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REFLECTOR OR DIRECTOR?
Subject: R_Rated_Newsletter #26
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001
From: "Jason Gardner"
I entirely
agree with the sentiment behind this article it is vital that
christians maintain an informed and incisive view of pop culture.
However the issue of censorship is one that needs to be seriously
addressed in our day and age as we've seen a huge increase in
the amount of violence, sex & swearing in films. The Disposable
Heroes of Hiphoprisy in their brilliant diatribe on the media
'Televison - the drug of the nation' ask the question of it is
it the 'director or the reflector' the age old question asked
in hip hop rhetoric 'does art imitate society or society imitate
art.' Does the increase in i8 or R films correctly reflect how
things are or is hollywood simply cashing in on a very real 'appetite
for destrution'?.
For every
bloke who deems 'fight club' a brilliant survey on the influences
of consumerism and postmodernity on contemporary society there's
someone else who sees it as a fantastic excuse to start up their
own combat community. Society already believes whole heartedly
in censorship, that's why we have film ratings. who are we trying
to protect by giving films certificates? obviously children as
the ratings are defined by age. What happens between the grand
old age of 17 and 18 that suddenly makes us able to cope with
violent images? do we suddenly become mature adults overnight
able to discern between fantasy and fact? I think not. if we're
genuinely trying to protect the innocence of children wouldn't
it be better to make sure that all films were below a fifteen
rating say. I'm sure it's the case in the us as it is in Britain
that many children's parents allow them access to 18 or r certificate
films. eight and nine year olds watch films like scream and i
know what you did last summer. Yes the parents should be more
discerning, but in many ways wouldn't we prefer a society where
things that have a damaging influence such as crack and heroin
didn't exist or came under tighter controls? We have to assess
what is beneficial for society as a whole.
This is just
for starters, the issue is huge and needs to be addressed by christians
who monitor the arts in a serious fashion.
Great website
by the way
Cheers Jason Gardner
Youth Culture Researcher.
the london institute for contemporary chrisitainity.
KEEPING
OUR HEARTS ON STRAIGHT DOWN SOUTH!
Subject: Cool_Churches_Newsletter_26
Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001
From: Wendy Pace Columbia, SC
Hey! I just
read your article about "The R-rated Problem" and I totally relate!
I grew up in a Southern Baptist household, a minister's daughter
no less, and at 18 left it all behind. I saw too much hypocrisy,
un-warrented criticism, judgement, etc., and I wanted no part
of it. Thanks to God's grace, 14 years later I am back in His
family, back in the South, and involved with some of the coolest
people I could ever ask to meet. My church is called Tommy's Interactive.
We meet at a coffee house in Columbia SC on Sunday's at 12:30
where we sing praise and worship songs with a live band, have
actual DISCUSSIONS about the scriptures, use movies and music
to demonstrate God's word as relevent and applicable to all our
lives, and have coffee and snacks to boot! Our attendance during
the school year reaches 80+ (capacity) and the age range goes
from 3-60 (mostly in the college age, though). Many of us share
my story, rejecting our parents' "religion", only to have God
reveal our misconceptions and confusion and show us the truly
AWESOME life that He wants for us. I could write so much more,
but I just wanted to give a shout out for our crew down here.
About our name, it comes from doubting Thomas, who asked for proof
- we encourage people to come and ask questions, challenge us
to "give proof for the hope that is in us" (to paraphrase).
Keep up the good work,
God Bless you and your ministry,
Wendy Pace Columbia, SC
JUST
WANT TO BLESS YOU!
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2001
From: Richard
Greetings
in the name of the Lord!
I just read
your comments regarding R-rated films and the flack you have taken
from Christians (and I use the term loosely) who don't have a
clue about the Lord.
I am an ordained
minister and former pastor who is also has a film production company.
I cannot tell you how many times I've been in the same situation
you were. I ceased in trying to explain things to them and began
to ask them these questions: If I made film that was completely
accurate in content, intent and description from the Book of Revelation
what kind of rating would I get? The answer they don't like to
give - R for the graphic violent content. I then ask about doing
a film where I show historically all that King David did for God.
Again, it would R-rated. Does any of this change things for them.
No. They just want to be judgmental. So, let me go one step further
- I don't concern myself with what they think. My films aren't
for the church (what's the point of preaching to the choir). My
films are for a lost and dying world that needs the Truth in all
their films whether they are comedy, action, thriller or horror.
I too am offended
by these people and the narrow mindedness that fuels their beliefs.
I compare them to Pharisees that are more interested in outward
appearance then they are the condition of their heart. I watch
millions get wasted on embarrassing garbage like The Omega Code
(and it's 17 Million Dollar sequel) while I struggle to find the
funds for my films. But, I won't compromise the message or the
quality to play with the ones that hold those purse strings. And,
to think they spent all that money on The Omega Code (and others)
to cop out at the end and not even follow proper prophetic teaching
or beliefs. What was the point?! I'd rather make films that the
secular world goes to see that plant a seed, put them on a road
to Truth and freedom or just outright changes their life.
So, stand
strong and know that Jesus went where they smelled the worst and
needed Him the most. He wouldn't be visiting any of the man made
edifices because the lost sheep He seeks aren't welcome in there.
God bless, Richard
COOKIE
CUTTERS!
Subject: Victimized_Christian_Newsletter#26
Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001
From: Colin Phelps
Dear David
Thank you for your very refreshing website. May the Lord preserve
us from those who seem determined to model the Pharisees not Christ.
I teach missions
at a small Bible college in South Africa and relate well to some
of the attack e-mails that you have published. As we seek to prepare
men and women for ministry in our world today, we are under attack
from a small group of fundamentalist zealots who believe that
we are relativist and heretical. What a drain on energy and enthusiasm
as they nitpick their way through rumours and inuendos in attempts
to make sure that we're orthodox enough, By their standards anyway!!!!!
May the Lord
bless you as you hold high the name of our Lord.
Allergic to cookie-cutters
colinp67@excite.com
COMMENT
FROM A SKINNY GUY TRYIN' TO GET TO HEAVEN
Subject: R_Rated_Newsletter#26
Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001
From: Bill
Dear David,
Hello! I read and was amazed and challenged by your statistics
and comments, respectively, on Thomas Kincaid, and of your unfortunate
church experience regarding the discussion about R-rated movies.
You probably
already know this, but for what it's worth, there are many of
us out here who share your conviction that though we are not to
be "of" the world, we are to be "in" it, and to be able to engage
the culture lovingly AND intelligently (read: informed). As you
probably also know, the late Francis Shaeffer was passionate about
this, as is his filmmaker son Frank, commentator Chuck Colson,
and the late Keith's Green's wife Melody, who is married to a
really sharp guy, who, along with Melody, devoted an issue of
their newsletter a few years ago to Christians in the arts, and
their struggles to be in but not of, and of dealing with the types
of things you mentioned. (So I'd say that puts you in good company.)
Two of my friends in particular give me no end of passionate,
thought-provoking monologues about the very things you expressed
(and do), that, thankfully, continue to knock me out of that unseen
current that tends to gently creep up and carry me "out" of the
world, isolated. I thank God for them, and I've sent them the
Hollywood Jesus URL.
Anyway, I
hope this encourages you to continue to be and do what God has
created you for; your purpose in this generation (Ps. 71:18).
As a writer, I struggle daily with being in but not of, especially
when it comes to pop culture. And I've concluded that, like so
may other things, I'm not very good at it; I tend to jump back
and forth between extremes. So once again, there are those out
here like me who are grateful for those like you who have a gift
for doing it well, and are willing to take the time (and endure
the heat) to share your insights with your weaker brothers.
Blessings, BILL
*(Amended from the late John Wimber's self description, "Just
a fat man tryin' to get to Heaven.")
FEELIN
UNEASY
Subject: Newsletter_26
Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001
From: "Wilson Wong"
Do you ever
get a feeling that whenever a person that does not outwardly match
the view of a 'Christian', comes to you and visit your church
and sit right next to you, you have this feeling of 'uneasiness'?
As much as
I want to be as open as Jesus would, it is kind of hard to fight
this feeling.
Reading through
your column of non-effective Christians who are too self righteous,
I really want to transform myself through Christ out of that mindset
and try as much to embrace everyone who is willing to listen to
Christ.
After Tuesdays
tragedy (so sad that some people are willing to listen to false
prophets like Osama and do not use their wisdom to discern), I
believe it is more imperative for us all to start harvesting for
the Lord. Hopefully, your website will be one of the loudspeakers
for the true Lord.
In His Grace,
Mercy and Love
Wilson Kriston Wong
LOVE
THE SITE!
Subject: Love your site! Cool_Churches_Newsletter_26
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001
From: Todd
I think your
site is great. I am a pastor who loves films and our church has
a film club that meets monthly to review films with non believers
and folks from other religions invited to create engaging dialog
along the lines of your site. We are using this as an evangelistic
opportunity to bring Christ to our culture. That's our mission
and you are helping provide tools and equipping for our people
to fulfill it.
Thanks. Todd Graham Rodarmel
Pastor, Mercy Covenant Church
San Juan Capistrano, CA
949-306-1312
trodarmel@home.com
PHILIPPIANS
4:8
Subject: About_R-Rated_Newsletter_26
Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2001
From: David
I only have
some questions:
1.How does Philippians 4:8 relate to Mark 7:15?
2.In Mark
7:19, my version in parenthesis states "(When Jesus said this,
he meant that no longer was any food unclean for people to eat.)"
New Century Version. How does food relate to R-rated movies? (Kosher
food, Kosher eye candy, same principle)
3.Here is
an excerpt from Matthew Henry's Commentary regarding the Mark
7:15-23 section:
Now that
which he goes about to set them right in, is, what the pollution
is, which we are in danger of being damaged by, v. 15. (1.)
Not by the meat we eat, though it be eaten with unwashen hands;
that is but from without, and goes through a man. But, (2.)
It is by the breaking out of the corruption that is in our hearts;
the mind and conscience are defiled, guilt is contracted, and
we become odious in the sight of God by that which comes out
of us; our wicked thoughts and affections, words and actions,
these defile us, and these only. Our care must therefore be,
to wash our heart from wickedness. 3. He gives his disciples,
in private, an explication of the instructions he gave the people.
They asked him, when they had him by himself, concerning the
parable (v. 17); for to them, it seems, it was a parable. Now,
in answer to their enquiry, (1.) He reproves their dulness;
"Are ye so without understanding also? Are ye dull also, as
dull as the people that cannot understand, as dull as the Pharisees
that will not? Are ye so dull?'' He doth not expect they should
understand every thing; "But are ye so weak as not to understand
this?'' (2.) He explains this truth to them, that they might
perceive it, and then they would believe it, for it carried
its own evidence along with it. Some truths prove themselves,
if they be but rightly explained and apprehended. If we understand
the spiritual nature of God and of his law, and what it is that
is offensive to him, and disfits us for communion with him,
we shall soon perceive, [1.] That that which we eat and drink
cannot defile us, so as to call for any religious washing; it
goes into the stomach, and passes the several digestions and
secretions that nature has appointed, and what there may be
in it that is defiling is voided and gone; meats for the belly,
and the belly for meats, but God shall destroy both it and them.
But, [2.] It is that which comes out from the heart, the corrupt
heart, that defiles us. As by the ceremonial law, whatsoever
(almost) comes out of a man, defiles him (Lev. 15:2; Deu. 23:13),
so what comes out from the mind of a man is that which defiles
him before God, and calls for a religious washing (v. 21); From
within, out of the heart of men, which they boast of the goodness
of, and think is the best part of them, thence that which defiles
proceeds, thence comes all the mischief. As a corrupt fountain
sends forth corrupt streams, so doth a corrupt heart send forth
corrupt reasonings, corrupt appetites and passions, and all
those wicked words and actions which are produced by them.
How do these
thoughts coincide with your own? Could it be that Jesus is talking
about things that are amoral, but used by the Pharisees to create
ridiculous laws? Food, in and of itself is amoral just as music
is (music, not lyrics). Being neither right nor wrong. (What
was about food in Jesus' day -is about pop culture "food"
in our day. The Church has become the Pharisees -so worried about
the leaven of the world -so worried about the food for the eyes
and ears -so worried that that our works will not merit God's
grace -so worried that Rock n Roll will keep us out of Heaven
-so worried that an R-rated movie will put us in Hell. Yes sir,
the Pharisees know how to use guilt, manipulation, suppression,
fear, and condemnation).
While I whole-hearted
agree with you that we should not take ourselves out of the world,
Jesus did admonish us to not be of it (No he
did not -John 17 is clear- the action of not being "of"
the world is something God does for us. It is not something we
do). When I discuss secular music with my youth, I approach
the subject much as you do. I point out the lyrics and talk to
them about how they can use them to witness to their friends.
I don't listen to secular music (I am sorry
to hear this), because it's just too depressing (and,
I find contemporary baby boomer "Christian" music depressing
-Should I be directed by me feelings, as you are?), but
that is what gives us as Christians such a tremendous opportunity
to reach out with a message of hope. If we can relate these messages
on a spiritual level without having what goes in effect us (I
think this is where Mark 7:20-23 comes in), we can have a huge
impact for Christ. I will not actively encourage any Christian
to view R-rated movies or listen to secular music for fear that
they are not as strong in there faith as I am (Hmm).
I would recommend your website for insight with how to use these
items as a door to open spiritual conversation. I think you are
on target with how you are relating these movies to Jesus, but
without a good spiritual backbone, seeing R-rate movies may make
a weaker Christian stumble (and, I view idolatrous
"family" centered baby boomer churches as dangerous
to those weak in the faith).
I think you
are experiencing the same resistance as groups like P.O.D., Jars
of Clay, Six Pence None the Richer, and Chevelle from the "Christian"
crowd because they don't understand the reason behind the music.
These Roaring Lambs understand that you don't reach the sick by
singing to the well. That's my main beef with Christian Radio.
There are only a few stations that "get it right", RadioU and
KADU for example. (You come so close to the
truth and yet you keep an arms length away. How come?)
All this to
say, keep up the good work (Thank you).
I will continue to use it as a resource, but not as a green light
to see whatever I want to see (you are free).
If it were up to me, I'd be watching x-rated stuff (addicting
time sumps, indeed), but I know that it's about what Jesus
would have me do, not my own sinful desires.
Thanks! David
Response:
You are so kind. Thank you. I guess it goes without saying that
we 180 degrees different. It seems to me that Christianity has
become more about personal "holiness" and less about
Jesus. It is interesting to note that the first 4 of the Ten Commandments
have to do with our relationship to God, and the last 6 have to
do with our relationship with others. There is not a single commandment
about personal issues. It's not about us (me and my personal issues),
it's about others, it's about God. There is a danger in all these
personal "holiness" issues, please read the two next
letters -and weep. -David
YES,
YES AND YES
Subject: Intolerance_at_church_Newsletter_26
Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2001
From: "maria"
I AM A BELIEVER
WHO MOST CERTAINLY WOULDN'T STEP FOOT IN CHURCH ANYMORE. I HAVE
SEEN THEM ALL. FROM THOSE WHO TOLD ME IT WAS A SIN FOR ME TO WEAR
A BATHING SUIT, DRINK A GLASS OF WINE, AND BE DIVORCED. I HAVE
DONE ALL THREE AND DON'T FEEL CONDEMNED BY MY GOD, JUST BY MY
BROTHERS AND SISTERS. AMAZING. I CONTINUE TO BE WHAT I FEEL GOD
WANTS ME TO BE, AND I CONTINUE TO ENJOY MY WINE AND WEAR MY BATHING
SUIT.
SINCERELY, MARIA FROM RHODE ISLAND
Response:
I know what you mean. Can you imagine wine drinking Jesus showing
up at such a church? I can tell you Jesus found very good followship
with the woman five times divorced at the well! -David
Very
impressed with your site for I am a spiritual being who loves
God and does not relate to church
Subject: Victimized_Christian_Newsletter#26
Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2001
From: maria
I have been
around the block over and over from every denomination under the
stars, then to "The Academy For Future Scientists" , in Los Gatos,
California. Then, back to radically church beings. And, now that
I have turned 50 this year, my view is God made all of us, he
even made aliens. Who are we to judge anyone? You have a wonderful
site and I am very impressed. I love God, although, I dislike
his church people, not all, but, those who are so narrowminded
to put others down. How dare any of us attempt to judge each other.
I am a screenwriter
and probably will one day get hung by some radical christians
for what I am creating. How very sad. Those that do the judging
are usually the ones who have much to be judged. (Not that I'm
judging). God must surely be proud of you! Keep up the great work.
God Bless, love Maria from Rhode Island
Response:
Thank you, I hope others will understand that narrow-minded judgmental
churchgoers are the poison within. It is not R-rated screenwriters
that are destroying the church. We need more R-rated truth and
fewer G-rated lies. God bless you in all you do! -David
JUDGMENTAL
CHRISTIANS DRIVING PEOPLE TO AGNOSTICISM
Subject: Newsletter #26
Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2001
From: Kirk
HJ, I really
appreciate your site, as a college grad, as a campus minister
and as a Christian. I love how you see the REDEMPTIVE VALUE in
much of Hollywood's films.
Re: judgmental
Christians driving people to agnosticism, etc.--if someone allows
a hypocrite to come between them and Jesus (no matter where you
are at), that means that they are further from Jesus than the
hypocrite.
Everyone has
sinned at some point, and often we continue to sin. When the world
tries to hold Christians to a standard that Christians don't claim
to hold (moral perfection, perfect integrity), the result is misplaced
frustration. Don't let someone else be a stumbling block to you
before Jesus.
To the Christians
out there, do your best to not be that stumbling block (and I
don't know how anyone could do that outside of a local church).
Keep up the site, HJ!
Kirk
COOL
CHURCH
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2001
From: Alaska Churches and Bible School
Kachmak Bay
Christian, Center PO Box 995, Homer AK 99603
www.kbaychurch.org
Alaska
Bible Institute, http://www.xyz.net/~abi/,
P.O. Box 975 Homer, AK 99603
(907) 235-8648
COOL
CHURCH
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2001
From: From the Gathering
Kudos David,
kudos. I've enjoyed your site since shortly after it went up,
and have a link to it from our church's website. We're one of
those X and Y rated churches, reaching out to postmodern culture.
We're located in Edmonton, Alberta, way up here in the Great White
North of Canada. We came across your site when we had a movie-viewing
small group. We watched a movie, discussed whether or not there
was something spiritually true in the film, and then went to other
Christian review sites for a good laugh. You came up on a search,
and wow! What a breath of fresh air that was. I'm sorry to hear
you got treated so crummy by that church community. Our slogan
is "church for people who don't like church" so most of our people
can identify with having their butt kicked by dangerous churches.
Anyhow, we're called the Gathering. We're located at 15620 - 95
Avenue in the West End of Edmonton. Our website is http://plaza.powersurfr.com/thegathering
and it features online experiences for people who don't live in
Edmonton but still want to worship Christ online. We applaud your
goal to have a Cyber Church. Keep up the good work, and GOD BLESS!
THANKS,
CULTURE, TELETUBBIES, AND FAITH FILMS
Subject: Newsletter#26
Date: Fri, 3 Aug 2001
From: William S
Dear David
Thanks for your wonderful site. I am refreshed to find a 'real'
Christian site like yours. Your assessments of today's culture
are good to read.
I too know
churches like the one where you were asked not to come back. I
used to pastor a congregation where the main players would have
treated you in the same way. That's why that particular congregation
is dying. Any time I used contemporary illustrations from movies,
tv and so on I would get the evil eye and would sometimes get
questioned as to why I would use such 'secular' illustrations
in church.
I have now
recently taken over at another church (same denomination), but
so far have not encountered any similar behaviour. This Sunday
will be my 7th at this church and this week I will be preaching
about our involvement as citizens on this planet, using 1 John
2:15-17 as my text. I will probably tell them that if they are
looking for me to give them a set of legalistic guidelines as
to what they can or cannot do then they will be disappointed.
If they truly are saved then they need to use their own discernment
in accordance to what they believe is God's will for their lives
as individuals.
I don't get
to see many movies at the theatre these days as we have very young
children, but I try to see them on video when they come up. As
a pastor I think it's very important to see something before I
comment on it. Too many 'Christian' leaders have let us down in
this regards. My oldest child, now just over 2, enjoys 'The Teletubbies',
something she wouldn't have been able to if we had paid attention
to Jerry Falwell. It was embarrassing watching him on Politically
Incorrect trying to backtrack on his comments about Tinky Winky
being gay after having to admit that he had never actually watched
it. 'Teletubbies' is actually a very good show for toddlers and,
as we have seen, can help in their development in such areas as
interaction and speech, to name but two.
When people
get too judgemental and start questioning me on my beliefs and
ideas I point them to 'What's So Amazing About Grace' by Philip
Yancey and tell them to come back to me after they have read it.
If that does nothing for them then I'm not sure what will.
I appreciated
your top 100+ list recently, there's some great movies in there
and some I have not yet seen. My top 5 would be as follows:
1. The Mission
2. Braveheart
3. The Deer
Hunter
4. The Blues
Brothers
5. The Good,
The Bad And The Ugly
Of course
that can change, but that's me at the moment. 'The Simpsons' is
not a movie (obviously!), but that would be amongst my favourites
as far as tv goes. You should see the faces on some of my contemporaries
when I sometimes wear a Simpsons t-shirt to denominational conferences
or meetings, but that's another story! I shouldn't bore you any
further. Keep up the good work, we need more people like you willing
to live out their Christianity in the way that you do.
God bless William S.
Response:
Thank you. I really appreciat what you are saying. -David
R-RATED
Subject: Newsletter#26
Date: Fri, 03 Aug 2001
From: Tom Snyder
I like some
R-Rated Movies very much, including THE
GREEN MILE and THE
MATRIX, but scientific studies do show that the depiction
of violence and sexuality in movies and TV can affect people,
including making them commit violent crimes and sexual crimes,
such as rape. But, I must say that I would like GREEN MILE and
MATRIX even more without the graphic electrocution scene, the
foul language and the scene where Neo gratuitously kills a bunch
of uniformed security guards.
Oh, and by
the way, Jesus never said that we are not to judge other people;
the whole thrust of his argument was that we should judge justly,
using the Word of God. Man does not live by bread alone, etc.
(Deut. 3:8). Also, when we condemn other people for judging other
people, we are violating the Law of Non-Contradiction, because
we have just used our judgment for judging those very same people,
so we are guilt of doing what they did. The better response to
people is to tell them that we think they are judging unfairly
or unjustly, according to the principles of the Word of God.
Tom Snyder
Response:
Good point. There is always a kinder way of saying something that
builds a bridge, and does not throw rocks. -David
PARENTS
APPROVAL
Subject: hey R_Rated_Newsletter#26
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001
From: LA
Hi I go 2
your web site a lot I think its so cool. I read your article about
R-rated movies and I think I agree I watch some R-rated movies
like "The Patriot". That was a great
movie! but I only watch them if my parents approve of it. Like
if the language is not 2 bad no nudity and all that junk!
LA
Response:
Thank you for being obedient to your parents. -David
CASE
BY CASE
Subject: R-rated movies Newsletter#26
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001
From: Amanda McCain
I, too, have
been frustrated by other Christians stark disapproval of ALL R-rated
movies. My husband and I are in youth ministry, and while there
are several movies we would like to use (Gladiator
and Patriot, to name just two) we are
absolutely forbidden to do so.
I don't approve
of nudity, or sexual activity (especially outside of a marriage),
or violence in movies. However, there are some movies, particularly
violent ones, that I believe kids need to see - either because
of their historical background, or the message that is sent. For
example, the hero in Gladiator was
a truly heroic, good character. I was so refreshed to see a hero
with no glaring personality defects. Maximus was someone you could
truly look up to. In fact, some of our peers used this movie for
a theme at a recent Bible camp, and it was a huge hit.
Our policy
has been to take movies on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes a G
movie is no good, and sometimes a PG-13 is terrific. At any rate,
we always screen movies in advance - just to save our own tails!
Thanks for
what you do. It's a huge help to have a Christian resource.
In Him, Amanda McCain
Response:
Excellent methodology. It truly is a case by case situation. -David
WHY
I AM AN AGNOSTIC
Subject: Newsletter #26
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001
From: M in Tennessee
Hey, Hey,
Hollywood Jesus!
Just thought I'd write a note and talk about why I'm an agnostic....
How did I become an agnostic?
I am gay.
I was steeped in the Southern Baptist Church as a child. I've
been dealing with a strong personal faith all of my life (my family
is steeped in faith and I am as steeped), experiencing God on
so many levels. Through the years, I have watched people point
the finger ("you're going to burn in hell for that"), use neologisms
("I love you, brother!"), or preach and then live a double life.
Uggggghhh! I've also seen tiny "glints of goodness" that shine
out for me to take. They keep me from falling into atheism. My
godly Mother, who truly lives what she believes, is my absolute
inspiration. Now, though, I have to somewhat divorce the god from
the good deeds when emulating her because of all of my luggage
in life. Isn't life strange!
Where do I
begin? With the church that had a preacher who had killed 2 previous
wives and eventually killed his third wife in an accident (the
gun was under his pillow and she was gunshy? Please!). With the
same church where the Minister of Music was caught years later
in a pedophilia scam? With my then-preacher brother (SBC - the
moderate type), who fell from Grace (at least that's what her
name is, I think!)? With the Episcopal Church that had the cute
priest (but still truly had the power of the Lord) that got up
in front of a predominately gay church to say that "the Holy Spirit
just wants me to talk... and..... I just know that adultery, homosexuality,
and bestiality are all in the same type of sin.... It's wrong."
? With the SBC telling their wives to be submissive? With Jerry
Falwell and Jimmy Swaggart and Jim and Tammy Baye Fakker and ......
the list goes back centuries. How can I believe when I see all
these things? How can I believe when the refutations against Scripture's
infallibility are strong? How can I believe when I suddenly have
a lightbulb go off in my head telling me that people need pacification,
and this is their answer, to control? (have you ever noticed how
many control freaks are out there in religious positions of power?)
Alternately, how can I believe when the right wing (thanks, Jerry
Falwell!) these days are into the anti-abortion, anti-homosexuality,
anti- catholicism, Jesus is coming in 2 and a half weeks issues?
Where did any moderate discussion run off to? I say that we are
living in a time of tyrant church leaders. It's going to get worse,
unfortunately, until it gets better. The church will lose many,
as they have definitely lost me.
I've tried
the following churches, earnestly trying to see if any out there
truly believed that we are all one mankind: Southern Baptist,
Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal. Southern Baptists
were just crazy after the right-wing took over! Lutherans are
bigots, Methodists were lukewarm and boring, and Presbyterians
had too many cute guys, but they were all married! Seriously,
though, Presbyterians were lukewarm as well, with a closer twinge
of the kewl high church.
This whole
spirituality thing is a toss-up for me. I want to emulate the
good and go away from the bad. I don't think that these morals
should be reserved only for those that are religious (monotheistic
or otherwise). And did I talk about the Moral Majority? Oy! I
still believe in God, though. I still believe in a higher power
that has a divine plan. I still believe in the goodness of humankind.
I still believe
in the golden rule. I still believe in an afterlife. Love your
web site. Keep those "glints of goodness" coming our way! Have
a good one,
M in Tennessee
p.s.
I went off on a street preacher about a month ago. I know that
it sounds terrible, but I had this energy for 20 years and needed
to let it out! Who says what THE WAY is?
Response:
Please consider Hollywood Jesus your church. And please do not
hestitate to talk chat via private email with me. -David
BLASTED
BY FUNDAMENTALIST
Subject: Agnostic_Pagan_Newsletter_26
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001
From: Black Sunglasses
i was. after
i tried to talk about the messages of redemption in "Pulp Fiction"
i was blasted for watching the devi;'s work. they said if it didnt
come from God, it came from the devil. I thank you and the interfaith
alliance for helping realize those psycho fundamnetalists are
in the minority. im 14
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