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YOUR
PERSECUTION
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: Donnie
I read with
great interest your being persecuted for watching "R" rated movies.
Having been a Christian for a long time, I believe that it is
the right of EVERY Christian to watch whatever thay want, as long
as they can keep it in proper perspective. Meaning I can watch
an R-rated film and look beyond what is being said and other "inuendos"
being presented. I can look beyond the language and or nudity
and see the plot or message being the director wanted to present.
After all, the scripture said we have to be in the world, not
a part of it.
As to your
personnal views, they would be welcome in my church. My Pastor
does not expect everyone who enters our doors to agree with him.
He enjoys a good lively conversation.
In reference
to the church you said you would like to open one day, I already
attend a church like that. We do not turn anyone away! It has
not mattered if you're a bunch of bikers wanting to know what's
going on, or a family on their way to the beach wearing shorts,
or even someone with their body pierced in a hundred different
places. As a matter of fact, if there is an unsaved person or
persons who would like to get involved in some type of activity
or ministry, our Pastor encourages it. After all, Jesus never
turned anyone away. And because of our church's approach to ministry
and dealing with the unsaved, we have one of the fastest's and
largest growing church's in southeastern Virginia.
So you keep
right on with what you're doing and keep the faith, cause we're
all in this together!!
Donnie
COOL
CHURCH
Newsletter_26
Subject: First Presbyterian Church, Concordia, KS
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: "M Yanik"
Hi, I am
the pastor of a cool church!
First Presbyterian Church,
Concordia, KS!
COMMENT
Newsletter_26
Subject: About being A Cookie Cut To Size.
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: "Wilson"
Dear Bruce,
As with Jesus' time, our generation has also our own blend of
Pharisees and self-righteous people. It really cause me to believe
that such attitude towards Christians are outright un-Christian
in nature and basically threw the very basic of God's love out
of the window.
God would
rather us to be a warm blooded Christians, not just some Christians
who are holed up in groups and judge other people who may be more
open minded, who may be more approachable and who may be easier
to communicate to those people who really need to know the God
that Jesus represents.
It warmed
my heart that your site has become something that my Lord has
used to touch the hearts of people. As with Jesus who is open
to everybody, who is approachable to everyone and only rebuke
those who are against the very nature of being God's chosen people
, we should look to Jesus as our leader in dealing with such attitude.
It really
scared me that one day Jesus would disown me because of such attitude.
Instead of winning souls for Him, I am actually making my fellow
humans more repulsive towards him and that is the last thing I
would really want to do.
David, you
have done a great job. I for one like to read your views about
certain shows. R-rated movies may exploit sex and violence. And
sometimes it is through such acts of sex and violence that wakes
us all up to the nature of human beings, that is, we are full
of sin and will be prone to sin no matter what we do.
I hope you
treat them like sand in shoes and shake them out. Continue to
gaze upon Jesus for He is the ultimate judge and the ultimate
comforter. In God's Blessings, Wilson Kriston Wong
COOL
CHURCH
Newsletter_26
Subject: Lowman United Methodist Church --Check us out!
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: "Nancy Suffron"
David, Our
church is probably a little bit of everything you described. While
our denomination (Methodist) states that we are open to all, I'm
sure there are people in our pews who are closed-minded and judgmental.
However, I think most of us are not and would be welcoming to
any who would come. I invite anyone who is looking for a Jesus-following
community of believers to come journey with us as we seek the
will of God for our lives.
Peace, love and grace,
Nancy Nancy Suffron
Associate Pastor
Lowman United Methodist Church
15th & Gage Topeka, Kansas 66604
COMMENT
Subject: R_Rated_Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: Nonin
A friend emailed
me your newletter. I can understand and relate with your experience
with "religious" christians and their judgemental attitude and
hurtful words. Even though I do not agree with their attitude
toward you over the issue of R rated films there was some things
I read from your newsletter that I did not totally agree with
as well. I have seen some R rated films that had excellent stories
and had a point to make to the viewer if they were paying attention,
ex - "The green mile", "The Matrix", etc. These types of films
when done in good taste and do not add things that did not need
to be added that had nothing to do with the story are enjoyable.
But you can't just sit and watch movies and TV all the time and
fill your heart up with worldly scenes. The bible also states
in the book of Proverbs to "guard you heart with all diligence
for out of it flows the issues of life..." I also believe that
when you become a born again believer you are the house /temple
of the "Holy Spirit" as the scriptures say. I also believe that
what ever you engage yourself in the Holy Spirit is there with
you engaging also and you can grieve the Spirit of God by the
type of thing you are partaking in. If that be a movie that has
a scene of witch craft, lust, ungodliness, etc, remember that
He is a HOLY GOD and He considers us just as holy as Jesus by
His blood and with His righteousness. We have to be aware not
to corrupt our hearts and souls through the spirit of worldliness
which manifest through TV and movies too. That is the also a tool
of the devil as well as can be used as a tool of God, like the
"OMEGA CODE" that you put down. It is a matter of the heart but
we have our flesh to deal with and the devil with his demons too!
We are not to be ignorant of satans devices and schemes to lure
us away from the presence of God. It also is a matter of what
we meditate on, God's goodness and His Word, or what we saw on
a movie or TV or a dirty joke we heard. We have to decide what
we value most our flesh and its unholy desires or intimacy with
God. I enjoy watching TV or a movie sometimes but I have noticed
when I get filled with to much of it I become drained spiritually,
carnal minded and it kills my desire for God. There needs to be
moderation in our life and balance for all things. You really
must possess wisdom and allow the holy spirit to guide you in
what is ok to watch.
Be Blessed In Christ
COMMENT
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: Helen
David, A lot
of people are like that with writers. I go to Christian writers
conferences all the time, and I'm beginning to think - wait a
minute! Does my writing have to be in a Christian book in order
to make a difference? I would really prefer unbelievers reading
my material anyway and somehow be influenced positively for God.
Sometimes
Christians get so "religious" with their examination of manuscripts
that they look for denomination affilliation instead of good sound
material.
Have you ever
read the book, "The Roaring Lambs?" by Marlene Bagnull. It's a
book that encourages Christians in professions to see themselves
in the ministry, and that is what I see you doing. Using your
profession for Him. If you find the book, I think you will find
it encouraging.
Don't worry
about the religious people - those are not the ones you are trying
to reach anyhow. The biggest compliment I have ever received in
my writing was when an atheist told me, "I'm not sure if I'm your
audience or not, but I found your essay very convincing." That
made my day, in fact, it made my month! It really meant far more,
as you can imagine, than a Christian publisher using one of my
articles.
God bless
you, David - and I guess we have to be a little soft with these
Christians, since we are all in the same boat even if we do sometimes
get our mouths filled with salt water. :)
- Helen
VICTIMIZED
CHRISTIAN
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: John
David,
Can I relate to being victimized?...
About twenty
years ago I belonged to a local small town church. Well, I happened
to be the Sunday School Supt. One of my duties was to open the
church service with announcements, prayer requests and a song...no
problem. Well, 'no problem' until one Sunday in referring to communicating
with one another I compared a well known prime time TV show to
my story.
To my total
shock (along with everyone else) the pastor almost jumps up and
starts rebuking and riling all over me. Giving me the same response
you received while visiting the Sunday night service. I feel at
the time my solid Christian beliefs kept me very humble. I let
the pastor get the vile out of his system; I apologized to him
and the congregation (almost quivering with shock) and I continued
with a song.
I continued
going to this church for a few years. As time passed I became
the 'head Trustee' for this church. I went to church to hear the
Lord speak through His people, not to watch the clock so the Pastor
didn't mess up their Sunday noontime meal! Well, as my position
allowed, I could do "things' with the church property. So in noticing
the endless, every Sunday routine of the 'OL Timers watching the
clock on the wall in front by the podium I thought a change of
pace was due!
We had a picture
of Jesus and the 'Last Supper' above the entrance to the sanctuary.
Well, lets just reverse places with these items. 'Last Supper'
up front and the 'CLOCK' in back. WOW, WOW did I get flack!!!
Of course I knew I would but to get the people to realize what
they were doing and bring awareness to their purpose in church
was my goal. I decided to stick to my guns even with the Elders
and other church officials asking me when I was going to put the
clock back. I'm sure you could imagine it got ugly. My determination
eroded away after about two months of them pestering me.
Yes, I returned
the clock and picture to their original places. And of all my
concern for their attitudes with time and what they were thinking
about as the Pastor gave his message went right out the door.
They didn't get the message and their narrow mindedness wasn't
interested in any new attitudes.
This story
is pretty well what has made it much easier for me to just 'stay
home'. Like I say to myself when I get rebuked for my Christian
beliefs and attitude, "look what they did to Jesus". I love your
website and recommend it to others...keep on keeping on.
Thank God I'm Alive!
jwd
Response:
Wow1 What a story. I am runnimg out the door right now. I will
comment as soon as I get back. -David
RIGHT
THERE WITH JESUS
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: "Kathleen"
hi... Well,
I must say, it sounds like you are right there with Jesus, to
me. Just a few days ago, I was complaining to Jesus about some
things said to me, like in the name of God, you know? and Jesus
said, "Well, they haven't tried to throw you off of a cliff yet."
: ) Jesus is so wonderful, isn't He? He would have loved Hollywood
so much if He were walking in the flesh here today.
Have you seen
the movie from the early 90's, The Judas Project? It had some
not so good actors in it, but the theme was so good. It was a
story based on the last 3 years of the life of Jesus, in a modern
day setting, like if Jesus had come now instead of then. Of course
the 'holier than thou' religious crucified Him the same, hung
Him on a cross in a barn! I cried and cried, because it is so
very true. It would really happen all over again, it would. I
wrote to you the first time I saw your site and told you, 'you
are right on' in putting up your site, just like right on! Keep
up the good work. I still have your link on all of my links pages.
God bless you, Kathleen
Response:
Bless you Kathleen. -David
IT
IS COOL TO ME, BUT THEN IT SHOULD BE.
Subject: Cool_Churches Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: "Jimmy Chalmers"
David, Keep
up the work. God is smiling, the Good News is being spread. I
hope I am the pastor/leader of a "cool" church. We want to know
the Jesus of the bible, not the one created by the religious system
of USAmerica. We struggle with our faith. You are allowed and
encouraged to have questions about your faith. We have realized
that having all the answers regarding someone as big as the Creator
of the Universe can be dangerous. We have our own resident movie
critic ( a leader in the church who sees almost every film produced
for USAmerican release) The pastor and this man usually see one
to two films a month together. We are a hodge-podge of folks who
need Jesus and His grace every breath.
Come on and join us!
No TIES allowed;-)
blessings2u,
Jimmy Chalmers Lead Pastor
The Carpenter's Shop
106 E. Industry Dr. PO Box 1558 Oxford, NC 27565
919.690.8487/919.690.8814
jchalmers@gloryroad.net
http://www.carpenters-shop.com
http://www.woodshavings.net
Response:
I love the Carpenter's Shop. -David
COOL
CHURCH
Newsletter_26
Subject: Westport Mennonite Brethren Church
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: "Mike Furches"
Hey David,
I really appreciated your newest newsletter. In regards to a good
cool church. I know that no churches perfect and that includes
mine. I am working in the area of evangelism at our church and
believe that we have taken an honest whosoever will attitude of
acceptance. Recently a skater told us that we were the only church
left in our community that accepted them. Again we are not perfect
but we try to love those that Christ loves.
Westport Mennonite Brethren Church
11600 N. Garnett Road Collinsville, OK 74021
(918) 371-2505 Near Tulsa
God Bless,
Mike Furches
Response:
Mike you are one of my favorite people. I know if you go to that
church that it must be way cool. Thanks for the tip. -David
BETTIE
PAGE INSPIRATION
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: Kathy Shaidle
Thanks for
putting together that Bettie Page tribute. I've been working on
a poem about her for a while and your 'Page pages' will help inspire
me. I have posted a link to the Bettie Page feature over at Relapsed
Catholic. Keep up the fine work! -- Kathy Shaidle Where the religious
rubber meets the pop culture road... http://www.relapsedcatholic.blogspot.com/
Response:
It is always so good to hear from you Kathy. I am looking forward
to your Bettie Page web page. I love your site. Keep up the good
work. -David
YOU
ARE DOING GREAT
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: Edward Chinn
David, I just
read your recent letter about being bashed by "R-rated Christians!"
Hang in there! I think you're doing a great job showing us the
spiritual truths in those modern parables called "movies." How
much I think Jesus enjoys such use of parables!
Cheers, The Rev. Edward Chinn, D.Min.
All Saints' Episcopal Church
9601 Frankford Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19114 USA
Phone: 215-637-8787
edwardchinn@earthlink.net
www.allsaintstorresdale.org
Response:
Thank you Edwin. I appreciate your words. -David
BE
ENCOURAGED
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: "Glen"
David, Just
a quick e-mail. Thanks for your work and your website. I use your
resources constantly in developing material for sermons and small
groups. I am the Pastor of a church plant in the SW burbs of Chicago.
Several people have come to know Christ in part because I use
movie clips to reach Pagans, atheists, agnostics and open minded
Christians. You have played a part in bringing people into the
kingdom. Please be encouraged!! I will pray for you.
In Christ, Glen
Response:
Thank you Glen, I appreciate your kind thoughts. And i appreciate
you -David
RECOMMENDATION
CONCERNS
Newsletter_26
Subject: R Rated Movies
Date: Sat, 9 Jun 2001
From: "Tanya"
I have to
say I'm appalled - but not entirely surprised - by that church's
response. It seems counter productive. We think this man is going
astray, so we'll help him on his way out rather than trying to
bring him back in (what was that about Jesus and the 99 sheep?).
So, all I can say is, I'm sorry that the church is so petty and
unfeeling.
I am a bit
torn on the R-rated movie issue, however. I did see all of those
movies you mentioned (Dogma, Fight Club, Saving Private Ryan,
etc). As a note, I didn't think Dogma was blasphemous against
God, but against the marketing church, and was - unfortunately
- rather accurate in it's portrayal. I kind of liked it. The message
and incredibly intricate storyline of Fight Club kept me riveted,
and the ending blew me away. I own Saving Private Ryan, and I'd
recommend Green Mile to anyone.
It's when
it comes to recommendations that I'm more careful. I deliberately
saw Dogma because of it's religious nature, knowing what I was
getting into because I had seen other Kevin Smith movies. I do
not like Kevin Smith. I have to side a bit with the church members
on the Thessalonian verse about "Whatever is pure...." I will
not watch his movies for entertainment sake, because he is crass,
crude, and fairly disgusting. BUT I did want to see Dogma because
it is, as you say, a great way to open conversation with unbelievers.
Would I recommend it to other Christians? No. It is not necessary.
I can tell them what the story was, and what the content was,
and if they decide to see it, that's their affair. But I don't
think it's a must see. The same with Fight Club. Those sex scenes
were unnecessarily graphic, and I don't need to see them again.
Neither does anyone else.
I think that's
where the responsibility lies. I will see something that I know
is going to contain objectionable IF I think it will be beneficial
to other believers and to unbelievers because I can see content
and look beyond to quality. But as brothers and sisters, we must
remember Romans 14 and be very cautious about what we recommend
to one another. I think you do a good job at that, and so I urge
you to keep up the good work.
God
Bless you in what you do.
Tanya - Bellingham, WA
Reponse:
Thank you Tanya. You're response was very well thought out. And
I agree with you totally. We do need to be careful about what
we recommend to others. But, then that's good friendship and thoughtfulness.
-David
BEEN
THERE
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sat, 09 Jun 2001
From: Jay Wallace
David: A friend
ask me this week if I was angry at the church I grew up in---
XXX church. Nah I said, I just don't like their "we got the truth,
and you don't" attitude. But as we talked I realized I am angry
at them. I resent very much their attitude, probably as much as
they resent mine. It sounds like you bumped into a very similar
bunch of "Christians". I haven't decided if its ok to be angry
about it. I don't think anger is a sin. "Be angry but sin not"
the apostle says. I take it from that anger is an emotion that
can lead you into lots of places some good maybe, and most probably
not so good. But all that is another matter, right now what is
on my mind is intolerance and as much as I dispise it, I find
that I am very intolerant. I am intolerant of their intolerance.
Im not sure what to do about that either.
The one thing
I am sure of is there are folks out their who call themselves
"Christians" and who are clearly struggling to love other people.
Some struggle a little harder than others and most of us probably
fail at it dismally. I pray for those of them who "got the truth"
and those of us who don't. I pray that we could find ways to love
one another and make a little space of those who are so damned
sure they are right about virtually everything. I also pray for
the courage to step in and defend those who are being beaten up
by "those who have the truth." I pray that you are Ok David because
you do witness your faith and I appreciate the lens that you loan
me from time to time to look at film which is really the parable
factory of our time.
Be at peace brother and God bless your work.
Jay Wallace at seminary SanFran Theo S.
Response:
Thank you, I am deeply touched by your wonderful words. What a
wonderful soul you are. Thank you, David
A
CHURCH THAT CELEBRATES THE INSIGHT IN FILM
Subject:
Cool Church Newsletter_26
Date: Sat, 09 Jun 2001
From: Terry Van Hook
Hi David,
I am saddened and hurt by the experience you had at XXX XXX Fellowship.
The message you received was not what we experience Christianity
to be at all. You can be assured that if you visit the Culver-Palms
United Methodist Church, (among hundreds of churches I know of....)
you will not be treated as such. I ask your forgiveness for such
behavior and hope that the overwhelming response to this message
of yours will help you see that Christianity is much more wide
and broad based than what you have run into. While I am concerned
over much of what "the media" produces, I am also constantly astounded
at the depth and issues tackled by main stream "Hollywood" and
I often use video clips in classes, sermons and as activities
for groups of all ages. I appreciate your web site and have used
it and cited it often. Keep up the great work! God is at work
in you and I thank God for your gifts and talent.
Grace and Peace, Terry Van Hook,
Pastor Culver-Palms United Methodist Church
4464 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, Calif. 90230
(310) 390-7717 www.Hope4LA.org
Response:
Wow! You are in the LA area? I think I will drop by some day when
I am in town. I would love to meet you. Also, thank you for the
healing words. -David
REFRESHING
Subject: refreshing.....
Date: Sat, 09 Jun 2001
From: Wim
Dear David.
Thank you for confirming in my heart the Jesus that I have come
to know: a Jesus without guilt, we are free indeed! Keep up your
good work! warm greetings from Wim, who is still working out his
salvation since he became a Christian 32 years ago.
Response:
Thanks Wim, I am still working out mine too. But hey the journey
is great and full of surprises, and sometimes some hard knocks.
-The best to you! David
VICTIMIZED
CHRISTIAN MOVIE WATCHER
Subject: Victimized_Christian
Newsletter_26
Date: Sat, 9 Jun 2001
From: Gary Stokes
Dear David,
I was a victimized christain moviewatcher at one time, but thank
God most people I hang with are pretty open-mnded. Keep up the
good work.
Gary from Orlando, Fl.
Response:
There really are some neat people out there. Thank you for the
encouragement Gary. -Warmly David
WHY???
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sat, 09 Jun 2001
From: Nena
Why, when
all else fails to insite a believer to the level of a non-believer,
does the non-believer attack the believer's faith?
Why?????
Response:
That is a good question! Thanks, David
R
SUCK
Subject: Hollywood Jesus #26,
Date: Sat, 9 Jun 2001
From: Pat
I think R-Rated
Films suck, but I really like your email and website
Pat
Response:
Thank you Pat -David
BAHAI
BY FAITH
Newsletter_26
Subject: THANK YOU!!!!!
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: "Keli"
You asked
about our view. Well I'm a student of Christian theology and a
Bahai by faith. I think you are doing a great job. Now I'm working
on my M.A. paper on Eden themes in movies. Once a week my friends
and I come together and watch movies with religious themes. We
have done this for a year now. Soon we will open a webside (www.dec.hi.is)
and we are publishing a book about religion and film. And why
am I telling you all this? Because you have been an inspiration
to us all. If I was not a Bahai I would for sure be the first
member of "your" church. I think you have the healthiest view
on religion and life I know of.
Thank you my dear web-priest.
Keli.
Response:
Thank you so much Keli. I actually have tears in my eyes. For
some reason your letter has moved me profoundly. May God bless
you Keli on your spiritual journey. Please stay in touch. Warmly,
David
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