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Subject: Change_Is_Good_for_Churches-News31
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002
From: "Christine"
Billy Graham
has lead more people to Jesus in his lifetime than probably any
other human in modern times, many of them young adults and teenagers.
He never changed the way he presented Christ to people because
there was nothing to change or make better. The Bible calls it
the simplicity of Christ. How do you, as a human, improve upon
the divinity of God? Jesus Christ...the SAME yesterday, today
and forever.
The change
we need in our churches today is to return to our first love...Jesus.
He is the only change we need! The rest is all the tradition of
men and God said in His Word that "by your TRADITION you make
my Word of none effect".
In Jesus,
Christine
TOLKIEN
-RESPONSE TO CHRISTINE
Subject: JRR_Tolkien_ is right on
Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2002
From: Paul
Hello all
- loved the movie, loved Greg's review, agreed with the newsletter.
But this is more of a response to Christine's comments than anything
else - although I don't know if she follows this site or whether
she will be reading this or not.
Christine,
I just wanted to challange you on your understanding of "abstaining
from every appearance of evil" (I Thess 5 v 19-22). To
put the verse in its context, Paul is giving some short advice
on prophecy. He advises us not to stifle the holy spirit or scoff
at prophecy, but test everything that is said. The most direct
and obvious application of his words, then, is to the practice
of prophecy, and to avoiding misinterpretation of it. If anyone
has concerns about the inspiration of such prophecy, thinking
it is of sinister origin, then this appearance of evil should
be avoided by carefully testing everything said.
You may disagree
with me on this interpretation of the verse, but this is the immediate
context, and I don't believe that there are any other passages
of scripture which emphasize the outward appearances of doing
the right thing - inward motivation and attitudes of the heart
are emphasized more often. If we are going to make these words
into a general principle - that Christians must never do anything
which is subject to misinterpretation by the uninformed - then
we must be careful about lifting Paul's words out of their original
context. This is something to be very cautious of - after all,
the Bible says that "There is no God" (Psalm
14 v 1), if we are prepared to ignore the context. If this
is to be a general principle, it should be noted that Jesus was
accused of being "a glutton and a drunkard"
(Matthew 11 v 19) by uninformed observers, by his association
with the dregs of society. Jesus stuck to his principles and his
mission, even though he risked misunderstanding by people who
didn't really know what was going on - therefore his actions are
not consistent with this "abstain from every appearance of evil"
principle. This suggests to me that just because people who haven't
read Tolkien think his books are sinister, that doesn't make him
a backslider, and going to see the film doesn't make people backsliders
either.
I'll admit
that I am disturbed by society's obsession with all things occultish,
and I want to know why the books on Wicca and Paganism are much
easier to find and seem to be more numerous in my local branch
of Waterstones than any Christian books or bibles. But it won't
help to go condemning excellent Christian authors for their guilt
by tentative association. (If you'd read the books you would know
that Tolkien's "wizards" are not really human practictioners of
the magic arts in the conventional sense, like they are in Harry
Potter, but are mysterious and powerful characters, who are eventually
revealed to be essentially angelic beings). Personally I think
it's good that my non-Christian friends are watching a film that
makes them think about Divine Providence and Human Responsibility.
I'm really glad that the director Peter Jackson really picked
up on that level of the book - I didn't think he would. Just a
little thought - I hope you will give this further consideration.
Yours in Christ Paul Hutchinson
PS Is JK Rowling really a Presbyterian Christian? I enjoyed the
film, but I have to admit to a bit of reserved concern that witchcraft
comes off looking pretty cool and exciting in her books. I'd like
to find out more about her own spiritual outlook, if anyone knows
anything more about her own beliefs.
THANKS
Subject: JRR_Tolkien_is_Right_On
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002
From: rob szpila
Dear David
Bruce,
Your column is a wonderful breath of fresh air. Your optimism
in the grace of God is a gift. I think you're right on. God's
will won't be frustrated. We too often want God to work in our
ways, but God will do as God wills. And I feel as if you have
helped to identify the signs of God working in these times. It
is not easy to find the religous value in the world that is so
closely associated with our conceptions of sin. But we (some of
us) know God works there too, and perhaps more there, then elsewhere.
Jesus welcomedd the tax collector more joyously than the religious
zealots of his day, not that the tax collector was sinless.
So thanks
for your insight. I struggle to find God working in all areas
of our culture, and I'm glad I'm not alone.
A very merry
Eucatastophe to you. And a Christmas year of incarnate wisdom.
-Rob Szpila
Response:
Thanks for the great words. I appreciate them. -David
OCCULTISH
AND DANGEROUS!
Subject: JRR_Tolkien_Is_Occultish_and_Dangerous
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002
From: "Christine"
We are ABSOLUTELY
forbidden in the Bible to have any fellowship with the works of
darkness. Any...and I mean ANY dabbling in witchcraft is an abomination
to God and EXTREMELY dangerous to a Christian...it was, after
all, punishable by death in Christ's time. It opens doors to demonic
oppression and possession. Let's not forget one of the tricks
the devil likes to use is to either have us think he doesn't exist
or make light of those things of darkness that are associated
with him. The Word tells us we are to ABSTAIN FROM ANY APPEARANCE
OF EVIL...and if going to see these movies is not an appearance
of evil, I don't know what is! What kind of witness is it to an
unbeliever? How would you be able to minister Jesus to that person?
Jehovah even forbids FORTUNE TELLING and ASTROLOGY ( horror-scopes,
I call them)...to forsee the future. It is all covered in the
Word.
God, Jesus
and the Holy Spirit do not need to be brought to people on a platter
trimmed in half-truths, magic tricks and spells. Jesus paid for
our sins once and for all on the Cross and THAT IS ENOUGH OF A
MIRACLE. The SON of GOD came to earth to die for our sins...all
of us and all of our sins...but, He only did it once! We put Him
to an open shame with our luke-warm attitude towards magic and
witchcraft.
If you knew
what true witches thought about Christans, you would not even
address the issure of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings in such
a cavalier manner and if Tolkien truly lead C.S. Lewis to Jesus,
he must either have backslidden or was not properly "brought up"
in the Word, or he would never have written such a book.
These are
not just my thoughts....they are based on Scripture. True, Satan-worshipping
witches, by the way, want to see ALL of us Born Again Believers
dead. That came to me from "the horse's mouth", when I was ministering
to a friend to pull her out of WICCA...unfortunately, she chose
to stay...at least at this point. I do not give up hope!
Thanks,
In Jesus,
Christine
Response:
JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis are in no way satanic. They represent
the very heart beat of Christianity. Your idea of witchcraft,
evil and darkness is way off base, in that you connect it with
CS Lewis. I suggest that you talk to your pastor about such a
connection. But thank you for your thouhghts. I always appreciate
when people feel free to express themselves. -David
ELIJAH
WOOD IS A CHRISTIAN
Subject: Fellowship_of_the_Ring_movie
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002
From: Trinity
Hello. Well
Yes. I loved LOTR. I just thought I would tell all those who ponder
such things. Elijah Wood is a Christian. I was very excited when
I found this out. If any of you know about Orlando Bloom please
leave a message here.
Thanks, Trinity
P.S. Please do not post my e-mail address.
Thanks.
THANKS
Subject: JRR_Tolkien_is_Right_On
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002
From: rob szpila
Dear David
Bruce,
Your column is a wonderful breath of fresh air. Your optimism
in the grace of God is a gift. I think you're right on. God's
will won't be frustrated. We too often want God to work in our
ways, but God will do as God wills. And I feel as if you have
helped to identify the signs of God working in these times. It
is not easy to find the religous value in the world that is so
closely associated with our conceptions of sin. But we (some of
us) know God works there too, and perhaps more there, then elsewhere.
Jesus welcomedd the tax collector more joyously than the religious
zealots of his day, not that the tax collector was sinless.
So thanks
for your insight. I struggle to find God working in all areas
of our culture, and I'm glad I'm not alone.
A very merry
Eucatastophe to you. And a Christmas year of incarnate wisdom.
-Rob Szpila
Response:
Thanks for the great words. I appreciate them. -David
OCCULTISH
AND DANGEROUS!
Subject: JRR_Tolkien_Is_Occultish_and_Dangerous
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002
From: "Christine"
We are ABSOLUTELY
forbidden in the Bible to have any fellowship with the works of
darkness. Any...and I mean ANY dabbling in witchcraft is an abomination
to God and EXTREMELY dangerous to a Christian...it was, after
all, punishable by death in Christ's time. It opens doors to demonic
oppression and possession. Let's not forget one of the tricks
the devil likes to use is to either have us think he doesn't exist
or make light of those things of darkness that are associated
with him. The Word tells us we are to ABSTAIN FROM ANY APPEARANCE
OF EVIL...and if going to see these movies is not an appearance
of evil, I don't know what is! What kind of witness is it to an
unbeliever? How would you be able to minister Jesus to that person?
Jehovah even forbids FORTUNE TELLING and ASTROLOGY ( horror-scopes,
I call them)...to forsee the future. It is all covered in the
Word.
God, Jesus
and the Holy Spirit do not need to be brought to people on a platter
trimmed in half-truths, magic tricks and spells. Jesus paid for
our sins once and for all on the Cross and THAT IS ENOUGH OF A
MIRACLE. The SON of GOD came to earth to die for our sins...all
of us and all of our sins...but, He only did it once! We put Him
to an open shame with our luke-warm attitude towards magic and
witchcraft.
If you knew
what true witches thought about Christans, you would not even
address the issure of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings in such
a cavalier manner and if Tolkien truly lead C.S. Lewis to Jesus,
he must either have backslidden or was not properly "brought up"
in the Word, or he would never have written such a book.
These are
not just my thoughts....they are based on Scripture. True, Satan-worshipping
witches, by the way, want to see ALL of us Born Again Believers
dead. That came to me from "the horse's mouth", when I was ministering
to a friend to pull her out of WICCA...unfortunately, she chose
to stay...at least at this point. I do not give up hope!
Thanks,
In Jesus,
Christine
Response:
JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis are in no way satanic. They represent
the very heart beat of Christianity. Your idea of witchcraft,
evil and darkness is way off base, in that you connect it with
CS Lewis. I suggest that you talk to your pastor about such a
connection. But thank you for your thouhghts. I always appreciate
when people feel free to express themselves. -David
ELIJAH
WOOD IS A CHRISTIAN
Subject: Lord of the Rings Fellowship_of_the_Ring_movie
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002
From: Trinity
Hello. Well
Yes. I loved LOTR. I just thought I would tell all those who ponder
such things. Elijah Wood is a Christian. I was very excited when
I found this out. If any of you know about Orlando Bloom please
leave a message here.
Thanks, Trinity
P.S. Please do not post my e-mail address.
Thanks.
LEWIS
AND TOLKIEN ARE DANGEROUS TO CHRISTIANS
Subject: JRR_Tolkien_Is_Occultish_and_Dangerous
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002
From: "Michelle Schmitt"
Gods' word
is very clear. WE are not to even dabble in the mystic world.
Unless you are called to spiritual war fare. I do not question
the authors salvation or motivation but according to what I have
read in Gods' word, it is not for entertainment! God has a wonderful
imagination, and he reveals it in wondrous ways. But I have never
known him to be double minded so to me this has crossed the road
of what I believe he would bless.
Sincerely, Mick Schmitt
Response:
Where does the Bible say that myth is dabbling in the mystic world?
You need to talk to a good pastor or Bible professor. CS Lewis
is foundational to contemporary Christianity and so is myth. -David
CHRISTIANS
OUT OF THE LOOP?
Subject: Newsletter 31
Date: Mon, 07 Jan 2002
From: Mat
Hi David,
just a few more comments on Post Modern and post Christianity,
a lot of your reference and evidence comes from the bastions of
higher education, which going back to the liberalization of society,
which to me had its biggest impact during the Abby Hoffman era.
( great movie on him by way " Steal This Movie") After the Kent
State tragedy, many of the socialist / liberal / anarchists crawled
back into their holes, recognizing how dangerous it was to their
lives. The yuntimately came to the realization that it would be
far more productive to beat the "Enemy" from within and many became
politicians and teachers at all levels of education, it was particularly
noticable in the colleges where getting a "Liberal Degree" took
on a whole different meaning.
It appears
to me that you and I travel in different circles, I hane noticed
in the last 15 years a major movement toward Christianity, and
not by young and older adults, but by the youth of our nation,
and it appears that it is happening not to anything we as adults
have done but something within their own youth culture. If you
check around you will find that there is also a major movement
in Christian music, second only to country, last year. For the
last 12 years I have attended a Christian three day concert, that
I can only describe as a "Christian Woodstock" . . they usually
have an attendance frpom 65 to 85 thousand people a year ( mostly
youth ) the one I have gone to is Creation, which is in Mt. Union,
PA ( www.creationfest.com) they started another in Washington
State, and there are many others througout the country. I can't
explain this reversal, but it is very noticable, perhaps the desire
to love and be loved far outweighs the desire for money and power
. . .and I still believe that Love conquers
ALL LUV 2 ALL MAT
Response:
Yes, I am aware of the large youth music fests. I have participated
in them. What I would like to see is the Church open its doors
to this expression of worship. That is what I am trying to say.
-David
METAPHORS
Subject: JRR_Tolkien_is_Right_On
Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2002
From: Carduck
I am new to
your websight, but interested in what you are saying. I am an
English teacher and teach myth. As a teacher I also appreciate
metaphor and symbols. As C.S. Lewis clearly uses the Lion as a
symbol for God, I see countless other films and books that teach
us something about our existence in the form of a fantasy or myth.
The myths show man's struggle with sin, teach values to the young,
and give us ideals in the Hero. I hope that people can understand
that Tolkien, Lewis, and even the Bible itself have metaphors
and symbols to help us understand spiritual truths. I would like
to know more about Tolkien though. How did he influence C.S. Lewis?
I understand that they both were professors of literature and
were specialists I think in medieval literature. As I watched
Lord of the Rings and read the book, I was reminded of Beowulf
and other English works. But did they really know each other personally?
Were they friends or was it through their letters and writings?
Where could I go to find out this information?
Sincerely, Carduck
FOLLOW
UP
Subject: Myth_is_Dangerous_Newsletter_31
Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2002 21:04:24 -0500
From: Mike
"...God brought a realization of himself
to CS Lewis through Pagan myth! And, it was through Pagan myth
that JRR Tolkien introduced Lewis to Jesus. Therefore, I would
not draw as hard line as you do... "
I'm really
enjoying your incredible site, and thanks for your kind words
on what I sent in.
I'd like
to debate a little on the above part of your reply. Here goes.
Would you
want to be an advocate for ANYTHING AND EVERTHING that might have
been a vehicle by which God has brought a realization of himself
to someone? (No I would not -David)
That seems to me to be considering only one side of the issue.
Many folks have ultimately come to that realization through all
sorts of goofy paths, spiritual and otherwise. But I wonder at
what cost--how many were enticed by something but either didn't
make it out or were hindered in their relationship with God by
it?
And do you
think God was pleased with those paths, even when He worked through
them? (Of course not. God is saddened by many
of the situations we find ourselves in. -David) He can
use virtually anything, but not everything is commendable. I just
think Christians are called to a higher level of discernment and
practice whenever there's a reasonable choice. (I
agree. -David)
I'm a Christian
hedonist in the Piper sense (see John Piper's book: Desiring God),
so I think Christianity is all about entertainment and pleasure.
I just don't see any shortage of vehicles for enjoying God, and
life, that don't heavily intertwine with things that are devoid
of God, opposed to God, compete with God, or confuse spiritual
truth.
So. bottom
line: a little pagan mythology goes a long way; unless, perhaps,
it's a presentation of the immense differences between Christianity
and Orphic or Dionysian mysteries.
Blessings, Mike
CAN
THERE BE ANY DOUBT?
Subject: Change_Is_Good_for_Churches-News31
Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2002
From: "Willms"
Is change
good for the church?
Can there be any doubt? Change is good. Very good. Not change
for change's sake, of course. But change that represents a natural,
organic evolution to something better. Christianity is a movement
of progress. Christianity is so vibrant because of its astonishing
ability to adapt over time and across cultures. Change is a visible
sign of God continuing to be at work in the world. But change
is also threatening -- at least to humans. The history of my Anabaptists
ancestors contains thousands of martyrs executed as heretics by
those for whom change was not good. But not to worry. The church
will change regardless of whether we want it to or not. Through
a process of natural selection God will continue to work through
those willing to do His will.
CAN
THERE BE ANY DOUBT?
Subject: Change_Is_Good_for_Churches-News31
Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2002
From: "Willms"
Is change
good for the church?
Can there be any doubt? Change is good. Very good. Not change
for change's sake, of course. But change that represents a natural,
organic evolution to something better. Christianity is a movement
of progress. Christianity is so vibrant because of its astonishing
ability to adapt over time and across cultures. Change is a visible
sign of God continuing to be at work in the world. But change
is also threatening -- at least to humans. The history of my Anabaptists
ancestors contains thousands of martyrs executed as heretics by
those for whom change was not good. But not to worry. The church
will change regardless of whether we want it to or not. Through
a process of natural selection God will continue to work through
those willing to do His will.
THE
POWER OF MYTH
Subject: Myth_Is_Good_Newsletter_31
Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2002
From: "Ken Priebe"
Myth is good.
The mis-interpretation of myth as it relates to history and truth
is dangerous.
As an agnostic
child I was fascinated by history and mythology. 4 years ago I
picked up a book about the mythology and history references in
Star Wars, and I found it fascinating how George Lucas used the
studies of mythologist Joseph Campbell to weave into his stories
the "common threads" that occur through many different myths and
religions. Shortly afterwards I was invited to an Alpha supper
and decided I would investigate the Christian faith. Very shortly
after that I was led to pick up "The Power of Myth" by Joseph
Campbell, and was mystified by it, so much that I collected several
more of his books. Reading them led me away from Alpha and against
the idea of "becoming a Christian." In short, the devil threw
me a curve-ball when he found out I was close to discovering the
truth. If the Lord hadn't called me when He did to change my mind,
I'd still be believing lies.
Not everything
that Campbell says in his books is wrong. He makes several intelligent
insights into how the Pagan, Christian, and Native American myths
blend and correlate to common themes. He offers much inspiration
for writers and artists and encourages us to "follow our bliss."
However, the poison in the apple is his flawed logic and write-off
of Christianity as symbolic, not literal. He reduces the historical
miracles of the virgin birth, resurrection and ascension of Jesus
to simply myths, like their pagan parallels. He stacks the deck
in favor of his Eastern religion bias and says that Gnosticism
is the only sensible way to look at Christianity. He says all
we know about Jesus are four gospels that are apparently contradictory
to each other, and Paul was simply re-telling the myth of the
Greek hero. The deceptions go on and on. After becoming a Christian
I went through intense spiritual warfare as I wrestled my belief
in this philosophy with the Truth. It was pretty scary.
(For a good
Christian analysis of Campbell's theology, go to http://www.answers.org/CultsAndReligions/Campbell.html)
If we melt
the Bible into the same level as all other mythologies for a New
Age "Grey Wide Hope," we will fall for the serpent's lies. If
pagan myths contain similarities in tales of creation, the Flood,
virgin births and dying gods, we should conclude that it is not
because of some pantheistic consciousness inside us, but because
of a Truth that is inside and outside of us. Myth points to Christ
being at the center as the "name of all names." Myth and history
MUST come together and point to the true living God, lest we be
deceived. I'm reading Narnia right now, and there I think we can
see an awesome allegory for how Christ (Aslan) is Lord over all
the ideas and creatures of myth.
Ken Priebe
http://www.geocities.com/madkap75.geo
TOLKIEN
CHRISTIAN?
Subject: JRR Tolkien Is Right Newsletter
31
Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2002
From: "Tyler Steingard"
I know for
a fact that C.S. Lewis was a well known Bibal scholar, but I didn't
think that JRR Tolkien had much to do with Christianity or the
Bible... does he have any biblically based books (like Lewis'
Mere Christianity)?
Thanks, Tyler Steingard
Response:
Tolkien introduced Lewis to Jesus. So the answer to your question
is: yes, Tolkien was a Christian. And, no, he did not write a
book like Mere Christianity. -David
MISSING
THE JOY IN LIVING
Subject: Newsletter 31 -Tolkien
and Lewis
Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2002
Hi David,
All this talk about the good and evil of current movies is wearing
me out, as I'm sure it is many people. I feel like Christians
try so hard to figure out if something is right or wrong that
they often miss most of the joy in just living. I saw Harry Potter
and the Sorcerer's Stone. I have no connection to the occult world
and to me it was a breath-taking movie that was entertaining from
beginning to end. I also saw Lord
of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Rings (twice already).
I was absolutely engrossed with this movie and enjoyed every second
of it. With both movies I felt like my deepest worship of God
was in enjoying the gifts and talents of those who had the ingenuity
to create such imaginative stories and bring them to life for
the rest of us. I felt no sinister force or pull towards Satan.
My heart thrilled with the emotional highs and lows of both movies
and I left the theater feeling like I had been on tremendous adventures.
I believe
that there are times in life when we should just find joy in living
and breathing and spending time with those we love. That too is
pure worship of God. I cannot believe that our loving, merciful,
gracious Abba finds fault in fairytales and imagination. He created
us to use our gifts and talents to the best of our abilities.
The people who created these stories and made the movies have
tremendous talent and imagination. I was completely swept away
by the movies and enjoyed the experiences immensely.
Thank you
for all you do. I look to your website constantly for positive
aspects to find in current movies and you never let me down.
Kimberly Wenger
Response:
You are welcome. And thanks for your Right-On words. -David
DIAKON
WRITES BACK
Diakon writes back...
Subject: Newsletter 31
Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2002
From: Bob Messer
David
Bruce writes:
"There is this idea among non-mystical Protestant Christians
that the spiritual and the material are two different very different
worlds. One sacred and the other profane."
To clarify...
such a belief in the separation of the spiritual and material
has been called "gnosticism". Gnostic ideas do not well reflect
accurate Christian faith. David further writes:
"The
unorthodox view of the material universe as non-redeemable is
seen in certain Protestant suspicion of the arts -especially
true of the Fundamentalists. They are sure that the whole of
the material universe is evil and especially Hollywood."
It would be
the very point of the Gospel and the Scriptures that (at least
part of) the material world is "redeemable", if only for a day
or a century. Every Christian believer's body is thereby holy/sacred
before God -- even in his/her physical-material being. When you
or I dedicate something specific (say, a loaf of bread, a weekend
retreat, an automobile, a poem, a building, a big screen production,
etc.) to God's use, we bring that thing from its common (profane)
use into the sacred. It's quite easy to do, even in "post modern"
times... just dedicate something, and follow-through in your dedication.
Even "Hollywood"
is redeemable in this fashion; the whole industry, or by just
one studio at a time. Do they today as much wish to be dedicated
to God "sacred" (no longer profane)? David, you may be asking
a large number of people in film & video art to go somewhere they're
just not yet ready to go. For, they must be the ones to dedicate
their materials/efforts -- if it is to be dedicated to God's use.
The church would largely welcome such a dedication. We may invite
them, but we would not force them.
Blessings! Marshall Diakon II
Response:
Thanks for your thoughtful comments. -David
BABBLE
IN ALL ITS INCOHERENT SPLENDOR
Subject: Myth_is_Dangerous_Newsletter
31
Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2002
From: "Mike Murphree"
Wow! Tolkien
and Lewis sure spouted a lot of what seems like pure babble in
all its incoherent splendor. I'll buy they understood that the
"Modern Scientific Age was limited," but that hardly qualifies
as more than commonplace insight. The twaddle about Christmas
and happy endings sounds like weakly founded sentimentalism at
best. So it's on to the central question at hand: "Do you think
Christian faith should be couched in myth as CS Lewis and JRR
Tolkien do?"
It's unfortunate
that among its varied and common meanings, the word "myth" is
often used in ways that make meaningful discussion difficult.
It may be used: (1) to mean a story or reporting that, although
purported as fact, has no factual basis, but rather is purely
the product of the imagination of one or more persons; or (2)
to mean the collection of concepts in stories (fictional or non-fictional)
that have application to or potentially influence or govern how
groups of real people think, feel, and conduct their lives.
If historic
Christianity is true, this denotative confusion may be somewhat
dangerous in itself. It's easy to find seemingly legitimate reference
to the Jesus or the Christ myth, or even to the Christian myth,
and with a mingling of the two meanings. Applications to other
faiths seem less numerous. It's harder, for example, to find reference
to the Holocaust myth, except by the easily recognized kooks who
use it strictly in terms of definition (1).
If we follow
definition (1), the Christian must argue that Christianity is
not myth, but is firmly rooted in the historical account as given
in the Bible. To deem it myth would be dangerous indeed, and,
I would think, terribly offensive to the God of that history.
If we follow
definition (2), then the Christian faith qualifies as myth, and
Lewis' comment on the myth and fact of Christianity makes sense.
The God who creates has placed within His spirit-bearing creature
a capacity to respond to the myths in the story of God's redemptive,
and ultimately personal, interplay with those creatures throughout
history. Myth, Christian myth that is, in this case is not dangerous,
but is essential and THE MYTH to which any other myths must be
consonant and subservient.
Therefore,
any other myth would be dangerous if it conflicts or attempts
to present a higher truth, a bigger and better myth, if you will.
Does Lord
of the Rings do this? I'm not sure, but here's some thoughts.
First, I suppose
you have to take the myths LOTR offers seriously. But let's say
that it's entirely possible that some do, so that concern is warranted.
(The issue of a Christian's participation in completely frivolous
entertainment is another issue, which I'll avoid here.)
There appears
to be some fairly obvious symbolism strewn about LOTR that does
seem to represent fundamental elements of Christianity (I only
saw the movie, so I may be missing a lot more). I suppose that's
commendable, or at least non-objectionable, if those symbols are
dissected out and thought about in relation to Christian concepts.
On the other
hand, there seems to quite a mixing of these symbols with a variety
of elements having pagan mythological roots. And if the story
is taken as something that could have really happened, as I read
Tolkien seemed to have wanted, there's obvious conflicts with
the Christian historical account: races of non-human but human-like
beings, for example, or magical objects that bestow exceedingly
long life. There is a question of the appropriateness of the packaging
of myths, even, and maybe especially, Christian myths.
Some notable
Christian myths I was able to find in LOTR are (1) the natural
inclination of the creatures' hearts to yield to temptation, especially
the temptation for control (original sin?); (2) the deceptive
allure of temptation; (3) the virtues of self-denial, loyalty,
and faithfulness; and (4) the sharp contrast between good and
evil. The movie seemed closest to touching the heart in those
several places where the virtues in (3) are evidenced. But on
the whole, I found the balance between those things that bring
tears to the eyes or numinous goosebumps to the flesh versus the
titillating action and eye-popping technical wizardry to be grossly
weighted toward the latter. Again, it seems to be a question of
appropriate packaging for the Christian myths.
I'm least
comfortable, I think with what seems to be the big themes in this
movie viewed as a Christian film. As far as I could see there's
no hint of relationship between Creator (is there a Creator in
LOTR?) and creature. The source of heroism and sacrifice, where
it exists, is all in the will of the creature. If you take this
meta-theme as Gospel recontexted and reenacted, I think there
may be real danger. It's a very works-oriented presentation. If
there is a loving, suffering, overcoming, redeeming, and empowering
Christ here, he is a creature, not the Creator. That's a pretty
dangerous false gospel. And being devoid of the numinous, it's
pretty heart-numbing.
Finally, a
ton of nasty evil is presented in LOTR, and, yes, evil is really
terribly ugly and violent. But is not the Christian's goal to
think on those things that are good and beautiful? If so, why
would the Christian want to visually consume so much cinematic
evil and darkness as this movie envelopes its viewers with? Once
again, the packaging of the myth is questionable.
Mike
Response:
Thanks Mike for your very thoughtful approach. Well done. I appreciate
your considerations very much. I would, of course, hold the view
that fantasy and myth are important and I would encourage any
creative and gifted writer to pursue this genre if they were so
moved. God brought a realization of himself to CS Lewis through
Pagan myth! And, it was through Pagan myth that JRR Tolkien introduced
Lewis to Jesus. Therefore, I would not draw as hard line as you
do when it comes to Pagan myth. God can be found there. I have
had many great conversations over coffee discussing myth, stories,
and movies. -David
BOOMERS
ARE THE FATHERLESS GENERATION
Subject: Change Is Good For Churches Newsletter
31
Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2002
From: Bill
thought provoking
article.
I am 53...a boomer who has become a post modern thinker. You have
articulated problems but little in the way of solutions.
Music
speakers
language
culture
art
dress
all will no doubt infiltrate the church eventually. It has always
been difficult throughout history for adults to accept children.
You did mention,
however indirectly , that a vital relationship with Christ is
essential to changing anybody from a sinner to less of a sinner.
And that can be accomplished in any culture with any music. No
doubt some churches must die and others of a different culture
- worship style must rise to attract the fatherless and the homeless
children of our culture. but we must keep the focus on the relationship
with Christ and the focus of articles like this less on the restrictive
nature of those mindless, selfish boomer and more on Jesus. Boomers
were fatherless too, in their generation for the dads were beating
the Germans, the Japanese, the depression, and providing "wealth"
for their kids at the expense of their relationship with Christ
and at the expense of mirroring a relationship with Christ for
their kids.
I am a fatherless
boomer whose dad warred successfully and worked successfully (in
a financial way). I am no less fathersless than the divorced post
modern and no less a sinner as a result of having beeen sinned
against and reacting selfishly. It happens in some form or fashion
to every generation and to every child. That is why we need a
Savior who is personal for every child.
Boomers are
not at fault for the post modern lack of faith. I have my ways
to distance God, my kids have their ways, and now I watch three
grandkids developing their ways. It goes on until Jesus returns.
AND THE ROCKS
WILL ALWAYS CRY OUT. THANKS BE TO GOD FOR PURSUING US, OUR CHILDREN
AND OUR ANCESTORS.
And thanks
to you for helping me think and worship.
Response:
I love your reply. The Boomers are fatherless. The whole Star
Wars series speaks to this. Never the less, each generation must
pass to the next. It is time for the fatherless generation to
give place to the divorced generation. Your words go a great way
in leveling the playing field so equality and community can happen.
-David
SATAN
HAS HIS TIME, BUT GOD IS IN CONTROL
Subject: Newsletter 31
Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2002
From: "gene"
Throughout
History we have had wars,we have had witchcraft, sorcery, but
we have also had Faith in an Omnipotent Being (ie. GOD).He is
in control even though so called intelectuals may have their short
lived glory in the SUN. Only through Prayer & Faith in that one
omnipotent being can we be saved.
Thou art
Peter & upon this rock I will build my church & the gates of hell
will NOT prevail against it.
The fall of
the Iron Curtain was from a political move. It is through prayer
that more is accomplished but most of us have to narrow a view
of life .We are rapped up in our material comforts and a greed
for even more. All these things will pass away, but Gods word
will never pass away .
Gene Pacia
Response:
You speak much truth. -David
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