.
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with comments by David Bruce

RESPONSE TO NEWSLETTER 31

MYTH
Subject: Myth_Is_Good_Newsletter_31
Myth.
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001
From: Kevin

Myths and/or stories, can be used to teach. Even JESUS! used stories/parables to teach. I believe that is a good way to teach, in a way we can understand. I.E. Santa Claus is use to teach childeren about Christmas.!
Peace;<><:
Kevin.
http://community.webtv.net/KevinKunz/JESUSTHEWAY

Response: Amen! -David

HP, LOTR AND ENGLISH LIT 101
Subject: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings
Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001
From: Tom Orr:

David: An interesting and lively dialogue on these tales. I won't add a lot right now except to say that Tolkien and Rowling fall squarely into a long and honorable English story-telling tradition dating back to Malory, Spenser, and Shakespeare, in which sorcery, magic, and enchantment serve as metaphors of the quest for knowledge and power, which, of course, is at the heart of the greatest story ever told in the New Testament. William Blake said, "Imagination is the divine body of Christ." These are tales of imagination, not manuals on witchcraft. May the saints preserve us from book-burners and the soothsayers of ignorance. David, God bless you in your good work through hollywoodjesus.com.
Grace and peace.
--Tom Orr

Response: You are so right. Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate them. -David

SO WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?
Subject: Change_Is_Good_for_Churches-
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001
From: Jeff Couch

I've heard a lot of people say the same things you say, but no one seems to know how. There is nothing I would rather do than to work in my church to reach other Gen Xers and younger. I am 30 years old and am usually very involved in my church. So what do you suggest? How do we take the movie myths and make them relevant on a Sunday morning? How do we bring back the mystical while teaching the Bible? What are your concrete suggestions?

I subscribe to this site because I believe in the power of media. I am an amateur actor and would like to see media work in the local church. Most plays I see in churches are simply tolerated because they are productions by our church family. Or they are big overdone productions to draw the boomers and their parents. Christian movies are rarely any better. Where is our voice? Who speaks for the Lord? Where is the voice of Jeremiah? Elijah and the others. Where is the poetry and music of David and Solomon? Today we only recycle their style we don't update for our era, we don't make it relevant to our times. Have you seen Bibleman? Carman's movies? What does it take? How do we become relevant? I would love your input.

Because I want to make a difference,
Jeff Couch

Response: Rev. Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa had the right idea some 35 years ago. He was of the WW2 generation (Builders). It was thought at the time that Hippies were of the devil (bear feet, beards, long hair, peace signs, rock music). He thought differently. You do not need to be in a suit and tie to attend church. He went out and met the Hippies where they were and invited them in for Bible study (a Bible rap). He welcomed thier casual clothes and their music (which later became Maranatha music). Calvary Chapel became the fastest growing church in the Western World! Chuck Smith simply allowed a new generation place. He had no preconceived ideas of what would take place. He just allowed a new generation to have place. And it happened. Today Boomer churches pattern themselves off the Calvary Chapel model, which is 35 years old and designed for the Boomer generation. These are the Boomer churches which are the predominate form today.

Just 5 years ago there was a huge battle in Evangelical and mainstream churches for "Contemporary" worship music over the traditional organ hymns. "Contemporary" music won. Today most Evangelical churches (and many mainstream) have geared up to reach the Boomer generation (Gotta reach "Saddleback Sam"). A Southern Baptist Boomer worship service is exactly like an Assembly of God Boomer service is exactly like a Calvary Chapel Boomer service. No distinctions, no creative differences. A long opening of "Contemporary" music (Worship His Majesty -type songs) where the greatest spiritual value is in how long you can stand with the appearance of worshipping. Perhaps followed by announcements. Followed by a 45 minute expository or thematic message from the Bible. The irony is that the Boomer Generation is no longer responding to this style. To put it bluntly churches today are stuck in a Hippie model.

We need to go back to the example set 35 years ago and allow the younger generation place. And let the Holy Spirit do the rest -just as Church Smith did. It needs to happen with every generation. Each generation needs to pass it on to the next. The problem is that the standard form of worship (which is now "contemporary") becomes sacred and untouchable. Church members view this as nonnegotiable.

I would suggest that churches begin to encourage an outward focus. Instead of throwing rocks at the world and preaching against it (isolationism), "go ye into all the world." Meet people where they are. Allow their culture, music and images to worship God. In short be a missionary. -David

WHERE IS THE REFERENCE
Subject: Images_and_Post_Modern
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001
From: J

You wrote in your letter that: C.S. Lewis points out, "We must not be nervous about 'parallels' and 'Pagan Christs' they ought to be there -it would be a stumbling block if they weren't. We must welcome them not, in false spirituality, withhold our imaginative welcome." I was wondering which of his writings you are quoting from.
-J

Response: CS Lewis, God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics, ed. Walter Hooper (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1970, p. 66-67 -David

ENJOY NEWSLETTER
Subject: Newsletter #31
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001
From: Glen

My wife and I thoroughly enjoy reading the newsletters. We will keep reading. Keep up the good work and thoughtful dialogue with your detractors. We have relatives that we just can't understand on some of these same issues. I have shown them your web site and hope that it can open some thoughtful exchanges with more light that the usual heat.
Warmly, Glen

Response: Thanks -David

THE ONLY WAY TO EXPRESS THE DEEPEST REALITIES
Subject: Myth_Is_Good_Newsletter_31
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001
From: "Robert Askren"

Greetings and Blessings for the New Year! Poetry and Myth are the only way we humans have to express the deepest meanings and realities in our experience. Truth is expressed in story form so that everyone may experience the meaning in a personal way and at different levels of understanding.
Warmly in the Lord,
The Rev. Robert D. Askren

LOOKING FOR A PICTURE BIBLE
Subject: Images_and_Post_Modern
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001
From: Sue

I was fortunate enough to visit Europe for the first time about five years ago. It was a wonderful trip for many reasons but one of them was all the wonderful artwork in the churches and museums there. I loved seeing all the paintings depicting events from the Bible. They truly enhanced my imagination of the stories heard for so many years and contruibuted to increased awe and worship of our mighty God. I then began searching for an art book that had the entire Bible represented with the paintings of the great artists. Now I know that there are so many paintings by so many artisits of Bible events that it would be impossible to put them all in a book but to my surprise I could not find ONE book with such a theme. Recently I did stumble across a book at the public library "The Bible and its Painters" by Bruce Bernard but when I went to purchase it (thru amazon) I discovered it was no longer published. Honestly, I cannot believe that every Christian bookstore does not stock this book or one like it. I considered reporting the book lost to the library and gladly paying the monies (comments on the ethics of this are welcome) but a friend has found a place where I can order the book so hopefully I can hold onto that shred of my integrity. Not sure how all this plays into the discussion at hand but it does seem the evangelical church has little regard for the arts and art history and is missing out on a great feast and opportunity to feed the soul!

POST MODERN CULTURE
Subject: Newsletter_31
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001
From: J C

Hey David,
All I can say is for individuals to have a relationship with JESUS as the center, not SELF nor DOCTRINES nor CHURCH nor CHRISTIANS. When you follow Jesus and KNOW Him, He will lead you in a direction that is usually not the one the church is taking, I'm sorry to say. The Holy Spirit may lead you to screenwriting, directing, art, music...whatever, that isn't considered "Christian"...however, He may lead you to reveal a message through symbolism, dialogue, visual art w/ moving pictures...WHATEVER He wants. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, not to judge....although the church thinks they are better than Jesus since they've taken it among themselves to judge. God will speak to humanity however He wants to, and I for one have stopped trying to please the church. Everytime you try to please "Christians" you will more than likely be wasting your time not doing what Jesus wants you to do. You look around and see Christians preaching to the choir and entertaining themselves w/religious "stuff"....Jesus isn't concerned with entertaining Christians, He is concerned with drawing humanity unto Himself. I told you awhile back how He lead me to write...and it's not "religious". God has given me gifts that I see things very visual, and He utilizes this in my writing..through symbolism, 3 dimensional characters and dialogue. This is secondary....He wants to use me in other ways, but art is a tool He said He was going to use to "place me/access" to an environment He wants to use me further. Just do what Jesus has called you to do and not focus so much on what the "church" thinks...you will wear yourself out. As long as you know you are doing what He has asked you to do, you'll be okay. Fellowship w/likeminded people if you have to.
In Him, J C

LITTLE THINGS & LITTLE MEN
Subject: Myth_Is_Good_Newsletter_31
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001
From: Jakob

Hi, I think that it's okay to relate to the truths of or belief in Christ through a story like christmas or through a story like "Lord of the Rings", but I also think that these should be pointers to and reminders of our relationship with God. In themselves they are very little.

I watched "Lord of the Rings" today and walked away from the cinema with a very positive feeling. A feeling of hope. The characters in the film meets the same challenge as we do: Hoping and believing in the true and good and acting on it, even though we feel disempowered when facing evil, discovering that it's often "little things" or "little men" that makes a change for the good.
:-) Jakob

MYTH IS THE ONLY THING FOR FAITH
Subject: Myth_Is_Good_Newsletter_31
Date: Tue, 25 Dec 2001
From: "Jon-Carl Lewis"

God is too big to comprehend without myth. I realized this in my Church (Episcopalian) last night when we did the whole salvation story reading scriptures from Genesis to John 1. Its a beautiful myth and very, very true. Thanks for asking.
Jon-Carl Lewis
jcl@swcp.com
www.incarnatus.org/jcl

COMMENTS ON CHANGE AND DIVORCE
Subject: Change_Is_Good_for_Churches-News31
Date: Tue, 25 Dec 2001
From: "Stu Prevost"

I feel that it is important for our churches to change. I am from a local United Church in eastern Ontario in Canada. The population of our church is a majority of seniors. I have tried to work with the church board to bring about change but have hit many roadblocks. They are afraid of change because it will offend and may turn away some of our senior members who have the money to give. My teenaged children refuse to go to church... they feel there is nothing there for them. They believe in God and are grateful for all He has given us. They feel that our church does not praise God. They are the next generation of church goers and do not want to be there. They have attended other churches (an hour away) and feel there is a feeling of 'God' there. I believe it comes from the people they are with in the 'other' church and how they feel about praising God. This other church is United as well. I do worry about the future of the church I used to attend regularly - it is dying off and seems to not want to change the trend..... there is a big interest in money.... they are always crying about the lack of funds. My solution is to make the church a place for people to be - an inviting place for 'the unchurched' and money will become a minor problem - bring in the people and everything else will be fine.....BTW I stopped going after an appealwas made to the congregation... it seemed to me and others - the request was give more now and up your weekly contribution or do not come through the door.... I did express this concern to the ministers.

Divorce... my theory...we have been brought up as a generation that replaces things that do not work. Our computer is not fast enough.... buy a new one (or upgrade the parts), our watch stops working.... throw it out, buy a new one. Same with almost everything we own.... replace it with a newer, better model. I feel tat this is the way we have begun to think of marriage.... this spouse is not living up to my expectations.... time to move on and get a new model. A throw away society means we can do this with all things..... I even know parents who have thrown out their older children and started new families...... BTW - MAy 14 I celebrate 20 years of Marriage to my first choice for wife.... I plan on keeping this model for a long, long time.....
Stu Prevost

THE RIGHTNESS OF CS LEWIS ETC
Subject: JRR_Tolkien_.is_Right_On
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001
From: "Laury Morrison"

Yes I do. CS Lewis was one of the best writers of the last Century. God primarily wrote the Bible as a story. Good stories communicate god's themes because this is His world and everybody writing story whether they believe in him or not will somewhere in their story bring out truth. E.g. the movie E.T was a wonderful picture of the resurrection, or going "home" to heaven. It was produced by a Jew - Spielberg.
Laury Morrison

SOME GENERAL THOUGHTS
Subject: Newsletter_31
Date: Tue, 25 Dec 2001
From: RICK

I got online today, after having spent a truly blessed Christmas eve with family and friends at a meal, then at church, and we exchanged some simple gifts.

I then had a relaxing Christmas Day itself, which included going to see Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

I have read the books twice, and intend to read them again. But I wanted to see this first movie before rereading.

The movie was absolutely incredible and moving. There is a great deal of power in the story and the movie.

It amazes me that there are Christians who just mouth (repeat) what they hear, what they are told, and do not learn about what is being talked about. A Christian who never heard of Lewis, one of the greatest apologists for Christianity in the 20th century? Someone who didn't know that Tolkien and Lewis were both Christian, with STRONG Christian foundations in their fiction?

Come on, people, read your Bible as a whole piece of work, and then READ WHAT YOU ARE CRITICIZING, as a whole piece of work, to see what the point is, and judge from there.

As far as the piece on change.....I have had very ambivalent feelings there....there are times when change is needed in order to be relevant, but at the same time, tradition is meaningful to many.

I don't feel comfortable with change just for the sake of change, nor do I think we should necessarily keep a tradition, just because "it has always been done that way."

Faith and reason must work together, I think, to help us walk this delicate line.
Humbly yours in Christ,
Rick Bavera

CHRISTIAN UNDERTONES AND OVERTONES
Subject: The Shawshank Redemption
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001
From: Kim

Thank you for your automated response to my guest book signing :) A question off the bat (so to speak) is will there be a Web review at Hollywood Jesus?

Secondly, how are you?

I first discovered Hollywood Jesus by watching a secular TV program that focused on Web reviews. They gave HJ 8/10 :)

Also I watched you comment on "The Shawshank Redemption" as my national Channel 4 ran through the 100 greatest movies (viewers choice). I find it funny how people (generally) are attracted to Christian undertones in films like Shawshank, Superman, Star Wars, Lord Of The Rings etc, and yet any film that brings Christianity to the surface / forefront seemingly turn people away and bring out anger and conflict (that meant to come out as an opinion; I hope it did lol).

Oh, a friend of mine told me recently that The Chronicles Of Narnia has just gone into film production. Should be fun :)
Lots of love Kim

ON MITHRAS

THE FACTS, PLEASE!
Subject: Mithras
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001
From: leia

Hi, I've been studying the Council of Nicea and Constantine. This in turn, lead me to websites of various nature, some of which discuss the pagan foundations of many of our christian holidays, which in turn lead me to a study of Mithraism and that's how I found your site. My question is this: After having read over countless theories, philosophies, opinions and testimonies regarding the pagan connection, would it be possible for if you were to ask those who post here to include some sort of historical documentation, quotes, footnotes, ANYTHING, to support their version of the retelling of history? So much word of mouth clouds the intellect and meshes fiction with fact in such a way that it is nigh on impossible to provide support for a single relevant thought when studying the issue. If all we have is a bunch of unsubstantiated claims without not so much as a single bit of historical proof, then it boils down to a shouting match and who can generate the most friction for their side of the argument. This should not be the way history is retold, even if that history is based on mythos. Let's have some facts and documentation pleeeeeease, please, please. Beth

Response: Thanks Beth. -David

PAUL COULD HAVE...
Subject: Mithras
Date: Tue, 25 Dec 2001
From: Stephen

I've did some research into the subject of early Christianity, and I learned that the early Christians believed Jesus was a Prophet, and over a period of time this belief developed into the belief that Jesus is God (this concept appeared in 381 AD with the adoption of Doctrine of the Trinity)... (You might wish to check into that one again, friend. The belief in that Jesus and God were the same was affirmed by the Church in the Nicean Council over 55 years earlier than your date. That belief wasn't invented at the Nicean Council, only formalized. The belief that, as Jesus said, "I and the Father are one", was one held by Christians since the first century.) On one of your responses to an email on your site you said that it would be impossible for Paul to indoctrinate a foreign belief into Christianity, I disagree because we have to remember that Paul worked among the Gentiles (non Jews) hence changing the belief would be rather easy, and the notion of motive also exists, we know that Paul believed Jesus would come again within his life time, so his intentions became to convert as many followers as possible, so perhaps to make conversions of certain peoples easier, he adopted some of their spiritual beliefs (mithraism).

So my question basically is, is their a large possibility that certain portions of Christian Doctrine (examples: Resurection/Jesus being a "saviour"/Jesus being "God"/etc,etc) have Pagan origin?

Response: Thank you for a well reasoned argument. The concept of Jesus as God in flesh was not unique to Paul, as you say it was common to first century Christians.You seem to answer your own question in regards to Paul. Additionally Mithras was not considered to be God incarnate. That said, it is also my belief that such myths as Mithras did prepare the way for Jesus. There are lots of myths that predate Jesus about a dying and reviving god. These myths were, in a sense, prophetic and point to Jesus. I believe the same as JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis in this regard.

In terms of differences between Paganism and Christianity, historian Robin Lane Fox states that almost all of the so-called continuities are spurious. He notes that the Christian teaching of charity and the worth of the poor, along with the introduction of the idea of sin, constituted something new within the Roman empire. Also, he states, "Any account of pagan worship which minimizes the god's uncertain anger and mortal's fear of it is an empty account." Nor were pagans exhorted to respond to divinely revealed truths. There was no sense, in pagan cults, of members' obligations to a definite moral code that was followed in the adoration of a god. The concept of a one true God did not exist in the Roman mind. Incarntion and virgin birth were rare features of pagan gods. -David

COMMENTS ON 9-11
Subject: Newsletter 29
Date: Mon, 24 Dec 2001
From: "Doctor Jones"

I have a few comments to make on the subject of 9-11-01 and some things that I read here on this site. First I would like to say that I do not see that day as a judgement from God but an early warning sign. A precursor as to what will take place in this world. I believe that we live in an evil wicked generation and that we will reap the consequences for all things done. Whether we had a hand in it personally or whether we stood by and watched.

We as christians have failed to live as Christ would. We have failed to extend grace to one another and we have failed to follow the ways of Christ. The love of God has been abused in this world and in the ever changing cultural atmosphere we live in. There was a time that the things we so readily accept today were not only not acceptable but deserving of death. Things have changed. We no longer protect our children as closely as we should. They see almost everything that the world has to offer. They are exposed to sex, violence, lies and witchcraft. This because we see it as harmless fun. They watch and play all sorts of video games. Think about it, when we are called to be Holy, what exactly does that mean? When we are set apart by God what does that mean? I have not allowed my children to see Harry Potter because the Holy Spirit has convicted me of the place of witchcraft in a believers life. He has shown me that the things the world so readily accepts we shouldn't be. Sure it might makes us more fun to be around but what does it get us in eternity?

I am not a fear mongerer neither am I a hater of myths. I do know that if God is not glorified I don't need to be involved. Judgement is going to be an awful thing for unbelievers. It will expose us christians for who we truly are. What happened on Sept. 11th won't hold a candle to what is going to happen when God's wrath is poured out on this world. That is a point we should take very seriously.

If Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings have a hint of things that God said is unacceptable should we accept them? I believe that we as Americans have been so blessed with freedoms that we forget that there is ultimately a consequence to everything. So the next time someone says that something is wrong do not be so quick to say be tolerant. That word doesn't appear in the Bible. Be quicker to stop and think what reward or consequence will this earn me. Because ultimately that is what we are to be working for.

Salvation has been offered to us at a high price. Let's stop playing with that and take on the attitude that the one who offered it does not accept what we do because it makes us look or feel good. Or puts us in good standing with those around us. God will not and is not looking at that as much as our holding to His word and living by uncompromising standards.

I have not always been a Christian and it amazes me how much people who claim to be christian are oh so willing to mix the world with the truth. Remember the scripture about leaven? It leaveneth the whole lump! Are you leavened or unleavened?

Response: The Isolationism that you are endorsing in the name of children is dangerous. You go too far in questioning CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. The Shakers held isolationist views like you and today they are no more. The heart of Christianity is found in dirty finger nails. "Go ye into all the world..." Use culture to win culture. Salvation has do with what Jesus did. Being in the world and exposed to the world does not subtract anything from Salvation. The leaven that you speak of has to do with adding my own righteousness to the work of Christ. This is the essence of witchcraft. You fall into the very pit you try to avoid: Consider Galations 3:1-5,

Galatians 3:1-5 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? Did you experience so much for nothing?--if it really was for nothing. Well then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?

ORIENTALISM PLEASE, JAPAN?
Subject: Crouching_Tiger
Date: Mon, 24 Dec 2001
From: Monkiki

This message is coming a bit late, but I've only recently found the website. I doubt that the two people to whom I'm writing in response will check this message board again, but I'd just like to clarify a few points. First of all, Michael says that the Orient and the Far East are not figments of the European imagination, and that you should "call them as you see them." I'm sorry, Michael, but they most emphatically are and by refusing to recognize the latent racism in these monikers, you are subscribing to the objectification and racial stereotyping of a whole set of cultures and ethnicities. I suggest you read Edward Said's "Orientalism" for more on why you should not use those ignorant and offensive terms. Secondly, to Tracey Bauer, "college student" - in scrolling down past a few more entries, I noticed that you said you had been exploring Japanese culture and products of it - such as this movie. I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but Crouching Tiger is a CHINESE movie, and how it is a product of the Japanese culture is beyond me. As a Chinese American graduate student working towards my PhD in East Asian Studies, I believe you are suffering from delusions of Japanese grandeur. Firstly, Japan started off, millenia ago, as a tributary race of China. Much of its own culture derives from extensive borrowing and copying of Chinese culture. Secondly, to say that a Chinese movie is a product of Japanese culture is ridiculous and pathetic, at best. I'm not saying that Japan does not have a nice culture of its own, but please get your facts straight before posting idiocy.
Chen

SCIENTOLOGY
Subject: The Others
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001
From: "Greg Estes"

I found The Others entertaining and interesting however I think the maker of this film had an agenda. It's no coincidence that it was produced by Tom Cruise, a known supporter of Scientology, with his wife (at the time) Nicole Kidman, also of Scientology faith, in a leading role.

After watching the movie I felt that a religion had been introduced to me and not being an expert on Scientology, I looked up information on it and found some interesting themes that were in the movie such as reincarnation and an over all theme that we are God of our lives. The movie made not so subtle criticisms of the Catholic faith while promoting Scientology to the point that it was almost an advertisement to visit your local church of Scientology. I encourage viewers of this movie to read about that religion and you will see it in the work of Tom Cruise.

As I said, I enjoyed the movie and in no way am I saying don't see it, but just pointing out that you may want to think about what you are seeing and why. It helped open my eyes to this growing religion and how to recognize those themes in movies. By the way, I am not a Scientologist nor Catholic.
Greg

Response: Thanks for your input. There is nothing in the film that promotes Scientology at all. The film is not about reincarnation, nor any other doctrine of Scientology. The film is about crsis of faith and coming to terms with experiences that run counter to our belief system. -David

SWEET
Subject: Gone in Sixty Seconds
Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2001
From: Gertrude

these cars are so sweet.. specially Eleanor,, the best leading lady there could be . Only one actresse can top her , that's Angelina Jolie especially when she plays roles such as that of Sara "Sway" Wayland... Nicholas Cage plays the best car thief,,, swave, devenaire.I couldn't nam,e a favorite scene because i love em all. I love the "What's better ; stealing cars or having sex" even better is Nicholas Cage's answer " How about having sex WHILE STEALING CARS?" And who wouldn't the jump scene?? This is the ultimate movie,, especially for anyone tired of their everyday life and want an escape.... "Sway" (all my friends think i look like that caracter & have the same personality)

INQUIRING ABOUT CORRELATION
Subject: Lord of the Rings
Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001
From: Rachel~

I have questions concerning the J.R. Tolkien trilogy. It is my understanding that Mr. Tolkien was a christian and that the story of Lord of the Rings has direct correlation to christian beliefs. (This is true) Have I been misinformed? (No you have not) Do you have any insight concerning this matter or know someone who does? WHere can I go to obtain this information? Rachel~

Response: You have come to the right place. -David

KINKADE AND ART
Subject: Newsletter 27
Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001
From: One o' da Butsons

David,
I understand you frustration with the Christian culture and its obsession with "turning back the clock" to a more innocent time. It's perfectly understandable, yet Ecclesiastes 7:10 states

"Do not say, "Why is it that the former days were better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask this."

Pretty clear advice about too much nostalgia, eh? Thomas Kinkade's work is attractive, but it does indeed is completely absent of conflict or evidence of sin in the world. A recent CD issue of Mars Hill audio discussed this very issue with a Christian art professor (I can't find my copy to give you the exact information) and the conversation hit on exactly the problem I have with the "movement" of this kind of art. You would find this discussion very insightful for this subject. IN his work, there's no grace neither evidence of a NEED for grace. Art that proclaims Christian truth will somehow have the theme of sin salvation and redemption woven through it.

My personal issues with Thomas Kinkade may be picky, but here goes. . .He has the TRADEMARK of "Painter of Light", which tells me there's some market-driven thought going on here. There are numerous storefronts in malls with his name on them as outlets for not only prints but calendars, journals, nightlights, plates, but even books. He joins the many Christians in the marketplace who are making a name and market for themselves all in the name of "influencing the culture for Christ". I find the whole thing rather sickening, frankly.

Yes, I do listen to Christian radio, but for the teaching that's Biblical and nourishing to my soul. Otherwise, my daughter and I are "embracing the oldies" for some fun (vintage Michael Jackson to dance to) and out there with friends and neighbors in our town. The goal? For God to use us as He sees fit in our circle of friends and family. We don't have time to get too nostalgic about much of anything right now!!!!
Blessings,
Marie from OH

Response: Thank you for your comments. Dancing with friends as evangelism. Involvement with your daughter. Hmm. I think I like this. Blessings on you. -David

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