.
.
with comments by David Bruce

GOD'S ARMY
Subject:
Date: Sun, 25 Nov 2001
From: Craig Greenwood

I just watched a movie called "Gods Army". I have some Mormon friends in Utah who are throwing many "fiery darts" at me so to speak. We watched this movie together. I am reading reviews of this Movie by Michael Medved, a person who I feel semi comfortable trusting, and he rated it highly. I am wanted to get some mroe Christian feedback about this movie and was hoping to find some here. Any plans to add a review of this movie on the site?
Thanks. Craig Greenwood

Response: I have not seen it -David

DEUT 18:10-14
Subject: Newsletter_30_Harry_Potter_Is_Dangerous
Date: Sat, 24 Nov 2001
From: C Lady

I truly believe that Harry Potter is dangerous. PLEASE stop the name calling . . .Holy-rollers. . . that's not fair. No one is bashing this story. If you read in the in book of Dueteronomy 18:10-14, its reads, "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord; and because of these detestable things the Lord your God will drive them out before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. For those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to those who practices witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do so."

I am surprised that you would look at this movie and book about Harry Potter and call it innocence. I don't remember as a child being taught about casting spells. I was more interested in riding my bike and reading books like Charlotte Web. Not about witchcraft. I truly believe that this is another tool satan is using to push our Kids from the truth. How can a youngster decipher what is true and what is not and that young age?

I experienced dealing with a young teenager who was fascinated in casting spells and chanting. . .some of this came from reading books about witches and sorcerers. She is now a witch and proud of it. She will have nothing to do with the LORD. I can tell you many stories. . .

I really respected you website. . .now I have second thoughts about using it again. I will pray that you will understand that when Jesus said, I AM THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE; no one comes to the FATHER, but through ME. John 14:6. HE MEANT THAT. You can't take a lie and bring truth out of it. Tell me how can you do that?

No, Christian's are not looking for fairytales to teach our KIDS, and no we are not bashing . . we are just living by the word of GOD. You see David. . .God's WORD WILL NEVER COME BACK VOID!!!! Whether you like it or not. . . that is just the way it is.
God Bless

Response: You can tell me many stories of young teens becoming witches and such? Hmm. Your life experience is very different then mine. I am curious about your honesty here. Perhaps you are. Your email is very suspect to me. God bless you. -David

IT IS NOT ZEUS
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2001
From: "Mary Hale"

On the Christianity website, they explore an article that you wrote about Paul taking a different viewpoint on Zeus..who isn't even mentioned in the 17 chapter of Acts, "the offspring" Paul talks about are not offspring of Zeus but of God..verse 29 of chapter 17 says, Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold or silver or stone, graven by art and man's device..verse 30 says we are to repent..verse 31 says, Because He hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteouness... May the Lord open your eyes to His rich truths which are in the Bible..
mary Hale

Response: The "god" in the quote used by Paul is in reference to Zeus -although you are right, Paul applies it to the biblical God. This verse includes a fourth line of a quatrain attributed to Epimenidus the Cretan ("For in him we live and move and exist") and a fifth line of the Phanianomena of Aratus ("In every direction we all have to do with Zeus: for we are also his offspring"). Your response is a slam on me. But, hey, it's okay. God bless you Mary. And may God open your eyes to the power and use of myth. -David

SOME SECRETS
Subject: Blair Witch 2
Date: Sat, 24 Nov 2001
From: Blessed Be

i have found some secrets like the bricks in the stream outside Jeff's house look like a cross in the water. Yes the rug says "or" when Erika is meditating. The door has a face on it when Stephen opens it. The grave name changes from "TREACLE" to say "FURTHER". The window says "NO" very clearly. And many others. I watched the movie once reagular and once in rewind and fast forward to find these. Its not really that hard. I have some that I read on this website that I am going to try tonight. I will let you know what else I find.
Blessed Be.

EDEN -THE FIRST EDEN?
Subject: Matrix
Date: Sat, 24 Nov 2001
From: Ken Meisen

It may have been mentioned before, but there's this scene where agent Smith tells Morpheus of the first version of the Matrix - kind of a "perfect" version where everybody was happy and didn't have to suffer. Smith goes on to say that this version of the Matrix wasn't accepted by the human brain, so they stopped it and created the present version. He says they thought it was because the programming language didn't fit the human brain, but he personally thinks it is because humans define their lives by suffering and misery. Btw, nice and intelligent site!
Regards, Ken Meisen

Responses to Newsletter 29

AMEN, BUT...
Subject: Newsletter_29
Date: Sat, 24 Nov 2001
From: Bob

I agree you with you on the outrageousness of the fundamentalist claims that we deserved the 9/11 tradegy. What a gross distortion of the Gospel. It implies that some people are worse sinners than others. We all fall short of the glory of God. However, how do you reckon with the fact that a sovereign God allowed it to happen?
Bob

Response: Without free choice we are puppets on a string! We are held responsible for our choices and actions. Justice will ultimatly come. Until then we are free to sin or seek the higher road. Beyond this life is a mystery to me. -David

GOD REMOVED HIS HAND FROM AMERICA
Subject: Newsletter_29
Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2001
From: "Steve Slesinger"

Of course, God didn't cause the violence on 9/11. He is the author of good, not evil. However, He is in charge of everything, and ultimately He did allow it to happen. Evil men, directed by Satan, caused the damage. Maybe God even minimized it to some extent, but God allowed it to happen. Has he removed his protection from us? America has become an ungodly nation, that's a fact...

Response: You use a backdoor approach to say that God is responsible. You also feel that America deserved it. We disagree, very much. But, that's okay, right? God bless you and thanks for your input. -David

DULOC
Subject: Shrek
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2001
From: John West

Dear HJ,
Quick question, Any idea if "DULOC" has a special meaning in the movie Shrek? There are the Disney parallels et al ...so with all the deliberate and some not subtile counterparts in this movie my kids keep playing I can't believe that the name DULOC was picked at random. If you know of a better source please let me know...thanx.
just curious.......John West

Response: I truly do not know. Perhaps others will respond to your question. -David

THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE --COEN BROTHERS MOVIE
Subject: The Man Who Wasn't There
Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2001
From: Kate

I plan to see this movie and am curious what a Christian reviewer would say. Please include it. Also, do you know of good quality books and/or teachers in NYC who can present a Christianity and movies/Hollywood course. At the Center for Christian Studies (www.christianstudies.org) (fapc.org) we're planning the curriculum soon for 2002-2003. Through the corny theologically atrocious 'In His Steps' Ken Anderson film from the 1960s I started down the road from Unitarianism to Christianity -- saw it on t.v. I was baptised a dozen years ago.
Thanks, Kate

Response: I will review this film soon. Thanks for what you are doing. -David

GREAT
Subject: The_Princess_Diaries
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001
From: Dan Hall

Very fun movie made intriguing by the reviewer's Spiritual insight.
Thanks Dan Hall / Bellingham WA
><>>In nature we see God's hand, in redemption, we see His heart><>>

SAD TO SEE YOU DID NOT POST MY LETTER...
Subject: Harry_Potter
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001
From: "Dan Laskowski"

David Sad to see that you haven't posted my letter.
Dan Laskowski http://musicinit.com/harrypotter.html

Response: Patience Dan. I just have not posted any comments in a week. Thanksgiving week was sort of hectic for me. But as of now your letters are all posted. Sorry for the delay. -David

PAUL USED ZEUS FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2001
From: Lloyd

Dear David
I'm taking some interest in this discussion on Harry Potter, the dilemma. I like what you've brought out about Paul's witness and purely on a argument basis, I agree. It's good to see someone using scripture to support their argument. However I feel that you may be missing something in your reasoning.

Oh and by the way, I am not interested in criticising J.K. Rowling's novels. What I actually think about Harry Potter is not important in challenging your reasoning. That's cleared that up.

The flaw with your debate, as I see it, is this. You say "the approach Paul used was to use Zeus" He was talking about things familiar to them, using things about Zeus, as a springboard for preaching the Gospel. Fine. But, would Paul have actively encouraged his audience to have an interest in Zeus. It sounds silly to suggest, but would he have encouraged the purchase of idols of Zeus for example. Obviously not. God, (Romans 1.28) has let men get involved with these sorts of things, (v30, 'inventors of evil things' - idols in this case) and Paul says (2.2) "...we are conscious that God is a true judge against those who do such things." (Sure, I agree with your direction. However, Zeus was worshipped as a god. Harry Potter is not -David)

So if we apply this, you can suggest from Paul's message that we can encourage Christians to use day to day things for illustration in Gospel outreach, (in passing rather than basing our whole message, I would propose). That's as far Paul goes. But your site and Harry Potter go further. Using you as an example, not singling you out, I notice that you have several links to Harry Potter merchandise. (Yes, so what? These are not false god items as Zeus was. Harry Potter is not evil. I thought your response was not abot HP. -David) You are activley encourgaging people to have an interest in something over which there is a debate as to whether or not it is evil. Evidence for this is here in this email. I wouldn't be writing to you unless there was a debate. Why is there a debate? People's views differ as to whether it's ok or not. (You are so right. -David)

Now if you have scripture to support the fact that an interest in these things is not harmful, period. But your reasoning on the web site (in the discussion about Paul) does not support that. Paul merely used his knowledge about Zeus as a platform for the gospel. He vever promotes an interest in these things. Of course, there is still the question, of whether Harry Potter is evil. But read again what I wrote in the above paragraph. I am not at all a legal Christian. Just, something in my mind tells me that Harry Potter isn't ok. 'What's not OK' I ask myself, and I don't really have a good answer. But then again, why the doubt, why the debate. You say yourself: "I have thought a lot about a response to the Harry Potter dilemma recently." I've just this minute, looked at the definition of magic. It says: "(the art of practice or using) the power of supernatural forces to affect people, objects and events" Even it Harry Potter isn't going to harm children..adults it is dealing with the supernatural - that's one reason, why people like it - the supernatural appeals. I'm still in a dilemma. But my bias is probably going to be: if in doubt don't bother with it. (Well, if I have huge doubts about the Bible, then I should not read it? Somehow I do not think that being governed by feelings, doubts, etc. is a very good rule of thumb. I would suggest you go see the movie. Get the facts. God bless you and thanks for your thoughtful email. I appreciate it. -David)

I trust what I've written is clear and I would be interested to hear from you in reply.
Lloyd

A DELIGHTFUL FILM
Subject: Newsletter_30_Harry_Potter
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001
From: "David Yeubanks"

Dave, as always, I enjoy your site. I don't always agree with you :) but it's good to see a perspective that is intelligent and not just the result of Christian popular opinion, which isn't necessarily always right anyway. I also appreciate that you post reviews from normal folks like us out here. It's a great resource to see what a variety of people are really thinking about a perspective movie and how that perspective movie may be causing people to think on spiritual issues.

Having said that, I wish to point out that I don't presume that secular movies are necessarily the intention of God but I do believe, like you, that God can use a non-Christian film to provoke questions and even motivate towards a pursuit of God; however, I also believe that families should still live true to their Christian convictions and not compromise their sincere beliefs by making excuses based on the possibility that a person can draw inspiration from a secular movie. I think a lot of Christians have some legitimate concerns about this movie, Harry Potter, but I also think there is some ignorance and some blind attitudes that are not being addressed by a large portion of the Christian population. Ok, introduction aside, here are some of my thoughts on the recent Harry Potter film.

I'm sure that probably most of the people in my church would gasp with astonishment that I went to go see the film. Most commented on in Christian circles is the fact that the theme of the movie is centered around "witchcraft." No arument there and I can understand why this is a concern for a lot of Christians and especially parents who are wanting to guard what their youngsters are exposed to. But my assumption is also that probably most of the ministries that are debunking the film have not ever cracked open a Harry Potter book, much less seen the movie. So most of them, it appears, are "judging the book by its cover."

What's interesting to me is how so many Christians can get worked up about a movie like this and yet many of these same people have no reservations about other books and films, such as the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. It is widely known that Lewis was a devoted Christian and wrote his books with intentional strong underlying Christian themes, but what is neglected is that Lewis, just like the author of Harry Potter, uses magic, spells, witchcraft, and wild, imaginitive characters (which are also occultic in nature) to illustrate biblical truths. It's called "fantasy." There are many other such books, films and movies patterned after the same kind of story-telling techniques. With Harry Potter Christians are acting like this is something new. Does anyone remember a popular movie called "The Neverending Story?" Again, though the series of movies used elements of witchcraft, the theme of the movie was not such at all, but it emphasized the stronger value of reading. It taught values of loyalty, love and friendship (coincidentaly as does Harry Potter). Other movies that Christians don't often think about include any host of popular Disney movies that most Christian parents have no issue with allowing their child to observe. Then, how about childhood famous farytales? Many of which have elements of magic and witchcraft also, yet children have grown up with these stories for centuries and they are probably just as familiar and popular in the households of many pastors and preachers.

Please understand, I'm not trying to make excuses for tolerating witchcraft, but there is also something called the human imagination and a creative ability given by God and we are most likely all products of the influences of pop culture to some extreme. Even the early Celtic Christians, many of their religious practices found their influence from pagan origins (including the famous Celtic Cross of St. Columcile), even our holidays like Christmas and Easter which were actually original pagan holidays that were Christianized by the Catholic Church. But even TBN sports lovely Christmas decorations and trees on their sets and in their headquarter studio gift shops. So where do we draw the lines? I think personal conviction is what really matters here.

I found Harry Potter to be a delightful film despite its inclusion of witchcraft. It was entertaining, fun, funny at times and a cinematically beautiful film that left you walking out of the theater with a happy, good feeling and a smile on your face. Fantastic special effects. A great story, good characters, and very good moral values like honesty, frienship, courage through adversity, love, compasion, kindness, self-sacrifice, humility, and so many others. I honestly don't believe that this film poses a serious threat to Christian families, that will potentially cause children to want to attend witchcraft school and practice the dark arts. ;) I think it will have largely the same effect that many shows did which were popular for many of the rest of growing up. I'll admit that initially I was concerned about the hyped theme of this movie, but after seeing it for myself I thought it was good.

Yes, I still believe that witchcraft is of the devil, but so are anchovies on my pizza! ;) I encourage people to stay true to their convictions, but try not to be so judgemental of other people. If you have a legitimate concern, express it with love and sincerity but then pray. I think most of us Christians still believe that God hears our prayers right? Let's talk to Him about things and ask for His will to be done. I am willing to admit that, even at 30, some of my perspectives on things may lack Christian maturity. I am still not as much like Jesus as I desire to be. God help me be more and help us all.
God bless!
In His grip, David Yeubanks

Response: Thank you David. I like your name BTW. I also appreciate the time you took to write down your thoughts. ALSO, THANK YOU FOR SEEING THE FILM BEFORE MAKING COMMENTS. Most of the negative responses are from people who have not seen the movie, or read the books. The film is very tame as you know. -David

FATE
Subject: Serendipity
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001
From: Nicole

I went to go see this movie about a month ago. It was a nice cheery movie, but, you see, it implies that faith is just a thing of the past and that fate is all we relly need to put our lived in to. Sarah's friend makes the comment during the movie that if fate is all we need then what is the point of getting out of bed?
Nicole, 14, FLA

COMMENT
Subject: Newsletter_30
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001
From: sojourning

I feel sad that I came down so hard just because I reacted like "they" did and forgot the big picture. Thanks for increasing my vision. And I pray any damage I did to a really close friend of my son's will be healed. Help us, Oh Lord, to stop crucifying our own, over and over again. No wonder Jesus said, "Forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." Now, I see...
Thanks, sojourning

Response: May God bless you -David

CONCERNED
Subject: Newsletter_30 Harry Potter
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001
From: "Marge Iden"

I am concerned about Harry Potter; however, I believe we need to handle it without a "witch hunt" or "satanic panic". I think we are remiss if we don't view sorcery and witchcraft as God views it. His command that "a sorceress should not be allowed to live." is pretty plain in Exodus 22:18. Saul was stripped of his kingdom partly because he consulted a medium, 1 Chronicles 10:13. Leviticus 20:27 indicates God's command to put mediums and spiritists among them to death. These are pretty strong words; and for us to simply wink at a book that glorifies them makes me very uncomfortable. I am for knowing the truth; and letting people make up their own minds. However, in my experience there aren't many who know the truth about what the Bible says about such things; and tend to disregard them as unimportant today when they are taught. Having had experience with men and women who were sucked into Satanism through games and movies, I am probably feeling stronger about this than others might. Even Webster's dictionary indicates the definition of sorcerers, divination, wizardry, witches, etc. all derive their power from evil spirits. I wonder why we are so quick to look to Harry Potter, a wizard, to say some good moral teaching comes from the book and movie, so they must be ok. It seems to me that it is like saying, it's ok to commit adultery if something good comes from it. I believe absolutes are undermined and the principle that the end justifies the means comes into play. I suggest we teach the truth, and let it speak when we do allow our children or ourselves to watch and read things like this.
Marge Iden, Children's Minister

Response: Go see the movie, it is very tame. Since you are a Children's minister, you need to see it. Children are seeing it by the millions. Thanks for expressing your concerns. -David

COMMENT
Subject: Newsletter_30 Harry Potter
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001
From: "J. Hill"

Potter Wizardry Real. According To British Experts

Harry Potter author J.K.Rowling has repeatedly denied incorporating real witchcraft in her book series. That's something she will probably never admit.

However, experts in fields as diverse as history, archaeology and botany may be about to expose Rowling's extensive knowledge of witchcraft and the occult with a television documentary being released soon.

As one point, they mention when Potter went to Hogwarts, he was asked to bring a pewter cauldron. A stunning example has been found in a bog in Denmark, called the Gundestrup Cauldron. The cauldron is said to be a tremendous symbol of rebirth, "just as food can be transformed in it, so a human soul can be transformed. It's a symbol of death and drowning, a symbol of fire, because a blaze is beneath it."

This among many, many other things verify that J.K.Rowling paints a perfectly correct picture in her books of aspects of witchcraft. She gets the spells right, she gets the ingredients right, she gets the colors right, she gets the 'magical beasts' right, she fully understands the importance of drugs, and so on and so forth. To chalk all this up as mere coincidence or speculation would be insane.

It's very apparent that she has considerably studied at least one very old, and very obscure Luciferian book entitled, The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosendreutz , written originally in 1459 and translated into English in 1690. The bigger question is how she obtained a copy and what drove her to posses it.

As you don't strike me as the type of individual that would admit he was wrong. Even though it is plainly obvious. I have posted a collection of heavily researched articles concerning Harry Potter and Witchcraft. I doubt you are brave enough to read them in entirety never mind post links. Now. How does that go again? "Use your words to knock the common sense back into these holy-rolling hyper-religious dumbells!" you are so avidly working on.

Witchcraft 101 - The Very Satanic Harry Potter

J.K.Rowling's knowledge of witchcraft and the occult is so vast and accurate it sends chills down our spine. Not only does the Harry potter series condition children to accept a mark on their forehead, but it also encourages revenge, murder, cheating, drinking, gambling, placing hexes and even hints at bestiality. The worst is yet to come. New Harry Potter "schoolbooks" are just now being released and the author promises each new book will get "Darker" as they go along.

Major Discovery In Harry Potter Books. Colors Used Originate From Satanic Druid Religion

Cutting Edge Ministries has learned that Author Rowling uses the most vivid colors imaginable in her Harry Potter novels for a reason. These colors are discovered to originate from the old Satanic Druid religion, and play a significant role in Ritual Magic. This discovery is proof positive of the Satanism of Harry Potter novels, but its effect on your child will shock you!

Harry Potter Author Uses Imagery From The Most Important Alchemy Book Ever Written... One That Dates Back To 1459!

We have stated repeatedly that the author of the Harry Potter books knows her Satanism quite well. We have repeatedly pointed out where the events and the scenes in her books are pure Satanism; in fact, they are correct Satanism. She paints a perfectly correct picture in her books of aspects of Satanism, she gets the spells right, she gets the ingredients right, she understands the importance of drugs, and so on and so forth.

Harry Potter Conditioning Kids To Love Magick, Witches, And To Adopt The Values And Attitudes Of The Coming Antichrist

New Age authors have repeatedly stated that The New Age Christ could not appear until and unless a "significant proportion" of the population were pre-conditioned to accept him and his values. Harry Potter is certainly fulfilling that role for preparing youngster's minds.

Response: Sensational. That's how I view your email. Or, perhaps, Sinsational. You exploit sin and evil. You entice with half truths and out right lies. Remember who the father of the lie is. I have few good words for your slander and sensationalism. However, I know God loves you and has a plan for your life. Sensationalism, however, is not that plan. -David

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

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