Here comes Hollywood
Sunday, February 25, 2007
I'm guilty. I am the root of the problem.
I love movies, and I love good television. I really enjoy watching someone's imagination come to life on the screen, and am intrigued by the glimpses and portrayals of culture and values that movies provide.
However, when a society begins to idolize and respect men and women who, by the very nature of their job descriptions, are paid to make the fictional seem factual it is setting itself up for tremendous failures.
One example of a catastrophic misplacement of faith will be seen on Monday from New York City. Although I can happily say that I have never seen either of James Cameron's theatrical blockbusters Titanic nor Terminator 2; and, because I live in Thailand, I will not see his DaVinci code-like "press conference" on Monday, I will, however, probably have to deal with the after-effects of his actions in my conversations and relationships for years to come.
Jesus: Tales from the Crypt will open new challenges for Christians, pushing us to be the believers Peter challenged us to be when he wrote:
This new "evidence" presented by Mr. Cameron will give fuel to the fire of skeptics who desire to disrespect the name of Jesus Christ. But, to the man who is seeking spiritual truth in his journey, this press conference will bring questions, and these questions will lead to conversations about Christ.
The challenge to the Church is this: Will we be ready for these conversations?
If we are ready to have open, honest conversations, than these seekers will find life. And if we are discouraged about the weight of media and press conferences coming as witnesses against us, we must take comfort in the great Witnesses around us, for which "there is no speech or language where their voice is not heard."
I love movies, and I love good television. I really enjoy watching someone's imagination come to life on the screen, and am intrigued by the glimpses and portrayals of culture and values that movies provide.
However, when a society begins to idolize and respect men and women who, by the very nature of their job descriptions, are paid to make the fictional seem factual it is setting itself up for tremendous failures.
One example of a catastrophic misplacement of faith will be seen on Monday from New York City. Although I can happily say that I have never seen either of James Cameron's theatrical blockbusters Titanic nor Terminator 2; and, because I live in Thailand, I will not see his DaVinci code-like "press conference" on Monday, I will, however, probably have to deal with the after-effects of his actions in my conversations and relationships for years to come.
Jesus: Tales from the Crypt will open new challenges for Christians, pushing us to be the believers Peter challenged us to be when he wrote:
...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
I Peter 3:15
I Peter 3:15
The challenge to the Church is this: Will we be ready for these conversations?
If we are ready to have open, honest conversations, than these seekers will find life. And if we are discouraged about the weight of media and press conferences coming as witnesses against us, we must take comfort in the great Witnesses around us, for which "there is no speech or language where their voice is not heard."
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