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Comments
on Newslettewr #27
REMEMBERING
THE OLD DAYS
Subject: Response
Date: Thu, 02 Aug 2001
From: Jrausch
Late at night and
very tired but I strongly agree with what you have to say about Kinkade.
Life is not all pretty lights and rolling hills. I am 60 so I remember
the wonderful 50 ties when all the men at the table drank until they couldn't
stand and women wore shiners. Oh yes, I have a Masters in English Literature
and if you want a a list of books from that period that are listed as
"XXX," plan on your printer running for a long time. For the "Good People"
of that time turn to Queen Victoria herself. During the Irish Potato Famine
this fine lady found it in her heart to donate 50 pounds to the care of
the stray dogs of Ireland and on the same day opened her generous heart
to give the starving Irish 50 pounds. People have not changed much in
the last 1000 years. We should not give up on humanity but this generation
certainly should not be playing "Better than Thou."
WHY
WOULD A GENUINE CHRISTIAN WRITE THAT.
Subject:
Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2001
From: "Julie Pain"
I received a copy
of your piece about Kinkade's Christian artwork.
Firstly, I have to
say that your comments: "We need more roaring lambs. Being salt and light
is not optional." is clearly unbiblical, and it's hard to understand why
a person who is a genuine believer (are you?) would write that.
With most of the text,
however, I can see where you are coming from. I think it's true that sometimes
as Christians we try to separate ourselves from the world, which is not
what God has called us to do. Sometimes in our choices we can appear boring
or fake to people who don't believe. However, i think in the Bible it
clearly tells us to reflect on Heavenly things, which I take to mean spiritual
things about God, & Heaven and things that are pure. I don't think it's
helpful for us to saturate ourselves with fleshly evil that is around
us. Be aware of it sure, keep an eye on the world to know what is happening
(I chose to see Moulin Rouge), to understand where people in the world
are heading. We need to do this to know how to pray for, and to help unbelievers
and believers in the world. But to surround ourselves & to dwell on evil
practices/ideas/arts is not good for our spirit. As we know, we are always
close to sin, Satan loves to use things to provoke the embers of sin in
our hearts into flames. So we should be drawing closer to God, and allowing
him to show us what we should watch/read/experience. As always, look to
Jesus - he was always in prayer, surrounding himself with his disciples,
and yet, and the same time, willing to associate with a tax collector
or a prostitute. Like Jesus, let's be real.
PEOPLE
Subject: Re: [newsletter] Hollywood Jesus Newsletter #27
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001
From: KevinKunz
Good Newsletter. Keep
them coming.
Kinkade`s paintings
lack people. However, that what makes them good!.
Kinkade paint`s light!.
Most painter`s paint dark.
(-.-) SMILE ! JESUS
! LOVES ! US ! . (-.-) . [ ALSO I LOVE JESUS.] ? x ><> + <><)))))~~~~
http://community.webtv.net/KevinKunz/JESUSTHEWAY
ABOUT
R RATED
Subject:
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001
From: Kevin Kunz
First I like , to
say that I`m fond of "family films" I enjoyed "Shrek" a lot. But, I think
we as christians can't condemn all R rated movies. I`ve seen PG's and
PG13's that could have been rated X. I say we should use discernment.
For example "Baywatch" I would rate PG13,and "X Files" An R. yet I know
underage kids were watching those shows. So I say, that Its possible for
christians to make, good Hollywood movies. Including "R"s That promote
Christian values. Like "T2" -camoran mitchel is a christians-
We are called to
live in the world. NOT! of the world. An " R " rated movie is " of " the
world.big time. Seeing an R-rated movie, is like going to a strip club.
Both are of the world, And a no from JESUS!.
Keith w. Kunz sent
with joy and love! http://community.webtv.net/KeithWK/PSALM45
http://community.webtv.net/KeithWK/Thepottersclay
NO
ISOLATION
Subject: Kinkade
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001
From: Keith
Good Point; I agree
with most of what you say. we must not isolate, ourselves from the world.
and family mustn`t be all there is. sent with joy and love!
I
AGREE WITH YOUR NEWSLETTER
Subject: I agree with your newsletter
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001
From: "glorialeeis"
I find Thomas Kincades
cottages ect. beautiful and peaceful . It seems like a fantisy to me.
I believe if Jesus was here on this earth he would probably be in nightclubs,
movies or whereever people truly needed him. Forbidding children to view
what their friends are viewing at the local theatre will only case shock
later on and I believe an inability to deal with the real world. As far
as the language is concerned that is just the way some people communicate
and it's better to be used to it rather than sheltered from it. I enjoyed
your newsletter and hope the people who should really realize it is truth
will do so.
DISENGAGEMENT
FROM CULTURE
Subject: Disengagement from culture
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001
From: Dubman
DAvid, You speak a
lot of truth. There will always be a tension between being in the world
and not being of it. Today, though, we have tilted toward the protectionist
side of things and that has hurt us in being salt and light. We must restore
our missionary call. Just wanted to recommend a book I received in the
mail recently that deals with the very issue of Christians in the arts
called Imagine: A Vision for Christians in the Arts published by IVP last
year. Think you might appreciate it,
Loren Dubberke from Fresno, CA
LEAVE
THE GUY ALONE
Subject: Leave the guy alone!
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001
From: Nita Smith
OK.....I read all
the so-called insightful opinions and concerns about Thomas Kinkade's
art. For pete's sake, leave the guy alone! He's depicting a wonderful
peaceful world, and what's wrong with that? This IS a "hard" world, and
when hasn't it been! Theorizing all this isolationism, etc., is nonsense.
This is the guy's STYLE. Do people criticize and read undercurrent meaning
into Picasso's STYLE? Or any other of the so-called classic or modern
artists??? Kincade doesn't claim to be any social activist. He's an ARTIST.
This is ART, expression and talent........not realism. Is it possible
the critic is making himself feel better by attempting to tear down someone
else? That's a simple, very old and overused strategy. Give it a rest.
I love his beautiful scenes, as do many other Christians and non-Christians
alike. There's nothing sinister or "anti-people" about them. Talk about
your "conspiracy theories"!!!! Nonsense. Get a life and leave the guy
alone.
Nita Smith
THIS
IS ANGRY MAIL
Subject: thomas kincade
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001
From: EH
this is my angry mail
..!!........... i can't believe you review Thomas Kincade as an artist.
He does bad copies of old hallmark cards!! Any subject is valid, if it
is art. Thomas Kincade is good at marketing and further dulling the mind
and culture of all ready easily led astray christians, he markets himself
different in different markets, not just to christians!!! These ignorant
people paying for his signature on a poster !! i have nothing against
his paintings, but it can never be called art any more than the painting
on the xerox paper box instructions!
--------------EH- christian and artist
GIVE
ME A BREAK
Subject: re
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001
From: Foreverjesus
why do we as people
always always try to pick apart the beauty of a simple picture, give me
a break! IDOLTRY, please. i think you think to much.
STRONG
FAMILIES
Subject: Strong Families
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001
From: Merle
David, First of all
I want to say that I really love your site. You have an incredible ministry,
and your insightful reviews have taught me to watch film in a whole new
way. I love your newsletters, I get excited every time I receive one,
they challenge me and make me think. I understand and agree with you and
your assessment of the "Thomas Kinkeade Dilemma" Although I feel it's
a bit judgmental to single out him as a representation of the problem
with Christians today. I'm sure there are many examples within the Christian
community that demonstrate this disengagement problem. True the representations
are there, but just as you would not purchase a film on video strictly
for it's violence or sexual content, I would not buy a Thomas Kinkead
painting and hang it on my wall strictly to represent that I'm disconnected
from the real world. I would buy it because it's a beautiful painting
that I enjoy looking at. (Personally I don't have, and probably would
never buy any of his paintings). I am a father of five children and I
believe that family is the most important foundation of any society, and
that strong families (Not TV, movies or video games) are the key to the
elimination of youth violence and school shootings. David, where the myth
lies is in the question of what makes a strong family. A strong family
does not have to have both parents. A strong family does not have to live
in a great neighborhood. A strong family is not disconnected from the
outside world. A strong family does not even have to be Christian! (oh
my gosh, but it sure helps). My recipe for a strong family is allot of
love and support. With the right amount of love and support within a family
(Whether it's a blood family, a church family or a community family) No
individual or youth would ever resort to violence. Let's not leave the
entertainment industry completely off the hook though, I believe they
should share in the responsibility, as we all should, art is not a license
to kill. I respect you allot David so if I'm way off base here, please
straighten me out.
Merle
DISENGAGEMENT
Subject: Disengagement
Response Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001
From: "J. W. Dudgeon"
Dear Mr. Bruce,
You have struck a nerve. I totally agree with the 'disengagement syndrome'
which you have highlighted.
Unfortunately, I'm
one of the disengagers.
I'm in the 'fall'
of my life span (born in'42). A born again Christian at age 37; a slow
learner for sure. Lost my job to NAFTA last year. Now I'm at home so much
my kids are worried about me!!! imagine that. I quit going to church seventeen
years ago because all I saw was 'disengagers'. About every member was
family related. If you even mentioned a show like 'Dallas'...conversation
over! When the Sunday service was over everyone went to their respective
homes never to be heard from until the next Sunday.
I am a disengager
because I'm tired of the 'hassle'. Everybody argues, disagrees, complains,
beefs...etc,etc.
I guess what I'm trying
to say is its easy to be a disengager. Leave the world out there and be
at peace in your own isolationism...yes, a downright lazy attitude! With
articles like this the slumbering giant within awakens. Soooooo as my
confessional; I am coming out to engage the enemy!
Thanks for the awakening,
J.W.Dudgeon,
jwdud@rtcol.com
RON
DiCIANNI, THOMAS KINKADE, A THOUGHT, NOT BAD.
Subject:
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001
From: cynthia
David, First, I must
tell you that I respect you and believe that God is behind your ministry.
I admire your boldness. I agree that Mr. Kincaids work is light, but that
is O.K. God made everyone with the giftedness that he wants them to have.
I am not condeming your opinion, I see where you are coming from. We do
not know that his paintings have not reached out to the non-christian
world. I think that they have, at least he Is quite bold in letting the
world know that his beliefs are what bring him to his canvas to produce
the beautiful paintings. I agree that the market is flooded with candy
style religion. You yourself must experience daily the rejection and negativity
from your brothers and sisters who do not understand what you are doing,
so who are we to question God's will in his life? Please be supportive,
I am thankful for his art. You have forgotten one of the greatest artists
of today, Ron DiCianni. Cheque out his art. And the brave graphic designers
who create cutting edge designs that capture peoples eyes on teeshirts,
books, CDs and more. I am one of them. I pray for you and the people who
you meet and relate to. God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9.
Thank you for doing what you are doing. I appreciate it. May we all live
in our giftedness. God bless, Cynthia Topaz
VALID
POINTS
Subject: Kinkade style
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001
From: Cyndy
You make some very
valid points. How wonderful it would be to encourage Thomas Kincade to
paint "light" in more contemporary settings. I am sure he is up to the
task and it could really expand the audience that he now reaches.
AN
OPEN MINDED CONCERN OF MINE...
Subject: An open-minded concern of mine.....
Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2001
From: No Name
Hello, I know that
this letter is a bit long, but please take a moment to read it. I would
really love to hear a response from you on this.
I am a Christian AND
a huge movie buff. I have been a movie buff longer than a Christian, and
over the years, I have struggled with what is appropriate to watch AS
a Christian and what isn't.
When I first became
saved, I had two "RADICAL" friends who condemned me for watching certain
Disney films because they had some 'magic' in them. I felt ashamed and
watched them in secret. I now realize how wrong these two people were
for pushing their convictions on me and trying to be my holy spirit. Their
sense of 'holiness' was more of a 'religious' bondage than it was based
on a 'relationship' with Christ. I had been set free of the religious
bondage and now I allow the Holy Spirit to direct my steps and guide my
convictions instead of man.
Over the years, I
have grown as a Christian, and there are certain things that I use to
enjoy watching just for pleasure, like "GREASE," "FOOTLOOSE," and others.
Now I have two daughters,
and I have suddenly seen something that I have never seen before. When
I first saw these films years ago, I had no Godly convictions, they were
fun films, and they remind me of those wonderful years of fun. But when
I watched "GREASE" with my daughter, she started parading around the house
pulling her nightgown down off her shoulders and acting 'slutty' just
like the characters were in the film. I was SHOCKED and HORRIFIED. I immediately
turned it off and had a talk with my daughter about why it was wrong.
Then I thought to
myself, how can I expect her to realize why this is wrong, and yet keep
this movie in my home which says to her, it's ok to watch and be entertained
by it, but it's not Godly to do these things? I thought about the scripture
that says we must crucify our flesh, pick up our cross and follow Christ.
Being a Christian means denying our fleshly desires for the better of
our spirits, so my wife and I went through our video collection and we
painfully removed some of our favorite films that would conflict with
what we wanted to teach our daughters.
We removed "FOOTLOOSE"
because it shows an unsaved boy who talks about sex a lot, and sneaks
around to party and drink, who stands up to the man of God (even though
he was a bit narrow-minded), and twists the scriptures to convince the
minister that dancing before the Lord was OK and approved by God. Then
when the minister gives in, they use the opportunity to dance in ways
that is NOT 'before the Lord.' It portrays the ministers daughter, who
sleeps around and rebels against her father, as a hero and a good person,
who sins without consequences.
There were other films
we removed for several of the same reasons, 'bad language' (how can we
teach these words are offensive to God when we allow them in our home
as entertainment?), 'sexual content outside of marriage', (again, how
can we teach what's proper when we see our movie hero's enjoying it without
consequences?), and other content that conflicts with the teaching of
God.
Since we have done
this, I have seen a dramatic improvement in our daughters behavior, and
I know she will respect us later in life for us sticking to what we teach
and not being hypocritical.
Not only has the change
happened in her, but it has happen in us as well. We are no longer popping
these films in when we are bored and feeding ourselves the same damaging
impressions that we did before. We are not feeding our own minds with
the foul language that we use to just 'overlook' before, because the movie
was just too good or funny. I asked myself, is it OK to listen to the
foul language as long as it's a good movie with a good moral? Is it OK
to watch people talk about and have casual sex without consequences in
a movie even if the movie is a Hollywood hit with good points like 'FORREST
GUMP'? Are we really pleasing the Lord when we choose to fill our spare
time with these films?
Then I can't help
but wonder, what kind of example were we giving when we would introduce
these 'innocent' films to our church friends? Or even to our UNSAVED friends?
Were we showing them that Christians can have fun too and watch immoral
stuff, and that it's OK? Or were we showing them that we were really not
the Christians that we were trying to convense them we were?
The choices we made
were strictly our own choices based on what we felt the Lord was showing
us. We have grown as Christians and have drawn closer to the Lord because
of it. I would NEVER attempt to push my convictions on others, then I
would have done the same as my other two 'RADICAL' friends who wrongfully
condemned me.
I know that some people
in the church have wrongfully condemned you for your stance on films.
You are so right in several of the films that you recommend. I understand
the value of certain films (even some rated R ones) like "Bless The Child"
(what a fantastic film that shows the spiritual warfare from BOTH sides)
and the educational value from films like "SHENDLER'S LIST" and "SAVING
PRIVATE RYAN."
But I am troubled
by some of the comments made by some people who support your ministry.
Like the one who enjoys "THE EVIL DEAD." Then the others who use your
convictions to justify them watching films that are laced with language
that is offensive to God and scenes that promote un-marrital sex among
the stars and without consequences, and they watch them JUST for entertainment
value.
Should Christians
be entertained by these things? Were Do we draw the line and say "THAT
ISN'T APPROPRIATE TO WATCH"?
May I ask without
offending you........were do you draw this line? I know where MY line
is drawn, and I pray that MY line doesn't cause anyone to stumble. But
someone like you, speaking as an authority on Christianity AND Hollywood
films, and someone who is setting the standard for others new Christians
to follow, do you ever draw the line?
Please don't take
this letter as anything other than an honest concern and question. I have
not judged you, nor do I plan to. May the Lord richly bless you and your
ministry.
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