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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
page was last updated on April 5, 2002
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I'M
NOT SURPRIZED
Subject: ET_The_Extra_Terrestrial
Date: Wed, 3 Apr 2002
From: MaryAnn
Well, somehow I'm not
surprised. I've have always thought if we think long enough, there is a
connection to every film in relation to Christ. Why not? HE is who made
us! Not surprising at all to me.
MaryAnn/Turlock, Calif.
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|
comments
on TOOLS LATERALUS
REVIEW
OF LATERALUS
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: unlearn1
michæl writes....
Choices always were a problem for you.
What you need is someone strong to guide you.
Deaf and blind and dumb and born to follow,
what you need is someone strong to use you...
like me,
like me.
If you want to get your
soul to heaven,
trust in me.
Don't judge or question.
You are broken now,
but faith can heal you.
Just do everything I tell you to do.
Deaf and blind and dumb and born to follow.
Let me lay my holy hand upon you.
My God's will
becomes me.
When he speaks out,
he speaks through me.
He has needs
like I do.
We both want
to rape you.
Jesus Christ, why don't you come save my life.
Open my eyes and blind me with your light
and your lies.
tool is a weapon...designed
to kill the christian god and his dogma...there is only one god...and
it is earth...she is our mother..everything we have been and will ever
be, come from her...if you dont understand this you should read a couple
books...."ishmael" and "the story of b" both by daniel quinn if you still
dont understand....may death have mercy on you.......
OH
MY...
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: Larry
well, I guess this is
just one more place to use as an example of how you can not escape, dare
I call them, "misguided" analyses. I just can't bite my tongue on the (I
believe it was) "tool is one of the most ardent stalwarts of atheism" comment..
I mean, for tool fans, it needs not to be acknowledged, but I really am
left unsettled at the fact that anyone who listens to tool, or anyone who
doesn't and is affected negatively by seeing this statement, could give
this comment any merit. please just keep in mind that is one man's opinion.
(which also happens to go against the spoken words of each of the band members,
I'm willing to wager. I'd bet three ripe bananas on it!) find out for yourselves,
don't write in and say "oh, Rob should I as a (enter religious title here)
listen to this music? these are not my words, but I speak them with all
my heart.. THINK FOR YOURSELF. it is this child's opinion that tool has
a very positive, enlightening, emotional, growth oriented message. and if
you as a musical connoisseur can see, hear and feel through the verbal connotations
some are so eager to get hung up on, and look into the denotations that
some are so eager to overlook, maybe..JUST MAYBE you'll be able to allow
this bands music to give you something wonderful.
oh, and uh.. jesus
is coming. claire
Interesting
review...
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: "Anon Anon"
Well, I enjoyed the fact
that the reviewer was a tool fan and respected the talent of the musicians.
I personally believe that tool is the most unique and important band working
in the industry today. I did, however, get a good laugh from your attempts
to decipher the lyrics. I would never be so bold as to say that this song
meant this, or that song meant that... How do you know when Maynard is speaking
literally or metaphorically? I'm fairly positive that Maynard is against
Christianity, but I wouldn't bet my life on it. I'm just reading the clues
from their lyrics, mainly songs like Eulogy and Opiate, and the hidden track
on undertow.... But maybe it's not so much anti-Christian as just a "think
for yourself" mentalitly. But a think for yourself attitude seems anti-Christian
by definition, if it weren't for all you sheep out there Christianity would
have faded away by now. |
SEE
WAKING LIFE...
Subject: Se7en
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: Larry
molls, maybe people
as affected as you seem to be should look a bit more into what a movie
may be like before you see it. educate yourself about the topic perhaps?
so as to not 'subject' yourself to such a horrid display of fine filmmaking.
(thank you david) and if there is any movie to run screaming from..may
I suggest taking your pick from any of the trash that has filled the cinema
world for this year 2001-2002 year?
|
requiem
for a happy thought
Subject: Requiem_For_A_Dream
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: Larry
this was the first movie
I ever walked out of and couldn't explain why I was so ..there still are
no words for it. it's just a blank stare unable.. to fixate on anything
or anyone with intermittent physical quivers at the idea of that being anywhere
CLOSE to ANYONE'S reality and at the end of a stream of reflection of the
movies scenes, you curl up into the fetal position simply waiting for it
to pass. a friend of mine described it as "a nice baseball bat of reality
to the head." It's one of the best films I've ever seen, and by far the
most depressing. did I mention it was great? oh yeah, and it's just a movie.
jesus is coming |
U2
Subject: Pop_Music_NL35
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: Michele
Dear David,
You are so right about U2's album! In January of this year one of my best
friends died in a car accident. I am no teenager, so I am surprised to be
telling you that this album, especially the song "Walk On" has been a real
blessing to me during my grief. I have listened to it many times with tears
streaming down my face. The line "We're packing a suitcase for a place none
of us has been. A place that has to be believed to be seen." Reminds me
that I WILL see Kim again; she just made the trip a little sooner. The song
"Beautiful Day" reminds me to appreciate each day. Each song has a deeper
meaning. I am so grateful for this album and its Christian message!
Michele in Ohio |
Spiritual
impact of films
Subject: Spiritual impact of films
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: Janet
Greetings!
Thanks for suggesting this challenge (and challenge it is - to weigh up
the actual spiritual effects of films - not easy!). The first question I
had to ask myself was "what is spiritual impact?", then "was it the book
or was it the film?" (where appropriate) and then try to remember my reaction.
I define spiritual impact by noting what seed was planted by the film and
what fruit it has since produced. My answers may be different from most
- I'm English for a start - never been to the US (except transit lounges!).
The most negative spirutal impact I received was caused by watching "The
Exorcist" which flashed back its worst scenes in my head for weeks afterwards
and I still can't completely forget them. I wasn't a Christian when I saw
it (back when it was first released!) - I wonder if the impact would be
different if I was?
I have seen several Bible epics and was very moved by Ben Hur (still am!).
It catches action-seekers with gripping scenes, all the while sneaking the
Gospel in by the back door. I was also deeply impacted by the Gethsemane
scene in Murray Watts' clay animation film of Jesus called "The Miracle
Maker", which may not have been released on the big screen in the USA (www.themiraclemaker.com).
Most recently, the spiritual impact of the brilliant "Lord of the Rings"
was sown deep. I was moved by Elijah Woods' portrayal of Frodo Baggins -
humility, fear and courage in the littlest of heroes. God's truths leap
out from this story and challenged me about my own great journey - through
life!
I couldn't wait for the rest of the series: I bought all the books and read
them right through. What a story! It has shifted my vision and disturbed
my spirit - but in a positive way. I'd go into detail, but you'd be here
all day reading it (or hitting the back button through boredom!) It is now
up to me to make sure that this seed grows and turns into good fruit.
God bless you and keep you.
Janet Georgiou |
|
RESPONSE
TO NEWSLETTER #35
Response
Subject: Amazing_Grace_Number_One_NL35
Date: Wed, 3 Apr 2002
From: DMD
Not so many years
ago, an interim pastor told me of an interfaith, interdenominational baccalaureate
service he had helped to coordinate. "Amazing Grace" was the only hymn/song
the various religious groups (which included Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and
Buddhist, as well as various Christian denominations) could agree to use
BECAUSE IT DOES NOT MENTION JESUS BY NAME. Ever since, it has long been
my suspicion that this is why the song has proven to be so popular, with
so many recording artists, in so many settings. It *is* scriptural, it
sounds spiritual, but it's not specifically Christian in its content.
(I confess -- somewhat to my shame/embarrassment -- that "Amazing Grace"
has been somewhat tarnished in my mind ever since... Also due to another,
unfortunate, connection in my life...)
dmd
Response:
Amazing Grace does not have to mention Jesus any more than the book of
Esther needs to mention God. It is understood. And thank God this song
can cross religious lines. The message is very Christian. -David
let
me see some fruit!
Subject: Amazing_Grace_Number_One_NL35
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002
From: Frank
Anyone can say the word "grace". Anyone can say the word "Jesus"...or the
phrase "God Bless America".
My young son once showed me the liner notes from one of his favorite bands,
where the lead singer writes in his thank-IOUs, "thank God". He then told
me he thought they were a Christian band because they all mentioned God
in their notes. I pointed out that the singer was living in sin with that
belly-button girl, encouraging loose sex between unmarried teenagers, splashing
it all over the media, and encouraging much younger children to do the same,
and then hid God in the fine print at the bottom of the back page. I told
my son that, at the very least, if the man really were a Christian he would
have started with marrying the bellybutton girl, and she would not be exposing
herself in that way in the first place! I'll believe he, and she, are Christians
when I see their lifestyle reflecting it.
Another case in point...most of those I have heard say "Jesus Christ" were
definitely not praying.
If you pare that list of artists down to the ones who exhibited the fruitful
lifestyle that is a witness of God, the list gets real short real fast.
Those on the long list were just...blowing...hot...air.
"Amazing Grace" was obviously inspired of God, there is no question of that.
But Satan seeks to destroy and one of the ways he destroys is to pervert
what God gave us to be holy. It is also well known that Satan disguises
himself as an angel of light in order to deceive us. Can you guess who is
really on the long list?
They are the ones who say, "Look, I can play 'Amazing Grace'." Oh yeah,
and quite well, but can you do Amazing Grace; can you be Amazing Grace;
can you participate in Amazing Grace; or are you really just laughing and
mocking at it? Do you even know what Amazing Grace is, or are you just practicing
feel-good religion?
Anyone can say "grace". Anyone can say "Jesus". Show me some fruit of the
Spirit.
Lloyd Nettie
DeclareHisPraise.com
Response:
I do not think people mock Amazing Grace. It seems to produce a sense
of awe. It speaks to our spirit. It is the flower that grows amongst the
weeds of culture. It is the one song that works with saints and sinnere
alike. Its an amazing thing. -David
Why
do you think Jesus is the most honored name in today's music?
Subject: Jesus in Pop Music_NL35
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002
From: Frank
I personally don't
define the flag waving, patriotic banality exuded with utmost hypocrisy
since the eleventh of September last year to honor or revere Jesus in
music, the movies, or any venue. Those of us who sincerely love Him, honor
Him by daily showing that love He has for us in our lives of love toward
others. This honor of Jesus is still not only publicly absent, but publicly
denounced as politically correct in separation of church and state even
now. So very much of this vain Jesus-abuse for the sake of merchandising
syrupy canned All-American pro-right winged propaganda for consumption
by a sorrow-blinded, American public yet mourning her losses is not only
insidious, but blasphemous. it's probably the most vain abuse of the Name
of the Savior in American history. The 11SEP01 tragedy was very terrible
event, an American tragedy which now is being media milked within an inch
of its life, unfortunately by both the church and the state. This cloying
utilization of all things Christian in a time of pain and mourning, attempting
to make everything unpleasant go away while justifying the lie that the
USA is a Christian nation, does not mean God has been honored, glorified,
or sanctified. God has just been used and discarded the way we outgrow
all fads we enjoy for a season. Wait and see. This Jesus- thing too shall
pass.
Response:
Actually 9/11 has little to do with 'Jesus" being the number one
name in music. There were over 17,000+ Jesus song titles before that date
as well. It has to do with the place of Jesus in our culture. Jesus is
and has been the most popular person in history. Period. -David
What
Amazing Grace is .....
Subject: Amazing_Grace_Number_One_NL35
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002
From: kate
So simply...because GRACE
is amazing, and sweet, and enduring. Grace overcomes, overwhelms, uplifts,
breaks and restores, and never dies. Grace is a constant, and even those
who know little of it can hear it knocking. Grace is a gift, a free one
at that. Even today, even in our pluralistic culture, the ever-present,
divine, and supernatural presence of Hid grace, speaks loudly to the heart.
|
OSCARS
Subject: My_views_of_the_Oscars
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002
From: Katherine
I just wanted to say I really didn't like Shrek that much either. What bother
me the must is that it was aimed at children and some of the contents were
to crued for kids
Dianna |
AN
ATHEIST BIKER
Subject: Spitfire Grill
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002
From: Rev. Stephen Hale
I saw this movie during the year that my wife was dieing of cancer. I am
a United Methodist Minister, but I used to be a biker, an atheist and a
bitter hard man. After all I had been through, I was shocked and angry over
my wife's illness and eventual death. When I saw Percy's story and saw "the
man in the shadows," I came to understand my life better. There truly has
been many a Balm of Gilead laid upon my spirit in the years that have come
and gone. Just as God watched over that town in the movie and the shadow
man (can't recall his name right now), I KNOW without one doubt that God
watched over me and I am thankful. Each and every sorrowful moment, each
and every joyfull moment, each hurt, and each triumph has been a blessing
from God and has been used to the best of my ability to God's greater glory.
My salvation came about during and after a neighbor committed suicide and
then I had a cardiac arrest a year later. I was literaly reborn with a spirit
that was closer tuned to God. I saw that happen to the Percy character and
the Shadow Man in the movie. Thanks for reminding me, I pulled the story
into my sermon for this week. I used a bit of your reflections and I pray
that is ok. May God bless you and your work.
Still In One Peace,
Rev. Stephen Hale,
Pastor New Hope UMC, Enid, OK |
I
WANTED TO BE A NUN
Subject: I_Agree_God_Is_Doing_Something_New
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002
From: M Drakeford
GOD is doing something new. I was called out in 1992 as a messenger. At
the time I didn't know any scriptures because as a child I was raised as
a Catholic. As a child I loved the LORD with all of my heart, mind and soul.
As a result I wanted to be a nun when I grew up so I could work for GOD.
I became disillusioned with the church from the things I was seeing and
hearing. I realize now GOD had given me great wisdom to discern things.
I left the religion, however. When GOD called me out it was in response
of me being appointed as a prayer warrior by the new pastor to our church
AME. All the other six prayer warriors could pray so nicely from the scriptures.
I knew I didn't even know one scripture. I tried to get out of this appointment
but I couldn't. I then cried out to the LORD to help me and change me. He
did. I began one of the best prayer warriors because they prayed from the
scriptures and I prayed from my heart. All of my life as an introvert I
always spent hours doing nothing but talking to GOD in my mind. He was my
best friend. Through my role as intercessory prayer warrior GOD took me
places and showed me things. I then was called out as an exhorter. The pastor
was excited about this because they didn't have any at the church. I made
it very plan to him that GOD said HE would teach me all I needed to know.
GOD gave me a speaking voice and put the words into my mouth that even surprised
myself. The wisdom and knowledge he gave me caused my pastor to become jealous.
The church was going and people wanted to know when I was bringing the messenger.
This really caused the pastor to really be upset. Especially since I had
never been to the seminary or had formal education. GOD did what HE said
HE would do. He used the Web. Dr. Chuck Swindoll to be my teacher. He didn't
even know it at the time. GOD would have me get up each and every morning
with my pen, paper and bible. There was a whole line of teachers on WAVE
Christian Radio GOD had me listen to. I wasn't able to leave my house until
all of their programs were over. I still do this today. GOD had taught me
all I need to know to do his will. I saw a vision of myself in front of
a group of women who didn't look like myself. I knew my purpose in life
because GOD had revealed it to me. I witnessed to a Muslim lady the second
day on my job at school. She was training me as a Media assistant. I told
her I had an encounter with Christ and HE said He was coming back and unless
you accept Him as savior because HE is the Messiah you won't be saved. I
was crying while telling her this. She began to cry too saying they were
only taught that HE was a prophet. I responded by saying, "I know that's
why I'm telling you this." We became good friends and I would share Christ
with her and she shared Islam with me. Knowing I was an exhorter she asked
if I would be willing to come to her mosque to share a topic with women
of other faiths. I asked what the topic was and it was "Social and Religious
Roles of Women in My denomination." It was for the Muslim's Women organization.
At the time I was at a A.M.E. Church (African American EP). I remembered
my vision and accepted right away. I knew this was the vision GOD had showed
me. I have had four supernatural experiences. I know after all these years
GOD never forgot about me. I work for HIM now and He is using me in some
of the most unusual ways. I was led by GOD to write. It took me two years
to get to know the ways of GOD. HIS ways are different from ours. I began
keeping a very detailed diary in 1994. I have witness to Jewish people too.
My ministry is for those who have accepted Christ but only as a prophet.
I have danced out of my slip like David, prophesied to the dead church that
it would live like Ezekiel did to the dry bones. When the spirit of GOD
was moving from the overflow from me I had to tell the church that we're
not drunk but just filled with the spirit. Portions of my diary is straight
out of the book of Deuteronomy from Moses' diary. I cry a lot because I
don't know what GOD is doing. I know Jesus said, "We are going to do what
He did and more." I believe this is what HE was talking about. The title
of my diary began "My Walk with GOD." In 1998 It changed from My Walk with
God, to My walk with GOD through the Scriptures." Yes, GOD is doing something
new.
GOD has been moving in a mighty way for a long time but no one has been
paying any attention. I believe that's why HE told me to write. I diary
consists of six volumes now. Typed written and double sided. I know things
others people don't know. Some of the thing are:
1. Why O.J. Simpson Couldn't be found guilty of murder
2. Why Mother Theresa and Princess Diana died a few days apart
3. Who Louise Farrahkan is as it relate to the scriptures
4. Why GOD allowed the enemy to attack us on 911
Make no mistake about it JESUS is coming back and the world will be witnessed
to before HE does. A lot is being revealed today because HE also said, "Nothing
hidden will remain hidden every thing will be revealed BEFORE HE come back."
Just like GOD did in the past HE is still doing today. My name was changed
to reflect my new nature HE gave me when He changed me. It means Spirit-Filled
because he filled me with HIS spirit as a guaranteed that I would do his
will. He put HIS spirit in me so I would do HIS will. I do it even if it
might cost me my life. That HIS guarantee
Ruwach-male' |
|
comments
on TOOLS LATERALUS
Pls
post this..
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: "Adam ."
In the talks over TooL on this board, the official website had this too
say over what was posted on this board....
"... they (Australia) celebrate Easter the exact same way we do: commemorating
the death and resurrection of Jesus by telling our children a giant bunny
rabbit left chocolate eggs in the night. Now, I wonder why we're f*****
up as a race. Anybody got any idea? You know, I've read the Bible. I can't
find the word bunny or chocolate anywhere in the f***ing book. Where do
they come up with this shit? Why not goldfish left Lincoln logs in your
sock drawer? As long as you're making shit up - you know - go hog-wild.
At least the goldfish with a Lincoln log on its back going across your carpet
has some miraculous connotations: "Mum, today I found a Lincoln log in me
sock drawer." That's the story of Jesus...
- Bill Hicks
In the spirit of this Xtian holiday (actually, originally a pagan fertility
rite - perhaps that's where the bunny comes in, but shhhhh...), we would
like to offer some friendly guidance to those fans who are, perhaps, having
a dilemma of sorts with regards to whether or not the contents of "LATERALUS"
are suitable to their personal religious beliefs. First though, we'd like
to thank our friend Greg at the "DailyGrail" site for suggesting that we
take a look at the "Lateralus" review posted on the hollywoodjesus.com site.
Overall, it is a very positive review, with the reviewer drawing parallels
(in his interpretation of the lyrics)between Maynard's words and Xtian (or
Galilean) teachings. This, however, seems to have caused confusion among
some of the site's Xtian readers. For instance, one poor souls asks: "Is
this for real? Tool Christains? What... ( I ) need more evidence. A few
years ago I tossed my Tool CD 'cause I thought it was a bad influence; to
this day I switch them off on the radio. Am I way off or are you?"
Well, here's our advice: If Tool's music and lyrics are at odds with your
beliefs, then you DID the right thing in tossing it (although we suggest
next time you destroy it by burning it in a fireplace so that a like-minded
individual doesn't happen upon it and find him/herself subjected to its
questionable contents). However, in light of this new interpretation on
the hollywoodjesus.com site that the band may be espousing Xtian principles,
then you have made a terrible mistake, and should definitely BUY another
copy. In fact, I was talking about this with Adam the other night in our
local pub and he suggested that you should probably buy TWO COPIES just
in case someone else convinces you that the band is in league with the devil.
This way, when another Xtain review gives the CD the green light, you'll
already have a backup to enjoy without having to go out and find another
copy. I mean, what if Wal-Mart is temporarily out of stock?
Here's another comment on their bulletin board: "Some of the references
(on Aenima) made to Christianity are somewhat harsh, but I believe Tool
has always intended to attack the sometimes corrupt institution of the church,
rather than the actual religion and the beliefs of Christians."
Ah, you're getting
warmer... and while we're on the subject of this "sometimes corrupt institution",
I didn't want to say anything, but, I understand that there are 45,000
of them out there, boys and girls (but mainly little boys). The good news
is that (so the Pope says) they won't be protected by the Church anymore.
ANYMORE? Here we have another example of self-preservation at any price.
Want to bet that we'll soon have another mysterious wave of "Blessed Virgin
Mary" sightings somewhere to help defray the cost (300 million) of settlements
paid to those molested by the Pope's pedophile-priests? Strangest of all,
when describing the actions of the guilty priests, the Pope referred to
the "mystery of evil." Mystery?!! What?!! I thought they knew what caused
evil. Isn't it supposed to be the Devil? You know, the guy with the horns
and red tail. All those people burned to death at the stake - wasn't that
because of the Devil? You're not gonna tell us now that it was an inherited
defect their biochemistry, are you? Part of our low-budget creation, or
the shoddy work of an inferior God? Remember what Hicks said about Waco:
When the Feds tried to justify their actions by saying that they thought
the cult members might be child molesters, he replied that if that was
the case then why don't we see tanks knocking down the doors to the Catholic
church?
Posted by TooLband.com page man, Blair.
Adam.
TOOL's
religious beliefs
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Wed, 3 Apr 2002
From: Vito
I have been a Christian
all my life and a huge Tool fan for the past 7 years. I own and love all
of their albums. After giving Maynard's lyrics much thought as well as things
he has said in interviews, it appears to me that Maynard is definitely not
a Christian, but I don't feel that he is necessarily anti-Christian either.
Basically his message seems to be "Think for yourself and don't be afraid
to question your beliefs." Contrary to what many might think, I don't think
this philosophy is Anti-Christian. I think Maynard's feelings are that if
you are a Christian it should be because you have spent time thinking about
your spirituality and studying Christianity as well as other religions and
made an informed decision that Christianity is right for you. He doesn't
feel that you should be a Christian just because your parents are or because
you met a really charismatic person who convinced you that you should be
one.
Vito |
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