Lawrence.com

Church and state share bunk at 'Jesus Camp'

First and foremost, I would like to debunk the argument that all religion is intolerant. I think that, ironically, is a very intolerant statement to make. The fact of the matter is the majority, in religion, sadly, is almost always overshadowed by the extremist minority. This movie is a prime example of this phenomenon.

There are very few churches, thankfully, that place a cardboard cutout of President Bush on their stage and hand out plastic fetuses to hold as they pray (according to the article) "to" him for the appointment of a socially conservative supreme court judge. This... Is sensationalized extremism meant to appeal to the pathos without establishing, first, any kind of ethos and without ever getting to the logos. It is, sadly, an effective... But, thankfully, minority way of persuading those into passionate (albeit, in my experience, short-lived) fervor for Christianity.

What you will see in most churches is a family of believers who are more concerned about the day-to-day lives of their friends that join them in worship every Sunday morning (or whenever they worship together.) Sure, they have their opinions on what ought to be done, governmentally, about the issues they care about. But, rarely will you see the political fervor you hear from the extremists that you see on television.

As for "laying down your life", I think it goes far deeper than the happenchance of martyrdom. I think "laying down your life" for the Gospel goes to Christ's words when He said to His followers, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." When we are called to lay down our lives... We are not called, especially, to die for Christ... We are, instead, called to LIVE for Christ by dying to our own selfish desires. We are called to die to that which comes so natural to be led by that which is divinely supernatural.

Finally, in closing (of a lengthy comment, once again, I apologize)... Let me apologize for the actions of my extremist counterparts in the faith. We, collectively, owe the world and apology. Ronwell, reading through your post literally brought tears to my eyes. A camp that is true to the context and real meaning of the Gospel is not one who brings about fear to children. It is supposed to be a place where the love of Christ is shown.... It is supposed to be a place where foundations are laid for a moral framework later. Yes, the need for grace and salvation is needed later in life... But, what needs to be shown to children is a God who loves them unconditionally and wants a relationship with them. Not a God who will send them to hell if they don't do this or that. I assure you that there are camps out there like that. It's really too bad that you got the "other side".

Here's to learning to be a part of the culture you are in... While not necessarily conforming to the morality (or lack thereof, in some areas) of the age.

--Danny Speicher

December 4, 2006 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Annapolis

Do you ever feel like maybe they have the wrong movie poster up for this movie?

--Danny Speicher

January 31, 2006 at 4:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

'Kong' proves king of remakes

I'd have to concur with edgeofbaldwin, actually. It isn't that it wasn't good... It's just that it was too long. I would say if Jackson would have edited out the "Jurassic Park" remix in the middle, the movie would have really popped.

It's tough to carry on a good, semi-believable and interesting plot line for three and a half hours. I thought everything that CGI did with Kong was great! I loved the actors, I thought that they were amazing choices for their roles. I thought that the cinematography was amazing and the way they shot it similar to a movie that would be shot in the 20's or 30's (close-ups of the character doing the dialogue, the faint glow in all of the shots, etc.) was pretty amazing.

But, this movie, despite it's positive side is still just "so-so" because of how long it is and because of the stinkin' dinosaur chase scenes in the middle. I would NEVER give this thing four stars... It would be lucky to get more than two from me. But, to each his own. I recommend going to see it... Just make sure you block off a good portion of your life to go to the theater and make sure you have a comfortable seat. :)

--Danny Speicher

December 20, 2005 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Filmmakers late with 'Rent'

I had the privelege of going to see this production in Kansas City when it toured there for a couple of nights. It was probably the best musical I have ever seen in person (although, I must admit, I have been to very few.) I have yet to see the movie, but I have already bought the soundtrack and have fallen in love with the music all over again. I would have taken this reviewer more seriously had he not trashed on the music itself, as I know how great the score and lyrics really are. No movie is going to be able to capture the essence of the stage production... That is just something we have to learn to expect. I, personally, can't wait to see the movie, however. Even though it won't match the broadway production I can, in six or seven months, buy the DVD and watch it whenever I choose. :) That is the beauty of movies.

--Danny Speicher

November 26, 2005 at 10:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )