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THANK
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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
Response:
Thanks for the tips. -David
REGULAR
PEOPLE, NOT SAINTS
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Leslie
Hi, David,
Don't be too bummed out about the holier-than-thou types. I guess
they've forgotten that Jesus chose a "bunch of knuckleheads and
loose cannons", as a friend of mine termed it, to be His disciples.
Meaning, regular people, not saints.
My Christian
life includes enjoying a variety of movies, so long as they are
quality movies; i.e., not gratuitously violent or demeaning to
the human spirit. Sure, Tom Cruise's character in "Magnolia"
said a lot of skin-crawlingly creepy things. But anyone who was
actively watching could see the expression of awakened forgiveness
and compassion in his eyes during the reconciliation scene with
his dying father. He had "wised up." (In fact, in its unconventional
way, "Magnolia" is one of the most compassionate and spiritual
movies I've seen in a long time.)
Likewise,
I suppose that "The Sixth Sense"
could be considered to have "occult" and "satanic" qualities.
I have to admit, it's probably one of the scariest movies I've
ever seen ... but what I remember more is its deeply interwoven
themes of kindness and love.
So let the
perfect folks live in their Brady Bunch world. You'll never catch
me wearing a kiwi-green, silver-spangled, polyester jumpsuit as
I sing and dance down an escalator at Sears. How about you?
Take care,
Leslie
Response:
Thank you Leslie. The Brady Bunch world does have some major draw
backs.
COOL
CHURCH
Newsletter 26
Subject: EverGreen Ministries, Hudsonville, MI
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: "Larry Doornbos
Hi, Our church
seeks to be open to world speak. Not always with ease, however,
our series based on the Matrix was loved
by most, hated by some because we showed clips from Matrix. But
overall, we're trying and would love to be on your list.
EverGreen
Ministries
6450 28th Ave
Hudsonville, MI 49426
e-mail Larry@egm.org
Thanks, Larry
Doornbos Senior Pastor
Response:
Matrix was the number one film among youth groups last summer!
This gives me hope for the church. -David
COOL
CHURCH
Newsletter
26
Subject: The Bandung International Church Bandung, Indonesia
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Pandu
Hey, Bruce...
way cool! You know, even though I was led to know Jesus by my
previous congregation, I was never at home there... since they
operate using that kind of "cookie-cutter" mentality. But now...
God had led me into a way cool congregation where I "can be what
I am" ... and never enforces a stereotype to others! Not that
we're not Jesus-centered, mind you! In fact, our congregation
regularly lead people to Jesus... only that we're not trying to
imprint any "brand" of doctrine here... My current church is:
The Bandung International Church Bandung, Indonesia God Bless!
Response:
Blessing to you to Indonesia! -David
COOL
CHURCH
Subject: My Church Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Teresa Bourn
I attend the
Lighthouse Church in Oak Lawn, IL. My pastor is Dan Willis and
we are Chicago's "Bridging The Gap" church. We embrace all ethnic
backgrounds and we actually thrive on diversity. Our address is:
9841 S. 55th Ave
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
708-424-2727
GOD'S
SIGNATURE EVERYWHERE
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Teresa Bourn
Dear David,
I discovered your site about a year ago and I have sent links
to your site to all of my friends christian and non-christian
alike, because it's a really good site. i think God is pleased
with your outreach and evangelism work. Dave you may not know
this, but I see in your ministry the ability to make us think
and reevaluate those things we hold dear and value as sacred.
It makes you evaluate your relationship and what you perceive
as spiritual in regards to Christ and what he means to you. I
enjoy your newsletter and your insight into today's culture. We
cant separate ourselves from God and I think that as much as Hollywood,
or earthlings even, are concerned, it shows up in everything we
say and do. God's signature that is. I understand your concern
about self righteous christians. Rest assured that God has called
you to this particular type of ministry and not everyone will
understand or even try to understand what God has called you to
do. I encourage you to keep your head up and know that God loves
you and trusts you with this work. I am praying for your strength
in the Lord. If I dont see you on this side of heaven, I'll see
you there!
Yours In Christ
Teresa Bourn
P.S. I agree
that Omega Code was awful!!!! I cant believe they are making another
one! But I will send comments on that on your website.
Response:
I like the concept that you are articulating. Thanks, David
CONTROVERSIAL
OUTREACH
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Julie Furner
David, I am
a youthworker in the Uniting Church in Australia. I dont know
if you have heard of us - we're kind of controversial because
we try to extend grace to the outcasts in society - so instead
of gay bashing, we are seeking to understand homosexuality and
as such, appreciate that gay people exist, and more than that
- gay Christians. The mnost controversial move of our church in
recent months has been to trial a legal drug injecting room. The
aim is to give users a safer environment for their habit, and
to offer practical support and advice for the victims of drugs
and their families etc. I dont need to tell you that this has
met with some scathing attacks! I truly felt for you with the
anti R- Rated nutters. Their God is not one of grace or compassion
I dont think. Not the kind of God I want to know any way, and
certainly not the kind of God I could ever introduce my friends
to. Amen a thousandfold to your "I want a church that" list -
I'm with you brother. Unfortunately, most Christians will never
embrace that entry code - but as long as someone does, there is
still hope for other lost souls. May we never be guilty of the
crap that has been served up to us because of narrow minded, rule
abiding, grace misunderstanding Christians. As a leader in the
Uniting Church we are targetted by those who are praying that
the Uniting Church is rescued from the hands of satan.... nice
to be prayed for I guess, hopefully God will use those prayers
to empower us to reach even further into the forgotten and shunned
places on this earth.
Blessings Julie Furner
Response:
Julie, keep on doing what you are doing! If I am ever over there,
I would love to spent time with all of you. I think we would have
a wonderful time. -David
EMBRACING
CULTURE WITHOU BEING SEDUCED BY IT.
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Julie Furner
It is sooo
good to find another Christian out there who actually embraces
the culture without being seduced by it! Hallelujah. I think you're
doing a fabulous job, and you dont need me to say that, it's obvious
from the responses of those who dont call themselves Christians.
Keep up the good work
In Christ's Service
Julie
Furner
Response:
Thanks, and I like that phrase, by the way: "Embracing the
culture without being seduced by it."
ONE
COOL CHURCH
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: Richard Horn
Hi! I believe
I can give you the name of one cool church. A church that is open
to everyone to come as they are and to hear the gospel message
in language that anyone can understand. That church is Kensington
Community Church in Troy, Michigan. For more info about Kensington,
see our web site at http://kensingtoncc.org.
You can also visit my personal home page at the address at the
end of thie e-mail.
PS - I am
a non-staff (unpaid) pastor at Kensington so my view may be biased,
however it is the only church in our area that I can feel comfortable
to bring my Christian friends and my unchurched friends to. Kensington
and some of our church plants that is.
PPS - If you
visit my page, go to my papers page and read my papers on True
Light and Revival. I think you might find them interesting. God
bless and keep you and your ministry! Rick Horn - revrik@yahoo.com
Visit my web site at - http://www.geocities.com/revrik
or http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Vista/6572/
Also I now have a secondary e-mail address - revrik@pastors.com
VICTIMIZED
CATHOLIC AND WICCAN
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: sharon
My husband
works for a Catholic company, that's why I can't believe this
is happening. I was born Italian, raised Catholic, my husband's
co-workers (non are Catholic) tell him awful things about Catholics,
print out material from Catholic hate sites and have even bought
him a King James verison of the Bible. They want him and I to
attend their churches because they feel we will end up in hell
if I keep going to Catholic Masses. Where is the Christian in
these people, my whole family is Catholic, they are talking about
my dead relatives when they say these things. My husband never
attends any church, I'm the one who goes, and I feel they need
to stay out of our marriage and home life. They would really have
a fit if they knew I am also Wiccan.
Response:
You are always welcome here. Always. Thank you Sharon for sharing
your pain. I hope to God those self righteous Christians back
off. The situation you describe makes me sick, Sharon. May God
bless you and give you direction as you and your husband journey
together on your spiritual quest. Do not hesitate to stay in touch
with me. Love you both, -David
COMMENTS
Subject: Narrow minded Christians...
Date: Tue, 12 Jun 2001
From: Daniel
  I
read your latest newsletter with shock, disgust and pain in my
heart that people who call themselves Christians could treat you
as they did. Perhaps you could point them to the fantastic Philip
Yancey book, "What's so Amazing about Grace." Or the Michael Frost
book "Seeing God in the Ordinary." I am a fan of your website
and - working in the film industry - put other people onto it
regularly. A friend of mine recently came under a similar attack
as you have and it prompted him to pen this piece. I thought I'd
pass it onto you as some kind of comfort:
Put on the
full armour of religion
With the belt of tradition around your waist
And the breastplate of middle class morality in place
With your feet fitted with the readiness to judge
Which comes from knowing you are right
In addition to this, take up the shield of doctrine
With which you can accuse anyone who disagrees with you of heresy
Take the helmet of good teaching and the sword of the proof text,
Which is the word of God,
taken out of context and used as a weapon.
Keep up the
good work,
Warm regards, Daniel
COMMENTS
Subject: King Avenue United Methodist Church
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: ajwkmw
David, Thank
you for the latest newsletter. I am a seminary student in Columbus
Ohio. For the past four years I have been fortunate enough to
serve as an intern at King Ave. Church, a wonderfully open minded
and diverse congregation. This is a church where free thinking
is not only tolerated, but encouraged!
King Avenue
United Methodist Church
299 King Avenue
Columbus OH 43201
(614) 424-6050
kingave@juno.com www.kingave.org
Mission Statement: We welcome and honor all people and nurture
then in their spiritual journey with Christ.
COMMENTS
Subject: Your sad experience
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001
From: David Harper -Conyers, GA
I was appalled
but not totally surprised at your experience over the R-rated
movies. I was raised Independent Baptist, and we were not even
allowed to attend movies of any kind - even Disney films. After
all, that would be supporting the godless people in "Hellywood"
(as our pastor often called it).
I was a pastor
for 22 years. I'm taking a "break" for now, maybe for a long time.
The thing about such legalism is that it helps a person to not
have to think through issues. It's much easier to say, "I'm a
Christian" or "I'm really spiritual, and therefore I don't drink
or go to certain movies (or any movies); and I don't listen to
"secular" music or read "secular" authors, etc. Instead of dealing
with these matters sanely and prayerfully and forming some ethical
principles, it's much easier to go with the flow of whatever church
one is in.
I like something
the late Jerry Clower once said. Someone said to him, "Jerry,
don't you think we need to get back to traditional values in this
country?" "What do you mean?" Jerry asked. "You know, the values
we were raised with." "Well," said Jerry, "I don't know about
you, but where I was raised it was traditional to be a racial
bigot, but me and the Lord had to get that settled a long time
ago. So which values are you talking about?"
Anyway, keep
up the good work. Too many believers, many of them quite sincere
and devout, still believe that the world is evil and will corrupt
them, and so they retreat from it and throw rocks at it and wonder
why they have so little impact on the lives of unbelievers. And
they never, never see themselves as the "weaker brothers," though
this is what Scripture calls them (Romans 14). They fancy themselves
as the really pious ones.
Well, enough
pontificating for one night. Just hang in there and keep the faith.
You're doing a great job!
In Christ,
David Harper Conyers, GA
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