On "The Passion"
My mother-in-law Bonnie sent this to me and I think it's pretty good. If you get offended, don't comment, I don't have the energy.
Paul Harvey Comments on "The Passion" by Mel Gibson:
The majority of the media are complaining about this movie. Now Paul Harvey tells "The rest of the story" and David Limbaugh praises Gibson. Most people would wait and see a movie before giving the reviews that have been issued by the reporters trying to tell all of us what to believe.
Paul Harvey's words:
I really did not know what to expect. I was thrilled to have been invited to a private viewing of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion," but I had also read all the cautious articles and spin. I grew up in a Jewish town and owe much of my own faith journey to the influence. I have a life long, deeply held aversion to anything that might even indirectly encourage any form of anti-Semitic thought, language or actions.
I arrived at the private viewing for "The Passion", held in Washington DC and greeted some familiar faces. The environment was typically Washingtonian, with people greeting you with a smile but seeming to look beyond you, having an agenda beyond the words.. The film was very briefly introduced, without fanfare, and then the room darkened. >From the gripping opening scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, to the very human and tender portrayal of the earthly ministry of Jesus, through the betrayal, the arrest, the scourging, the way of the cross, the encounter with the thieves, the surrender on the Cross, until the final scene in the empty tomb, this was not simply a movie; it was an encounter, unlike anything I have ever experienced.
In addition to being a masterpiece of film-making and an artistic triumph, "The Passion" evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and emotional reaction within me than anything since my wedding, my ordination or the birth of my children. Frankly, I will never be the same. When the film concluded, this "invitation only" gathering of "movers and shakers" in Washington, DC were shaking indeed, but this time from sobbing. I am not sure there was a dry eye in the place. The crowd that had been glad-handing before the film was now eerily silent. No one could speak because words were woefully inadequate. We had experienced a kind of art that is a rarity in life, the kind that makes heaven touch earth.
One scene in the film has now been forever etched in my mind. A brutalized, wounded Jesus was soon to fall again under the weight of the cross. His mother had made her way along the Via Della Rosa. As she ran to him, she flashed back to a memory of Jesus as a child, falling in the dirt road outside of their home. Just as she reached to protect him from the fall, she was now reaching to touch his wounded adult face. Jesus looked at her with intensely probing and passionately loving eyes (and at all of us through the screen) and said "Behold I make all things new." These are words taken from the last Book of the New Testament, the Book of Revelations. Suddenly, the purpose of the pain was so clear and the wounds, that earlier in the film had been so difficult to see in His face, His back, indeed all over His body, became intensely beautiful. They had been borne voluntarily for love.
At the end of the film, after we had all had a chance to recover, a question and answer period ensued. The unanimous praise for the film, from a rather diverse crowd, was as astounding as the compliments were effusive. The questions included the one question that seems to follow this film, even though it has not yet even been released. "Why is this film considered by some to be "anti-Semitic?" Frankly, having now experienced (you do not "view" this film) "the Passion" it is a question that is impossible to answer. A law professor whom I admire sat in front of me. He raised his hand and responded "After watching this film, I do not understand how anyone can insinuate that it even remotely presents that the Jews killed Jesus. It doesn't." He continued "It made me realize that my sins killed Jesus" I agree. There is not a scintilla of anti-Semitism to be found anywhere in this powerful film. If there were, I would be among the first to decry it. It faithfully tells the Gospel story in a dramatically beautiful, sensitive and profoundly engaging way.
Those who are alleging otherwise have either not seen the film or have another agenda behind their protestations. This is not a "Christian" film, in the sense that it will appeal only to those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus Christ. It is a deeply human, beautiful story that will deeply touch all men and women. It is a profound work of art. Yes, its producer is a Catholic Christian and thankfully has remained faithful to the Gospel text; if that is no longer acceptable behavior than we are all in trouble. History demands that we remain faithful to the story and Christians have a right to tell it. After all, we believe that it is the greatest story ever told and that its message is for all men and women. The greatest right is the right to hear the truth.
We would all be well advised to remember that the Gospel narratives to which "The Passion" is so faithful were written by Jewish men who followed a Jewish Rabbi whose life and teaching have forever changed the history of the world. The problem is not the message but those who have distorted it and used it for hate rather than love. The solution is not to censor the message, but rather to promote the kind of gift of love that is Mel Gibson's filmmaking masterpiece, "The Passion."
It should be seen by as many people as possible. I intend to do everything I can to make sure that is the case. I am passionate about "The Passion." You will be as well. Don't miss it! This is a commentary by DAVID LIMBAUGH about Mel Gibson's very controversial movie regarding Christ's crucifixion. It, too, is well worth reading. MEL GIBSON'S passion for "THE PASSION"
How ironic that when a movie producer takes artistic license with historical events, he is lionized as artistic, creative and brilliant, but when another takes special care to be true to the real-life story, he is vilified. Actor-producer Mel Gibson is discovering these truths the hard way as he is having difficulty finding a United States studio or distributor for his upcoming film, "The Passion," which depicts the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus Christ.
Gibson co-wrote the script and financed, directed and produced the movie. For the script, he and his co-author relied on the New Testament Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as well as the diaries of St. Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) and Mary of Agreda's "The City of God."
Gibson doesn't want this to be like other sterilized religious epics. "I'm trying to access the story on a very personal level and trying to be very real about it." So committed to realistically portraying what many would consider the most important half-day in the history of the universe, Gibson even shot the film in the Aramaic language of the period. In response to objections that viewers will not be able to understand that language, Gibson said, "Hopefully, I'll be able to transcend the language barriers with my visual storytelling; if I fail, I fail, but at least it'll be a monumental failure."
To further insure the accuracy of the work, Gibson has enlisted the counsel of pastors and theologians, and has received rave reviews. Don Hodel, president of Focus on the Family, said, "I was very impressed. The movie is historically and theologically accurate." Ted Haggard, pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., and president of the National Evangelical Association, glowed: "It conveys, more accurately than any other film, who Jesus was."
During the filming, Gibson, a devout Catholic, attended Mass every morning because "we had to be squeaky clean just working on this." From Gibson's perspective, this movie is not about Mel Gibson. It's bigger than he is. "I'm not a preacher, and I'm not a pastor," he said. "But I really feel my career was leading me to make this. The Holy Ghost was working through me on this film, and I was just directing traffic. I hope the film has the power to evangelize."
Even before the release of the movie, scheduled for March 2004, Gibson is getting his wish. "Everyone who worked on this movie was changed. There were agnostics and Muslims on set converting to Christianity...[and] people being healed of diseases." Gibson wants people to understand through the movie, if they don't already, the incalculable influence Christ has had on the world. And he grasps that Christ is controversial precisely because of WHO HE IS - GOD incarnate. "And that's the point of my film really, to show all that turmoil around him politically and with religious leaders and the people, all because He is Who He is."
Gibson is beginning to experience first hand just how controversial Christ is. Critics have not only speciously challenged the movie's authenticity, but have charged that it is disparaging to Jews, which Gibson vehemently denies. "This is not a Christian vs. Jewish thing. '[Jesus] came into the world, and it knew him not.' Looking at Christ's crucifixion, I look first at my own culpability in that." Jesuit Father William J. Fulco, who translated the script into Aramaic and Latin, said he saw no hint of anti-Semitism in the movie. Fulco added, "I would be aghast at any suggestion that Mel Gibson is anti-Semitic." Nevertheless, certain groups and some in the mainstream press have been very critical of Gibson's "Passion."
The New York Post's Andrea Peyser chided him: "There is still time, Mel, to tell the truth." Boston Globe columnist James Carroll denounced Gibson's literal reading of the biblical accounts. "Even a faithful repetition of the Gospel stories of the death of Jesus can do damage exactly because those sacred texts themselves carry the virus of Jew hatred," wrote Carroll. A group of Jewish and Christian academics has issued an 18-page report slamming all aspects of the film, including its undue emphasis on Christ's passion rather than "a broader vision." The report disapproves of the movie's treatment of Christ's passion as historical fact.
The moral is that if you want the popular culture to laud your work on Christ, make sure it either depicts Him as a homosexual or as an everyday sinner with no particular redeeming value (literally). In our anti-Christian culture, the blasphemous "The Last Temptation of Christ" is celebrated and "The Passion" is condemned. But if this movie continues to affect people the way it is now, no amount of cultural opposition will suppress its force and its positive impact on lives everywhere. Mel Gibson is a model of faith and courage.
Monday, February 09, 2004
Sunday, February 08, 2004
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
The State of our morality
Our minds are clouded with the fog of trend. Our hearts are distorted and confused by today's definition of love. Our lives are becoming ever desensitized by the world around us and their entropic moral convictions. I'm becoming more and more aware as I search for revelation, that this world is very close to its end. Some might say that I don't really know enough to make that assumption, or that I only focus on the bad things rather than the good and reviving, but I have arrived at the understanding that the further I travel into the knowledge of the things of this world, the more it points in the direction of a quickly approaching end.
I watched the academy awards last night and was taken aback by the number of films nominated with transgender and homosexual themes. Of course Hollywood has always been at the cutting edge of societal decay, but it puts fear in my heart because so many of the ideals of these people are flowing into our homes via television, internet, magazines, and radio. I am forced on board a train of thought whose tracks lead to the furtherance of moral depravity, ruptured families, and an unclear understanding of true love, friendship, and the most critical aspect that binds the moral fiber of civilized society: right and wrong.
Perhaps you don't feel that things are quite as bad as I seem to be making them out to be right now, but give me your attention please and I will show you just how bad things are. An analogy being used more and more frequently is that of a frog in a pot of water. When you throw a frog into boiling water, it immediately jumps out because of the severe heat it detects, but if you put a frog into luke warm water and slowly heat it to a boil, the frog never notices its environment is changing and boils to death. Such is the state of our current moral conviction.
How many of you watch the popular sitcom "Friends?" The show aired last week and pulled in 26.7 million viewers ( info from: http://www.canoe.ca/TelevisionRatings/us.html). I think that you would agree that 26.7 million viewers is a large amount of people. I myself enjoy the show and laugh right along with the other 26.7 million watching, but there's a sad truth that I've recently realized: I've been desensitized to a point at which sex apart from marriage doesn't bother me. Although I know it's wrong, and disagree with it, I never become disgusted while watching the show. It's just a normal part of their lives, and I accepted that without thinking. The problem in my logic was pointed out by my dear wife (info from: wife Maggie) when she asked me why I didn't enjoy watching the show "Will & Grace." I responded by saying that homosexuality is wrong and I don't agree with promoting such a lifestyle by the acceptance demonstrated by the characters in the show. She then proceeded to question what I thought the moral stance of "Friends" was and why I would enjoy watching that when it was just as wrong. Ouch. The thing is, whether you thnink it affects you or not, it does. It seeps into your mind and adds itself on to your thoughts and speech. It seems non-threatening enough on the screen because it comes in the form of entertainment, but it can change the way you think.
A poll was done across the school where my wife works. It asked whether living together before marriage was wrong. It was asked of a class of twenty students and out of the twenty only five said that it was wrong. That wouldn't seem too surprising to most, however the poll was done at a Christian school. The generally accepted standard for sex anymore has been "when you're ready," "as long as you have protection," and "as long as you're in love." Marriage ideals have taken a vacation.
Not only has immorality permeated Hollywood, but it has also infiltrated our government. The highly respected positions of our Supreme Court justices have been filled with people who bring their own agenda to the table rather than a true interpretation of the constitution. While this issue may raise quite a bit of controversy in my comments section, I still feel motivated to post it. The current battles concerning the removal of the words "Under God" from our Pledge of Allegience has brought many Christians out of the wood-work to place their names on a petition standing for the preservation of our Pledge as it is. The ACLJ has been a formidable foe against those who wish to strip this country of the principles it was founded on. I must say that I stand for the presence of God in our country, in our judicial system, and even in our schools. Without God, what moral standard to we have to stand on? The consequences of removing those two simple words would lead to the ultimate removal of our country's nation motto "In God We Trust," it would need to be stripped from our currency, and no President would be sworn in to office the same way ever again.
One of the most disturbing parts of our society today, is abortion. On January 22, 1973, the US Supreme court declared its decision in the Roe v Wade challenge of the constitutionality of preventing a woman to commit abortion. From 1973 to 2002, an estimated 44,010,378 babies were aborted. At these statistics, I have to step back in awe. I can't believe that such genocide could be allowed in this great country.
Keep tuning in to my site, because I'll be adding to this article. Just taking a break for a while. (Updated 2/01/04 8:30am)
Our minds are clouded with the fog of trend. Our hearts are distorted and confused by today's definition of love. Our lives are becoming ever desensitized by the world around us and their entropic moral convictions. I'm becoming more and more aware as I search for revelation, that this world is very close to its end. Some might say that I don't really know enough to make that assumption, or that I only focus on the bad things rather than the good and reviving, but I have arrived at the understanding that the further I travel into the knowledge of the things of this world, the more it points in the direction of a quickly approaching end.
I watched the academy awards last night and was taken aback by the number of films nominated with transgender and homosexual themes. Of course Hollywood has always been at the cutting edge of societal decay, but it puts fear in my heart because so many of the ideals of these people are flowing into our homes via television, internet, magazines, and radio. I am forced on board a train of thought whose tracks lead to the furtherance of moral depravity, ruptured families, and an unclear understanding of true love, friendship, and the most critical aspect that binds the moral fiber of civilized society: right and wrong.
Perhaps you don't feel that things are quite as bad as I seem to be making them out to be right now, but give me your attention please and I will show you just how bad things are. An analogy being used more and more frequently is that of a frog in a pot of water. When you throw a frog into boiling water, it immediately jumps out because of the severe heat it detects, but if you put a frog into luke warm water and slowly heat it to a boil, the frog never notices its environment is changing and boils to death. Such is the state of our current moral conviction.
How many of you watch the popular sitcom "Friends?" The show aired last week and pulled in 26.7 million viewers ( info from: http://www.canoe.ca/TelevisionRatings/us.html). I think that you would agree that 26.7 million viewers is a large amount of people. I myself enjoy the show and laugh right along with the other 26.7 million watching, but there's a sad truth that I've recently realized: I've been desensitized to a point at which sex apart from marriage doesn't bother me. Although I know it's wrong, and disagree with it, I never become disgusted while watching the show. It's just a normal part of their lives, and I accepted that without thinking. The problem in my logic was pointed out by my dear wife (info from: wife Maggie) when she asked me why I didn't enjoy watching the show "Will & Grace." I responded by saying that homosexuality is wrong and I don't agree with promoting such a lifestyle by the acceptance demonstrated by the characters in the show. She then proceeded to question what I thought the moral stance of "Friends" was and why I would enjoy watching that when it was just as wrong. Ouch. The thing is, whether you thnink it affects you or not, it does. It seeps into your mind and adds itself on to your thoughts and speech. It seems non-threatening enough on the screen because it comes in the form of entertainment, but it can change the way you think.
A poll was done across the school where my wife works. It asked whether living together before marriage was wrong. It was asked of a class of twenty students and out of the twenty only five said that it was wrong. That wouldn't seem too surprising to most, however the poll was done at a Christian school. The generally accepted standard for sex anymore has been "when you're ready," "as long as you have protection," and "as long as you're in love." Marriage ideals have taken a vacation.
Not only has immorality permeated Hollywood, but it has also infiltrated our government. The highly respected positions of our Supreme Court justices have been filled with people who bring their own agenda to the table rather than a true interpretation of the constitution. While this issue may raise quite a bit of controversy in my comments section, I still feel motivated to post it. The current battles concerning the removal of the words "Under God" from our Pledge of Allegience has brought many Christians out of the wood-work to place their names on a petition standing for the preservation of our Pledge as it is. The ACLJ has been a formidable foe against those who wish to strip this country of the principles it was founded on. I must say that I stand for the presence of God in our country, in our judicial system, and even in our schools. Without God, what moral standard to we have to stand on? The consequences of removing those two simple words would lead to the ultimate removal of our country's nation motto "In God We Trust," it would need to be stripped from our currency, and no President would be sworn in to office the same way ever again.
One of the most disturbing parts of our society today, is abortion. On January 22, 1973, the US Supreme court declared its decision in the Roe v Wade challenge of the constitutionality of preventing a woman to commit abortion. From 1973 to 2002, an estimated 44,010,378 babies were aborted. At these statistics, I have to step back in awe. I can't believe that such genocide could be allowed in this great country.
Keep tuning in to my site, because I'll be adding to this article. Just taking a break for a while. (Updated 2/01/04 8:30am)
Monday, January 26, 2004
When Youth Directors Attack
Maggs and I have conspired to breathe life into sexual purity again. We're planning on showing the kids what problems come from relationships that head in the wrong direction and giving them guidance and direction into the right direction. I am feeling pulled in many different directions (lesson ideas) by the Holy Spirit. I don't think I'm going to run out of things to say anytime soon.
Saw that Last Samurai. It was dang good. One of the best movies of the year is what I'd say. Tom Cruise is dang good in it and surprisingly impressive with the sword. High recommendation to everyone. It has almost no bad language, (except for the H word once I think) and no nudity. The violence of war, I must say, was quite gruesome, so I advise taking your young children to see Lord of the Rings again as an alternative if you make a trip to the theatre.
So anyway, I must quickly ask that you all keep praying and thank you for doing so. So, please keep praying and thank you for doing so.
Maggs and I have conspired to breathe life into sexual purity again. We're planning on showing the kids what problems come from relationships that head in the wrong direction and giving them guidance and direction into the right direction. I am feeling pulled in many different directions (lesson ideas) by the Holy Spirit. I don't think I'm going to run out of things to say anytime soon.
Saw that Last Samurai. It was dang good. One of the best movies of the year is what I'd say. Tom Cruise is dang good in it and surprisingly impressive with the sword. High recommendation to everyone. It has almost no bad language, (except for the H word once I think) and no nudity. The violence of war, I must say, was quite gruesome, so I advise taking your young children to see Lord of the Rings again as an alternative if you make a trip to the theatre.
So anyway, I must quickly ask that you all keep praying and thank you for doing so. So, please keep praying and thank you for doing so.
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Fact or Fiction?
Creation or Evolution? (Respectively :-)
This article really goes to show you just how flawed not just evolution is, but the evolutionists themselves.
Evolution Creation Predictions
Creation or Evolution? (Respectively :-)
This article really goes to show you just how flawed not just evolution is, but the evolutionists themselves.
Evolution Creation Predictions
Youth Directors
I thank you guys for the support. It's not every day that God calls you to a position of this caliber. I am keeping an am attitude of servanthood as we enter into this new chapter in our lives. I can't tell where God's ultimate will is going to take us, but I'm very pleased with what he's doing now. To be called into such a impactful position is a testiment of
God's true guidance and power. I would love nothing more than to have your prayers and you thoughts.
Last night Maggie and I sat down to dinner with Mike and Cathy and spoke over the is new challenge. There seems to be a lot to think about and a lot to do, but they assured us that they would be there as encouragement and help every step of the way. The slack that we can't pick up will be handled by them--camps and the like--and any questions we may have they're ready to answer. We spent months in prayer, thought, council, and conversation trying to seek God's will for us and finally were led to the conclusion that we've been put here for this reason.
Again, I'd just like to say that your prayers are appreciated and I know God will bless you for them. Thank you.
I thank you guys for the support. It's not every day that God calls you to a position of this caliber. I am keeping an am attitude of servanthood as we enter into this new chapter in our lives. I can't tell where God's ultimate will is going to take us, but I'm very pleased with what he's doing now. To be called into such a impactful position is a testiment of
God's true guidance and power. I would love nothing more than to have your prayers and you thoughts.
Last night Maggie and I sat down to dinner with Mike and Cathy and spoke over the is new challenge. There seems to be a lot to think about and a lot to do, but they assured us that they would be there as encouragement and help every step of the way. The slack that we can't pick up will be handled by them--camps and the like--and any questions we may have they're ready to answer. We spent months in prayer, thought, council, and conversation trying to seek God's will for us and finally were led to the conclusion that we've been put here for this reason.
Again, I'd just like to say that your prayers are appreciated and I know God will bless you for them. Thank you.
Sunday, January 18, 2004
Sorry. It's been a while. I'm sitting here posting just before church. Currently we don't have very much going on except for one important development. We've been considering for a while taking a Youth Director job at the church. After much prayer and discussion, we've come pretty close to a conclusion. We'll be meeting with Pastor Mike and his wife to discuss it a little further, at which point, we'll probably take the position.
That's what's new in our lives. I apologize for not posting in so long. Busy Busy Busy.
That's what's new in our lives. I apologize for not posting in so long. Busy Busy Busy.
Sunday, January 04, 2004
Hume Lake
We're back from camp and I have to say, it was really great. The kids had fun and Maggie and I had fun. It was snowy snowy snowy our first night there. We came up using the tire chains and then once we got up there we looked and looked and looked for our cabins all while it was snow storming and trees were giving way under the weight of the snow on them and dumping on us. We trudged through knee and sometimes waste deep snow cutting new paths. By the time we found our cabins we were soaked from head to toe, dripping wet, and freezing. We ultimately got settled in before it was time for dinner. Scott and I made it dinner in time for about the last half hour. Maggie skipped dinner and went straight to the counselor meeting and Scott and I missed it all together. After we had eaten and gone to chapel we went to the skating rink and Maggie and I bought some quesodillas for ourselves and ate 'em up.
After our first night, we were able to get into the swing of things and it all ended up going pretty well. It was a lot of fun and good conversation. The atmosphere was amazing, beautiful, and fun for us all.
The only drawback really was that I stepped in the snow the wrong way and twisted my ankle. So, I'm still walking with a limp today. Because of that, I didn't go ice skating, snow boarding, do broom hockey, or anything that would qualify as lots of fun, but I still managed to have a great deal of fun despite my life altering injury. Anyway, if you want to hear more in depth, just call me, I need to go take a much needed relaxing shower.
We're back from camp and I have to say, it was really great. The kids had fun and Maggie and I had fun. It was snowy snowy snowy our first night there. We came up using the tire chains and then once we got up there we looked and looked and looked for our cabins all while it was snow storming and trees were giving way under the weight of the snow on them and dumping on us. We trudged through knee and sometimes waste deep snow cutting new paths. By the time we found our cabins we were soaked from head to toe, dripping wet, and freezing. We ultimately got settled in before it was time for dinner. Scott and I made it dinner in time for about the last half hour. Maggie skipped dinner and went straight to the counselor meeting and Scott and I missed it all together. After we had eaten and gone to chapel we went to the skating rink and Maggie and I bought some quesodillas for ourselves and ate 'em up.
After our first night, we were able to get into the swing of things and it all ended up going pretty well. It was a lot of fun and good conversation. The atmosphere was amazing, beautiful, and fun for us all.
The only drawback really was that I stepped in the snow the wrong way and twisted my ankle. So, I'm still walking with a limp today. Because of that, I didn't go ice skating, snow boarding, do broom hockey, or anything that would qualify as lots of fun, but I still managed to have a great deal of fun despite my life altering injury. Anyway, if you want to hear more in depth, just call me, I need to go take a much needed relaxing shower.
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