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with comments by David Bruce

A BEAUTIFUL MIND COMMENTS
Subject: Beautiful Mind
Date: Mon, 07 Jan 2002
From: Shelley

I loved this movie! I took away from it a very deep meaning (probably deeper than the writer intended), but nonetheless, a meaning I think, that we as Christians can relate to. I saw the woman (John Nash's wife) as the "Jesus figure" in a way. She provided John with the unconditional love that allowed him to heal - to ignore the things that were not real in his life. These "demons" in John's life are like temptation in our lives. We see and feel temptation every day, but we must CHOOSE to ignore it and have faith that Jesus is not leading us astray and that HIS way of viewing the world is BEST. John had the faith to believe his wife in that the things he saw were not real...therefore he found TRUTH and chose to live it!

Response: I agree with your insightful comments. Thank you. -David

BUT NOT THIS CHANGE
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

LORD OF THE RINGS COMMENTS

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.

LOVE JULIA STILES
Subject: Save The Last Dance
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002
From: lil rosie

well i really love Julia Stiles and i wish that she would sell tapes of how to learn how to dance like she did on Save The Last Dance !

SPY GAME
Subject: SPY GAME
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002
From: "AL CRACKENBERG"

I APPRECIATED ILAYNA UTLEY'S REVIEW. I SAW THE MOVIE WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER AND WAS EXPECTING "A WOMAN'S MOVIE" WITH HEART THROBS AND LOTS OF TEARY MOMENTS, BUT WAS SURPRISED BY THE SUBSTANCE OF THE MOVIE. BOTH PITT AND REDFORD DID GOOD JOBS WITH THEIR CHARACTERS, FLESHING OUT REALISTICALLY EACH MAN'S MOTIVATION AND ACTIONS AS CIRCUMSTANCES DICTATED. THERE WAS A LOT OF SUSPENSE WITH THE FLASHBACKS AND THE PRESENT SITUATION. IT KEPT ME OFF BALANCE JUST ENOUGH TO KEEP ME INTERESTED IN THE CHARACTERS AND WANTING TO FIND OUT HOW THE ISSUE RESOLVES. ILAYNA'S TESTIMONY WAS AN EXCELLENT WAY TO DESCRIBE THE MORAL OF THE STORY. HAVING CHILDREN OF MY OWN, I DO HOPE SHE HAS RECONCILED WITH HER PARENTS. EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE THE HOLY ROLLER TYPE, I'M SURE THEY ARE PLEASED SHE HAS FOUND A LOVING MAN AND IS HAPPY.
AL CRACKENBERG

AMAZING MOVIE
Subject: A_Beautiful_Mind
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002
From: "Harry Diehl"

I just finished seeing the movie and I thought it was amazing. Having an autistic child was one of the humbling experiences the Lord used to bring me to Him. Because my son has been autistic for 35 years and still is very disabled, I cam empathize with John Nash very much. My son is also brilliant in many ways, yet because of no communication skills, his mind is imprisoned by his own body. Through all of his problems, my son does know Jesus as his savior, and we all have the certain hope of his complete healing eventually. Brilliant acting jobs by both Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly. I hope they both get Oscars.
Harry Diehl

Response: May God bless you and your son.

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

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

FILM AS A DEPARTURE FROM NASH'S TRUE STORY
Subject: A_Beautiful_Mind
Date: Mon, 07 Jan 2002
From: Sue Sailhamer

While I really liked the film and its portrayal of the triumph of love to help Nash regain his life, I was extremely disappointed to learn that this feel good ending was pure fiction. Nash's wife divorced him years earlier. He fathered a child out of wedlock before he was married. I realize that movies combine characters and rearrange facts. But the best part of A beautiful Mind is not even close to the truth.
Sue Sailhamer

Response: Yes, film and story telling is like that. Books can be to. -David

FORMER ASTROLOGER SPEAKS AGAIN
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2002
From: "marcia"

Dear David,
I have no idea if you read responses to your response (to my letter on HP on page 4 of Comments under "Former Astrologer Speaks"), but I find your response rather odd. You say:

Response: You bring up curious points. Are you promoting yourself here? Are talking hats, giants and flying broomsticks really real and dangerous? Did we see the same film? Hmm. I do not agree with you. However, thanks for sharing. I know many will agree with you. -David

Why would you ask me if I am promoting myself just because I wrote a comment? Do you ask that of others? Is that not an ad hominem argument? Attacking my character with no basis is rather unchristian, it seems. I happen to have a ministry, Christian Answers for the New Age, and am a missionary who speaks in churches and conferences, and I've been on radio shows speaking on the occult and New Age due to my background. I am also a seminary student working on a degree in Apologetics. Before trusting Christ, I was President of the Astrological Society in Atlanta, GA, and chairperson of the Board of Astrology Examiners for 3 yrs. (and on the Board for 4 yrs.). I was involved in the occult and the New Age for most of my adult life, which was quite a few years. My "curious" points in my letter are not curious at all; they are based on fact. I was very clear that while some things in HP are fantasy, other things are not. I pointed these out -- the runes, divination, astrology, casting spells, and scrying. I stated there is an amoral worldview in HP and I document it. Good and evil in HP are not absolute, but two sides of the same coin. This is symbolized by Harry's connection to Voldemort and in other ways. I also found it interesting that the movie leaves out Dumbledore's statement to Harry at the end of book one, "To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure." Did they not want parents who had not read the books to hear this line? Was this line too strong for the kiddies? If so, why is it okay in the book?

I appreciate the fact that you publish comments and take the time to respond, but I would appreciate it if you would either explain or retract the statement about me promoting myself. My ministry has to do with promoting Christ, and taking Him to those lost in the New Age and the occult.
Sincerely, Marcia Montenegro
http://cana.userworld.com

Response: I did not attack your character. It was a question. Also, I see no harm in self promotion. I was just wondering if that was what you were doing? Nothing "unchristian" about wondering. I have no statement to retract. Do you think you are being a little sensitive? And after reading your latest email I am still wondering if this is self promotion -which is okay. -David

LOST SOULS
Subject: Lost_Souls
Date: Sun, 06 Jan 2002
From: Pat and Don

I've seen "Lost Souls" twice: really got it only on the second viewing. My tip to viewers: You must know something about pathological/malignant narcissism (otherwise known as narcissistic personality disorder) to really appreciate and understand this movie.

WHEW
Subject: Vanilla Sky
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2002
From: "amaze"

saw it two days ago, and stll can't get it out of my head

WHY NO MENTION OF THE REZ?
Subject: Vanilla Sky
Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2002
From: Walter Skold

Maybe it's because a movie review shouldn't give away the whole "plot" (or lack thereof) of a movie, but I'm struck why Mr. Remark did not mention the major theme that sometime in the future scientific man will be truly like God, in that he will be able to confer immortality upon man (rich man).

And one wonders if this perversion, and perhaps mockery, although it may be flattery, of the resurrection has anything to do with Cruise's belief in Scientology. I don't know what they teach about immortality, but in this movie, we see the distinctly religious quest for eternal life in a scientific resurrection that keeps man on the throne and is divorced from the claims of Christ the King.

If Mr. Remark is right, in that under the mask is shown the "real" Mr. Aames, a handicapped sinner, then this movie provides no cross. no redemption.

Good music though, but we wonder what the message is. Perhaps that's part of postmodern heresy: there doesn't need to be a message, nor meaning, in life.
Walter Skold

Response: I don't think Cruise's Scientology (if he even prescribes to this ideology) had anything to do with this film. It was actually a Spanish film first, called Open Your Eyes, which also starred Penelope Cruz.

I think that many Christians are perhaps a little too rigid in their beliefs and their views of God, and that is why so many Christians have a problem with ambiguity. Let's face it, there really is no such thing as certainty until death. And perhaps this film reflects this lack of certainty in life: but remember, cherish the beautiful moments, and remember that all of our decisions do impact our lives. Each beautiful moment reflects God, and our decisions impact our relationship with God. -Simon Remark

LEFT BEHIND IN THE UK (WILL IT HAPPEN)
Subject: Left Behind
Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2002
From: Cliff Oakley

Is there any way we in the UK will ever be able to purchase a PAL (UK TV System) version of Left Behind? I keep checking Amazon in the hope that a PAL version may appear but I am loosing hope....How come we in the UK have been 'left behind'. I do so want to watch this movie but I can't see myself flying to the U.S. to watch it!!
Cliff Oakley, Wigan, Lancashire, U.K.

HARRY POTTER MEDIA HYPE
Subject: newsletter_30_harry_potter
Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2002
From: JANIE

I recently read Harry Potter and really enjoyed the book. Both my daughter (19) and son (15) read the book and saw the movie. They thought it was great. If my children were much younger, my concern would not be the story itself, but the media and merchandising that goes along with it. I think the danger lies in saturating children with the thoughts of witchcraft and spells, broomsticks and magic wands through the advertisements and merchandise that the public is saturated with. This is the same with most children's movies and books. My children read the book and saw the movie and moved on to something else. They are not constantly being reminded of what they read. The same with the fairy tales that I read as a child. Even though I read them over and over, I didn't have toys or backpacks, etc to constantly remind me and fill my mind daily with thoughts of the fairy tale. It was a fantasy and I knew that. What child, for a moment or two, might not wish they could play a game riding a broomstick, or go where they want wearing a cloak that makes them invisible. But to actually purchase these things and constantly be pretending and acting these things out, in my opinion is not healthy. I think children's imaginations should be encouraged to develop with their own creativity, focusing on many things - not just one story for months, until the next bit hit appears.
Thank you. Janie

Response: Ahh, the great American way of over marketing everything! I agree. -David

WHETHER YOU TAKE YOUR KIDS TO HARRY POTTER...
Subject: Harry Potter
Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2002
From: "Marcy Hagge"

...depends on who you are, and what the Holy Spirit is telling you. Seems to me everyone is either saying, "Harry Potter is evil witchcraft!" or "It's wonderful, go see and enjoy!" Let me suggest a different approach (one I also suggest for Pokemon, but that's another story).

First, a general principle. Anything you read besides Scripture is written by fallen human beings. Some are Christians who wish to teach theology, some just to tell a good tale--but even Christians may fail to write a perfect book. Some are non-christians who want to entertain--or have an ax to grind. Some are pagans 5000 years dead. How do you decide what is edifying, what is neutral, and what is dangerous? A few centuries ago the church taught that all novels were evil because they were a "pack of lies"--fiction masquerading as reality. But my great-grandmother used to say, "Chew up the chicken and spit out the bones." Should we reject every book without a Christian worldview? Where would that leave Homer's Odyssey? Harry Potter does have some unchristian elements and moral shortcomings. Are they fatal flaws or opportunities for discussion? Each believer must decide where to draw that line.

Personally, my daughter, my husband, and I have all read the Harry Potter books, and we just saw the movie last night. We thoroughly enjoyed it all. However, I would not recommend them for everyone. Let me see if I can draw a parallel.

Imagine an outdoorsy family: Mom and Dad both grew up camping, but having kids slowed them down a bit. So they've been acclimating their kids to the great outdoors and now enjoy mountain climbing, whitewater rafting and backpacking trips as a family. The neighbors just moved from the city. They've never been without electricity in their lives. They have other, equally valid family entertainments--say, museums and libraries. Neighbor Mom says to camping Mom, "How can you take your kids out in the woods? There are snakes, bears, mountain lions. They could fall off a cliff, or drown. What about Lyme disease? They could wander off and get lost!" These are all valid concerns. If Neighbor Mom found herself in the middle of nowhere with her kids, she would rightfully worry. But Camping Mom has an answer.

"You're right, there are dangers in the forest. But these dangers my husband and I have dealt with. We are familiar with them and have spent time with our children teaching them how to be safe in the forest, how to tell poisonous snakes from harmless ones, how to swim, what to do in a sudden storm, and how to use a compass to find your way back if you get lost. We believe the lessons of self-reliance and the beauty of God's creation are too important for them to miss. Therefore we teach our children all we know, so we can safely give them what we love."

What a shame if Neighbor Mom concluded that her friend was dangerously foolhardy and her "adventures" were tantamount to child abuse. What a shame if Camping Mom tried to talk her friend's family into her own next adventure without considering their lack of experience.

The moral of the story: You can't be someone else's Holy Spirit.
the Fish ><>

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