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with comments by David Bruce
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receive a lot of e-mail. I am not able to post all the mail. I have
included a good sampling, however. If the subject is the same I might
group the newer messages with similar older ones. Also, my response
may appear a few days after the original posting. I can't do HJ everyday.
You must include your "name" and e-mail address within your comment
if you want it posted, otherwise it will not be posted (there is a privacy
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E-mail and Comments:
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This
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These
are large issues
Subject: Hollywood Jesus #34
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002
From: Tom
David: I tried sending
this to the address in the newsletter, but it came back, so I'm sending
it directly to you. Thx.
Why is the Church in
decline?
Why is spirituality growing?
Do you think God is doing something new?
David: I wasn't sure
how to tackle your questions without sounding perfunctory or glib. These
are large issues demanding a more rigorous discussion than this brief posting
will permit, but here are a few comments.
First, I think it's important
to acknowledge that the Church is the Body of Christ, as distinct from the
many traditions and structures which have grown up around the Christian
faith. Those who claim somehow to be Christians outside the church don't
really get it. The New Testament doesn't recognize believers apart from
the corporate body, which is seen by Paul and other early writers as both
the mystical and tangible expression of fellowship with Christ. One might
even say that joining a church is the first act of Christian obedience,
but this needs to mean something more than just warming a pew.
Even so, if the organized
church in America is losing more people than it's gaining, it has only itself
to blame. Perhaps American churches have, by and large, become too comfortable,
too much a part of the mainstream. Perhaps they've lost the revolutionary,
prophetic fire of the catachumens and the martyrs. Christ is no longer an
"offense" to the established order, as Kierkegaard believed Him ultimately
to be. I am not suggesting we go back to a time when Christians were stoned
and burned and driven underground, but I do think the contemporary church
must recover the courage and the passion of the first believers.
While the good news of
Jesus Christ is unchanging from age to age, both the method and the medium
must keep pace with each generation. Some churches have taken aggressive
steps to address this (examples: more contemporary worship and more emphasis
on active discipling vs. "dues-paying" membership). In the developed democracies
of the West, the church is competing with an astounding number of world-views
and cultural forces. We have indeed, as you suggest, entered a post-Christian
era, a time in which some Judeo-Christian ethical norms may survive, but
the church itself will be greatly diminished if it doesn't find new strategies
for proclaiming its message.
My own experience has
been that many people who reject Christianity are ill-informed about what
it really is. Often they have seen some caricature of the real thing and
(understandably) didn't like it. Many disaffected people don't even know
what's in the New Testament. A friend of mine was raised in a church that
offered a weekly fare of human guilt and divine judgement couched in very
legalistic terms. He fled from this and joined the pseudo-Christian "Course
in Miracles" movement. When I shared with him the message of love, grace,
and forgiveness from I John 4:7-21, he expressed amazement, saying he had
never heard this in the church of his youth. Sad but true.
The churches showing
the most growth seem to be the independent, conservative, fundamentalist
groups--perhaps because a dogmatic, authoritarian approach to the Bible
appeals to many who hunger for a prescriptive structure that dispels all
doubt and debate. On the other hand, my own small church (part of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America) has nearly doubled in size in the past few years
to about 500 members, so it's clear there is still life in some mainstream
churches. Yet mainstream churches still lose an alarming number of young
people every year.
I note this trend even
as I observe a vital interest in spirituality among the young--a hunger
for affirmation, authenticity, and wholeness. Compared to the counterfeit
currency that floods the marketplace of spiritual ideas, the Gospel of Jesus
Christ is the truth they seek even if they don't know it (the "unknown god"
of the Athenians whom Paul proclaimed as Christ). Perhaps the organized
church has simply failed to articulate this in a way that does ring true
for many young people. If the church does not tailor its historic, revolutionary
message to contemporaries, we can be sure that competing philosophies will
fill the gap--hedonism, scientology, crystal gazing, pantheism, spirit channeling--the
list goes on. We are spiritual beings, and spiritually hungry people will
seek nourishment the way a starving person grabs for a crust of bread.
Is God doing something
new? Yes, I do see signs of this. You mentioned the tremendous growth of
Christianity in the Third World. This is an amazing development in the history
of the church, and I believe God will bless it and somehow use it to bring
new life into the struggling churches of the West. Also the vast growth
of the Internet is opening up possibilities for ministry which we wouldn't
have dreamed of 20 years ago. You have demonstrated this through Hollywood
Jesus. Who knows how many lives have been touched?
Thanks, David. God bless
you.
--Tom Orr (Morristown, Indiana) |
se7en-cult.com
Subject: Se7en
Date: Tue, 02 Apr 2002
From: Jason Oda
T hello, i made a flash
site for the movie se7en and i thought maybe you might want to check it
out and possibly link it. it's at
se7en-cult.com
it's not just a fan site kind of deal it's more like a multimedia experience
through the seven sins according to fincher. write me back and let me know
what you think.
thanks,
jason_oda@hotmail.com |
I
used to be a big Megadeth fan
Subject: Megadeth
From Jon
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002
From: Jonathan
Hey how is it going.
I am pretty good. My buddy just told me about your site and I thought I
would check it out. I grew up in a church home my dad is a pastor and I
am a Christian all though religeos pepole like my dad dont think so but
I wont get to deep into that becaus you would be here for a week reading
this. Anyway I was just writing about the Megadeth thing I dont understand
a lot of these people saying Dave sounds like a demon what. I had to deal
with that all the time because I was the pastors kid and people should really
check stuff out before they say stuff. I used to be a big Megadeth fan but
now I like a bit heavier music and mabye some of the stuff they sing about
is not what people would consider positive or uplifting but dont listen
to it then. I like it because I am a drummer and I like fast extreme stuff.
If you want to check some other bands out I would really like to know what
you think because I have not heard one person who does not freak when they
here it but I dont think it affects my relationship with God. I have a very
different view I guess I believe in the grace of God and it seems to me
a lot of Christians dont. Not that we should just do whatever and say well
God will forgive me but everyone does dumb stuff and I have friends now
that think there is now way God could forgive them because of what they
have heard from a lot of church people. Well I guess I should let you go
if you have a chance read the book ragamuffin gospel it is really good and
I think this is a very cool site you guys seem like you have open minds
and that is cool. By the way some of the bands I listen to are Dimmu Borgir,
Emperor,and Old Mans Child check them out if you want.
Bye for now. |
MY
COMMENT
Subject: Gospel_According_to_St_Matthew
Date: Mon, 01 Apr 2002
From: Jason
I just watched this again
this last Good Friday, and it is the best movie on the life of Christ I
have viewed. Last year I showed the crucifixion scene while playing "Adagio
for Strings" (Barber) for a Good Friday service and it was powerful. The
cinematography and acting is so beautiful, the actors don't need many words
to speak volumes. Thanks for adding a review for this must see movie.
Jason Johnston
johnston@housechurch.ca
www.housechurch.ca |
ET
- Christ
Subject: ET_The_Extra_Terrestrial
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002
From: William
Agree with your interesting
review - ET is another beautiful illustration of the universal mythos of
which Jesus Christ is just one other example, a story many many thousands
of years old. |
KEEP
UP THE GOOD WORK
Subject: Great Site
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002
From: David
Keep up the good work!
David C. Miller <>< |
I'M
PRAYING FOR YOU
Subject: Dyan_Cannon
Date: Mon, 01 Apr 2002
From: Karen
Dear Dyan,
Bless you Sister! A friend told me first hand about your parties for God.
Praise God for your strength and courage for Jesus!!! Amen! I've been praying
that someone in Hollywood, would be a Christian role model to the masses.
You are part of that prayer. Perhaps you will assist in bringing a Christian
conscience to the forefront in Hollywood.
Once I wanted to make
my mark as an actor/writer like my father and some his "successful" friends.
However, successful Hollywood seemed to be missing Jesus. There are so many
talented folks in Hollywood playing it safe sending politically correct
messages.
My father, like you,
converted from Judaism to Christianity. In the last years of his life he
saw more clearly what was important through Jesus Christ.
I'm praying for you and
all that you touch through your parties. I'm praying that more Christian
role models will come out of Hollywood to influence positively the lives
of so many.
God bless you and your
ministry.
Sisters in His love,
Karen
P.S. Please see the attachment
so that I may share a glimpse my father with you. |
|
RESPONSE
TO NEWSLETTER # 33
There
were lots of surprises.
Subject: oscars Newsletter_33
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002
From: Arpi
thanks for all your interesting newsletters. I have tried for 3 times
to send my responding to the article on the oscar views but got it 3 times
back. Now I'm trying to send the response through this e-adress.
It was the first time
I saw the whole 4 hours broadcast on tv. Well, actually I taped it, because
it was 2 AM here in Holland and to sit and watch till 6 AM is a bit to much
to ask. It was live on the BBC. It was a great show, but I can't deny the
fact that there are some big egos going around what makes it a bit fake
and hypocrit.
To my opinion there were
lots of surprises. Such as Halle Berry for "Monster's Ball'. I would give
the Oscar to Nicole Kidman or Sissy Spacek. Was it perhaps a political statement
to give oscars to black actors? Denzel Washington is a great actor, but
he performed much better in other of his films. And (in the past) what about
Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson or Danny Glover?
Some way or another I
think many times the oscars are not given always to the best performances.
Look at Paul Newman some years ago; he won an oscar for 'Color of money'
or Judi Dench for 'Shakespeare in love'. It wasn't there best roles.
Another surprise was
Jim Broadbent. I thought Ben Kingsley was much better in 'Sexy beast'. In
the category adapted screenplay the oscar should go to 'Lord of the rings'
because the book is very difficult to film and I think the makers did a
great job with the screenplay. 'A beautiful mind' was a great movie, but
the screenplay was not quite based on the tru life of the real John Nash.
Many things about his marriage, sex escapades, emotions were not mentioned
in the movie. So this screenplay didn't deserve the oscar.
I like 'A beautiful mind'
very much, but I think the movie was made to win oscars. Everything has
been planned to win the symphaty of the academy. Past editions have proved
that the academy loves such (political) correct movies. Everybody should
also have guessed that after 16 nominees Randy Newman could win the Oscar.
This was another proof that the best performance (song) doesn't always win.
Sting, Enya or Paul McCartney had much better songs. Political correct (regarding
9/11) was also the oscar for 'No man's land'. Great movie, but Amelie deserved
the Oscar. Funny detail was the oscar for 'Pearl Harbor' and 2 other nominees
while it had also several nominees for the 'razzies'. I think it was a shame
that Bazz Lorman wasn't nominated for best director and the song by Kidman/McGregor
wasn't nominated either.
I agree with Ken about
nobody thanking God accept Denzel. Every years it makes me sad to see that.
God is the Great Inspiror and the Greatest Artist there is, but all those
big egos don't recognised it. It amazes me also every year how ugly many
dresses are (made by famous designers). The Oscar fore most worse dress
goes this year to Gwyneth Paltrow; my God, doesn't she has eyes on her face
(God bless her tough)? Cameron Diaz deserved also a special award: most
frustrated hair. An award for best appearance: Nicole Kidman (and award
for biggest mistake of the year: Tom Cruise for leaving Nicole Kidman).
I agree again with Ken,
let's all pray for Hollywood, because indeed God has given them the gift
to give people a good time. I pray that the Lord touches their hearts so
Hollywood can see how awsome God is.
God bless,
Arpi
Christian
influence at the Grammy's
Subject: Newsletter_33
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002
From: "Wenger, Kim"
What a great newsletter!
I wanted to add a comment about the Grammy awards. I watched the entire
show this year and was amazed to see it open with a song by U2 which ended
with "Halle, halle, hallelujah" and Bono with his arms raised, inviting
the audience to join in. Bono also mentioned the influence of gospel music
on their recent album (and work in general) when accepting one of the group's
several awards that night. Then to see the show end with Michael W. Smith,
CeCe Winans, two church choirs, and a host of well-known gospel singers
- I was blown away! It seems that even the secular music industry recognizes
the effect gospel music and Christ are having on their music and honored
it. Quite a different story from the Grammy's last year when Elton John
and Eminem did a song together...
Kimberly Wenger |
A
wonderful movie!!!... and it's animated!!!
Subject: Ice_Age
Date: Mon, 01 Apr 2002
From: Gary A. Valenzuela
I was so delighted with
the movie. It has fun, it has characters that evolved from the beginning
to the end of the movie (except for Scat's obsession).
It's nice to see from
time to time, a movie that points to the true nature of friendship. And
I'm glad to know that the evil can be conquered by the good. without sounding
too preachy.
A great movie for all
ages!
Gary A. Valenzuela
La Paz - Bolivia
--
"We don't do it for the glory. We don't do it for the recognition. We do
it because it needs to be done. Because if we don't, no one else will. And
we do it even if no one knows what we've done. Even if no one knows we exist.
Even if no one remembers that we ever existed."
*** Supergirl (Kara Zor-El)
*** Christmas With The Superheroes #2 (Dec 1989) |
|
RESPONSE
TO NEWSLETTER #35
Why
do I think
Subject: Jesus InPop Music_NL35
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002
From: Bwj
I hope that I am wrong
but I feel the biggest reason is because of 9-11. I wish it were otherwise.
George
McCleod
Subject: Newsletter_35
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002
From: Jim Kingsnorth
I am almost 100% sure
that the quote from George McCleod is actually from T.L. Osborn's book
Evangelism. I may be wrong but I know I read that in his book. He may
have been quoting McLeod, but I think probably it was the other way around,
I think McLeod quoted Osborn. "I simply argue that the Cross should be
raised at the center of the marketplace as well as on the steeple of the
church. I am recovering the claim that Jesus was not crucified in a cathedral
between two candles; but on a cross between two thieves; on the towns'
garbage heap; at a crossroad, so cosmopolitan they had to write his title
in Hebrew and Latin and Greek... at the kind of place where cynics talk
smut, and thieves curse, and soldiers gamble. Because that is where He
died. And that is what He died about. That is where church-men ought to
be and what churchmen ought to be about."
Thanks, Jim Kingsnorth
EvangelizeAmerica.org
PASTOR'S
USE OF MOVIES IN SERMON
Subject: Newsletter_35 POP MUSIC
Date: Mon, 01 Apr 2002
From: Preston Bowman
David,
Greetings again! I thought you would enjoy and be encouraged by our Pastor's
use of movies in his Easter sermon. You only have to listen to the first
3-5 minutes to catch it.
http://www.ccefc.org/pages/teaching_main.asp
Hope you had a great Easter!
Preston Bowman
So
many times we look at the negative
Subject: Newsletter_35 Newsletter
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002
From: "Debra Brand"
Thank you for your insights
into the pop culture. So many times we look at the negative, ignore a song
that beats well. If it doesn't pay tribute to God, then don't listen to
it, it's secular. Thank you for showing the good within. It makes the world
brighter. I loved the line "God corrupts darkness".
Hallelujah!
Debra Brand
Great
newletter today!
Subject: Newsletter_35
Date: Mon, 01 Apr 2002
From: Brad Holmes
Thanks!
I am teaching Experiencing God right now with a group from my church.
We're learning to watch and see where God is working and join Him. I'll
share this letter with my group. Thanks!
Brad Holmes
amazing
grace : the Bill Moyer's special - not once was Jesus mentioned.
Subject: Newsletter_35
amazing grace : the Bill Moyer's special - not once was Jesus mentioned.
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002
From: Dan ford
In the PBS special on
Amazing Grace a few years back, not once was the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ mentioned. This was a 2 hour / (3 hour?) special- amazing that grace
could be mentioned but not the source: the cross of Christ. By the way,
the new Today's New International Version cuts out the amazing grace of
the gospel in at least 2 places :
James 4:6 : 1 Peter
5:5
NIV"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble"
TNIV"God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble"
so while grace is heard more in modern music,
it is heard less in modern bibles....
Dan Ford
|
A
letter from our Anglican Bishop Riah in Jerusalem
Subject: A letter from our Anglican Bishop Riah in Jerusalem
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002
From: "Edward Chinn"
Friends,
A fellow-priest and seminary classmate (Mike Cassell) sent me this letter
from our Anglican bishop in Jerusalem. In the light of events there, I pass
this on to you.
Cheers,
Edward Chinn
March 29, 2002
A letter from Bishop Riah in Jerusalem
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We have just finished our Good Friday service at St. George's Cathedral,
after walking the Via Dolorosa. Good Friday has come to Jerusalem, amidst
the sounds of helicopters, police sirens, and tank movements. The atmosphere
is frightening and this did not allow many to attend. One is reminded of
that atmosphere two thousand years ago. The streets are conspicuously empty.
As you turn your attention
to our Land, the Land where it all began on the first Good Friday so many
years ago, we kindly ask that you be especially vigilant in your prayers
for our people. We ask that you follow the example of John and Mary, and
avoiding following in the footsteps of those who stood watching from afar.
As never before in the last 50 years, we ask that you be close to us and
to our people.
In the community at large,
in places like Ramallah and other towns in the West Bank and Gaza, people
fear the worst. Yesterday the town of Ramallah was surrounded by 150 Israeli
tanks. Food supplies were quickly bought up and children were hurried home
from schools. Some found their way to Jerusalem while all foreigners were
told by Israel to leave Palestine.
Thirty International
Observers from Italy, Switzerland and France have chosen to stay with the
people of Ramallah, in a show of solidarity.
For the third time in
as many months, Israeli Military forces have occupied the Arab Evangelical
Home and School. Yesterday, in anticipation of this act, all children were
sent from the Home. As anticipated, at 7:30 this morning Israeli Soldiers
arrived and claimed the Home as theirs. Ten sisters and lay staff remain
on the premises and were ordered to move to another building.
The Rev. George Al Kopti,
Rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Ramallah remains in his home
at the Church compound, afraid for his safety on the streets. The sounds
of gunfire consistently fill the air.
Please keep the people
of the Evangelical Home and School, The people of St. Andrew's Episcopal
Church, the people of Ramallah and all those in this Land in your prayers
as you remember the first Good Friday.
Yet, the unquiet heart
in each peace loving Child of God will keep us going. We continue to hope,
pray, work and look forward to transforming the present reality of death
and great suffering, to a more pleasant future; one that respects the noble
qualities of humanity. Once we break with the old and come to terms with
the new, the world at large will celebrate a Holy Resurrection indeed.
In spite of the pain
and suffering of Good Friday two thousand years ago, as well as today, we
continue to believe that good will overcome evil and peace will prevail
over war.
In Christ,
+ The Rt. Rev. Riah Abu El-Assal |
|
comments
on TOOLS LATERALUS
UNBIAST
SPECTATOR
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Tue, 02 Apr 2002
From: jiminy
I am not a christian
and I am not an atheist I am simply an unbiast spectator and it is not all
that to hard to believe that some of tools message and ideals coincide with
the beliefs of the the bible, I mean even marilyn manson admits that alot
of the beliefs displayed in the bible are the right ones, and also all you
bill hicks fans (Bill is a dead comedian who's comments appear on a Aenima
previous albumn) even he spoke about finding enlightenment/god but though
an alternative method .... mushrooms and acid.
ONE
OF A KIND
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002 12:34:03 EST
From: Natasha!
I think TOOL are one
of a kind. The lyrics are unlike anything I' ve ever heard. I have a friend
who is a jesus freak and hates TOOL, thie thing is that if he took the time
to understand the words on a deeper level, then he would apprecite TOOL
for the amazing band they are. I have all od their albums and they continue
to amaze me
Natasha!
CHRISTIANS?
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Mon, 01 Apr 2002
From: "Hamish
Tool? Christians? Thats
funny. Tool is one of the most ardent stalwarts of atheism in music today.
Examples:
The Grudge:
"Clutch it like a cornerstone. Otherwise it all comes down.
Justify denials and grip 'em to the lonesome end.
Clutch it like a cornerstone. Otherwise it all comes down.
Terrified of being wrong. Ultimatum prison cell."
This refers directly
to belief in christ. ie that your belief impisons you.
I won't go through all
of the little references to god in the albums, but here is a good one from
the secret track on Undertow (their second album). Go right to the end of
the last track and you'll hear:
Farm noises, bleating
of sheep
"And the angel of the
lord came unto me, snatching me up from my place of slumber. And took me
on high, and higher still until we moved to the spaces betwixt the air itself.
And he brought me into a vast farmlands of our own midwest. And as we descended,
cries of impending doom rose from the soil. One thousand, nay a million
voices full of fear. And terror possesed me then. And I begged, "Angel of
the Lord, what are these tortured screams?" And the angel said unto me,
"These are the cries of the carrots, the cries of the carrots! You see,
Reverend Maynard, tomorrow is harvest day and to them it is the holocaust."
And I sprang from my slumber drenched in sweat like the tears of one million
terrified brothers and roared, "Hear me now, I have seen the light! They
have a consciousness, they have a life, they have a soul! Damn you! Let
the rabbits wear glasses! Save our brothers!" Can I get an amen? Can I get
a hallelujah? Thank you Jesus. Life feeds on life feeds on life feed! s
on life feeds on........
This is necessary."
In BAM Magazine (11/94),
the creation of the song is explained: "In May 1993, Tool performed at Scientology's
Celebrity's Centre, apparently not knowing that this was the home of the
cult. Once they found out, they were not taking it nicely. Between songs,
Keenan, staring first at the lush grounds paid for by devoted L. Ron followers
and then into the eyes of his own audience, bayed into the mic like a sheep
looking for his shepherd's gate. 'Baaaaa! Baaaaa!' the singer bleated."
(tool FAQ, http://toolshed.down.net/faq/faq.html)
You might argue that
scientology is a cult and that christianity as a whole is not the target.
You might also be wrong. To make the point though, I refer you too Maynard
Keenans side project, A Perfect Circle. Maynard sings and writes the lyrics
for this band; there biggest hit to date, Judith: a song explicitley about
Jesus and his followers. I quote:
"You're such an inspiration
for the ways
That I'll never ever choose to be
Oh so many ways for me to show you
How the savior has abandoned you
F*ck your God
Your Lord and your Christ
He did this
Took all you had and
Left you this way
Still you pray, you never stray
Never taste of the fruit
You never thought to question why"
I won't continue, it's
easy enough to find on the internet.
And most people would say that A perfect circle is the more moderate of
the two bands.
Happy reviewing,
- Hamish |
|
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