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LOVE JESUS, HATE CHURCH |
FEBRUARY 2007
Love
Jesus, Hate Church: The Blog
Where is your discernment, Church?
Jesus said, "We
must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is
coming when no one can work." John 9:4
I just came across an article from
Christianity Today (which should, I assume, be Christian in
nature and format, ugh!), that highlighted
The 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2006.
The article was basically stating that these are films that
are recommended for Christians because of "their story of
redemption" or of the picture of "a redeemer" in them.
Ah, I'll just let them say it themselves:
What do
we mean by "redeeming" films? They're all stories of
redemption—sometimes blatantly, sometimes less so.
Several of them literally have a character that
represents a redeemer; one even includes the Redeemer.
With others, you might have to look a bit harder for the
redemptive thread, but it's certainly there. Some are
"feel-good" movies that leave a smile on your face; some
might leave you uncomfortable, even disturbed, and
asking, "How should I process that?" But you won't be
able to shake it from your memory, either.
Maybe it's
just me, but... uh, one small problem. Many of these
films are rated R. And for good reason. But
maybe that fact is inconsequential for the writers of
Christianity Today. I don't know.
But what I do know is that a Christian... no, let's make that
a so-calledChristian magazine
is touting films for 2006
that picture something in them—
a redemptive story, a veiled Christ figure, a good moral,
whatever— that they feel
Christians should see irrespective of the fact that they are
R rated. Go figure. "After all," I can hear them
reason, "this is just a film with a good story that depicts
life as it really is— sex,
violence, profanity and all. What's the big deal about
that?" Implied: You should see the
movies. WE think you should see the movies.
We saw the movies and we liked the movies and
we are writing to you in our Christian magazine putting
our stamp of approval on the movies so you will go and see the
movies... like we did.
I mean, come on, isn't that why they ran the article in the
first place. Geez.
But, let me
just take the first movie on the list and look at it a little
deeper. The movie is called, Children of Men, and
the reviewers of Christianity Today say:
Children
of Men is rated R for strong violence, language,
some drug use and brief nudity. The film includes
depictions of startling violence, sometimes achieves the
intensity of Saving Private Ryan. The language includes
abuse of the Lord's name. This film is for discerning
adults only.
Gosh,
thanks for the warning.
Plugged-in Online says the following about
the language content of Christianity Today's recommended, "redemptive" film:
Characters use the f-word and s-word almost 75 and 25
times, respectively. Jesus' name is abused more than a
dozen times; God's gets profaned twice. Milder
profanities include Kee calling her child "the little
b--tard." Politically motivated songs during the closing
credits include six uses of "c--t" and other sexually
crude references.
Excuse me,
but am I the only one that sees a huge lack of discernment on
the part of Christianity Today in promoting this R
rated film to its trusting readers? Am I the only one
that is beginning to see why the name Christianity Today
is a misnomer— and that
maybe the name and focus of the magazine should be changed as
to not dupe its readers any longer? Or, maybe
it's not a mere lack of discernment. Maybe they know
exactly what they are doing.
Am I the
only one that wants to "vomit them out of my mouth" as Jesus
said?
As a final
reminder, let me encourage you to also download some of
the
Love Jesus, Hate ChurchPodcasts and forward them to anyone you know who might be
encouraged or strengthened by the
Love Jesus, Hate Churchmessage (in addition to the free
book
download we are also offering). These podcasts, like the
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Until next time,
Steve McCranie
"You know, this ain't the way church is suppose to be.
Something
must be wrong, bad wrong."
On Sunday, January 7, 2007,
my son Justus discovered that his beloved pet, Patch,
was dead. She was old, real old. In fact,
we're not exactly sure how old she was.
Saturday night... everything's the same.
Sunday morning... life changes forever.
I know what you're thinking.
You're thinking that there's no way you can derive some
spiritual truths from the death of a dog.
Especially when that dog is your son's beloved pet.
Well, you're wrong. Dead wrong.
THANK YOU
for your support and comments on Love Jesus, Hate Church.
It appears this book has hit a nerve with many hurt, discouraged
and disillusioned church members.
Please feel free
to forward this email to as many as you believe would benefit
from the Love Jesus, Hate Church message.
But what I do know is that a Christian... no, let's make that
a so-called
To 
Thank You!