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Spiritual
impact of films
Subject: Spiritual impact of films
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: Janet
Greetings!
Thanks for suggesting
this challenge (and challenge it is - to weigh up the actual spiritual
effects of films - not easy!). The first question I had to ask myself
was "what is spiritual impact?", then "was it the book or was it
the film?" (where appropriate) and then try to remember my reaction.
I define spiritual impact by noting what seed was planted by the
film and what fruit it has since produced. My answers may be different
from most - I'm English for a start - never been to the US (except
transit lounges!).
The most negative
spirutal impact I received was caused by watching "The Exorcist"
which flashed back its worst scenes in my head for weeks afterwards
and I still can't completely forget them. I wasn't a Christian when
I saw it (back when it was first released!) - I wonder if the impact
would be different if I was?
I have seen several
Bible epics and was very moved by Ben Hur (still am!). It catches
action-seekers with gripping scenes, all the while sneaking the
Gospel in by the back door. I was also deeply impacted by the Gethsemane
scene in Murray Watts' clay animation film of Jesus called "The
Miracle Maker", which may not have been released on the big screen
in the USA (www.themiraclemaker.com).
Most recently,
the spiritual impact of the brilliant "Lord of the Rings" was sown
deep. I was moved by Elijah Woods' portrayal of Frodo Baggins -
humility, fear and courage in the littlest of heroes. God's truths
leap out from this story and challenged me about my own great journey
- through life!
I couldn't wait
for the rest of the series: I bought all the books and read them
right through. What a story! It has shifted my vision and disturbed
my spirit - but in a positive way. I'd go into detail, but you'd
be here all day reading it (or hitting the back button through boredom!)
It is now up to me to make sure that this seed grows and turns into
good fruit.
God bless you
and keep you.
Janet Georgiou
Spiritual
impact of films
Subject: Spiritual impact of films
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: Janet
Greetings!
Thanks for suggesting
this challenge (and challenge it is - to weigh up the actual spiritual
effects of films - not easy!). The first question I had to ask myself
was "what is spiritual impact?", then "was it the book or was it
the film?" (where appropriate) and then try to remember my reaction.
I define spiritual impact by noting what seed was planted by the
film and what fruit it has since produced. My answers may be different
from most - I'm English for a start - never been to the US (except
transit lounges!).
The most negative
spirutal impact I received was caused by watching "The Exorcist"
which flashed back its worst scenes in my head for weeks afterwards
and I still can't completely forget them. I wasn't a Christian when
I saw it (back when it was first released!) - I wonder if the impact
would be different if I was?
I have seen several
Bible epics and was very moved by Ben Hur (still am!). It catches
action-seekers with gripping scenes, all the while sneaking the
Gospel in by the back door. I was also deeply impacted by the Gethsemane
scene in Murray Watts' clay animation film of Jesus called "The
Miracle Maker", which may not have been released on the big screen
in the USA (www.themiraclemaker.com).
Most recently,
the spiritual impact of the brilliant "Lord of the Rings" was sown
deep. I was moved by Elijah Woods' portrayal of Frodo Baggins -
humility, fear and courage in the littlest of heroes. God's truths
leap out from this story and challenged me about my own great journey
- through life!
I couldn't wait
for the rest of the series: I bought all the books and read them
right through. What a story! It has shifted my vision and disturbed
my spirit - but in a positive way. I'd go into detail, but you'd
be here all day reading it (or hitting the back button through boredom!)
It is now up to me to make sure that this seed grows and turns into
good fruit.
God bless you
and keep you.
Janet Georgiou
AN
ATHEIST BIKER
Subject: Spitfire Grill
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002
From: Rev. Stephen Hale
I saw this movie
during the year that my wife was dieing of cancer. I am a United
Methodist Minister, but I used to be a biker, an atheist and a bitter
hard man. After all I had been through, I was shocked and angry
over my wife's illness and eventual death. When I saw Percy's story
and saw "the man in the shadows," I came to understand my life better.
There truly has been many a Balm of Gilead laid upon my spirit in
the years that have come and gone. Just as God watched over that
town in the movie and the shadow man (can't recall his name right
now), I KNOW without one doubt that God watched over me and I am
thankful. Each and every sorrowful moment, each and every joyfull
moment, each hurt, and each triumph has been a blessing from God
and has been used to the best of my ability to God's greater glory.
My salvation came about during and after a neighbor committed suicide
and then I had a cardiac arrest a year later. I was literaly reborn
with a spirit that was closer tuned to God. I saw that happen to
the Percy character and the Shadow Man in the movie. Thanks for
reminding me, I pulled the story into my sermon for this week. I
used a bit of your reflections and I pray that is ok. May God bless
you and your work.
Still In One Peace,
Rev. Stephen Hale,
Pastor New Hope UMC, Enid, OK
BIGGEST
IMPACT
Subject: Biggest_impact_films
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002
From: Gary S
The
two films that I can remember that had an inpact on me were The
lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo. The Lord of the
Rings was just an all out awesome movie, but The Count of Monte
Cristo was so powerful with the message of God will give me justice.
I got more out of that film them many Sundays of sermons.
Gary S
I
HAVE TO LAUGH
Subject: I_agree_and_do_not_throw_rocks-NL_32
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002
From: Joy
Hi David,
I have to laugh at some of the flames you posted in your newsletter.
It's funny how the people who think they are so right, always
sound so simple when they express themselves. I love the fact
that you continue on with your writing when so many people criticise
you from every side, I think that's a sign of a good heart.
I used
to think like a lot of the people who've been writing in to you.
I had all the answers and they were all from the mouth of God.
The number of times I went off on people trying to share the 'truth'
with them makes me shudder. We're lucky that we have a god who
is so understanding of our pride and let's our ingnorance fly
so many times.
Anyways,
I just wanted to say there remain many people out there who love
your website, think you're comments are a breathe of fresh air,
and will continue to love your reviews for their wisdom and heart.
Cheers,
Joy
RESPONSE
TO ROCK THROWING
Subject: I_agree_-Newsletter_32
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002
From: Rev. Dr. Jeffery S. Gallen
I am
not surprised by the rock throwing via e-mail. It is called SIN.
I believe this is what happens when people confine God to their
very small boxes. David, your sight is a refreshing addition to
the Christian dialogue that currently exists. The fact is that
God uses many means to speak to all His creation, yes, even Hollywood
movies, if only we would listen and not throw stones. God Bless.
In His Love,
Rev. Dr. Jeffery S. Gallen
LOOKING
OUTSIDE THE CHURCH
Subject: Biggest_impact_films
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002
From: Genie
Chocolat`
-- a great-hearted movie about all the values Christians are called
to embody. Sadly, sometimes we have to look outside the church
to see that done well!
I
AM A WICCAN
Subject: News 32
Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2002
From: Raven Child
I am
Wicca. For one, we do not belive in hate, revenge, or destruction
and we do not drink blood unless it is our own. In the Wiccan
Rede it clearly and perfectly states we are not to harm anyone.
In other cultures such as Satanism, they belive sacrifice, the
drinking of blood, ect. is necisarry. We however do not. We belive
all life is created by mother earth. We too belive in gods but
not the all mighty god. Harry Potter is just a book. It may be
represented in Public schools but again its just a book get over
it. If you dont like it dont read it, simple as that. Christians
may find it offensive but us some of us Wiccans find the Bible
offensive and its every where to. Learn to live with it.
-Raven Child
MY
FAVORITES FROM 2001
Subject: Biggest_impact_films
Date: Wed, 06 Mar 2002
From: Darrel Manson
Memento is
probably my top film for the year. It gives us a chance to consider
the difficulty in defining truth in a post-mod world.
I'm also very
fond of Moulin Rouge and Amelie.
--
Darrel Manson ><>Artesia Christian Church
ICQ 5624184 ><>Artesia, CA
http://netministries.org/see/churches/ch01198
Age is too
high a price to pay for maturity.
-Kudzu by Doug Marlett
GREETINGS
Subject: Newsletter_32
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002
From: Ken Priebe"
Hi David--
Congratulations on 4 years of Hollywood Jesus! Hope all is well
with you. I miss the correspondence comments! Haven't seen any
new ones in a month. The hate-mail in that last newsletter was
saddening and shocking. You are a brave soul to put up with it.
Tis a crazy world we live in.
Hey, let me
know if you're ever in the Vancouver, BC area; we could meet up
somewhere.
God Bless,
Ken Priebe
Response:
I sure will. And the comments are in the process of being posted.
-David
IF
A PERSON
Subject: Newsletter_32
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002
From: Anne and Greg
If a person lives with ridicule – he learns to be shy.
If a person lives with shame – he learns to feel guilty.
If a person lives with tolerance – he learns to be patient.
If a person lives with encouragement – he learns confidence.
If a person lives with praise – he learns to appreciate.
If a person lives with fairness – he learns justice.
LOOKING
OUTSIDE THE CHURCH
Subject: Biggest_impact_films
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002
From: Genie
Chocolat`
-- a great-hearted movie about all the values Christians are called
to embody. Sadly, sometimes we have to look outside the church
to see that done well!
RECENT
NEWSLETTER
Subject: Newsletter 32
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002
From: Chrissy
Dear David-
I read the recent Hollywood Jesus Newsletter and I can understand
why you're
so upset. I think that it is refreshing that there's such a spiritual
newsletter online that strengthens the faith of everyone who reads
the
newsletter. Those who wanted to flame the newsletter don't have
much of
faith. I think you should continue to run the newsletter because
like myself
I am sure there are others who enjoy reading the many aspects
of the
newsletter. Well I have to go now but I just wanted you to know
that I do
enjoy reading the Hollywood Jesus Newsletter.
God Bless,
Chrissy
MORE
HOLLY-ROLLER DRAMA
Subject: 'i_agree_and_do_not_throw_rocks-nl_32
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 10:32:01 -0800
From: Chris Utley
>From
my standpoint, the problem...and the reason why Holy-Rollers (i.e.
the people who send you hate mail) exist is because they haven't
grasped Matthew 16: 13-18.
Holy-Rollers
camp out at verses 13 and 14. They're the first to tell you "who
do men say He is". When they praise Him, they only recite what
they've learned from years and years of sitting in church. Christ's
goal for us is answer as boldly and strongly as Peter did in verses
15-17. When Peter declared that "Thou art the Christ, the Son
of the Living God," that was an answer that can only be birthed
out of PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. Hence Jesus' response that "flesh
and blood didn't reveal that to you."
Everybody's
always jumping on you and sending you these emails questioning
your very salvation and stuff. They're doing that because, if
the truth be told, they don't know Jesus. They know God...His
righteousness and holiness and and His power. But they don't know
Jesus...His grace and mercy and love and lovingkindness. Most
of the people who criticize you probably have the most rotten
lives you'll ever see. Church (the buliding and all it's activities)
is all they have. Without that 2 1/2 hours they spend on Sunday
morning, their lives are empty. Their marriages are bad, their
kids can't stand them (which is probably why they resorted to
other religions).
The whole
concept of finding God/Jesus/The Holy Spirit in places other than
The Bible/Church/TBN is absurd to them. Why? Because men say that
He can only be found in Chruch/The Bible/TBN.
But
David, you know Him. You have sought to find Him in places no
one has ever imagined to find Him. And 4 years and 50 million
hits later, you continue show us the way to Him in those most
unlikely places such as movie theatres and rock music. You have
no idea how much fruit you are bearing. You have no idea of the
seeds you're planting in the hearts of Wiccans, Muslims and others.
If and when Jesus saves them, the time they spend at HollywoodJesus.com
will prove to be one of the impact points in their life that helped
guide them to The Way.
DON'T
STOP. Keep on moving...and keep those commentaries coming! The
Father and Son are pleased...and so am I!
Chris Utley
SEE
FEW LINES IN MESSAGE
Subject:
I_agree_-Newsletter_32
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002
From: dr arvind
Dr Arvind vaish
MBBS,HPPSC
near iti Nahan HImachal India 173001
Oh God,
dip all human in the sea of feeling as of well-being of sex.
Let them to feel joy, having no time to nag, to kill and to pain
each other
Oh God,
create a village, a town, a city,a nation or planet like earth having
human, free from all diseases, by knowledge,love and science
Oh God,
let people to find each type of sensation by their own soul creating
always painless feeling by own central nervous system.
MERCY
TO THE PEOPLE
Subject: I_agree_-Newsletter_32
Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2002
From: Margaret
I see
these people as "prophet people" not "mercy people". They are
right in condemming the sin, but forget to show mercy to the people.
Jesus taught us to hate the sin but love the sinner. Since it
is easier to condem than to forgive, sin and sinner get lumped
together.
THROWING
ROCKS
Subject: I_agree_-Newsletter_32
Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2002
From: Melanie
It just
goes to show that although, as professing Christians, we're forgiven,
we're still sinners. We still make errors of judgment, such as
criticizing without love, judging without knowledge, and prejudice
without basis. We have to be willing to admit that we could be
wrong! Approach others with an open mind; God gives common grace
to all people, not just Christians. You never know what you might
learn.
I appreciate
your website and the effort to draw people's attention to the
good ideas in movies. "Whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever ispure, whatever is lovely, whatever
is admirable-think about such things" Phillipians 4:20 NIV
Melanie
Lethbridge, Alberta, CanadaDISGUSSTED EX-CHARISMATIC
SPEAKS
Subject: Newsletter 32
Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2002
From: Jeff Hamilton
As a non-churchgoer, disgusted ex-charismatic, etc...I was lifted
simply by your printing of the text of the story of the woman
caught in adultery.
It draws me
to whatever the Jesus figure was....
Jeff Hamilton
LOVE
OTHERS
Subject: I_agree_-Newsletter_32
Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2002
From: Keith w. Kunz
as Jesus
loves us. So simple yet most People,(christians included) are
clueless, on the practice.
I say
bravo! to David Bruce, and Hollywood Jesus for listing comments
, from non- christians. [ yes, i know about christian wiccas but
that`s another can of worms]
Keith w. Kunz
sent with
joy and love! †
http://community.webtv.net/KeithWK/PSALM45
http://community.webtv.net/KeithWK/Thepottersclay
THANKS
Subject: I_agree_-Newsletter_32
Your no.32 newletter: thanks!
Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2002
From: Sandra
Hello
David, I just wanted to say thankyou for your newsletters. I can't
remember how I came across your site first of all, maybe a link
from somewhere. I enjoy your newsletters, sometimes I have to
wait a couple of days to get time to read them, as they arrive
at work. But it keeps me in touch (I am British, living in France).
I do think
it's a great pity some folks are so - well, bigoted - (should
that have 2 t's, it looks funny), and refuse to see what they
have in common
with others. Some of the comments you quoted, they are so self-righteous.
I remember (from years ago, before I was a Christian) George Harrison's
song
lyrics, "you will see we are all one and life goes on within
you and without
you". My view is, there is one God, we all see him in different
ways,
according to our cultural backgrounds or heritage, and according
to our
needs - spiritual needs are so important and so individual. I
became a
Catholic twelve years ago this coming Easter, baptism, confirmation,
first
Holy Communion, all at the Easter Vigil. The mystical nature of
the
Eucharist is important to me, and as a woman I like to think that
Our Lady
is looking after us too. This may be difficult for you to understand
as you
are Protestant, but I trust that you are openminded about it!
As
Shakespeare said, "There are more things in heaven and earth,
Horatio, than
are dreamt of in your philosophy" !! We really do not know
a lot about
"life, the universe and everything", do we? Christians
of different
denominations lay emphasis on different aspects of Jesus' message,
that's
what I feel. And so you go to the Church that suits you. But we
must be
tolerant of each other - one of Jesus' most important messages
was
forgiveness. And there is precious little of that in some of the
letters
you seem to get.
Anyway! Enough!
I like your site and I like the way you see very positive
elements in most films. The section where you review the spiritual
messages
of the Oscar-nominated films is just great, and refreshing and
surprising!
We need to look with the eyes of faith, that is something our
priest said to
us during our preparation course twelve years ago. I think you
do that, and
I appreciate it.
Thanks - carry
on the good work! And may God continue to bless you.
Best wishes,
Sandra
Response:
Thanks Sandra. Nice uplifting letter. -David
CASTING
STONES
Subject: Newsletter_32
Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2002
From: Dave
As a
rotten speller myself, I force my self to try and look for errors
and try to remember the correct spelling. I find it a good exercise
when others point out the errors and I am forced to look for them.
But David, on this posting of "Hollywood Jesus", your heading"2.
VIEWING THE ACADEMY AWARDS THROW SPIRITUAL EYES " just jumped
right at me. I think the word you were looking for was "through"
Better get an new prof redder!
Response:
Opps! Thanks, David
KEEP
IT UP
Subject: I_agree_-Newsletter_32
Date: Fri, 08 Mar 2002
From: James
I have
to say having been a christian for around 16-18 years (sheesh
has it been that long?!), I have been no part of a church for
several years, in part because of such attitudes(is that the correct
spelling?). I still beleive the part of the Bible that speaks
most directly to the church these days is probably when Jesus
addresses the pharisees - after all the church is now the spiritual
establishment as they were then.
I think HJ
is an excellent site - balanced and mature.
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