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NEWSLETTER
#26 COMMENTS
THANK
YOU
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: "Kurt Huber"
Hi David. I came across
your web page when a friend sent me a link. I am much impressed. Too often
I find reviews of movies too critical and superficial. Having somebody
looking at these movies/etc. through the lens of Christianity is very
helpful!!!!! It has helped me to engage my youth group around the great
questions of the faith...esp. when it comes to its interaction with pop
culture.
Some of the best movies
have been rated "R" and boy have I gotten bashed by parents for showing
movies that are rated "R" and yet, all the kids have seen the shows. Keep
up those reviews!
Thank you for filling
a void. (And you would be welcome in my church any day!)
(The Rev.) Kurt J.
Huber
Trinity Episcopal Church (Newtown, CT)
kjhuber@alumni.umich.edu
Response:
Thank you, and I will coninue to fill the void. Protecting youth from
R rated is impossible. We need to teach our youth how to view a film.You
are so right. -David
THANK
YOU FOR MAKING ME SMILE
THANK YOU FOR THE SANITY
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Kevin Kriedemann
Hallelujah brother
Thank you for making me smile. I am a nineteen-year old Christian from
South Africa who intends to make a career out of movies and books. Recently,
I've been feeling like I'm the only one - everyone seems to presume the
two are mutually exclusive. So it is a relief to find such a sane-minded
Christian working good in the world. I work part time at a bookshop and
this week a lady came in and started gleefully telling me that Harry Potter
and JK Rowlings both deserved to burn in hell. What most disturbed me
was the glee with which she expounded this. I can see her point that there
might not be such a thing as good magic, but i for one am ecstatic that
children are reading, using their imagination and dealing with real life
issues in the books. I think God can take care of the rest. So yes, I
am sick of pedantic Christianity that sees sin in everything. But God
is amazing and the church beautiful when it works as it should, and it's
forums like this that give me hope.
Thank you for the sanity
Kevin Kriedemann
Response:
I agree. To be gleeful about someone "going to hell" is sick
and uncompassionate. JK Rowlings is loved by God, as is everyone. Jesus
died for Rowlings, too. Christian need to learn how tho use the culture,
instead of publicly bashing it. Our God is bigger than the stupid little
things that mean nothing over time. Remeber when the USSR was supposed
to take over the world? Remember the supposed coming economic crash? Remember
the Pokemon attacks? Remember the Y2K end of the world nonsence? When
will Christians get it and stop majoring in the minors? It is time to
focus on Jesus -David
TICKETS
ARE LIKE VOTES
Subject: About_R-Rated Newsletter_26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: MT
Dear David:
Thank you for your Newsletter. I enjoy reading it. I am very passionate
about film and as a Christian do not see R-rated movies. Why not?
It is because I believe that when we buy a movie ticket we are sending
a message to Hollywood that says, "Hey, make more movies like this one."
I think of it kind of like voting.
Let's presuppose that
as Christians we care about our culture and want to see filmmakers produce
more films that portray truth about life. What if we then go out with
our friends and families and buy tickets to movies that take the Lord's
name in vain, contain profanity, depict sex outside of marriage without
consequences, violence as entertainment, etc.? Millions of other Americans
will also pack into the theaters and the films then become hits. Studios
conclude that there is a high demand for these types of films and we desire
this type of content in order to be entertained and keep coming back to
the movies. As a result, more of those films make it to the screen.
For me it is a sacrifice
not to see R-rated movies. Most movies that appeal to me are R-rated.
However, I do believe that as someone who professes to follow Christ,
my life should not be identical to that of someone who does not follow
Christ. We are called to be "in the world, but not of the world."
Response:
I appreciate your response. But, I find your basic assumptions groundless.
1. Christians
can not be mobilized like you imagine. Example: The movie Omega Code was
promoted to every church in America, many Christian organizations got
behind it. Theater sellouts were expected. This was to be a mega hit that
would send a message to Hollywood. However, It failed to impress anyone.
Christians are not some puppets on strings that can be governed by some
human religious institution that thinks a film is appropriate or inappropriate.
As innocent as your words seem, the concept is really scary to me.
2. R-rated
movie viewing does NOT equal "being of the world." If I am "in
Christ" seeing an R-rated movie does not put me back into the world.
That is a works or merit based idea of redemption. I am redeemed "out
of the world" by the work of Jesus, and not by something I do or
do not do. The Bible simply says, "We are in the world, not of it.
(John 17:16)" This is by action of God, and not by anything we do.
You are adding something that simply is not there. This verse is inappropriately
used to hit people over the head.
3. The
assumption that R-rated movies are "wrong" just because they
are so rated by some self appointed secular group within the entertainment
community is curious to me. Can you image early Christians not doing something
because Caesar gave it an R-rating? Let me remind you the MPAA originally
gave the Christian film "Tribulation 2" from Cloud Ten Pictures
an R rating due to overt religious content. Each film should be evaluated
on it's own merit. Your carte blance approach seems Pollyanna to me. How
does a film producer correctly portray historical characters like Patton,
or Harry S. Truman or the recent Pollock without
profanity. Does the "I don't give a damn" in "Gone with
the Wind" make it unfit for Christians? In terms of consequences:
Lots of evil doers avoid consequences in this life. Do we restrict those
stories? On the other hand, however I appreciate films that do NOT take
the Lord's name in vain, that limit profanity, that do not depict adulterous
sex outside as an ideal, nor present random acts of violence as entertainment.
"Remember the Titans" is a
wonderful example of how a film can have tough language and themes with
out using profanity.
4. Your
suggestion that R-rated don't "portray truth about life" is
totally erroneous. For example, R-rated "Faithless,"
which gives a painful and intense look at the consequences following an
adulterous affair, runs counter to your main argument. There are many
R-rated films that portray truth and there are G-rated films that don't.
5. Your
grid for "as Christian we" is very troubling to me. The body
of Christian is not as cookie cut as your fancy seems to dictate.
6. The
personal choice you have made not to see R-rated is indeed your right.
You have that choice and totally understand the concerns of your heart
that bring you to this decision. I celebrate your freedom. More power
to you.
7. Bottom
line. The world is won, one person at a time. Never through boycotts.
Hollywood Jesus is about the former and not the latter.
-David
NO
DIALOGUE WITH THOSE WITH DIFFERENT WORLD VIEW
Subject: R_Rated Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Tony Funk
I run into this same
problem year after year at my college. I continually challenge students:
"If Christians can't speak articulately about films, you won't be able
to dialogue with people who don't share your world view." Keep review
the films you do.
Be brave, be bold, be wise.
Tony Tony Funk
Columbia Bible College
2940 Clearbrook Road
Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 2Z8
604-853-3358
tfunk@columbiabc.edu
Response:
I love your thought. Very good. -David
AMEN!
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Gregg
David,
I just read your newsletter #26 today and your comments regarding narrow
minded Christianity rang so true to me! I am a youth pastor!! A part of
a mainline church and I am so appalled and quite frankly discouraged by
the church! I believe God is too! It certainly was never his intention
for the church to be what it has become rather it was his biblically stated
desire for the church to reach ALL people. I loved your comments regarding
the idea of opening your own church and to whom it would minister, it
is certainly the vision Christ cast for the church. I believe the church
is dying inside and if we don't start doing some hard evaluation and soul
searching we are in serious jeopardy. I believe it is time for those in
the church who have a clear concept of what Jesus was really teaching
and what his desire for the church really was to stand up and start vocalizing
those concerns. However, I have found that comes at great personal risk.
I have already jeopardized my job. At times I beg God to remove me from
this church and lead me on to another. One that holds the kind of views
you penned. But for the moment He has kept me here. It is not my place
to question why only to do the work he has called me too whatever the
cost!
Anyway I just wanted
to say, be encouraged!! There are others within the church who mourn for
its failure to grasp the concept of what following Jesus is all about.
We may be a minority but so where 12 men 2 millennia ago. Keep on doing
what you are doing and pursuing the work that God has called you to! It
is not for the praise of the church that we work but for the words of
our Lord Jesus "Well done good and faithful servant, well done!"
Impassioned for the Kingdom, Gregg
Response:
I live for those words, "Well done" Thank you. -David
NEW
CHURCH ..OR OLD?
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Pastor Don Ciesielski
Gee, David, your description
of the kind of church you would like to be a part of sounds remarkably
like the "Way" originated by a Jew from Nazareth two thousand years ago.
I thought that was exactly what Jesus had in mind when he came to proclaim
"The Kingdom of God" and "The Way, The Truth, and the Life."
I am a retired Lutheran
pastor, and still enjoy preaching the Gospel as a liberating message for
all who will listen to the words of Jesus and accept Him into their hearts.
My favorite saying is, "God loves you just the way you are." Keep up the
good work, my Christian Brother. . .
God bless you!
Pastor Don Ciesielski
El Paso, Texas
Response:
The Church Jesus had in mind. Yes! And may it be. -David
KEEP
UP THE SPIRIT'S WORK, DAVID
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Patrick Jones
Dear David, I know
I've sent you notes over the past few years but I'm truly appreciative
of the time, work, dedication and sensitivity that you've shown through
your ministry. As a pastor, I've had many of the conversations that you've
been experiencing as well. Just a couple of weeks ago, I spoke to some
graduating seniors at a home school baccalaureate banquet and use a scene
from Titanic as an illustration of living passionate life from a redeemed
heart (no it wasn't the car scene :-)), but as I concluded folks avoided
me like the plague for mixing something like that with the scriptures.
Fortunately, our ministry at the church has more testimonies than hecklers
but it still exists. At a local bible college (my alma mater, :-)), one
of the professors didn't mention my name or the church but proceeded to
question the validity of ministers or ministries that embraced the usage
of hollywood in their public presentations. He then used examples from
my sermons - as vendications for his judgements. He attended our church
for about 7 months,  correcting
and rebuking the entire time. I find it difficult to live from my heart
during those times :-( . John Fisher's book on "12 Steps for the Recovering
Pharisee, like Me" provides me with encouragement to challenge my
heart while listening to other's fear. My convictions hold firm however
-- the scriptures were primarily written in narrative form, our lives
are told out in stories, and we are called and invited to be a part of
His Divine Story of redeemption as well. The place that we (as well as
society) turns to . . . is the theatre . . . the arts . . . movies . .
. and until our worship services and bible studies move hearts and emotions
to be challenged deeply as those places do . . . then may your tribe increase
:-)
In Heaven's Womb
Pat Jones Pastor
Beacon Community Church
New Port Richey,
Florida www.beaconchurch.org
INTOLERANT
OF INTOLERANCE
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Joe Castillo
David, I am sorry
that you had a bad experience with caustic Christianity. Two thoughts
that would help you.
1. We were warned
by Christ that we as Christians were going to face persecution. It does
show up coming from unexpected places but when we are angry and critical
of the criticisers we fall into exactly the same type of behavior we accuse
them of. We become critical as well.
2. You may not be
affected by watching "R" or "X" Rated movies (there is often very little
difference) but many are, and many are fearful of the negative inffluence
it will have on themselves and their children. The influence of satan
is very obvious in any form of media produced by the world. It is not
the rating it is the content and as Christians we are admonished to keep
our selves unspotted by the world. Some can watch and not be influenced
many cannot. Those who cannot often become fearful. Be tolerant of them
even as you would want them to be tolerant of you.
PS I have benefited
from your web site. Thank You.
Joe Castillo
Pastor of Northridge Church
Richmond KY
Response:
Absoluetly. It is always the intent of the heart. Thanks -David
LIST
OF COOL CHURCHES
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: "Trone D. Tahran"
David, Thanks for
your work. : ) I live in the DC area and have lived in Minnesota, Hawaii,
and a few places overseas doing missions work. Some of my Christian friends
(who tend to be artists and/or former unbelievers) and I have discussed
the difficulty of finding good fellowships. I am thankful to God, however,
for being faithful to lead me to some very excellent fellowships in each
of the places I have lived. I'll list some of the best here from west
to east, with links if available:
MAUI: The best ones
I found were part of the Calvary Chapel group of churches. There's a map
here with contact info and links: http://www.islandhope.org/
I went to Hope Chapel in Kihei when I lived there and have a friend who
pastors one in Lahaina.
OAHU: Calvary Chapel
Honolulu 1190 Nuuanu Ave Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 524-0844 http://calvarychapel.com/honolulu/
HAWAII (the Big Island):
Calvary Community Church PO Box 5226 Kailua Kona, HI 96745 (808) 329-1448
The Pastor, David Rees-Thomas, is a godly and spiritually- sensitive man,
and the worship here was excellent.
MINNESOTA: NORTHERN/LEECH
LAKE AREA: Living Waters Church PO Box 515 Walker, MN 56484 218/547-1919
...with Pastor "Rick Moe and the R.L.S. (Radical Life Support) Band",
which has toured hundreds of high schools giving talks to help kids get
their lives together ( http://www.newciv.org/eyes/rescue.htm
)
MINNEAPOLIS: Church
of the Open Door http://www.thedoor.org/
NEW YORK: The Village
Church http://www.villagechurchnyc.com
...in Greenwich Village.
WASHINGTON, DC: Frontline
http://frontline.to ...the place to
be on Sunday nights in DC; a great place to meet people, worship to great
music, and get some consistently-excellent teaching; there are about 1,600
every night between both services.
Hope that helps.
Trone
COMMENT
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Wendy
Hi! David, I'm sorry
that the people at that Church treated you like that. Their behaviour
and attitute towards you does not set a very good example of Christianity
at all. You I was thinking recently how many Christians complain about
the way they're portrayed on TV and movies. For example, the Christian
characters on the Simpsons....fire and brimstone 'Rev Lovejoy and the
nerdy 'Ned Flounders. And even though I don't neccesarily like the fact
that Christians are often portrayed that way, because despite your unfortaunte
encounter, I know that not all Christians are like the latter. However
with the attitude and actions of some Christians, I can help but feel
that they bring that negative,unflattering portrayal, on themselves. Maybe
if we as Christians were more compassionate, patience, loving, merciful,
and understanding, instead of been critical, judgemental and pretty much
acting like we're God himself, than I think Christians would be getting
a more positive positive and reception in the media. I know that as Christians
we will be persecuted, as the Bible says. But the Bible also says to 'love
your enemies'. As for 'R" movies. Actually most of the movies that have
been mention are rated 'M" here in Australia. Our rating system is a little
different. I do watch 'R' (M) movies, and there are some that I like and
some I don't like. For example, I don't like movies where Satan is shown
as some comical charater in a red suit. I prefer movies like the Exorcist,
the Omen or Stephen King's The Stand, where Satan is shown more in his
true colors. I know that the above movies are often frowned upon by some
Christians, because they believe that they're santanic. But I ask, wouldn't
you rather see a 'R' film like the Exorcist, where non-Christians can
see who and what the enemy is, than some 'G' or 'PG' film where the enemy
is shown has some comical guy in a red suit? R rated truth or G rated
lies?
God Bless, Wendy
Response:
Thanks, Wendy. -David
A
GOOD CHURCH IS HARD TO FIND
Newsletter_26
Subject: Carronvale Rd Christian Church, in Mooroolbark, Victoria, Australia
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: greg
Maybe like "A good
woman is hard to find", a good church is hard to find. But when you do,
stick to it! I go to a small 'Christian Brethren' assembly in Victoria,
Australia. I'm a post-modern hippy, a hang-over hippy who now celebrates
the post-modern freedom for people to publicise their spirituality. I
have more opportunity to witness today than back in the 70's. I've accepted
the sacrifice Jesus went through to rid me of my sins, and am sealed with
his Spirit.
My church, the Carronvale
Rd Christian Church, in Mooroolbark, Victoria, Australia, has opened it's
doors to all people. We have welcomed the straights, the bent, the old,
the young, the hurt (the majority), the searchers, etc.
We do find, however,
that all these different types find it a bit hard to hit off together
anyway! So the population floats a bit. I have both enjoyed Hollywood
Jesus and highly recommended it to the church members.
Catchya up there...... Greg Carrick
My response:
Wow, a post modern hippy. I love it. You are right the "hurt"
are the majority. Sensitivity, openness, and embrace needs to be absolute
realities. -David
MAINLINE
CHURCH WHERE"SINNERS" ARE WELCOME!
Newsletter_26
Subject: Christ Lutheran Church, Wyoming, Michigan.
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: "David Wheeler"
Just a quick response
from Christ Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Wyoming (Grand Rapids area), Michigan.
Our recently retired Pastor had a sign over his office door which read
"Sinners Welcome." This very aptly describes his ministry and that of
our church. He left a legacy of acceptance of all who came to our place
of worship. No one was to be turned away. He believed that our job was
to love as Christ loved, living the life of a forgiven sinner who is justified
by God's grace alone. We had a gay organist and choir director for almost
20 years, however, I must admit that few in our congregation knew it.
Having said that, I am confident that had he revealed this he would have
been accepted by our members.
We have been blessed
with consistent growth over the past 20 years, being able to attract a
variety of people across a wide spectrum of faith and life experiences.
I believe that is due to the atmosphere of acceptance that people experience
when coming to us. So, we are out here. Don't let your encounter with
that group of "pseudo-christians" discourage you.
Yours in Christ,
Dave from Christ Lutheran
My response:
Pseudo-Christians are bountiful, for sure. May such folk come to understand
the compelling compassion of God and then reflect it.
FLAMING
LIBERAL CHEERLEADER
Newsletter_26
Subject: Thank you
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: JCL
I am a flaming liberal
Christian who gets a lot -- A LOT -- out of your insightful comments.
I pray for you because you are my brother. I delight in you because God
has gifted you with wisdom. Perhaps some conservative someday will see
some wisdom in my foolish ramblings, but -- as the sermon went today:
It isn't as important to be "right" as it is to be loving. You're loving.
God will definitely reward you for that.
JCL (one of your closet cheerleaders) jcl@swcp.com
My response:
I believe it was the great saint and martyr John Lennon who said, "Love
is all you need." To that and to you, I say "Amen!" -David
WHY
IS IT?
Subject: R rated Christians Newsletter_26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Paul Arnott
Dear David Thanks
for your comments on this topic. Why is it that so many so-called pagans
display more honesty and sense than so many so-called Christians? But
then didn't Jesus experience the same tensions?
Paul Arnott.
My response:
Yes, praise God for the wonderful variety of people. Life would be so
dull if everyone was a cookie cutter Chrsitians. That would be hell on
earth for me. I would rather die. Life would not be any pleasure at all.
I need freedom. I need to keep my mind. Three cheers for honest pagans
-they help keep me challenged. -David
I
GOT TO KEEP QUIET
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: Mark
Hey, David I really
liked your arcticle about "R-rated Christians". Although I do feel that
it is dangerous for me to watch a lot of sex and violence, I agree with
you about people's attitudes. I go to a Christian college. The library
is starting to bring in some R rated movies. Some kids are badmouthing
the librarians and judging the school because of the movies. Even though
some r-rated movies are dangerous for me watch, like "Whipped", I hate
how people say in order to be a Christian you can't watch R-rated movies.
If you do, people do what they did to you; they accuse you of not being
saved. I know from what you have written that you visit a lot of churches.
But don't give up on finding one to get involved in and make friends at.
It took me 3-4 years of college to get settled at a church. Part of the
problem was transportation. But it was also because of difference of belief.
I hope I have been an encouragement.
Mark
My response:
It is really simple. Viewing or not viewing R-rated films has absolutely
nothing to do with being a follower of Jesus. Like, oh my gosh, what are
people thinking. God bless the librarian. And, actually I do have a regular
church and I am in a weekly one on one accountability session with a Pastor.
I also attend a weekly nonjudgmental Christian therapy group. I also know
that no church is perfect. In fact if you took me to the perfect church
and I joined it, it would no longer be perfect. I have a long way to go
in becoming all that God has intended. -David
I
HAVEN'T BEEN TO A CHURCH IN A LONG TIME
Subject: Just a comment Newsletter_26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Nina
Hi David I have to
say that reading about your experience and the behavior from our 'Brothers'
and 'Sisters' from the church that you visited has made me feel sad, I
can understand their view points and at the same time I see the points
that they miss, I Consider myself a 'Christian' by the rights of accepting
Christ as my Lord and Savior and at the same time I struggle every day
to be more like him....something that I know that I do fall short from,
but the fact is I try to do this.
Like you I have for
years reflected on spiritual messages from movies and most of my deeps
revalations has been from R-rated horrors, these movies have been 'the
vessel' in which the Holy Spirit has minister to me through, something
that I personally feel is a gift and like you i get a sense of the signs
of the times. Your views are your personal revelations of the things that
God has shared with you and it is a blessing to have the ability to share
this effectively with others.
I haven't been to
a 'Church' in a long time and at times I yearn to sit with people of like
mind and celebrate freely with them, but am discouraged with the sense
of naivete of inward looking individuals that remind me of the characters
that walked by the injured man in the story of the good Samaritan.
God is a good God
that encourages us to think and not just to accept, in doing this I believe
that He knows that we will experience a deeper understanding of His love
for us which becomes entwined with our personal Faith and sometimes I
know that He would also have me believe with out question unless He reveals
to me otherwise.
I suppose what I wanted
to say was that some "Brothers and "Sisters" no matter how long they have
been christians will always miss the point if they continue to move with
God in an head knowledge manner and not with a heart of compassionate
for the needing, I don't mean to come across as judgmental of christians
as a whole, but the fact remains that there will always be the Pharisees
and disciples, which doesn't help our potential 'Brothers' and 'Sisters'
who watch and observe.
At the same time David
I know that sometimes I'm not always right and that God always has a way
of letting me know about this, the difference here is remembering not
to react, so to get a point across, because i don't know what God is doing
in that other persons life, but to stand back and reflect so that God
gives me the understanding and ability to appropriately respond or not.
I hope that this encourages you and enforces that at the end of the day
it is about the difference He has made in you that really counts.
nina.
My response:
Thank you for your honesty. And thank you for your encouragement. I appreciate
it. You are so sweet. May God bless you on your spiritual journey. Do
check out other churches in your area, there must be a Cool Church somewhere
near you. -David
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