LIKES SIGHT. BUT WHERE IS E.T.?
First of all, let me say, I like your site. I find your attitude refreshing  an your insights compelling. As an agnostic, I am usually distressed by by  what seems to me the smug (and at times strident) moral certainty of true  beleivers. While your Christianity is evident, I get a sense that your  worldview allows for a bit more questioning.
    That said, here is my question. Where is E.T.? Or, now that I think about  it, "Close Encounters?" ET was clearly a christian allegory, complete with  death and resurrection of our beloved main character. And "Close   Encounters", if you recast the UFOs slightly, is a brilliant examination of   the effects of Mystical experience on the lives of ordinary folks. I would love to see your take on these films.
Take Care. A.K.A. Simon Templar
My response: It is just a question of time. Look for E.T. and Close Encounter soon. And thanks for the kind words. In terms of my Christianity, it is the "love others" type, not the "condemn others" type.

CHUCK COLSON, PARAPHRASED...
June 16, 1999. To those mentioning the Buddhist/Eastern mysticism ideas portrayed The Matrix: I agree that this film contains some ideas of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Post Modernism. However, I agree with Chuck Colson in his commentary of the film (see link to RealAudio file below). To paraphrase Colson, "The Matrix" contains some elements that draw off of Buddhist ideas, but on a deeper level it uses Biblical themes. Yes, there are other religious influences beside the Bible in this film. However, they are not the over-arching idea. What ties the plot elements, symbolism, and character names together are the ideas from Christianity. Christians also need to understand the difference between Biblical allusions/themes and a retelling the story of Christ. The novel "A Thousand Acres" is a retelling of Shakespeare's "King Leare" in a different setting. "The Matrix" is not a retelling of the New Testament in a science fiction motif. Thus, there is a limit to which the analogy of the Christ-figure extends. It does employ Christian themes and alludes to certain Biblical passages. There is a significant difference. I don't think all Christians should see this movie. However, if they can get past the surface of the violence and special effects to see the Biblical themes, "The Matrix" is a movie that will cause them to think about their faith and their need for a savior. To download a RealAudio sound file of Chuck Colson's commentary on "The Matrix," go to the site below. http://www.icrn.com/playit.asp?sc=pf&sid=5&d=19990409 Please feel free to e-mail me at johmatk@bethel.edu . --Matt

"THE FORCE" COVERS ALL RELIGIONS AND BELIEFS
June 7, 1999. I haven't seen Phantom Menace yet. But I have seen the other Star Wars trilogy. And I have seen many biblical connections in all three movies. For example, the temptation that Luke goes through, and the faith that he has. That is of course only a small example of what biblical connections can be seen. But I'm sorry to say that many people I've come across, don't see that, because as soon as they read that George Lucas is a Buddhist, they choice to put a blind eye to the positive message the movie sends out. And if people are judging Lucas because they think because he is Buddhist, that he is anti-Christian. Well Lucas may follow a different religion. But that doesn't make him anti-Christian. In fact from a recent interview I read, he seems very pro-Christian, and has great respect for Christianity. In fact I think Lucas has respect for all religions, which is probabaly the reason he uses 'the Force', instead of 'God'. So that way, 'the Force' can cover all religions and beliefs. kind regards. --Wendy

LUCAS IS CAPABLE OF SO MUCH MORE!
May 31, 1999. With spare time on my hands yesterday I broke my own self-imposed embargo on Lucas and went to see Star Wars. Much to my surprise I absolutely hated it! I did manage to stay in my seat though and came away with the following observations. Regarding the race question, there is no doubt that Lucas is very uncomfortable with race. Sure there were two black men in the movie, but one (Jackson) was the only human Jedi Master amongst weird looking aliens (are blacks aliens?) and he had a decidedly surly and sour outlook, as did the narrow minded queens guard who was at least allowed to kill some of the bad machines. Amazing that in 4 feature length films Lucas can't find even a small part for a positive black character. I also noticed that the two bad ambassadors who started the whole thing had very oriental accents! As to the Force, Lucas has decided to stay firmly entrenched in this new age philosophy, now even bringing it down to the genetic level when there is discussion of the properties in your cells that are good or bad. As far as religion is concerned we are treated to the ancient religion of the cartoon characters where they are hiding in what looks amazingly like Buddhist temple ruins. Lucas has always kept ties with Eastern religion in his films and continues that tradition. What amazed me is the outright slap at Jesus when we come to find out that Anakin Skywalker was immaculately conceived! That is to say, he had no father. This ups the ante on Jehovah as Jesus had a heavenly Father, whereas the future savior of the force is almost entirely self generated. This is the triumph of humanism, the philosophy that we can do anything, we are self contained "gods," etc. Also, little Anakin’s willingness to jettison his mother and his unconvincing love for his mom as they part is further proof that Lucas seems to be working out some serious problems of his own on film. For me Anakin Skywalker, who Lucas has now made the absolute center of the whole set of films was the most annoying character of all. I really didn't like the little kid, no charm, no acting skills, nothing for me here... Yet all the trivia buffs will be wondering, who will he marry to have Luke and Lea? How will he be turned to the dark-side? and so on. I've gone on at great length (mainly because it's Memorial Day morning and I have nothing better to do yet) and I'll leave out my growing abhorrence of special effects, the wasting of a good actor (Neeson), the only near Christian character (mom), what was on the necklace (I think I spotted a cross!), and so on. Suffice it to say that Lucas now becomes a prayer focus for me, with his considerable influence amongst the young he has the opportunity to send out much more positive messages that he does. While Darth Maul may look like one of Satan's devils, it isn't man that can defeat him! –Ken
My response: You certainly gave the film lots of thought. According to eastern Zen, "the greatest purpose is to have no purpose." This doesn't characterize George Lucas or Star Wars at all. I believe it has more to do with the Saturday morning movie serials, where the good guys win, where bad is bad and good is good. George Lucas also feels that kids don't think about God as often as they could. So he has created a kid series that deals with spirituality (the force). In true Buddhism it is less about God and more about the Four Truths to self discipline, and the Path to Nirvana to end the cycle of reincarnation (this is not in Star Wars). Lucas' mentor is Joseph Cambell, the famous mythology expert. I think Lucas' is more about the importance of myth and its power in truth telling. The vigin birth thing, will turn out to be not so. Anakin has a father. The 'no father' comment was to give punch to the idea the Anakin could be the chosen one. We all know he isn't and so does Yoda.

GREAT, INTENSE STORY
May 27, 1999. I thought Episode One was excellent. It is a great story and intense SE. The lightsaber battles are the best. As a Christian first, and a Star Wars fan second, I wasn't threatened by George Lucas' use of several religious themes. We must remember that this is a story, not a doctrinal statement of belief, and while some will take it to far we must realize that evangelism is our responsibility, the Holy Spirit's work and not a movie's. I personally think that an educated person will realize that Lucas is a great "story teller" not a theologian. --Brian Metz

OPENS CONVERSATION WITH NON-CHRISTIAN FRIENDS
May 26, 1999. I thought the movie quality was really good and very interesting. However, the numerous biblical references to a virgin birth and life force connection which tells each of us the will of the force did somewhat disturb me as a Christian. Yet, the movie has opened a conversation base for me with some of my non-Christian friends.--Dave Poole
daveythmin@aol.com

MANY LESSONS TO BE LEARNED
May 25, 1999. I thought that there were many lessons to be learned in this movie...the rebellious tendencies of the master go through to Obi-Won and even Anakin....(he would train them anyway no matter what the council said.) But the danger is to substitute force for spirit...and I didn't think they needed the Virgin birth part... It is important not to place jedi/star wars things in the place of what is holy. Keeping this perspective, enjoy the movie... --jayne

CAME AWAY WANTING MORE
May 23, 1999. After seeing Phantom Menace last night, I came to appreciate George Lucas' vision and creativity that much more. The special effects were simply unbelievable - unparalled. The story itself was interesting and flowed pretty well. I didn't have a real problem with the thin script or acting - this a fantasy after all. I too came away wanting more - contemplating what I had just seen. I would heartily recommend this film - especially to families. It is a rare film with no vile language, sexuality most of the violence centers on destroying the battle droid (I really didn't see any significant blood.) Overall, definitely worth the wait.

THE THEME IS AT THE HEART OF SCRIPTURE.
May 20, 1999.  I took my whole family to see Phantom Menace on the 19th. I loved it, perhaps because I see the world in a similar way to George Lucas. The characters and the script are important but are secondary to the greater purpose of telling a story. That story is the beginnings of how evil infiltrates the highest levels of power. This is theme is at the very heart of the Bible, when sin first occurs is in Isaiah 14 with Lucifer's decision to become as powerful as The Most High, God. Lucas is showing us the Senator from Naboo is in fact a power crazed self promoter who has a hidden agenda and identity. Many of the critics have said this film lacks the cohesiveness of the campy trio of Hans, Luke and Leah. Balderdash, the script is tight and as in most of the Star Wars films is only a part of the Lucas method of story telling. To that extent the script is perfectly balanced with the telling of the story. The special effects are both over the top and yet done with enough restraint that Episode 1 will not detract from Episodes IV,V, & VI. Lucas has the power to pound his own earlier work into being so 20 minutes ago but he doesn't. The computer generated characters are also very good. I offer Mr. Lucas a hearty pat on the back for realizing what must have been a huge cost savings to himself in making the cast of thousands, i.e. Jar-Jar's people and the soldier droids totally computer animated. So much easier to control the creative process without having to feed and pay the equivalent number of extra's to play Storm Troopers. The result is very satisfying. The look achieved in this film is spectacular, and portrays a Universe that is as believable as it is alien. Not all will enjoy this film but they will be in the minority, and most likely not the type who see many movies, especially not action/adventure movies. Too bad for them, at least they won't be crowding the lines for us fans as we go back for another round to see what cool stuff we missed the first time.

I could have challenged this resposne because, in fact, I do have a right to step foot on their campus for a voluntary meeting provided for students.   By the time, I would have won my battle the need would have vanished.  Secular grief counselors and psychologists were called in to meet the kid's emotional needs.   Again, I was reminded that, tragically, schools, which are overwhelmed with out of control children, are not utilizing the most powerful resource available to them  -   caring folks in their community churches.  The kids in Littleton knew where to go with their needs.

I would also like to respond to the comments made about the role of grief counseling.  Christian writers are often guilty of blanket statements that paint everyone with the same brush.  It is not a true statement to say that "grief counselors do not allow anger or any connection with the departed."  I do grief counseling and work with grief counselors who encourage the expression of anger and a hope beyond this world.  Grief counselors are people who are usually very spiritual or they wouldn't have pursued this line of work.  In fact, encouraging the spiritual side of those grieving is the only way to do grief counseling.  How else could people deal with the horror of everyday life that witnesses two boys gunning down their classmates.  You have to have the spiritual context to deal with these things that make no sense.  There has to be a God of Ultimate Justice so  parents can sleep at night.  There is no other place to go with grief and rage but to a place bigger than us where things make sense or like II Peter says, "where we will all be made right with God."   I have never met or even heard of grief therapy that did not allow room for rage, anger, hatred and all expressions of the human condition so that one can find the way out of the chaos of overwhelming grief.  If Christian writers, like Church Colson, want the world to take their message seriously they would be better offer not wiping out with sweeping statements the very people they are trying to reach.

AN INTERESTING SMALL DETAIL
April 19, 1999. Here's a small detail I noticed that I haven't heard anyone mention: When Agent Smith is interrogating Morpheus, Smith compares humans to dinosaurs. The analogy is far more relevant than it first seems, if you consider that we get most of our energy from fossil fuels -- much like the AI of  "The Matrix" uses humans as "batteries."

BIBLE CONNECTIONS
April 21, 1999. I truly enjoyed the matrix and its underlying Biblical references. 1) The prophecy of a chosen one that will dawn the end of the (computer) world (Just as Jesus' 2nd coming in revelation, 2) The ships name was Nebachanezzer (A biblical king that is named in the book of Daniel as well as other places) 3) Neo (The hero) was killed around the end of the movie and rose again, just as the story of Christ's cruxifiction. 4) There were many times that they hinted at the bible, such as the amount that they kept saying Jesus Christ in the movie. (One character at the beginning stated: You're my savior...my own personal Jesus Christ...) I did not care for some of the violence in the movie however, and the amount of swearing. Several of the songs Ironically were Marylin Manson Songs, which are, to me, religious Blasphemy. I would say though, that for a good underlying hidden story from the Bible, that this is a good movie. If you don't care much for violence or swearing though, then perhaps this movie isn't for your tastes. Big James EmmetLBrown@Hotmail.com

PROPHESY IN MATRIX
April 18, 1999. Haven't seen this movie yet, but I saw a review with a most interesting connection to be made: "...a prophesy says that just as one man started the Matrix, one will be born who will end the Matrix control." Wow! That sounds just like the imagery in Romans 5:12-21 and the following chapters. The Matrix sounds like a story about the control of sin, which started with Adam and ended with Jesus Christ! Romans 5:19 says that "For just as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous." Sounds like a film I'll have to get out and see. John Madvig

BUDDHIST, TOO.
April 17, 1999.  Just came back from "The Matrix"   with a friend of mine. We got to talking about the spiritual layers of meaning in the film. Quite a number of themes to ruminate about: the Christian imagery, the man/machine/cyborg elements, the ultimate nature of reality. I thought a vaguely Force-ish Buddhist world view underlay much of the explicit action and dialogue (not to deny the presence of the Christian symbolism described on your webpage). Interesting: as I recall, reality was described as what we make it (there is no spoon; 'you' bend); yet underlying that is the inescapable rock bottom reality of the enslaved human race made to live in a false world from which Neo must release them. Even in a world where we construct our own reality, there is a larger "real reality" that is our ultimate goal and destiny. -Rich Robinson, San Francisco, CA rarob@aol.com

MATRIX=DECEPTION OF WORLD
April 10, 1999. The Matrix was an amazingly spiritual film, with such golden biblical truths that im sorry to say most Christians wont even recognize. I went to see the film with friends and was blown away by the parable. They (christians) liked the movie, but didn’t pick up on the underlying themes, such as the need for faith in the matrix (Matrix=deception of world) The need for Neo to go into the Matrix but not be of it etc.) and many more. I am a film maker and theorist and I will be writing an extensive essay on the spiritual themes, maybe Pastor Bruce would like to post it for reading. I have seen the film twice, and I am planning on seeing it again soon, one thing is certain you must pay close attention to detail to pick up every nuance. (just like when you read scripture.) --Danial Panzella
My Response: You write, I post! I would very much like to read what you discovered in the Matrix!

NOT YOUR AVERAGE SCI-FI ACTION FILM
April 10, 1999. This movie was awesome! A great story and breath-taking special effects, but the deeper meaning behind it and the clever twists gives it more weight and enjoy-ability than your average sci-fi/action film.–Sue

Your Private Comments.
I will not post these comments. What are your personal thoughts?  I also welcome your spiritual concerns and prayer needs.  I will correspond with you, usually within two weeks.
CLICK HERE
Private_Comments_E-mail

Hollywood Jesus News Letter
Receive the Hollywood Jesus Newsletter FREE.
Sign up here