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HOLLYWOOD JESUS NEWSLETTER #26 BULLETIN BOARD, page 3
June 9, 2001
Greetings from David Bruce, Web Master

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Main Topics:

1. The R-rated problem.
2. New NBC TV Show: KRISTEN
3. Pop Model BETTIE PAGE -follows Jesus
4. Follow up: 100 FAITH AFFIRMING MOVIES
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BULLETIN BOARD
Email your response

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

COOL CHURCH
Newsletter_26
Subject: FOR THE LIST
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: EGrant

David, I was saddened to read your comments about the "closed -minded" Christians. I would want to ask them how many people they have reached for Christ in the last year or so? Real people who are not yet Christians can "smell" fake Christianity. Keep up the good work!
Pastor Ed Grant
~ New Life Christian Center
~ 16575 SE Webster Rd
~ Milwaukie, OR 97267
503-653-0174
~ www.newlifemilwaukie.com

My response: There is absolutly nothing attractive about a close minded Christian. There is nothing as beautiful as the person who can love you and me "Just as I am." -David

MIXED EMOTIONS
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: Ron Wheeler

When I read the reaction to you from those shallow Christians I was crushed. I've been in Christian publishing (I'm a cartoonist) for over 20 years and have dealt with all types of denominations and fellowships, and I've never had an encounter like yours, although I've experienced a few whacky things (I once had to redraw Jesus because his hair was touching his collar).

But I also can understand the other side too. We homeschool and love the purity and innocence we have preserved in our children. Inappropriate movies can rob that innocence. In Romans 16:19 Paul admonishes us to be innocent about what is evil and wise about what is good. You may not be compelled to violent or nudity because of what you see in those movies, but others might be. I know that my own thinking and perspective coarsens if I've been exposed to inappropriate things. I'm weak in this way. I don't dare go near pornography because of its gripping affect. If I wasn't susceptible this way, the advertising industry wouldn't spend billions of dollars every year to make an impression in my mind that would affect my behavior.

Thus these people may have had their heart going generally in the right direction but they obviously didn't express themselves very appropriately or seasoned with much grace. They should have focused on their own weakness for such things and given you space to do what you've been called to do.

I think what you do provides a valuable service to the body of Christ. We need to stay culturally relevant for the sake of the Gospel. Hang in there. I know it's hard. Go easy on those who are clumsy about such matters. It's frustrating I know. You are providing a good service. Try not to have a knee jerk reaction in the opposite direction.
Blessings,
Ron Wheeler http://www.cartoonworks.com

PS: Hey! Check out my new web site ...http://www.CartoonOfTheDay.com . It is so cool! You can now read a different one of my cartoon tracts every day. You can also put my FREE "CartoonOfTheDay.com" button on your web site so you can present a fun, humorous, witness to all your visitors as well. Over 35 million of these tracts in print have been passed out. They work!

My response: Ron, words will never express my appreciation for your artistry. You are tops in my book. Thanks for your thoughts. I love you man. -David

COOL CHURCH
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: Darrel Manson

I'd like to just say that you could pick a Disciples church, but I know that there are some that can be a judgmental as anyone else. However, I do think that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is an the whole open and non-judgmental. We certainly don't invite anyone to check their brains at the door. In fact, what has at times chased people away from our church, is the power with which judgmentalism and simple answers are attacked --not by me, but by lay folks who have struggled throughout their lives to figure out what it means to live faithfully in the life Christ has given to us.
-- Darrel Manson ><>
Artesia Christian Church ICQ 5624184
Artesia, CA
http://netministries.org/see/churches/ch01198
Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching. --Leroy "Satchel" Paige

My response: Darrel, thank you for being my friend. I always appreciate you. I hope to visit your church some day. -David

CHECK OUT IMAGE
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: Ken

Have enjoyed your web site. Thought you might be interested in an article that I thought was fantastic.

Bailie, Gil., "Cinema and Crisis: The Elusive Quest for Catharsis," in IMAGE: A Journal of the Arts & Religion. Summer 1998, #20. ( That whole issue in subtitled "Screening Mystery: The Religious Imagination in Contemporary Film" and is primarily dedicated to film).

In the journal, Bailie is quoted as being: a lecturer and writer whose book, "Violence Unveiled", has been called "breathtaking" (Rollo May) and "the single most important book of social analysis and prophetic theology to appear in our generation" (Sam Kean). He is founder and director of the Florilegia Institute in Sonoma, California.

The same issue has many other articles on film, including: Sacrificing Images: Violence and the Movies, by Ronald Austin (Hollywood writer and producer). Looking for Reel Religion, by Michael Morris, O.P. (Dominican Priest)

Other issues carry articles about P.T. Anderson (Magnolia was SOOOOOOO great), and Kieslowski, among others.

Their website is: www.imagejournal.org, and contains info on back issues, their annual conference, and philosophy.

Hope you have time to enjoy some of their interesting and stimulating thoughts,
Ken

My response: This publication is so cool. I invite everyone to check it out. -David

R RATED PASTOR
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: "Thomas Karwaki"

Your site is the one I tell other pastors (and even seminary professors) to go visit if they want a Christian perspective on films, music and culture.

Keep up the good work. I use your site regularly in preparation for sermons - and yes we even use them like Jay Leno -- with clips and a member of the audience setting them up -- and why they like the movie / how it helps them understand God or whatever the subject is.

In the Old Testament, especially in Hosea, one finds that the fundamental sin is not being open to God. The people who attacked you are by definition not Christian.
Tom Karwaki
Littlerock (WA)
United Methodist Church

My response: Gosh, I really want to visit your church. Thank you for the affirmation. Not being open is a terrible sin indeed. God love you. man. -David

I GOT TO KEEP QUIET
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: Sherri

I attend a church that is part of the Evangelical Covenant Church denomination. One of the things that drew me to the church was the basic non-doctrinal nature of the denomination. As one person puts it: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity" And for the most part this holds true. Many in our small congregation (about 100 people in a midwest urban area) are willing to "agree to disagree" about some points of view - but not about what the Bible says. In fact, another phrase commonly used in discussions is "WIIW - Where Is It Written?".

Yet even though the denomination as a whole is fairly open-minded our church here has some folks who seem to fit a more fundamentalist mold. And so while I am very open-minded about many things, I know to keep my views to myself with some church members so I don't offend them or begin heated debates. I know these are truly Jesus-loving Christians, they just tend to take a more hard-line literal interpretation of the Bible than many people I know. Yet we all agree our God is a loving, forgiving God who wants the best for all of us.

So while I personally have no theological problems with R-rated movies, abortion, homosexuality, or many other "hot button" issues, I attend worship with a fair number of people who find these things to be contrary to their understanding of the scriptures. I can sit side-by-side and worship, and I can even have the ocassional discussion about these issues, but I usually refrain so I don't cause dissention or discord.
My two cents - for whatever it is worth,
S. Goodwin

Response: And thank you. I like your 2 cents worth. I am also sorry for your experience, especially because I am also from the Evangelical Covenant Church. I do not attend it now however. But, I was a great experience for me. -David

WHY LABEL
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: F.C.

Hello,
Thanks for the regular email. I enjoy checking out your site for movie reviews, as it looks into symbolism and messages behind the movies, something I find interesting.

I notice, though, that in discussing the issue you had with a certain church, you spoke in such labels - "Christian", "pagan", "athiest" etc. It is so limiting to label people and creates a segregation between ideological differences. It is that sort of labelling and sorting from which judgments and even racism can grow. So why label? Why the separate email addresses for "Christians" and "pagans". I can see that it may be easier to pre-sort the responses, but still! That sounds very narrow-minded on your behalf, to me.

On the subject of racism, I was wondering if you had any comments about racism in Hollywood. I saw "Othello" with Lawrence Fishburn last night and my friend commented that the directors had to get a European woman to play Desdemona because the white Hollywood actresses wouldn't be in a naked love scene with a black man. She cited "The Pellican Brief" and some other movie (I can't recall) that had a leading black man and a white woman who she believed refused any romantic interaction between the characters because of the racial difference. Do you have any comments on this? I am interested in mixed-race relationships and its portrayal in the media.
Thanks, F.C.

Response: You are so right about labels. People come in a rainbow of diversity. In terms of the race thing, I have heard nothing about the situations you mention. They do not strike me as true. Although, I will say that all areas in our society, including Hollywood, suffer from racism. -David

WOMEN DEGRADED
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: "Tom and Patti Ayers"

I understand your point of view, however, I disagree that women should not be degraded in so many R-rated movies. The movie makers so often include nudity and bad language for ratings. I feel that so many good movies out there would be much better if they left this stuff out. It's not needed.

Response: I agree. -David

COOL CHURCH
Newsletter_26
Subject: My great church, Westside King's Church
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: "Erin Wiebe"

I just read your newsletter, and right now I'm crying. You have just described an element of the last 24 hrs. of my life. (sorry, don't want to give the story ... maybe another section to send that). I want to share my church which is INCREDIBLE. Their website is http://www.wkc.org and is located in Calgary Alberta. It has turned me on to putting active passionate life what Jesus is really all about. I like to describe my 'church' a "postmodern community focussed on the spiritual growth and journey of it's pilgrims using the Bible as a guidebook." Thank you for your wonderful website. This disciple of Christ is incredibly grateful for all the work you do.
Erin Wiebe

Response: I like that: "postmodern community focussed on the spiritual growth and journey of it's pilgrims using the Bible as a guidebook." Thank you. -David

GOD IS HAPPY WITH ME, FAULTS AND ALL!
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: Tim Kretzer

Hi, webmaster D:
HJ #26 was the first issue that I have rec'd since stumbling across your website in my research about the Lord of the Rings movies.

I have to say that after reading your R-rated Christians column I am very moved to know that there is somone out there who is letting the Lord touch the lives of people by being an open vessel -- if you want to use that sorta lingo to explain it.....Personally I try to stay away from alla the thees and thous category of religio-speak ( not that it's inherently bad, it's just become too stuffy to me personally because of the experiences I've had with the type of individuals and churches you wrote about ). Personally, I prefer to just be myself and let the Lord design me as He will......and not be ashamed of who and what He made me to be.....He's happy with me right in the middle of all of my faults and shortcomings.

He's helping me to be like Jesus more and more and part of that is the patience to let others, and myself, not be perfect in every way: and be what He made them to be and not what the "church" thinks everyone should be......( I personally believe that it's just as valid and important -- and as much of a "calling", although I don't like to use that term either -- to the cause of Christ for someone to be a landscape architect, a comic book artist, a taxi driver, and nearly everything else as it is to be a preacher, teacher, missionary, evangelist, etc. ). I think over the centuries we've come to assign the preacher, teacher, missionary, evangelist and so on definitions that the Lord did not.....I believe He was speaking with those terms with regards to their "function" ( which can apply to a rock musician, grade school teacher, astronomer, etc. as opposed to what most folks seem to ascribe to them, and that is a "position" within the "church".

It's refreshing to come across an apparent open mind and heart ( the only other person that I get any significant amount of influence from, for the same reasons, is a gentlemen by the name of Ravi Zacharias ). Saint or sinner, and usually more often than not it's the sinner, people can see through religious facades......All of us, for the most part, want honesty and openess.....People being real, being themselves.......This is fertile soil for the Lord....
Keep up the great work....
Tim Kretzer kretzar@att.net

Response: Spoken like a true follower of Jesus! -David

WHY PAY ATTENTION TO MOVIES?
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: David Buckna

OPINION Why Pay Attention to Movies? http://www.christianweek.org/stories/vol13/no22/editor.htm "Movies have a way of surfacing many of the deeper questions of human existence, providing insight into contemporary values and concerns...Movies, videos, television and music are a natural bridge between Christians and non-Christians." -ChristianWeek

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