And it did so instantly and in real time? Woah.
Can you imagine status updates like this?
So I’ve been having thoughts that I’m positive are unpopular.
I read a book a few years ago by everybody’s favorite Calvinist (or not), John Piper. The book is provocatively titled Don’t Waste Your Life.
Piper’s premise in Don’t Waste Your Life is simple – all of us were created in the image of God and bought by Jesus’ blood to bring glory to God. You’re either a Christ-follower, or God is calling you to be one. Those who accept that calling will live lives that glorify God, and those who don’t will waste their lives chasing after things that don’t ultimately matter.
Words etched into a plaque that hung above his mother’s kitchen sink when he was young shaped his thinking from an early age:
Only one life,
‘Twill soon be past.
Only what’s done,
For Christ will last.
So here’s what I’ve been pondering: when Christ-followers inhabit the New Heaven and New Earth, what will we reminisce about?
Will our thoughts be dominated by past headlines? Will we reminisce about the deeds and policies of former politicians, kings, and princes? Will we debate which technological advancements played the greatest role is shaping past society?
Or could it be the only things we will judge worthy of remembrance were those things done in the name of Jesus Christ? Could it be that those are the only things that will, in an ultimate sense, have a lasting impact?
I like Apple products. I appreciate being able to reap the benefits of the technological revolution spawned by the inventions of a brilliant mind. I am a fan of creativity, and believe it to be a characteristic of God infused in a humanity created in His image.
But will any great inventor’s inventions, in themselves, amount to a hill of beans in eternity?
Will we reminisce about them in the New Heaven and New Earth?
Or did the architect behind Apple Computers, despite his great impact on everyday life, waste his own?
I spent a good portion of my day today reading through Behind the Screen: Hollywood Insiders on Faith, Film, and Culture for my Theology & Pop Culture class at Fuller. Doing so has caused me to laugh out loud quite a few times.
I’m sure you’re simply dying to know why (or not) – here are a couple of tidbits:
I was giving a talk at a Christian college, and young Jeremy had sprung up to his feet as soon as the question period began … “Tell me what I need to do to make the next Passion of the Christ.“
I suddenly had a whole new insight into the Gospel passage between Jesus and the rich young man. I think I kept the sigh out of my voice. “Give away everything that you have and are now doing so that you can throw yourself into mastering the cinematic art form. Get your act together spiritually, and then do everything you can to get into a top film school. Study philosophy and theology so that you have something real to say through your movies. Read lots of classic novels, and write hundreds of pages so that you achieve command of the language as a creative tool. Get your moral act together so that you won’t get tripped up too easily in the whirl of the entertainment business. Then, come and follow us by moving to Los Angeles. And in ten or fifteen years, maybe you’ll see your name on the screen appended to a movie of lasting value.”
Needless to say, like the young man in the Gospel, Jeremy’s face fell, and he too went away sad.
The Passion of the Christ did not come out of nowhere. It came thirty years into Mel Gibson’s filmmaking experience mainly at the top levels of the industry. It came almost a decade after he produced his Oscar-winning film, Braveheart. It came fifteen years after his profound conversion and the reorienting of his life to Christ. The film itself took ten years of a brooding, devastating, creative journey. Many people in the church have been asking me if, in the wake of The Passions’s success, will Hollywood produce many more such movies? “Hollywood” can’t! There will be no other Passions without other Mel Gibsons to bring them into being.
Barbara Nicolosi, Behind the Screen: Hollywood Insiders on Faith, Film, and Culture, pgs. 115-116.
The above excerpt made me laugh. Ahh, the naiveté that accompanies shallow zeal devoid of the will to make any real sacrifice could make any Christian minister laugh … or cry.
I choose to laugh.
And that tidbit isn’t nearly as hilarious as this:
Writer/director Robert Benton is not an evangelical Christian. Yet, His film incorporates “Christian themes” with more subtlety, artistry, and depth than the majority of films being made by professed Christians. It is not the only one. In fact, most films that successfully incorporate religious themes are made by nonreligious people.
Here are some of the better films with Christian messages or these from the past few decades:
- Chariots of Fire (1981)
- Tender Mercies (1983)
- Places in the Heart (1984)
- Hoosiers (1986)
- The Mission (1986)
- Grand Canyon (1992)
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- Dead Man Walking (1996)
- The Apostle (1998)
- The Prince of Egypt (1998)
- The Iron Giant (1999)
- Magnolia (2000)
- Signs (2002)
- Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie (2002)
- About Schmidt (2002)
- Changing Lanes (2002)
- In America (2002)
- Bruce Almighty (2003)
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003)
- The Passion of the Christ (2004)
All of these films were critically acclaimed and/or box office hits. But with the exception of Jonah, Bruce Almighty and The Passion, none were made by Christian filmmakers. Christians, however, did make these films:
- Gospa (1995)
- Entertaining Angels (1996)
- The Omega Code (1999)
- The Joyriders (1999)
- Left Behind: The Movie (2000)
- Carman: The Champion (2001)
- Megiddo: The Omega Code 2 (2001)
- Mercy Streets (2001)
- To End All Wars (2001)
- Hometown Legend (2002)
- Joshua (2002)
- Left Behind II: Tribulation Force (2002)
- Luther (2003)
- Finding Home (2003)
- Therese (2004)
Overall, these films are unwatchable. There are only a handful of good scenes among them. None had success with critics or at the box office. (What does it say about Christian filmmakers that one of their best-received movies features computer-generated vegetables who sing and dance?)
If Christians want to make successful films that incorporate their worldview, why not learn from those who are already doing it – non-Christians. So let’s ask: why are the best Christian films being made by secular filmmakers?
The first reason secular filmmakers are making better Christian films is because they are making them for mainstream audiences.
All of the films on my first list were produced for the mainstream market. They opened in either wide theatrical release (over two thousand theaters) or, in the case of the smaller films, an “art house” release of around one thousand theaters. The films on my second list were produced for the “Christian market.” A few were released into about three to four hundred theaters. Most went straight to video or to a “vanity” release in two or three theaters.
The idea that Christians will go see films targeted at them has not been borne out by the marketplace. Christians, it turns out, see the same films as everyone else.
And what about the success of the Christian music and publishing industries? They have succeeded because they take advantage of an infrastructure of Christian bookstores, through which music and books targeted at Christian audiences can be sold. But there are no Christian movie theaters, and Providence Entertainment, the lone Christian distribution company, recently imploded. In other words, films targeting Christians have to compete with mainstream films for distribution and, if they make it to the cineplex, for audiences.
But Christian filmmakers seem to believe that they do not have to compete in the mainstream market. Thus, storytelling and production values end up taking a backseat to the movie’s message. The films are merely bait to lure viewers to a homily or altar call, and this only ensures their failure.
Thom Parham, Behind the Screen: Hollywood Insiders on Faith, Film, and Culture, pgs. 54-57.
Ha! I just started reading this book today, and have found these industry professionals think most Christian movies stink for the same reasons I think most Christian bands stink! Either that’s a startling coincidence, or we’re both right.
I vote for the latter.
Have you seen any of the movies on the second list? I attempted to watch Luther one time, and distinctly remember turning it off about forty minutes in never to finish watching. Luckily, it’s the only one I’ve given a go. I’ll make sure to avoid the rest.
Also, this book came out in 2005. I wonder what Thom Parham (the guy who wrote the second excerpt) thinks about the success of Fireproof. Yes, the acting was below normal industry standards and the storyline was simplistic, but doggone it, that movie made money! The accompanying book The Love Dare has also done very well and even made it on a few bestseller lists.
Could it be that the same mindset (that sub-par is okay as long as the message is good) that’s given rise to a financially successful Christian music industry will also lead to a financially successful Christian movie industry? That’s definitely a possibility. Would this be a terrible development? Not necessarily, but it would mean that Christian movies will continue to stink!
Luckily, we’ll still have the non-Christian artists to show us how it’s done! :p
Okay, I’ll shut up now. 
The other day we had a lively discussion about the primary purpose of the ministry of Jesus.
In the original post I shared a semi-inflamatory audio clip of John MacArthur critiquing a message from Tony Campolo and used it as a launchpad for sharing my own thoughts.
In sharing those thoughts, I stated that I believe the primary purpose of Jesus’ ministry on earth was one of reconciliation. That is, Jesus’ primary purpose – His reason for coming into this world - was to seek and to save what was lost (Luke 19:10). I believe seeking and saving the lost is an umbrella statement that covers everything else Jesus said or did.
I do not believe His purpose was ultimately to preach the kingdom, fulfill Old Testament prophecy, perform miracles, or glorify God. When I say those things weren’t His purpose ultimately, what I mean is that they don’t represent the end goal Jesus had in mind. He did do all of those things and I in no way mean to minimize their importance, but the ultimate purpose behind each of those actions was eternally saving souls. That is, restoring fellowship between a fallen world and the Father - eternally – was the end goal for Jesus.
I’m surprised no one brought this up in the original discussion. Have you ever thought about what the name “Jesus” means?
Names are significant in the Bible, and they have a variety of functions.
For instance, a biblical name could record some aspects of a person’s birth. Moses was given his name because his mother drew him out of a river (Exodus 2:10). His name literally means “to draw out.” Jacob and Samuel also serve as examples (Genesis 25:6; 1 Samuel 1:20).
Biblical names sometimes expressed the parents’ reaction to the birth of their child. Examples include Isaac (Genesis 21:6) which means “laughter”, and Abimelech (Judges 8:31) which means “my father is king.”
Biblical names were sometimes used to secure the solidarity of family ties. An example of this is found in Luke 1:59 when John the Baptist was nearly given the name of his father.
Biblical names could be used to communicate God’s message. The prophet Isaiah named his first son Shear-jashub which means “a remnant shall return” (Isaiah 7:3). This was in line with God’s message to the Israelite people that they would be reduced to a mere remnant of what they once were, and would eventually return from exile to the promised land.
Biblical names were also used to establish affiliation with God. All the names ending with -jah or -el (and there are many of those) are saying “with the Lord” or “with God.”
Then you have the giving of a new name. This was used to establish authority over another, or to indicate a new beginning or new direction in a person’s life. For instance, Pharaoh changed Joseph’s name to Zephenath-paneah when Joseph entered his service (Genesis 41:45), another Pharaoh changed the name of the Jewish king Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:24). While in Babylonian captivity, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were forced to change their names to Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 1:6-7). Name changes indicating a new life direction include Abram to Abraham (Genesis 17:5), Cephas to Peter (Mark 3:16), and some would say Saul to Paul (Acts 13:9).
Here’s the really interesting part: names were often used to express the nature and function of a person. They were used to indicate a person’s purpose in the world, and the greatest example of this type of naming is Jesus. Check it out:
Matthew 1:20-21
20 But after [Joseph] had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
(NIV)
“Because He will save people from their sins.”
The name “Jesus” literally means “the Lord saves.”
What’s His primary purpose? What’s the overarching mission that every action falls under?
Just look to His name – “to save people from their sins.”
Why am I making a big deal out of this? I’ll explain in a future post.
Is Harry Potter good or evil?
That question may sound silly to some readers, but there are many Christians who believe it’s wrong to watch movies like Harry Potter (some very close to me whom I love dearly feel this way). I know because I’ve seen every HP movie in the theater, and have had this discussion with more than one Christian after they heard I was a fan.
Some Christians believe it’s wrong because Harry and his friends make witchcraft look like fun, and guess what – I understand their point of view.
Witchcraft is a serious sin as the Bible points out – check it out:
Galatians 5:19-21
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Those who “live like this” – that is, those who practice witchcraft as part of their ongoing, unchanging lifestyle “will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Wow! Sounds like Harry Potter could be dangerous if it causes someone to want to practice witchcraft, but is it?
Patrick Mead made a post on Tentpegs today that I’d like to share with you … he writes:
… this is a timely question that came in recently via Facebook.
I saw on your Facebook page that you and your wife went to see the latest Harry Potter movie. How could you??? The Bible is very plain in condemning witchcraft. How can you support this evil with your money???
I’ve heard things like this many times since the first draft of Harry Potter was written on the back of napkins over lukewarm cups of tea. Why did I see the movie — and all the others? Because I’ve seen evil, and Harry Potter isn’t evil. It is a fantasy. I am just barely old enough to remember preachers condemning Rex Harrison and “Doctor Dolittle” for talking to animals (and, yes, there was even a Cincinnati preacher who railed against Mr. Ed for the same thing… and claimed that playing the song backwards revealed Satanic messages). I’ve read the articles written against C.S. Lewis for engaging in fantasy, calling him a supporter of witchcraft. Tolkien fought against the same charges.
Some people have a very hard time differentiating between fantasy and fun on the one hand and evil and darkness on the other. In the Bible, the witchcraft being condemned involved ritual murder, the killing of children, bloodletting, serial adultery, etc. I’ve met with witches (self styled), coven leaders, Satanists, people who were convinced they were Warlocks… and found them almost without exception to be sad, lonely people. They are the precursors to the lonely man/woman playing computer games where they are a twentieth level mage… while in real life they work at the Quiklube.
Then I have met others — sorcerers and necromancers and pagans of a different ilk. They were evil. You could see it in their eyes, hear it in their words, and watch them as they spread darkness wherever they could. I have seen photos and films made of butchered men, women, and children; pregnant women whose wombs were ripped open and their babies killed for the amusement of this or that army that stomped its way through their village, raping and burning all the while. THAT is evil.
Harry Potter — and thousands of other like minded books, plays, and movies — are allegories. They are stories of light versus darkness where light is treasured, heroism is lauded, and courage, honor, and loyalty are elevated highly. The characters are told to do the right thing, regardless of personal cost. TRUE darkness mocks the light and encourages people to follow the Satanic slogan of “Do whatever you want to do” (that is translated from their faux olde English styling).
You find witchcraft everywhere nowadays, but it is disguised as comedy, music, and drama. Watch carefully and you see that everyone’s problems are solved by self love, self esteem, etc. and by applying either sex or violence to the situation. Self sacrifice, humility, and grace are never in sight. Light is covered up in darkness. Witchcraft no longer uses brooms and the devil no longer cares about cauldrons and potions. Darkness has moved into the cultural center and calls itself light.
And if Christians can’t see that but, rather, spend their time fighting about Madeline L’Engle, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, or Harry Potter… if they can’t tell the difference between metaphor, symbol, and reality… then we are in real trouble.
As Patrick points out, I don’t believe enjoying fantasy movies like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or the Chronicles of Narnia is the same as practicing real witchcraft.
But could Harry Potter and movies like it still be dangerous? I mean, the Harry Potter stories do glorify witchcraft by practicing it in the books and movies, don’t they? Could the books and movies cause a younger person (or even an older person) to become interested in looking into real witchcraft?
Of course they could.
But could watching the latest season of American Idol or America’s Got Talent influence someone to become obsessed with fame?
Could watching Jack Bauer handle business in 24 influence someone to commit an act of violence?
Could watching Judge Judy influence someone to act like a condescending jerk to everyone they come into contact with?
Yes, yes, and yes – the potential for evil is there in all of those things.
Here’s my feeling: almost any television show or movie a person watches has the potential to influence them for evil. I believe it’s up to individuals to decide how they’ll allow themselves to be influenced, and I believe it’s up to parents to do a good job teaching and explaining things to their kids (like the dangers of real witchcraft, and how Harry Potter is just a story that someone made up).
That’s how I feel, and I’m going to stop right there and ask you these questions:
Do you think Harry Potter be should be completely avoided by Christian families? Why or why not?
If you do believe it’s ok for kids to read the books or watch the movies, do you believe any precautions should be taken (i.e. should you talk to your children about real witchcraft before allowing them to read the books or watch the movies)?
What do you think? I’m interested in hearing from you.
Now, for no particular reason, here’s a picture of Harry Potter smoking a cigarette:
Harry prefers menthols ...
