.
.
with comments by David Bruce

I AGREE
Subject: Newsletter_29
Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2001
From: George

I agree; 9/11 was not a judgment from God. He does not destroy life to make a point. America is not a Christian nation perse, and such a point would be lost on our postmodern culture. It would also turn many believers away..What this tragedy is, is an opportunity for believers to share the reality and relevanve of a loving God in our hurting world. Keep up the good work.
George

HOLLYWOOD AND THE CROSS
Subject: Hollywood and the cross
Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2001
From: Jesuswept

I'm confused/perplexed! How can you connect the One and Only Holy, Loving God with ancient Druids? There was nothing Holy in any thing they did or believed or said! Their term of holy was a perversion of what or Who is Holy, and significant in the worship of demons ( a modern way of putting it).Maybe your facts are correct about the name Hollywood, but your connectios in explaination leave grave concern. Hopefully I have misunderstood you.

Response: All myth points to Jesus. -David

NEEDED A FEW MORE EPISODES
Subject: Kristen
Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2001
From: Bill

It was my feeling that this show could use at least a few more episodes in order to hit its stride. This has promise, due to good casting. It is always good to remember that other long-running hit shows did not start off right away with a bang. A good example of that would be "The Mary Tyler Moore Show". With that said, it would be a shame not to see more of Kristen Chenoweth, as she certainly is quite unique as well as talented.
From Bill

KINKADE
Subject: Kincade Newsletter_27
Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2001
From: L Pashuk

Do we try to replace communion time with Christ by hanging pictures of lovely gardens and quiet places on our walls? In our fast paced bit-sized consumer society, it's easier to hang a picture on our wall than to actually enter into a "garden" experience as Christ did in His time on earth. I think Christ's followers sense a need for communing with Him, while at the same time not wanting to pay the price. Christ both entered His world, and withdrew to be with the Father alone.
L Pashuk

MORE RESPONSE TO HARRY POTTER
and Newsletter_30

HARRY POTTER
Subject: Newsletter_30_Harry_Potter
Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2001
From: Sue Mosher

I've read the first book and I took my 10 year old son to the movie. (He has read the 2nd book, too.) Anyway, we had a great conversation about how the theme of Harry Potter is power. Harry was powerless at first (in his closet) then became very powerful as a wizard with natural talent. There was the evil power of Valdemort and the selling out of the teacher (I forget his name) to receive Valdemort's power. There was the good power of friends with different talents working together, not unlike Paul's example of the body with many parts. All in all, I found Harry Potter (at least the first one) to be a great story of good winning victory over evil. By the way, why are the wizards in Harry Potter any different than the wicked witch in "Snow White" or the witches in the "Wizard of Oz"? What about "Bewitched" or "I Dream of Jeannie"? Was there an uproar when those shows were on TV? (I was too young to know if there was.)
=====
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act." Proverbs 3:27

THE HARRY POTTER PROBLEM
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2001
From: "dtm"

I have been a christian for over 13 years. I also only spent 14 hours reading the firs harry potter book. I loved it. How can any one want to ban i book that quotes theat the love between two people can over come all evil. is that not what jesus christ died for?

If youre going to remove any books from the shelves, it should be the moddern magasines that tell people that to be beutifle you neen to by our product There is nothing rong with paganisum. I have practiced healing and sutch (NEVER going near black arts) all my life. I terned to Christanity because it made sence. God is God nomatter how you look at it (i.e. alla buda e.t.c.), and from hime every thing groes. No religiouse text or picture should be taken off the shelves of class rooms, insted a deeper feeling and understanding should be tought!

Ps it may interest you to know that last year I was dumped by my girle friend because she got a mesage from god saing that I was the sporne of satan. she also toled me that people should only go out if they plan on getting married. she later went on to go out with some one ells. you would think that this would dampen my relationship with God but it didnot. i now have full faith that i have a purpouse and that here views were diew to a lack of propper knolage.
Yours Sincerely
Daniel Shortland

THE WITCHERY
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2001
From: Ashley

Hi there Dave,
I'm Ashley, I'm 16 and I like doing research on movies /books or anything that causes a stir, I stumbled across this site by an ex - astologist and occultist, I think maybe you should download the 43 minute sound clip about what he says about Harry Potter, its quite interesting and informative. heres the link: http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org/
yours in Christ
Ashley

Response: Bogus nonsense. Urban legends. He is way off base. He truly believes that this nation will suffer because all the kids who read Harry Potter will become witches. That's one third of the children of America. These children are going to take over America, perhaps the world. He claims that Harry Potter will lead to drug use. He says witches uses broom sticks as dildos. What? So, how did he use the broom stick as a male witch? Oh my gosh. He thinks that the subject of death is a sure sign of evil. His man is a liar and the truth is not in him. He was a witch? I wonder. He also believes that Star Wars is witchcraft. He believes that the author of Potter is in league with Satan and communists. And says that I (and other like me) have the intelligence of a lima bean. -David

COMMENT
Subject: Horse_Whisper
Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2001
From: "suroosh irfani"

I just happened to see The Horse Whisper last night on Mnet Movies, quite by chance, and was deeply moved by it. There are many ineffable aspects of life and human relationships that this movie touches upon .The glorious scenes of a paradisial landscape that seem so unreal because of their beauty are, however, as real as these intangible elements underpinning human life- where love and separation form an eternal nexus of the human experience and of the Divine.This beautiful film, as it ended, reminded me of the 12 th century mystic Rumi's verses, where he terms the reed-flute's nostalgic tone as an intonation of separation from the Source:"Nothing but the fire of separation can heal and transform the ego ". At another level, I felt grateful that such films are still being made in a milieu swamped by movies of another kind.
Suroosh Irfani
suroosh@yahoo.com

P.S Yes, please do feel free to cite my email address.

IT IS A PLEASURE
Subject: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD
Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2001
From: Jean

JEAN
AYRSHIRE SCOTLAND U.K.
I HAVE JUST DISCOVERED YOUR WEBSITE AND I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT IT IS A PLEASURE TO SEE THE NAME OF OUR LORD ON THE INTERNET. THERE IS SO MUCH GARBAGE AND DISGUSTING MATERIAL THAT IT LIFTS MY SPIRIT UP TO SEE HIS PRECIOUS NAME BEING DISPLAYED. YOUR SISTER IN CHRIST
Jean

Response: You are welcome. -David

"PROFESSING" CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT VIEW IT
Subject: Newsletter_30_Harry_Potter_Is_Dangerous
Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2001
From: "Charles"

I totally believe that Harry Potter should not be watched by "professing" christians. I also believe that the witchcraft in the movie opens doors to which makes magic appear harmless and fun. I do know that God can use all things for His glory, but what about those people who are not looking for God? 1John 2:15 states: " Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Shouldn't those who know God and His word be teaching His truths? Or is it okay to let people believe that God thinks sorcrey and witchcraft are alright? Also, Revelation 3:15,16 states: I know your works that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." Isn't about time that people become radical for God instead of saying we are christians and then watching something that is displeasing to Him.

Response: You go to far. This is a Fantasia type film, or Mary Poppins. It has nothing to do with the scriptures you quote. Unless, of course, you mean to say Mary Poppins is satanic. In which case, I would not know how to respond to you. PS the witch huits are over. RIP -David

POINTING TO THE TRUTH
Subject: Harry_Potter
Date: Tue, 04 Dec 2001
From: Aaron

Hi, just a quick note to thank you for your efforts. I appreciate your site for your focus on how Christians can use pop culture as a bridge to speaking about Truth and sharing the Gospel.

While I have mostly stayed away from the whole Harry Potter controversy, one thing concerns me as I read through some of the posts regarding the film. While we may disagree with both the message and tactics used by those who attack this film, we should not stoop to insulting them and calling them names. Some name-calling may be appropriate, but I do not believe Jesus would approve of us calling our brothers and sisters in him morons, etc.

I appreciate your attempts to engage in rational dialogue regarding so controversial an issue. God bless you and your ministry. Aaron

Response: Good point and thank you. -David

WHAT YOU MEANT FOR EVIl...
Subject: Newsletter_29
Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2001
From: Kay

can't we all see that the 9-11 attacks were evil, pure and simple. so they can't be from God. yeah Pres. Bush for telling it like it is. and only a God like the One we serve can redeem any or all of this---its up to Him, and we are His instruments to be used as He sees fit in the re-ordering and re-constructing process. We are His hands and feet now more than ever--to show love and kindness is the midst of brutal hatred and....yes....evil....why we have such a hard time with the "E" word is beyond me. Evil is real, it exists, and it oftentimes has a face...we are to confront it, without fear, and live in the knowledge that God has the last word in Jesus. Period. He wins in the end. We know the end of the story. Now its up to us to live like we know it. "Get ye behind me, Satan!"...Jesus acknowledges the evil one, and knows that his power, although great, is limited...we will only know the answer to the question of the power of evil when we are in heaven, experiencing the glories and majesty of God. And we can only get there by confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior. Sorry---I don't make the rules. I just try to follow them as best and/or as feebly as I can.
Amen!

GOOD FILM
Subject: Shrek
Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2001
From: Keith

The scenes, which, the donkey, looked to shrek for room and board, and the fairy tail characters; All looked to him for leader ship. Said: That we are all sheep, who blindly follow, - anyone-. Rather than do the work themselves.

A point: that most are afraid-- of taking responsibility, for anything. I like the fact that, the dragon turned out to be a good girl. a lesson on "prejudging"

I liked that Fiona, was well covered. by comparison. In "Aladdin" Jasmine, spent the entire movie in her pjs. Real arabian princess; are very modest.
your bro, in christ!
Keith.
sent with joy and love! ?
http://community.webtv.net/KeithWK/PSALM45
http://community.webtv.net/KeithWK/Thepottersclay

WHAT ARE THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH?
Subject: Newsletter 29
Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2001
From: AL

I HAVE OFTEN ASKED MYSELF, "WHAT ARE THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH?" THE TERM "FUNDAMENTALIST" HAS COME TO MEAN "ANY ONE WHO DISAGREES WITH ME." IN 1895, A GROUP OF FERVENT BELIEVERS GOT TOGETHER IN NIAGARA FALLS, NY AND PROPOSED A LIST OF THE FIVE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. THEY LISTED: 1.INERRANCY OF SCRIPTURE,2.DIVINITY OF JESUS,3.THE VIRGIN BIRTH,4.JESUS DEATH ON THE CROSS AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR OUR SINS,5.THE PHYSICAL RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. AS LONG AS YOU BELIEVE THESE FIVE THINGS, YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN. IT SEEMS AS IF IT IS A PART OF MAN'S NATURE TO WANT TO BECOME A RULE MAKER. JESUS SAID TO FOLLOW HIM, NOT TO MAKE RULES FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO FOLLOW. I CONSIDER MYSELF A FUNDAMENTALIST BECAUSE I BELIEVE THESE FIVE FUNDAMENTALS ARE ESSENTIAL TO CHRISTIAN LIFE.

Response: The Fundamentalists do indeed believe in the 5 fundamentals as you say. However, not all who believe in the 5 fundamentals consider themselves fundamentalist. There is a difference between being a fundamentalist and believing in the fundamentals of faith. I believe in the fundamentals, but I am not a fundamentalist. Billy Graham and a host of others take this same position. I am a neo-evangelical. -David

LIKE MY FAMILY
Subject: Step Mom
Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2001
From: SHARON

I was able to play each character after is saw the film twice! The film was like my family. My brother tries to hate our father's girlfriend like Anna did in the movie. This film was the first time I saw Julia Roberts in a movie. And she was AWESOME

David,
That the HP books are well written is clear. That the film, with actors, actresses, production teams, locations (and budget) of such an outstanding calibre, could not fail to be both artistically and commercially successful, is beyond question. The fact that HP has already and will continue to exert an incalculable influence over our cultural life today, is what lies at the heart of the problem about HP within the Christian community. As Bible-believing Christians, we know that there is a network of spiritual enemies waging war against the Kingdom of God, and we know that our enemy is attempting to orchestrate opposition, futile though that is, to the will of God. It is too tempting for Christians to believe that all evil (including the WTC tragedy), all cataclysmic events, real or anticipated (including the Y2K scare), anyone who has become obscenely rich and successful (eg Procter and Gamble), and any phenomenon that has captured the imagination of a disproportionate number of people (the Beatles, Monty Python's Life of Brian, Harry Potter,etc) must be part of this network of evil, orchestrated by our enemy. What we don't understand, has to be rationalised by being squeezed into a conspiracy, whose existence I would certainly not deny, but whose scope has become exaggerated.

Job's 'Comforters' were sharply rebuked for seeing God's judgement in Job's sufferings, and, although God told Job he had been speaking about things he did not understand, when he proclaimed his own innocence and the injustice of his troubles, He did not give any reason for them happening, nor did He contradict what Job had said. Jesus did not support the attempts of some of His contemporaries to rationalise the deaths of the people crushed by the Tower of Siloam as being Divine Judgement: He said that they were no more or less sinful than anyone else, we are all corrupted by sin, but God has mercy on whom He has mercy, and no one can truthfully say they understand this; it's one of the Mysteries of God.

So, can we see the orchestration of the enemy at work in the case of the Harry Potter media avalanche? Perhaps. Not in the content of the original work or of the film, necessarily, but perhaps in the way some Christians' response to it has been fanned into flame, drawing ridicule from the media, and, more importantly, diverting Christians from what they should really be doing as the night draws near: sharing their Savior with a lost generation. But should we allow our response to go to the other extreme? Harry is a teenager, making decisions in his day to day life, as we all do, some decisions are good and noble, many are selfish, deceitful, hurtful, dangerous and potentially destructive; he has no Savior to guide his decisions or protect him in a dark and oppressively evil world, so he uses sorcery. No, I would not seek spiritual truth in HP, any more than I would seek it in the Beatles or Monty Python. I would rather check out God's word. But each individual should use their own judgement about whether they want to see the film or let their children see it (with them). And perhaps we can use this media issue as an opportunity to talk to others about our faith.

Response: Thanks for your insight. I appreciate it. -David

VERY INTERESTING AND GOOD CRITIQUE
Subject: Newsletter_27-Kinkade
Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2001
From: SSilver

I am in agreement with everything u stated re Kinkade. However, as a Jew seeking enlightenment in Christianity -- I never even thought of Kincade's work as being religious.

When I look at Kincade, it is for escapism. His work reminds me of beautiful Children's illustrations from the fairy tale books of the 1950s. I even see some psychedelic color shading and dimensions that are very interesting. I do not look to Kincade to stimulate.

That is the bottom line for many of his followers -- escape from the stress of our day to day world which is very difficult. We all need a day at Disneyland once in a while. During the 1930s the screen gave us those extraordinary Busby Berkley films to escape the depression. We need to be reminded of beauty and peace in this time of dysfunctional family and war.

So, yes, I agree with you -- the Christian movement perhaps will one day give us an artist who will stimulate Christians into whatever proactivity they feel inclined to. Does it really matter that Kincade, who I understand is ready to retire, concerned himself with this peaceful, beautiful follies?
SSilver567@aol.com

Response: Thanks for the your wonderful thoughts and God bless you. -David

TOLKIEN A CHRISTIAN?
Subject: Newsletter 30
Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2001
From: LKJ

Jen sees this positive value, she wrote me the following email: I am sure that Tolkien's (Lord of the Rings) work will come under fire as has Harry Potter but I believe in this case that the story is what you take away from it. I have read the Hobbit and the Trilogy at least 7 or 8 times now and every time I have learned more from it. Although Tolkien himself may not have been a Christian, there are Christian values that are still presented to readers in his story. My understyanding is that Tolkien was a devout Catholic and dear friend of C.S. Lewis (a renowned Christian author)
http://www.tayloru.edu/upland/programs/lewis/articles/seland.html
http://www.tayloru.edu/upland/programs/lewis/articles/seland.html
http://www.scriptorum.org/l/kolbitar.html
http://www.scriptorum.org/l/kolbitar.html

Response: Yes, as a matter of fact, Tolkien was the one who God used to lead CS Lewis to the Lord. -David

BETTER THAN THE CARTOON
Subject: How_The_Grinch_Stole_Christmas
Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2001
From: Keith

The cartoon "Grinch". is a classic, But it has gaps in the story, that anyone who has seen it, dozens of times, like i have, will find annoying.

Praise, to Ron Howard for plugging those gaps. A much better christmas story, than A Christmas (if i see it, one more time, i will puke) Carol. which, The Grinch, is clearly inspired by.

Both, versions are very good. I favor the cartoon though.!

Keith w. Kunz
Buena Park,CA
keithwk@webtv.net
sent with joy and love! ?
http://community.webtv.net/KeithWK/PSALM45
http://community.webtv.net/KeithWK/Thepottersclay
http://community.webtv.net/KevinKunz/JESUSTHEWAY

WOW!
Subject: In God's Hands
Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2001
From: Ashley

After seeing this movie over, and over, and over, i cant help but think why people are so into what they love most. And like our lil friend from england, I cant surf much either, and i never take for granted any day i am near the ocean. as faith would have it I was going to go to school in hawaii this fall, but due to lack of funds i couldnt make it out there. anyways, keep your ambitions true, and never forget what you believe in! Life is a beautiful thing, and to be taken by nature, it makes me want to live it more everyday.
Ashley

ADD ME TO THE LIST!
Subject: Tender Mercies
Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2001
From: RDM

I'm in a desperate search for the Tender Mercies soundtrack...I would love it in CD- If anyone out there has any info on this please feel free to give a shout.

BLESSED
Subject: Brooklyn_Babylon
Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2001
From: "Lubica"

Seeing the movie was a great expereince for me. I love the spirituality of it. You dont see that in many movies (and it looked so real too). It touched me greatly. It is my new favourite movie. I like that it wasn't 'Hollywood polished' because that made the story and the characters more real. Great cast as well. (I also really liked the whole Solomon and Cheba story... ) I have nothing but possitive thoughts about this movie...!

At first i was a bit sceptical, because it seems that it is becoming a fashion in these days to have a black guy - white girl couple... (why not black girl- white guy???) but the movie took the whole thing to another level.
'nuff love Empress

Response: It sure did. Thanks -David

SPIRITUALITY AND TOLKIEN
Subject: Lord_of_Rings and Newsletter_30
Date: Sat, 01 Dec 2001
From: Chuck

If I remember correctly, in C.S. Lewis' "Space Trilogy", he actually identifies the wizards of Middle Earth as visiting angels, here to help folks out.

I also seem to recall something by Tolkien himself, hidden in the appendix of Book III to that effect.

I could be wrong. It's been a long time since I took a course on LOTR in college.

I get a kick out of all the hub-bub over "evil" wizards and witches by folks who are obviously ignorant (literally - no insult meant) of the things they criticize. For example, major parts of Harry Potter evolve around Christmas time & traditions. Silly...

Response: Good insight. Thanks. And I think you are right about CS Lewis. -David

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