegro

Unfortunately, defenders of HP present a false dichotomy between those who like HP and those who don't, assuming those of us who have concerns want to burn or ban HP. There are many of us out here who recognize the problems in HP and think their influence is negative without wanting toburn or ban any books, and who know HP is not about Satanism.

I am a former astrologer and have practiced some occult arts. It is undeniable that HP promotes these as tools for doing "good." HP refers to and endorses astrology, numerology, the runes, scrying, and casting spells -- things that are not fantasy at all. Additionally, there is endorsement of deceptions and lying since Harry is rarely punished and rarely feels remorse.

I have carefully read all 4 HP books and documented references to real occult practices and to deceptions. My conclusion is that HP presents an amoral worldview, which is actually the occult worldview -- no absolute good or evil. These books are not about good vs. evil; they are about the training of a sorcerer and mastery of self.

These two links go to my articles on HP:
http://cana.userworld.com/cana_harrypotter.html
http://cana.userworld.com/cana_morehpotter1.html
Sincerely, Marcia Montenegro

Response: You bring up curious points. Are you promoting yourself here? Are talking hats, giants and flying broomsticks really real and dangerous? Did we see the same film? Hmm. I do not agree with you. However, thanks for sharing. I know many will agree with you. -David

SEEING GOD
Subject: Newsletter_30 Satanic_Hysteria
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2001
From: Jeanne Brunell

Hi,
It seems to me that a great number of Christians protesting Harry Potter must also believe that Satan carries a pitchfork and has horns and a pointed tail. They view the threat of Satanism as coming in the forms of spells, potions, wizards, and so on. But how often is anyone alarmed and panic-stricken when he appears as an angel of light? Not very often. It is possible to have really "nice" books and movies that show an ideal existence, where everyone in the family is doing great, and God does not appear to be needed at all.

Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote that "The world is charged with the grandeur of God." Seeing God in lots of places and in lots of ways depends upon how open the hearts and eyes of Christians are. A few years ago, a good friend of mine complained bitterly about what the shopping mall was like at Christmas time--declaring that it was nothing but a pagan, materialistic mecca. Another friend, concerning the same mall, said that he and his wife had lunch there and that while they were eating they looked around and listed all the ways they were experiencing God there--mothers and children, happy faces, acts of kindness.

My daughters both read Harry Potter; yesterday we saw the movie as well. They did not ask me to buy them wands afterwards. They talked about the courage of the friends who helped Harry Potter, the battle between good and evil and how good triumphed, and how Harry, who had been downcast, was chosen and lifted up to do great deeds (very similar to many people in the Bible, including King David).

I believe that when we look at movies and books with fear that it actually gives power, on some level, to Satan. If Jesus watched Harry Potter in a theater, what would his response be? Exactly. He would leave with a whole throng of kids wanting to know about the REAL battle between good and evil.
Sincerely, Jeanne Brunell
Mountainbell7@aol.com

Response: Thanbks Jeanne, I appreciate your words. -David

WHAT'S GOING ON?
Subject: Advertising
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2001
From: HIP mom

on those first two pages, what really was going on in those two pictures? with the nail polish and then the one with the girl with somethin in her hand?

Reponse: Please watch the RealVideos and see. -David

MORE ON SEPT 11
Subject: Newsletter_28
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001
From: Des Carroll Melbourne, Australia

In your feedback from readers Samuel Ewing has the courage to point out some harsh realities. However, from an Australian perspective, the US is not alone in this criticism - it just has a high profile for obvious reasons.

Another US Christian observer has noted the following:

However, let's assess the State of the Union in the mirror of God's Word. Homosexuality is accepted as simply "an alternative lifestyle." We murder babies that are socially inconvenient. We change marriage partners like a fashion statement. We have abandoned the sanctity of commitments in our families and in our businesses. Immorality and deceit have come to characterize the highest offices in our land; our politics have condoned and covered up more murders than we dare list. Our public enterprises have been prostituted to the convenience of the elite. Our mainline media takes pride in forming public opinion rather than informing it, which had been its sacred role in a representative republic. Our culture has disconnected character from destiny. Our entertainments celebrate adultery, fornication, violence, aberrant sexual practices and every imaginable form of evil. We have become the primary exporters of everything that God abhors.

As we study the rise and fall of nations, there is a disturbing sequence throughout history. The sequence of nations, as observed by Alexander Tyler, 1750, follows a predictable pattern "from bondage to spiritual faith; from spiritual faith to great courage; from courage to liberty; from liberty to abundance; from abundance to complacency; from complacency to apathy; from apathy to dependency; from dependence back again into bondage." It is hard to deny that we may well be at the zenith of that sequence. If you ask the average American what is the biggest problem facing our nation, Is it ignorance or apathy? He will likely answer, "I don't know and I don't care!"

It remains to be seen whether the wake-up call of September 11, 2001, will prove to be more effective than simply a brief spasm of patriotism, or whether it may lead to a more serious revival and return to our heritage. In any case, we each need to prepare and to rise to the opportunities that present themselves for a spiritual revival and we must begin with ourselves. God has declared an immutable principle:

If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Notice that this isn't addressed to the Congress, or the Administration, or to the pagan left. It is addressed to His people, who are called by His name. It is the members of the Body of Christ that are standing in the way of what God would prefer to do in our land. A revival needs to begin with us.

Another contributor, Brian Terrell, is somewhat taken to task over implying that the US is Godless. We need to dig deeper on this. Just like Australia, where a majority of the population would class itself as Christian, it is not hard to get an increase in fervour and fill the churches in difficult and challenging times. However, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that many of these people do not have a strong personal relationship with Jesus nor consciously seek to align their wills with His.

I think we need to do two things:

1.We need to seriously check our relationship with God so that we live as genuine God-filled people, not perceived as God-less people who pull the "Trust in God' label when it suits us.

2.We need to express our Godliness in our communities in very active ways so that our societies and governments do not continue their slide into the sad state predicted above. Ie., we need to get real and get active!

Thanks for the forum and the opportunity. It has been most useful.
Des Carroll Melbourne,
Australia

EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11 --GOD'S JUDGEMENt?
Subject: Newsletter_29
Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2001
From: Dale

I believe we are embarking upon a dangerous course when we denounce fundamentalist views.USA is a great country -- its Constitution guaranteeing many freedoms.Yet by the very nature of its existence,it is self- destructing.

Immorality,decadence,self-interest,reverse discrimination against fundamentalist christianity,permissiveness;and indeed the insistence that "it is my right",are all by-products of our tolerance. It has quickly become accepted that there is really no right or wrong.We excuse wrongs (deeds ,actions ,etc.that are contrary to scripture).They are consistently written off as being nothing more than just a different lifestyle."Your truth",as well as "my truth",are equally accepted as "truth" as long as each party passionately believes in what they profess.

What makes us so arrogant that we believe God would not punish us for our corruption?

Did He spare the Children of Israel,His chosen nation? What about the numerous countries and peoples brought to destruction for their evil and sin,related to us in the Bible? What about Sodom and Gomorrah? Why do we consider ourselves any better,and exempt from correction? We can't presume to speak for God and to His motives.We can't credibly predict or assign any given event as punishment from God -- yet we must not rule it out either.

Tolerance is for individuals, not immoral activities.Scripture shows that we are to love the sinner( which we all are) and not the sin.It is not wrong nor does it constitute hate,to take a stand against the activity or deeds that are contrary to scripture.

We desperately need, as individuals & as a nation, to search our hearts and motives.We need God to convict us of our sins. I submit that we compromise ourselves,and our nation, when we relax our stand on right and wrong.Truth is not open to interpretation -- it is God given! We need to turn to Bible to find God's clear & concise revelation of it.
Yours In Christ, Dale

Response: What do any of your issues have to do with the WTC slaughter of innocent people? I simply can not connect it as you do. Precious humans were killed by real evil, and not because people do not believe as you do. Sorry for my strong words. Thanks for writing, God bless you -David

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