.
.
with comments by David Bruce

HOPING TO SEE UNCUT JESUS
Subject: the "Jesus" miniseries on VHS & DVD
Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000
From: Chip

Has anyone watched the VHS or DVD editions of "Jesus"? According to a quote from the "All Movie Guide" (which I found on www.bn.com), this is an edition "expanded" from the TV broadcast. Hoping to see the full, un-cut "Jesus" (and the real Jesus, for that matter) soon,
Chip

RIGHT ON
Subject: Creed
Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000
From: stavesacre

I think your comments are right on. I have gone through all aspects when it comes to music. I grew up listening to nothing but "secular music". I threw all of it away and listened to nothing but " christian music". I now listen to both.

Groups like Creed can be used to answer the questions in life when it comes to the unsaved. I do not like to categorize music into secular or christian. An object cannot be christian, only people. We all share the same experiences in life in some way and groups like Creed help us to see that. We all at times get stuck in "our own prisons". But we old the key as Christians and we need to find common ground to witness to the lost. Scott Lipsey with a sigh i greet the day i feel the morning on my face weary at the moment i awake even as i lie the thought returns to mind "welcome to the rest of your life".
stavesacre

MORE FEEDBACK ON HJ NEWSLETTER #17

SPIRITUAL BATTLE GOING ON
Subject: Spirituality???
Hollywood Newsletter 17
Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000
From: "HAG"

spirituality??? I am not sure what's happening. There is definitly a push towards the spiritual but I am not sure its all towards Jesus as Lord. I believe that there is a spiritual battle going on. It is for the minds of the people who serve God....but even more for those who are on the fence. It is certainly worth keeping an eye on.. Daily praying for the spiritual armor to protect us from Satan and all of his schemes...
God Bless your ministry ....Ann

CYNICAL
Subject: religion in politics
Hollywood Newsletter 17
Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000
From: Darrel Manson

ISTM that we have always wanted leaders affiliated with religion. We get a little squeamish when they are actively religious. Case in point: Jimmy Carter, like Gore a Southern Baptist, but very active in his church teaching Sunday School, speaking to Christian men's groups and going on missions. This lead to the Playboy interview with the question of if his religious view would affect the way he approached moral issues [duh!]. His response to that was that he saw himself as sinner, having often lusted in his heart. Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush, Clinton have all been more or less quietly religious, keeping religion at arms length. I think the issue with Leiberman will end up being less that he is Jewish, and more that he actually practices his religion. But then I'm fairly cynical when I get up in the morning.
-- Darrel Manson ><>Artesia Christian Church ICQ 562 4184 ><>Artesia, CA http://netministries.org/see/churches/ch01198
Democracy used to be a good thing, but now it has gotten into the wrong hands. -Jesse Helms

JESUS NOT PRO ABORTION
Subject: Re: Politics, Teens and Hollow Man.
Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #17
Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000
From: Romire

Al Gore asks himself, "What Would Jesus Do?" Jesus would not be Pro-Abortion!!!!!!! Algore once professed to be Pro-Life. He changed his tune when offered the VP position with Clinton. I think Jesus might suggest hypocrisy to be at work in that instance.
Rose Marie

COMMENT
Subject: Re: Politics, Teens and Hollow Man.
Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #17
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: "editor@antithesis"

"Rev. Randel Myers->> 1. The cinema, like the novel and short story have more texture than doctrine or psychology, both ways in which we're communicating religion these days. Jesus used parables, not propositions. " Yes, but those parables come to us in the form of God's inscripturated revelation >> propositions about God, Christ, faith, etc. "Rev." Myers is obviously a postmodernist dressed up as a Christian >> a wolf in sheep's clothing. Yet another form of "worldliness"... and accomodation to culture. [No ill-will intended... but his views are damaging]. Recommendation: Read Francis Schaeffer >> "Is Propositional Revelation Nonsense?" in The God Who Is There. I appreciate your reviews, but find they generally lack substance >> Biblical/Theological substance, that is. That is vital, if they are to truly come from a "Christian World view." Remember, the bulk of the New testament came from Paul >> a great theological mind. No stories... And if we did not have Paul's letters -- devoid of story and parable, rich with argument and proposition -- we would not understand the Gospel at all. That is just a plain FACT. In "Rev." Myers view, I take it, we can do without Paul's Gospel (see ROMANS 1FF.)...and be damned. The Bottom Line: If we jettison propositions, we will have no gospel, no truth, no God, no salvation... only our just damnation. -- rob schlapfer editor antithesis.com a voice from the emerging Christian counterculture

PROPOSITIONAL REVELATION
Subject: Re: Politics, Teens and Hollow Man.
Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #17
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: "editor@antithesis"

Rev. Randel Myers- wrote "1. The cinema, like the novel and short story have more texture than doctrine or psychology, both ways in which we're communicating religion these days. Jesus used parables, not propositions. "

Yes, but those parables come to us in the form of God's inscripturated revelation >> propositions about God, Christ, faith, etc. "Rev." Myers is obviously a postmodernist dressed up as a Christian >> a wolf in sheep's clothing. Yet another form of "worldliness"... and accomodation to culture. [No ill-will intended... but his views are damaging]. Recommendation: Read Francis Schaeffer >> "Is Propositional Revelation Nonsense?" in The God Who Is There.

I appreciate your reviews, but find they generally lack substance >> Biblical/Theological substance, that is. That is vital, if they are to truly come from a "Christian World view." Remember, the bulk of the New testament came from Paul >> a great theological mind. No stories... And if we did not have Paul's letters -- devoid of story and parable, rich with argument and proposition -- we would not understand the Gospel at all.

That is just a plain FACT. In "Rev." Myers view, I take it, we can do without Paul's Gospel (see ROMANS 1FF.)...and be damned. The Bottom Line: If we jettison propositions, we will have no gospel, no truth, no God, no salvation... only our just damnation.

--Rob Schlapfer editor
http://www.antithesis.com/ a voice from the emerging Christian counterculture

Response: How about this: Both story and proposition are important.

The bulk of the New Testament did not come from Paul. And, in fact the bulk of the NT is story. In my text only NT there are 135 pages of story (Gospels + Acts) and only 64 pages of Pauline text. Additional, Revelation (14 pages) is also story set in apocalyptic form. The person who wrote most of the NT is Luke not Paul. In John's Gospel story, he states: "These things are written so you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah..." All of us come to know Jesus through the Gospels, whereas Paul never recounts the story of Jesus (except for some general references). I would submit that with out the foundational Gospel stories Paul letters would fall short. I believe we would understand the gospel message without Paul and I believe John 20:30-31 so says. So with out Paul we are not damned. At the same time, I would never do without Paul. Again, both story and proposition are important.

BTW "the gospel of Romans" is not considered Gospel literature. It is considered an Epistle (a letter). The four Gospels, as you know, are a unique literary form. Nothing else like them. In contrast, Paul's letter writing is typical of his time -you might say his writing style was an "accommodation to culture."

Also, why would you refer to Rev. Myers as "a wolf in sheep clothing"? Do you know him? Name calling is never good. Argue the issues -yes. Bashing your messenger -no. It is interesting that you question his clergy status, question his Christianity, call him a wolf and then you say "no ill-will intended." --It is generally better to love and respect those we disagree with.

My reviews do lack theological substance simply because that is not the intent. Most readers of HJ have never read the Bible nor have theological training. If I wrote for those of us with degrees in theology I would do so at the expense of those who do not.

Thank you for your thoughts. I appreciate them. You bring balance. I like to think of my self as part of the Christian counter culture. But perhaps, I am just a follower of Jesus. I am interested in your work, however.God's blessings on you! -David.

ENJOYS HJ NEWSLETTER
Subject: Re: X-Men and The Patriot.
Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #15
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2000
From: MR BLAST

DEAR DAVID: THANK-YOU FOR NEWS LETTER, I REALLY ENJOY READING THEM KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! MANY, MANY THANKS FRIENDS ALWAYS DAVID
"MR BLAST"

DIFFERENT EYES
Subject: An Eye Opener STIGMATA
Date: Thu, 11 Aug 2000
From: Joe Robert

STIGMATA was visually captivating, well written, and wonderfully enacted. Though some prefer to look totally at the sometimes lack of Biblical accuracy, I prefer to LOOK at it from another perspective; that God works in mysterious ways to get our attention. I think the movie inspires, more than anything else, thought. There defintely seem to be plenty of opinions, which are the result of, thought. Personally, I got alot from the movie, as did my wife, who was glad to see that my 'thoughts' were positive in nature. I hope the effect that STIGMATA has on everyone is that viewers will pick up their Bible and search out the truths for themselves.
Joe Robert

MYTH AS REAL TRUTH
Subject: Whats wrong with myth? Mithras
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000
From: W

On your page a person calls Christianity a myth implying that myths are silly or irrelevant. You seem to agree with him saying "would someone die for a myth." In reality many people have died for myth and will continue to do so. Myths are extremely important spiritually and psychologically. Sadly modern man has relegated myth to something thats not that important- "its only a myth". To me at least though myth is more important than any external "rationally" determined "fact". The Jesus of the Bible is a myth and as such has a lot of power. What do you have against myth? Myths are Spiritual and Psychological facts!

Response: We are dealing with two very different definitions of myth here. In terms of your definition (which I prefer, by the way) here is where I stand: Myth is very powerful. Myth is a vehicle for truth. God uses Myth. Myth and all of creation points to the reality of Christ. Christ therefore transcends myth.

INTERNATIONAL VERSION COMING IN 2001
Subject: International Version of "Jesus" Jesus Mini Series
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: Ron D'Antonio, New York

I just received an email from Trimark Pictures and they said the International version of "Jesus" would be released in 2001 at a date TBA.
Ron D'Antonio, New York

POWDER CHANGED ME
Subject: Powder
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: Joanie Healey

When I saw Powder I looked at things differently. It changed the way I thought of people. I wasn't cruel to people like the guys were to Powder. But I would judge behind their backs. But when I saw that movie it changed. I mean the movie seemed so real and I felt how he felt. Even though it wasn't true it felt real to me. The movie wouldn't have felt real with out the good actors and actresses that the movie had. My opinion is that the movie wouldn't have been so good and real if Sean Flanery didn't play Powder. He fit so well into the character he was playing that he fooled everyone. When ever I watch a movie I can always spot flaws or mistakes things like that. But with this movie I didn't have too. This movie had a lot of feelings and was filled with spirituality. I wish that I was reconized so I could have been invloved with this movie. This is one movie I would love ot be invloved with. This movie was on my list to buy. I have already bought it. I think that reason I bought it was because of the cast. I mean I have more of Sean Flanery's movies. I think he created this movie. I think he made this movie come together. Not just because he is hot or the main character but because of his acting ability. I give this movie ten tumbs up.
thank you Joanie Healey
e-mail- RHCP9333@aol.com

Response: The power of film is awesome. Thank you for your story. I was touched -David

MORE RESPONSE TO HJ NEWSLETTER #17

TRIVILIZATION
Subject: Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #17
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: Pastor Linnea Wilson

Let me suggest that the apparent turning to 'spirituality' in media, movies, politics etc., is, instead, a trivialization of the mores and standards people of faith practice. It's easy to say "I'll pray for you" or "You're in my thoughts and prayers"; so easy, in fact, that these phrases have the semblance of knee-jerk responses--all talk, no substance. Crosses as jewelry, Christian Wrestling Federation, cars walking on water--all minimize the import of the Christ event in the secular world! Good marketing is not synonymous with spiritiuality.
Pastor Linnea Wilson

Response: Minimize? I think rather that "trivialization" tends to underscore importance. Is there really a Christian Wrestling Federation? -Oh my. Thanks for your thoughts. -David.

A VIEW FROM JAPAN:
SPIRITUALITY ACCEPTABLE, BUT...
Subject: Spirituality in Politics
Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #17
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000
From: "knac"

Spirituality does seem to be much more acceptable than before and yet at the same time the "exclusive" claims of Christ..."I am THE way, THE truth and THE life. NO ONE comes to the Father accept through me." are less and less accepted. EITHER Jesus is TRULY the ONLY Son of God, OR He is a LIAR OR LUNATIC as CS Lewis has said. There is NO room for any "good teacher" stuff. The fact that a man who claims to be Southern Baptist and have personal faith could serve in an administration that has done everything possible to bow to the wishes of the homosexual community AND also support infanticide under the name of "partial birth" abortion (the child is half delivered and then the brain removed from the head) shows me he has neither read his Bible nor known the "fear of the Lord".

The fact that an "orthodox Jew" could run as VP for such a candidate shows me he hasn't spent much time in the Torah either. The word of God in Isaiah tells us that when "darkness shall cover the earth, And DEEP darkness the people" that the glory of the Lord JESUS will shine through the darkness. The "spirituality" we see now is not light but darkness preparing the way for Christ. Yes we can use it to share the Gospel BUT it is not specifically friendly to the Gospel of repentance as taught by Jesus.

Eric and Deborah Kurfman
ericdebk@yahoo.com
http://www.grace-web.org/Church_Missions/church_missions.html

Response: God loves those in the "deep darkness" however. Right?

PROPHECIES COMING TO PASS
Subject: respose to question of what is happening here?
Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #17
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: "MARSHA BODARY"

Clearly the prophecies of the Bible are coming to pass. in Joel the Lord states that in the last days He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh. Also, the Lord says "that where the enemy comes in like a flood He will raise a standard against him." (We have seen an increase also in satanic spirituality as well.) One more, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, turn from their wicked ways and pray, I will heal their land." I believe that the second coming of Jesus Christ is on the dawn, and we are seeing these prophesies come to pass, and also answered prayers of the saints, interceding for our nation. That is my comment on your question.
God bless, Marsha Bodary

BIG HOLY SPIRIT MOVEMENT
Subject: Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #17
Him Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: "Hubert Family"

Remember we are some where in the end times. But of course we do not know how Gods time compares to ours. Man created the clock..I don't believe its any thing like his, the world is so corrupt < and people are looking for something better. There is a big movement of the Holy spirit, all over this world.... What we need is Faith.... in Him our creator, This old world did not happen by chance.,nor the big bang!!!!

PROPOSITIONAL REVELATION
Subject: Re: Politics, Teens and Hollow Man.
Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #17
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: "editor@antithesis"

Rev. Randel Myers- wrote "1. The cinema, like the novel and short story have more texture than doctrine or psychology, both ways in which we're communicating religion these days. Jesus used parables, not propositions. "

Yes, but those parables come to us in the form of God's inscripturated revelation >> propositions about God, Christ, faith, etc. "Rev." Myers is obviously a postmodernist dressed up as a Christian >> a wolf in sheep's clothing. Yet another form of "worldliness"... and accomodation to culture. [No ill-will intended... but his views are damaging]. Recommendation: Read Francis Schaeffer >> "Is Propositional Revelation Nonsense?" in The God Who Is There.

I appreciate your reviews, but find they generally lack substance >> Biblical/Theological substance, that is. That is vital, if they are to truly come from a "Christian World view." Remember, the bulk of the New testament came from Paul >> a great theological mind. No stories... And if we did not have Paul's letters -- devoid of story and parable, rich with argument and proposition -- we would not understand the Gospel at all.

That is just a plain FACT. In "Rev." Myers view, I take it, we can do without Paul's Gospel (see ROMANS 1FF.)...and be damned. The Bottom Line: If we jettison propositions, we will have no gospel, no truth, no God, no salvation... only our just damnation.

--Rob Schlapfer editor
http://www.antithesis.com/ a voice from the emerging Christian counterculture

Response: How about this: Both story and proposition are important.

The bulk of the New Testament did not come from Paul. And, in fact the bulk of the NT is story. In my text only NT there are 135 pages of story (Gospels + Acts) and only 64 pages of Pauline text. Additional, Revelation (14 pages) is also story set in apocalyptic form. The person who wrote most of the NT is Luke not Paul. In John's Gospel story, he states: "These things are written so you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah..." All of us come to know Jesus through the Gospels, whereas Paul never recounts the story of Jesus (except for some general references). I would submit that with out the foundational Gospel stories Paul letters would fall short. I believe we would understand the gospel message without Paul and I believe John 20:30-31 so says. So with out Paul we are not damned. At the same time, I would never do without Paul. Again, both story and proposition are important.

BTW "the gospel of Romans" is not considered Gospel literature. It is considered an Epistle (a letter). The four Gospels, as you know, are a unique literary form. Nothing else like them. In contrast, Paul's letter writing is typical of his time -you might say his writing style was an "accommodation to culture."

Also, why would you refer to Rev. Myers as "a wolf in sheep clothing"? Do you know him? Name calling is never good. Argue the issues -yes. Bashing your messenger -no. It is interesting that you question his clergy status, question his Christianity, call him a wolf and then you say "no ill-will intended." --It is generally better to love and respect those we disagree with.

My reviews do lack theological substance simply because that is not the intent. Most readers of HJ have never read the Bible nor have theological training. If I wrote for those of us with degrees in theology I would do so at the expense of those who do not.

Thank you for your thoughts. I appreciate them. You bring balance. I like to think of my self as part of the Christian counter culture. But perhaps, I am just a follower of Jesus. I am interested in your work, however.God's blessings on you! -David.

EVALUATIONS OF SYMBOLISM
Subject: Chicken_Run
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: Jennifer Rincon

Many compliments on this site. Your "reviews" are more akin to "evaluations," since you are so adept at picking apart the symbolism. It makes the price of the ticket worth that much more. Thanks, also, for not giving away the ending of Chicken Run. I agree with Paul and Tammy Hunter's comments that quality does not need to scrape the barrel for a good time. When "Toy Story 2" came out, it was the first film on the Rotten Tomatoes website(rottentomatoes.com) to receive positive ratings from 100% of the nation's most prominent reviewers. Chicken Run did the same. (Wait, "scratch" that(no pun intended)--Roger Ebert's new partner hated this movie.) And, even if this film wasn't your cup of tea, at least it falls back on well-thought out gags borrowed from other films, rather than a string of cheap and dirty cliches. So, in Mike Furches' words, it is still a "safe movie." 2. Well, I enjoyed YOUR symbolic explanations. However, some viewers' interpretations seem a bit "party-pooper"-ish. I have heard several Christian viewers (not re-viewers) complain that the film was pushing animal-rights and a pro-vegetarian agenda. They must know something I don't, because Chicken Run had a merchandising contract with Burger King! Fun movie. I was a fan of Wallace and Gromit, and I look forward to future Nick Parks films.Thanks for the insight on this and other movies.
-Jen Rincon

TEEN PREGNANCY
Subject: teen pregnancy
Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #17
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: Peggy Monahan

"TEEN PREGNANCY LOWEST IN 60 YEARS" "Teenagers are having babies at the lowest rate in the last 60 years" "The teen birth rate fell" "teen pregnancy has gone down"

OK, forgive my pessimism, the birth rate may be down, but is the abortion rate down? - Peggy Monahan

Response: The abortion rate in recent years has not gone up in a corresponding way with the decreasing teen birth rate. In my area, however, the teen birth rate is the highest in California, but the abortion rate is the lowest. This is because of the strong Roman Catholic influence. So, I know what you are thinking. But, aside from areas like the one I live in, there is very little correspondence. Also, remember that abortions involve pregnancy. So a pregnant teen that has a baby and a pregnant teen that has an abortion are both counted as "pregnant teens." -David

JESUS BRINGS CHANGE
Subject: Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #17
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: Ruth

let us all pray that all of these seekers in different areas of our society will find the real JESUS, who gave HIS ALL for us on the cross. it would change our society for ever.
sincerely a believer Ruth

A PLEASING SURPRISE
Subject: An Ideal Husband
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: Elizabeth

My husband and I rented this movie hoping to see a well-done period comedy, nothing more, but at the end we were both exclaiming "What a great message!" While this film is mostly about honor, and what the characters will do to protect it, an even more powerful message becomes apparent : no one is perfect , and all of us are in need of grace." It is not the perfect but the imperfect who need love..." says the neer- do- well Lord Goring. A great discussion starter!

4TH COMMANDMENT?
Subject: Liberman
Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #17
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: Tina

Dear Hollywood Jesus, Did Liberman make a mistake when he said "remembering the Sabbath" was obeying "the fourth commandment"? The third commandment is Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it Holy and the fourth commandment is Honor thy Father and thy Mother.
Confused, Tina

Response: Jews and Protestants number the Ten Commandments differently that Catholics. Lieberman is right according to the Torah tradition. -David

REACTION FROM AUSTRAILIA
Subject: What's Happening To American Culture?
Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #17
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: Mark Storm

Hello David. I thought I might send a few thoughts over re; 'What's Happening To American Culture?' from an Australian point of view.

America and the Nineveh Syndrome

Seeing the world from the continent of Australia gives one a unique perspective. Being "down under" we tend to look up (and across) to America for much of our leadership in business, politics, religion and the arts. This has been especially so since World War II when your nation pretty well rescued mine from the militaristic ambitions of Japan's rulers of that time. [Most Australians like to think we could have held off the Japanese single handedly, but if you press us enough any Australian with half a brain cell will admit that if it wasn't for you, we'd have been sunk!] Not surprisingly, if American culture is moving in any one direction, my little English-speaking country down here will soon follow in your footsteps. And yet although we follow "tardy apish" as Shakespeare once said of the Continental-copying English, we still adjust our rose coloured view of your land with a very tightly focused lens of skepticism. Despite what you might see in the tourism ads on t.v., ours is a harsh country, and any overconfident lack of vigilence will see one quickly destroyed by the harshness of the climate in this largely barren land.

So, when we observe you Americans becoming increasingly focused on religious matters we tend to be both relieved and cynical. Yours is the nation whose political, financial and religious leaders can engineer the entire planet into chaos or bountiful liberty. The current predominance of Judeo-Christian values apparantly shaping your nation's progress gives us much food for thought. We, like you, know that many of those who profess Christianity (especially of the 'born again' variety) are frauds exploiting the "Jesus factor" in their cynical manipulation of the voters. But, on the other hand, it is encouraging and uplifting to see how so many of your citizens make morality and ethical behaviour a 'factor'. It has often been said that Americans are a noble and fundamentally virtuous people - with an ironic knack of giving power to pusillanimous immoral charlatans. Not that we Australians are much different!

But what of this almost miraculous 'change of heart' so evident in America? Barely fifteen years ago the world was on the brink of social and economic collapse; a nuclear war only just around the corner! Is it because the Soviet Union has collapsed that you now bask in the sun of Mono Super Power? Is this all just an Indian Summer, before the return of the chill winds of harsh reality?

Or is there a real change - a sea change? Has America finally got God's word into its mind and heart?

I hope and pray it is so. It is so wonderful and refreshing to see such positive hopefulness streaming out from the Land Of The Free. But I am a true Australian; my cynicism is breathed in with every breath taken in this harsh and unforgiving country of ruinous droughts and unpredictable floods.

And so I reach the fulcrum of this essay; I am reminded of the story of Jonah... not just the whale part, that every Sunday school kid knows, but the fact that he didn't want to preach to that city of sin, Nineveh, but did. And when Nineveh listened and God spared it from destruction, Jonah was discontent - almost angry at God, thinking that they'd gotten off lightly. I know there are a lot of doomsayers amongst Americans - a lot make a very healthy living out of being a hybrid of Jonah and Jeremiah. But surely we ought to be like the father of the Prodigal Son; rejoicing in a lost soul's return to righteousness?

And herein lies the warning. Will America repeat the experience of Nineveh? Will America's recent repentence soon fail, and her destruction and judgement come as surely as that the prophets foretold for that ancient empire? Will America be no better than the dog in the proverb; no sooner has it relieved its stomach of the filth and poison within it, than it returns to its own vomit?

I don't want to say something platitudinal like; "Only time will tell". I believe the prophets have told us already. Nations rise and fall in this world of mortality - no jurisdiction, no government, no administration can hold the reins of power for eternity. That glory and true power lie elsewhere as we are told in the Lord's Prayer; "...For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory; For ever and ever...". As long as Americans have this truth written on their hearts, anything they care to call 'America' will prevail amidst the seas and winds of change.

I just hope my little country will be following in your wake.

God bless you, America. God bless us all.
- Mark Storm

REFRESHING REVIEWS
Subject: Hm, What A Refreshing Change X-Men
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000
From: Fire Core

I must say, this site is great.

A group of people and I were talking one day and one of them brought up an article reviewing "X-Men." Now, all of us have seen "X-Men" and thought it was great, so we wondered what was the significance of the review. We read it, and well, it pretty much disgusted us. It was rather pathetic. The review was against the movie, but that wasn't the point; the point was that the reviewer parallaled the whole movie as a huge metaphor for homosexuality and other "sins" (I myself don't consider homosexuality a sin, and I love them as much as I love the next person, but that's a topic for another day). I mean, heh, it's as if you, Mr. Bruce, used your powers of insight for negativity instead of positivity (hehe, "Using your powers for evil, not for good"). The article was longer than your review, so I wonder how much anger must reside in that man. The extent he went to find such minute connections to evil were astounding. I barely hear of dictators that go this far to try and spread propaganda.

Then my friend showed us this website (Hollywood Jesus) to counter the "Vengeful God" review. He was the one that introduced me to this site. I was pretty much wowed by the parallels you saw. That would explain the title on my subject. Like I said, it is so refreshing to find someone that is very spiritual yet positive in public. I know alot of those with strong faiths are just as positive, but the loud ones are often the minority (William Donahue comes to mind, as his actions resulted in that fine show on ABC getting canceled, and then blasting "Dogma" before it was released. Oddly enough, I found both to enrich my faith).

I didn't even see the connections (besides the obvious racial overtones) until I read this. It's nice to see someone using their abilities to benefit others =) Marcus (Plz don't post up my email address, thank you)

P.S. Thank You, Mr. Jeff Niems, for talking about "Churchianity." Your comments are what made that article spring up in my head. I didn't even make the connection between the Brotherhood and "Churchianity!" Seems Mr. Bruce isn't the only good insightful one here.

Response: Thank you for the kind words. -David

GREAT FILM
Subject: Me_Myself_and_Irene
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2000
From: Star Sailer

this is a great movie. what is wrong with laughing at things? we cant always take everything so serious. like the old saying, laugh and the world laughs with you cry and you cry alone. this movie is a comedy which is meant to be funny and thats simply all the movie is.

LEVIATHAN?
Subject: I Like Godzilla Original_Godzilla
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2000
From: Asil

Is Godzilla The Leviathan?

Response: No, but he falls into that catagory of mythology. -David

ANGEL HEART?
Subject: angel heart
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2000
From: "Daniel"

hey david, have you ever done a review of "Angel Heart" - the old Mickey Rourke/Robert De Niro flick? if so, i couldn't find it on your site and would love to know what you think of it... hope all is well stateside.
God bless you, daniel

Response: No I haven't yet. But I will some day. -David

NO MORE EXCUSES
Subject: Stigmata
Date: Tue, 08 Aug 2000
From: illerya

why can't people just take this movie for what it is? i wish those of you who didn't like this film would stop making up excuses for why you didn't. you didn't like it, that's fine with me. but instead, excuses have to be made. "oh, it was all about demonic posession." yes, there were parts where she was possessed. the part were she stabs herself and mockingly says "blood of Christ" is one of them. for the atheists - i'm sure it presented a very interesting storyline, although i doubt it changed any views. and for you people who keep nitpicking about the finer details of the film, small inaccacuracies (in your opinion), just STOP. a quote: "if you think you know, it's not God."

so give it up and stop acting like know-it-alls, because when it comes to God, nobody knows. i believe that this movie should be taken for what it is - a beautiful piece of art that is supposed to give you strength, whatever denomination you may be. can't we just appreciate the beauty of lines such as "the kingdom of God is inside you and all around you. split a piece of wood and i am there, lift a stone and you will find me"?
-illerya

CHRISTOCENTRIC IMPLICATIONS
Subject: Review right on the money Green_Mile
Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000
From: Wesley Channell

I am probably the last person in the world to see this movie for the 1st time, but I just saw it last night. I was amazed by the Christocentric implications of the movie, many of which you identified. Luke tells us (6:19) that the power went out of Jesus when he healed people.

Also, you correctly quote Isaiah 53:3 which mentions that Jesus was a man of sickness and acquainted with grief. That text would bear the interpretation that Jesus did this all of his earthly life, much like John C. in the film, not just at his death.

One last thing that I missed in your review was the long reflection of unwanted longevity of life in the last few minutes of the film. The bible speaks to this in Ecclesiastes rather poignantly with concept of futility or emptiness, that "something missing" element of life. As well, it deals with the problems of old age and its unwanted presence in Ecclesiastes 12.
Good job, keep up the good work.
Wesley Channell

HOLD HOLD HOLD
Subject: Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #16
Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000
From: Jeannie

Sir, It is because of your honesty...I enjoy reading your page. I personally believe we are moving into a time period we christians have all read about and said was coming. Now that it is here, I believe there is a sense of fear among believers that the words of God Word are not just words anymore but are a reality, whether we are ready or not. There is no turning back. Labor pains, spiritually we are having labor pains, it is seen in our culture as you say. Sometimes my only comfort is knowing that Jesus is raising up believers and training them in the true spiritual sense of warfare...He is just saying, HOLD, HOLD, HOLD...(just like in Braveheart). What you sense is true, we must pray and train and that is what you are helping us do. Our Lord of Armies would not send us to battle without training and plenty of warning. You have an awesome job. I thank you for being obedient to our Lord.
With all His Love, Jeannie
P.S. I loved the book Soul Tsunami

LIKES REVIEWS ON HJ
Subject: Hollywood Jesus
Date: Mon, 07 Aug 2000
From: Craig Schiller

Hi David, I just came across your site today, and I wanted to thank you for your intelligent and perceptive reviews. Particularly your review of "American Beauty", which was one of the most insightful reviews I've seen of what I consider by far my favourite movie of 1999. Such a profound and ironically uplifting statement about a culture that looks for satisfaction in rose gardens and dishes and pretty teenage girls instead of in nurturing our souls and our hearts.

Also, thank you for recognizing in your review of "Contact" that faith and science need to walk together -- I've simply never understood the argument that scientific findings are in any way incompatible with faith. In fact, the more science unveils the vast complexity of the way things really work, the more I see a divine hand guiding it all. I don't see science as replacing God; I see it as leading to a deeper understanding of how He made all of this come to be.

The whole idea of Christian movie reviews has been on my mind for a few weeks now, ever since a friend of mine e-mailed me the URL for a Christian movie review site which he considered seriously misguided. After reading several reviews, I agreed. The site missed the social commentary inherent in such flicks as "American Beauty", "American History X", "Magnolia", "The Matrix", "Fight Club" and "South Park". A lot of movies I love were held out as horrible examples of Hollywood morals gone awry -- even "Star Wars" lost marks for not being *explicitly* Christian. (Never mind that it's already one of the most obviously Christian metaphors in the history of film.) And in "Keeping the Faith", which I found to be absolutely delightful, the site actually felt it somehow necessary to note that the rabbi lived his spiritual life without Jesus. Like, duh, maybe he's Jewish.

I often end up feeling conflicted about my religious beliefs, because I simply can't agree with many of the more vocal Christians on many issues. Whenever I read the Bible, I see a Jesus who befriends the outcasts of society, who works on behalf of the poor, and who insists on love rather than moral judgment. I don't see a Jesus who advocates punishing evolutionists and homosexuals and non-Christians. I see a Jesus of universal love, not one of moralistic judgment. I see a Jesus whose salvation and love are there for everybody. I see a Jesus who cares more about what's in your heart than He does about whether you follow the letter of the Mosaic Law.

Every once in a while I need a little reminder that I'm not the only sane Christian in the world, because quite often the trends I see within Christianity are even more discouraging than the ones I see within popular culture. So thank you again for engaging pop culture in a more meaningful and enlightening way than some of your other peers on the Internet.

Craig,
who'll be sharing your site with a few friends

Response: Thank you for your kind remarks

THE GODZILLA CONTROVERSY
Subject: Original_Godzilla
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000
From: Jahdrums

I have read most of the reviews about this topic. People ask simple questions or make statements like " Godzilla is a figure of Satan ..an evil serpent.", "Why is God's name is with Godzilla's?" "The Japanese created Godzilla as a symbol of America's nuclear attack and Japan's hard times after the bomb." and many others.

Godzilla is, in a way, an evil serpent kind of like that of Satan. But at the same time fans see him as a big ol' lizard of destruction and entertainment. If you have seen most of the Godzilla movies as I have, you would see that he can be both an evil force to be dealt with and also a hero to the people of Toyko and the entire world.

But here's the deal with his "bad side". He is to most, an entity of evil and carnage. He kills, destroys, wreaks havoc where ever he goes. Someone said on this webpage that the reason God is in his name is because he is eternal and cannot be destroyed by man just like God. Wrong. Remember that nothing is greater then God and no one or no thing is God's equal. Man is a sinner and we always would like to think of us or some one else as being greater then God or God's equal, Godzilla is just another one of the many things we make up to try to fool ourselves that we can create something as powerful or similar to God.

In the Bible, Satan is mentioned as a snake (serpent). This has led many people to believe that all snakes (and sometimes other reptiles) are demonic. So when we see Godzilla, a huge dragon like creature, we can seem him as being evil and Satan-like.

To me, Godzilla is not a sign of the of the devil, but the sign of evil in man's own heart. If the Japanese made him as the symbol of the atomic bomb incident that took place during World War II then it is man who Godzilla's darkness represents. Man is what created the atomic bomb, not Satan.

I'm not saying that people shouldn't watch him or if you're a Christian then you shouldn't be fan of him. I just wrote this to help clear up some mass confusion going around. I'm a 16 year old guy and both a Godzilla fan and a Christian just like everyone else that has been to this site and has posted something.
See you all later, peace.

GOOD NEWSLETTER
Subject: Howdy
Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #16
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000
From: Nathan

Greetings. Recently I received a copy of your newsletter from a co-worker and I thoroughly enjoyed it -- you truly hit the mark on God being popular everywhere but in the church. After reading the newsletter, I went to the web site to subscribe for myself... but to my dismay I couldn't find a link to subscribe with. Please add me to your mailing list. Thank you and God's blessing upon you and your ministry.
Nathan

Comment: I put you on the list. Thanks for the kind words. -David

LOCATION OF THE HOSPITAL
Subject: The Gesundheit is still in operation PatchAdams
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000
From: Tom

I was reading some of the comments and noticed that some people wanted to know if the hospital was still in operation and whether they could get involved. IT IS still in operation - you go to www.gesundheitinst.org you can find out about it and how to get involved.
From Tom

PERSONAL INSIGHT INTO DAYLIGHT
Subject: Motivational thought Daylight
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000
From: Brian

Thanks for your website. I check it whenever my wife and I are going to rent a video. Another thought about Daylight is a bit evangelistic. Many people in my city are trapped in another kind of destroyed tunnel - life. I'm not a perfect person, like Kit Laturo, but God still wants to use me to rescue some. I really like the portrayal of Kit - he wasn't a cocky hero like the guy who tried to climb out at the beginning. He was just a guy who was doing his best, making stuff up as he went along, but knew the meaning of sacrifice. This motivates me in my life - (I work with youth in my city). I want to make the necessary sacrifices in order to help more people in my city find the Daylight through the cross of Jesus.
Brian

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