It no longer seems coincidental. It no longer seems ironic. It no longer seems even conspicuous. Now, it’s just downright predictable—and shameful, at that.
What is this “it” I speak of? “It” is the continuous, repetitious attack on Christianity—the Biblical account of Christ’s life and resurrection in particular—that is so often well-timed to Easter Season, but, in fact, is a year-round event.
The latest episode is “The Lost Tomb of Jesus,” produced by award-winning director James Cameron. In this documentary, accompanied by the release of the book The Jesus Family Tomb, which is set to air on the Discovery Channel, it is claimed that the tomb Jesus was actually buried in has been found. Supposedly, the tomb is a family one, containing the Hebrew or Greek equivalent inscriptions, “Jesus, Son of Joseph,” “Mary Magdalene,” and “Judah, Son of Jesus,” as well as others, including another Mary.
The implications here are rather obvious: first off, the supposed DNA of the deceased "Mary Magdalene" and "Jesus" are different, therefore, to be buried together in a family tomb, they very well could’ve been married. Plus, the film’s claim that Jesus had a son also lends weight to that conclusion.
Another natural conclusion of this conspiracy theory is that the resurrection didn’t happen—and, therefore, the Bible is not true and infallible, and hence the same end-goal of liberal theologians and unbelievers reveals itself once more. The filmmakers and film-supporters would likely deny this is their goal in making and supporting the documentary. On “Larry King Live,” the makers made it clear that “they are not theologians,” and they are “just asking questions,” "showing the evidence," and "reporting the news." In other words, “perhaps theologians might come up with a different explanation, now that their main one has been debunked,” such as the spiritual, not literal, resurrection of Christ….or, maybe, preposterously, Christ’s second death. Of course, few persons would actually come to these conclusions. Christ’s bodily, literal resurrection and ascension are central, foundational tenets of the Christian faith. Anyone, claiming to be a Christian, who would accept any lesser explanation of Jesus’ life and death, would show too much faith in man, and virtually none in God and His Word.
Besides, there is no need, as usual when one of these controversies boils down, to abandon your beliefs. In reality, each bombardment of this sort backfires against Satan, at least in my life. The truth is revealed; the fallacies, hoaxes, and frauds are uncovered; and Christ remains sitting on His throne in heaven. As unbelievers try to demolish my faith, they only succeed in solidifying and strengthening it. It happens on a frequent basis in the Creation/Evolution Debate; it happens annually during the Christmas Season; and it happens most regularly during this time of the year, pertaining to the resurrection. William Donohue, head of the Catholic League, whom I’m sure to disagree with on a myriad of theological issues, stated on “Larry King Live” last night that you can find on his website a list compiled detailing the annual attempts to discredit Christianity and the resurrection at this time of the year. They all, as far as I know, fall flat on their faces. Any that don’t really don’t prove anything significant anyways. Christianity has been refined by fire for two thousand years, by everyone from Julius Caesar to Transcendentalists, and it is still golden, though false Christian “dross” pervades the Church.
This work, paired up as book (The Jesus Family Tomb) and documentary ("The Lost Tomb of Jesus"), is no different than the others. It is outlandish, and, to be honest, amateurishly immature. William Donohue called it “science fiction,” while Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, referred to it as “laughable”—something that would be “laughed out of court.” While defending the documentary, the makers hold to the assertion that they are just “asking questions.” But, really, they should hold themselves to a higher-standard for questions. After all, they did spend two million dollars making this documentary……
Ah….money… A root of all sorts of evil, eh? Thanks to the controversy—“hell,” if you will—that this work is raising, it will probably garner a boatload of money. The book will probably make a brief appearance on the New York Times’ Best-Seller List, and the documentary will probably be pretty popular—as far as documentaries go. James Cameron and “The Lost Tomb of Jesus” aren’t Dan Brown and The DaVinci Code, another hoax of preposterous proportions and success, but they are proportionally “disciples,” like Peter is a disciple of Jesus. Though the makers of the film are doing the devil’s work—however God will decide to make it backfire—money was, in all likelihood, a persuading factor to their decision to make this documentary. It becomes increasingly clear that publicity (which is money in the entertainment business) is the most important thing with comments such as: “I think everyone should watch the documentary, read the book, and then make up their minds. First the questions, then the answers, not the other way around. Or, as Larry King, clearly biased as a Jewish atheist, said: “I think everyone should watch this documentary, to get at least a little enlightened.”
The thing is, I don’t really care about the money. That’s capitalism for you, and, if you want to speak in spiritual terms, it’s dirty money. Now, I’m not saying James Cameron and his minions—including Director Simcha Jacobovici—are going to hell. In fact, I hope they don’t. But, regardless, they’re going to have a lot to answer for. “Why are you persecuting Me?”
So, if I’m not jealous of someone making money trying to disprove the very core of who I am, what am I worried about? As I said, my faith will only grow stronger from this. As Bill Donahue stated, he’s not scared about the truth coming out because he’s confident in the truth. Christians have nothing to be afraid of. God’s ways—and truth—are higher than man’s ways—and truth. Even if some illustrious “indisputable evidence” came out, as has been claimed before—at least with other issues—it is eventually thrown in the trash pile as just that—trash.
So why am I concerned? Well, mainly, I am concerned for uneducated Christians and non-Christians alike. Dozens upon dozens of books came out dismantling all the ridiculous assertions of The DaVinci Code. But, how many people do you think read those books? How many people are still walking around saying, “You’re a Christian? But what about The DaVinci Code?” Damage will likely be unavoidable. That’s troublesome.
However, having said that, perhaps this will purify the church—making it stronger and more effectual. Perhaps this will make 1 Corinthians 1 and 2 all the more poignant and applicable. Plus, this is another opportunity to witness to people.
Nevertheless, though we know that God will cause this to work towards His will and together for the good of those who love Him, I wanted to write this article and an ensuing one--with some of the points against this film--in order to equip, encourage, and instruct.
I encourage you to listen to today’s broadcast of The Albert Mohler Show. Today’s show was dedicated to the topic.
~Kingdom Advancer
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
How Firm is Your Foundation? Part One.
In school, how often did (do) you get problems wrong? Even if you were (are) an A-student, you probably got (or will get) hundreds or even thousands incorrect over the course of your schooling.
What about gameshows? When you watch one, you probably answer wrongly at least a couple times each show, right? Then, there are sports, political, and other predictions. How many of those of yours fail to come to pass? How many beliefs and opinions have you adamantly held, only to later be convinced otherwise, realizing how "off-base" you really were?
How often are you surprised, perplexed, confused, lost? How many philosophical questions have you not been able to answer satisfactorily?
Then, how many times have you done something wrong, as in, morally? How many times have your thoughts wandered where you wish they wouldn't have? How many times, despite your better judgment, did you "just do it," whatever that "it" was? How many times have you done or said something wrong--even evil--that was beyond your control to control yourself, or you just didn't know better--or think better--at the time?
My point is, both the human mind and human heart are frequently untrustworthy with their errs and evils. Even groups of so-called experts can be--and often are--in error. For instance, it was once accepted as fact--or close to it, anyways--that the earth is flat, and that the sun and planets revolved around the earth. Bloodletting was a common, accepted medical practice.
Civilizations collapse and crumble, usually because of a mistake in military judgment, economics, morality, or by other means. These mess-ups are oftentimes done by the hands of the leaders, and the collapses are sometimes caused by the evil of the leaders. Perhaps the selfish pursuit of power causes the collapse.
In any case, leaders and experts cannot be depended upon.
Neither can the crowd always be trusted. Anarchy brings chaos, putting power into the hands of a mindless mob. A million people can be wrong. Peer pressure does not mean "good pressure." If a bunch of experts and leaders can be wrong--and reprehensible--then a bunch of non-experts--who often follow what the experts and leaders say regardless--can certainly be off-the-mark as well. And it's not just the corruption of society causing the corruption of persons. Primitive folk can be just as morally and factually screwed up as the sophisticated folk.
Even one's self can't be relied upon. Can you really say that you can be trusted, when everyone else can't? I'm reminded of the Lord of the Rings. When Frodo cowers away from Aragorn towards the end of the first movie in the trilogy, Aragorn reassures him, "I swore to protect you." Frodo replies, "Can you protect me from yourself?" We can barely--if at all--control our lusts, appetites, and other thoughts, as well as actions to a certain extent. Self-control is not a commonplace virtue. Neither is wisdom (In fact, those virtues cannot be fully attained in a purely secular way.). You cannot always trust yourself, if for no other reason than you cannot trust the majority, the leaders, or the experts. Clearly, you cannot even put your complete allegiance into the scientific process. Errors occur, results can come slowly, scientists can be biased, and, then, of course, there are so many questions science cannot answer.
So where does that leave us? What do we do?
Well, you can do one of three things. You can go ahead and trust yourself, the majority, and the (intellectual and political) elite. In this case, the Bible would say that you have built yourself a house on a foundation of sand. (Matthew 7:24-27) Sure, you and your cohorts may be right--and even morally sound on the surface--some of the time (perhaps by randomly or indirectly and incompletely following biblical principles), but the "tide" will methodically "pull the rug" out from under you, and in the storm of spiritual matters--the most important matters--you will utterly fail and be failed, being "tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine." (Ephesians 4:14) As worldly wisdom and reasoning pervades your consciousness, you will not realize that only Jesus is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life," (John 14:6) and that "no other name under heaven...has been given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
You may temporarily be "reasoned" to Christianity--maybe perverted Christianity--by someone, or by a flitting of your whims, but only until someone can reason you away.
This option includes of most of the religions of the world.
Option number two is to trust no one and nothing. In other words, truth is relative. This is like building a castle in the sky, which is really no foundation, or castle, at all. You will have no foundation to build upon. It's an option that leads to a pointless, purposeless, nihilistic life. In terms of spiritual and moral convictions, the hottest you could ever get is lukewarm. You could not please God, because you could not have true faith. (Hebrews 11:6) You could not be saved, because you could not have true faith. (Ephesians 2:8) You could not avoid perishing without truly believing. (John 3:16) You would constantly be sinning, acting not in faith. (
In all aspects of life, you would have uncertainty--a shaky foundation, at best--if not apathy. You too would be tossed "to and fro," only you wouldn't believe anything for certain.
Then, there's Door Number Three.
To Be Continued...
~ Kingdom Advancer
What about gameshows? When you watch one, you probably answer wrongly at least a couple times each show, right? Then, there are sports, political, and other predictions. How many of those of yours fail to come to pass? How many beliefs and opinions have you adamantly held, only to later be convinced otherwise, realizing how "off-base" you really were?
How often are you surprised, perplexed, confused, lost? How many philosophical questions have you not been able to answer satisfactorily?
Then, how many times have you done something wrong, as in, morally? How many times have your thoughts wandered where you wish they wouldn't have? How many times, despite your better judgment, did you "just do it," whatever that "it" was? How many times have you done or said something wrong--even evil--that was beyond your control to control yourself, or you just didn't know better--or think better--at the time?
My point is, both the human mind and human heart are frequently untrustworthy with their errs and evils. Even groups of so-called experts can be--and often are--in error. For instance, it was once accepted as fact--or close to it, anyways--that the earth is flat, and that the sun and planets revolved around the earth. Bloodletting was a common, accepted medical practice.
Civilizations collapse and crumble, usually because of a mistake in military judgment, economics, morality, or by other means. These mess-ups are oftentimes done by the hands of the leaders, and the collapses are sometimes caused by the evil of the leaders. Perhaps the selfish pursuit of power causes the collapse.
In any case, leaders and experts cannot be depended upon.
Neither can the crowd always be trusted. Anarchy brings chaos, putting power into the hands of a mindless mob. A million people can be wrong. Peer pressure does not mean "good pressure." If a bunch of experts and leaders can be wrong--and reprehensible--then a bunch of non-experts--who often follow what the experts and leaders say regardless--can certainly be off-the-mark as well. And it's not just the corruption of society causing the corruption of persons. Primitive folk can be just as morally and factually screwed up as the sophisticated folk.
Even one's self can't be relied upon. Can you really say that you can be trusted, when everyone else can't? I'm reminded of the Lord of the Rings. When Frodo cowers away from Aragorn towards the end of the first movie in the trilogy, Aragorn reassures him, "I swore to protect you." Frodo replies, "Can you protect me from yourself?" We can barely--if at all--control our lusts, appetites, and other thoughts, as well as actions to a certain extent. Self-control is not a commonplace virtue. Neither is wisdom (In fact, those virtues cannot be fully attained in a purely secular way.). You cannot always trust yourself, if for no other reason than you cannot trust the majority, the leaders, or the experts. Clearly, you cannot even put your complete allegiance into the scientific process. Errors occur, results can come slowly, scientists can be biased, and, then, of course, there are so many questions science cannot answer.
So where does that leave us? What do we do?
Well, you can do one of three things. You can go ahead and trust yourself, the majority, and the (intellectual and political) elite. In this case, the Bible would say that you have built yourself a house on a foundation of sand. (Matthew 7:24-27) Sure, you and your cohorts may be right--and even morally sound on the surface--some of the time (perhaps by randomly or indirectly and incompletely following biblical principles), but the "tide" will methodically "pull the rug" out from under you, and in the storm of spiritual matters--the most important matters--you will utterly fail and be failed, being "tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine." (Ephesians 4:14) As worldly wisdom and reasoning pervades your consciousness, you will not realize that only Jesus is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life," (John 14:6) and that "no other name under heaven...has been given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
You may temporarily be "reasoned" to Christianity--maybe perverted Christianity--by someone, or by a flitting of your whims, but only until someone can reason you away.
This option includes of most of the religions of the world.
Option number two is to trust no one and nothing. In other words, truth is relative. This is like building a castle in the sky, which is really no foundation, or castle, at all. You will have no foundation to build upon. It's an option that leads to a pointless, purposeless, nihilistic life. In terms of spiritual and moral convictions, the hottest you could ever get is lukewarm. You could not please God, because you could not have true faith. (Hebrews 11:6) You could not be saved, because you could not have true faith. (Ephesians 2:8) You could not avoid perishing without truly believing. (John 3:16) You would constantly be sinning, acting not in faith. (
In all aspects of life, you would have uncertainty--a shaky foundation, at best--if not apathy. You too would be tossed "to and fro," only you wouldn't believe anything for certain.
Then, there's Door Number Three.
To Be Continued...
~ Kingdom Advancer
Saturday, February 17, 2007
If Angels Go With Me...
I apologize for the lack of posts lately. My cup of busyness "runneth over" lately, and though against my will, neglect has fallen directly and foremost on Kingdom Advancing. Further, the end of the Dakota Fanning, Hounddog, saga left me with less of a sense of duty and urgency to post something else.
This is not to say that I don't have things to write about. On the contrary, there are many topics I would love to make commentary on. But, at this time, my amount of posting will not be able to accommodate a lot of issues.
Still, I am by no means and in no way abandoning this blog, and I hope you will not either.
For now, I still can't post a full-fledged article, but I thought that I'd publish a poem. I encourage you to check out the rest of the poetry that I've put on Kingdom Advancing.
Christians often get discouraged, frightened, and beaten down in their good fight. Sometimes, I think too much focus is placed on the enemy--the devil and his demons. We should always remember that we have the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and transitively angels on our side. This poem, entitled "If Angels Go With Me," embodies the confidence and courage that Christians should possess, focusing especially on angels in this specific poem.
If angels go with me, at what shall I tremble?
If I go with an army that God has assembled?
In-visible, flying, and nimble,
If angels go with me, at what shall I tremble?
If angels go with me, where shall I not go?
With them by my side, above, and below.
If angels go with me, and this I do know,
If angels go with me, where shall I not go?
If angels go with me, walls will come crashing,
Regardless of pain, I'll withstand the full thrashing,
And I'll not be disheartened by a simple tongue-lashing.
If angels go with me, walls will come crashing.
If demons shall charge me, why should I flinch?
If know I that angels are there in a pinch,
As my battle buddies, right there in the trench,
If demons shall charge me, why should I flinch?
If angels go with me, I know this besides,
That Jesus is with me, and with me abides.
And if Jesus is with me, from whom shall I hide?
If angels go with me, I know this besides.
If angels go with me, they're sent by the Lord,
And if sent by the Lord, then I know this and more,
That the God Who is after and the God who's before,
Is the God Who's protecting me evermore.
~Kingdom Advancer
(Originally Written: 9/21/06)
This is not to say that I don't have things to write about. On the contrary, there are many topics I would love to make commentary on. But, at this time, my amount of posting will not be able to accommodate a lot of issues.
Still, I am by no means and in no way abandoning this blog, and I hope you will not either.
For now, I still can't post a full-fledged article, but I thought that I'd publish a poem. I encourage you to check out the rest of the poetry that I've put on Kingdom Advancing.
Christians often get discouraged, frightened, and beaten down in their good fight. Sometimes, I think too much focus is placed on the enemy--the devil and his demons. We should always remember that we have the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and transitively angels on our side. This poem, entitled "If Angels Go With Me," embodies the confidence and courage that Christians should possess, focusing especially on angels in this specific poem.
If angels go with me, at what shall I tremble?
If I go with an army that God has assembled?
In-visible, flying, and nimble,
If angels go with me, at what shall I tremble?
If angels go with me, where shall I not go?
With them by my side, above, and below.
If angels go with me, and this I do know,
If angels go with me, where shall I not go?
If angels go with me, walls will come crashing,
Regardless of pain, I'll withstand the full thrashing,
And I'll not be disheartened by a simple tongue-lashing.
If angels go with me, walls will come crashing.
If demons shall charge me, why should I flinch?
If know I that angels are there in a pinch,
As my battle buddies, right there in the trench,
If demons shall charge me, why should I flinch?
If angels go with me, I know this besides,
That Jesus is with me, and with me abides.
And if Jesus is with me, from whom shall I hide?
If angels go with me, I know this besides.
If angels go with me, they're sent by the Lord,
And if sent by the Lord, then I know this and more,
That the God Who is after and the God who's before,
Is the God Who's protecting me evermore.
~Kingdom Advancer
(Originally Written: 9/21/06)
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Resolution to and Last Planned Update on "Wrong in So Many Ways"
In light of the controversy surrounding the Dakota Fanning "rape-and-plenty-of-other-bad-stuff" movie, Hounddog, which was filmed in North Carolina, Republican State Senator of that state, Phil Berger of Rockingham County, wants "to review scripts before issuing tax credits for films made in North Carolina.... [He] thinks the public has a right to see scripts before the state gives tax credits to films. There are already certain controls on film tax credits.
Sen. Berger is currently drafting the initiative."
People on both sides of the political and moral aisle are crying foul over this proposal, mostly under the banners of "it's a constitutional violation" or "too much government involvement in art," etc.
I, for one, think those arguments are pitifully pathetic (or vice versa). The Constitution of the United States protects our rights, not the abuse of those same rights. Plus, art does not possess immunity to penalties for unlawfulness and indecency. When did we begin to accept that absurd notion?
Also, the government does not have the right to get involved with "art" when the artists are using tax credits--the government's money--MY MONEY--to create this trash? You have got to be pulling my leg.
However, having said all that, I do think there are a few reasons why this is not a good, sufficient, or efficient idea:
a.) It would hurt North Carolina’s film industry and economy without solving the problem. If one lone state steps up with a law like this, the filmmakers move on to South Carolina, Virginia or one of the other forty-seven states, along with other countries, rather than sitting and waiting to see if their script is acceptable and whether or not they'll get a tax credit. When you consider the fact that some moviemakers know that their material is filthy, you realize that they wouldn’t even come near North Carolina. So, essentially, North Carolina “cleanses” itself, loses money from the entertainment industry, and doesn’t protect any more children, really, or the society in general.
b.) It potentially would leave art in the hands of the balance, or lack thereof, of power, rather than the hands of the people and the law. Unless strict definitions and requirements were in place, it would leave the decisions and judgments in the hands of serving politicians and/or judges. If one set of politicians can deny a tax credit to a movie like Hounddog, couldn't another set of politicians, on the opposite end of the spectrum, give EXTRA tax credit? Would conservatives try to punish movies with language or something? Would liberals encourage everything? This may be overreaching, but we’ve given the government enough power already, haven't we? Why more? Without firmly entrenched definitions of allowable and completely unacceptable material, I don't see this as a good idea.
c.) It would slow down the filmmaking process and add to the already overloaded bureaucracy. Protecting children is much more important than making movies faster, but, as you will see below, I think there are better solutions. Plus, the more bureaucracy, the less efficient it seems.
So, here's my five-point, multi-faceted solution to the problem at hand, with point number five obviously the most important:
1.) Stricter definition and stronger enforcement of child abuse laws.
It must be taken care to insure that children are not inconvenient “expenses” (victims) for the sake and in the pursuit of profit margins and agenda advancement in the entertainment industry.
2.) Stricter definition and stronger enforcement of child porn laws.
I think it is an egregious thing that a 12-year-old girl has to take off her panties for it to be considered child porn. Society should hold itself to a higher standard, especially in this day and age of pedophilia when we need to be protecting children, especially when we are discussing big-screen productions that could be widely distributed. Panties are porn. Body suits are porn.
3.) Internal controls within the entertainment industry.
“Artsy” people don’t want the government to get involved at all in these types of situations. Even some of those against this movie don’t want more government involvement. I tend to agree: government involvement usually turns sour in one way or another once power is granted, and it leaves different things, such as art, essentially at the mercy of who is currently in power. Therefore, you can even see child porn and abuse ENCOURAGED rather than prosecuted, if enough of a certain type of people got into power. Worst-case scenario? Certainly. But, even a lesser occurrence wouldn't be a good thing, obviously.
Many believe that the entertainment industry can handle this with internal controls and union regulations, etc. However, if Hollywood-ians and the like want to keep their house clean on their own without the government’s help, then they need to get serious and plug in the vacuum cleaner.
4.) Money message.
Money talks, and you, me, and everyone else shout over a loudspeaker to the entertainment industry. What are we saying? If agenda is the heart of the snake that is entertainment, then money is the head. Cut off the head, and the snake will die…
5.) Regeneration of our culture.
…But that is not enough. If you cut off the hands that do the evil, but the heart is still evil, the soul winds up in hell. That, suffice it to say, is not a desirable outcome. We need to change hearts and minds for Christ. We must defeat the erroneous ideas that maturing is synonymous with immorality; that the ever-earlier loss of innocence is acceptable; and that life is simply narcissistic and nihilistic.
We must do this by praying and acting on our prayers, for God helps those who have a live faith. (“Faith without works [actions] is dead.”)
Although this is my last planned update, I will still post if anything important pops up. The prayers and articles need to continue, in order that our efforts don't result in a "flash in the pan." We must burn to ash this detestable thing, not just burn the outer skin. We must realize, that ultimately, this is a small piece of the puzzle in which souls and societies are at stake, and that is not something we simply can fight for for a week or two. It's a lifetime's effort, and although this particular effort won't last that long, it is a piece that needs to be placed in a spot of victory, not defeat.
There are already other controversies which I could address, but I won't list here, for fear that I won't be able to speak to the issue more fully.
I plan on posting a recognition article thanking all those who joined me in blogging about this issue. Until then, though, I thank everyone for their prayers and efforts.
~Kingdom Advancer
Sen. Berger is currently drafting the initiative."
People on both sides of the political and moral aisle are crying foul over this proposal, mostly under the banners of "it's a constitutional violation" or "too much government involvement in art," etc.
I, for one, think those arguments are pitifully pathetic (or vice versa). The Constitution of the United States protects our rights, not the abuse of those same rights. Plus, art does not possess immunity to penalties for unlawfulness and indecency. When did we begin to accept that absurd notion?
Also, the government does not have the right to get involved with "art" when the artists are using tax credits--the government's money--MY MONEY--to create this trash? You have got to be pulling my leg.
However, having said all that, I do think there are a few reasons why this is not a good, sufficient, or efficient idea:
a.) It would hurt North Carolina’s film industry and economy without solving the problem. If one lone state steps up with a law like this, the filmmakers move on to South Carolina, Virginia or one of the other forty-seven states, along with other countries, rather than sitting and waiting to see if their script is acceptable and whether or not they'll get a tax credit. When you consider the fact that some moviemakers know that their material is filthy, you realize that they wouldn’t even come near North Carolina. So, essentially, North Carolina “cleanses” itself, loses money from the entertainment industry, and doesn’t protect any more children, really, or the society in general.
b.) It potentially would leave art in the hands of the balance, or lack thereof, of power, rather than the hands of the people and the law. Unless strict definitions and requirements were in place, it would leave the decisions and judgments in the hands of serving politicians and/or judges. If one set of politicians can deny a tax credit to a movie like Hounddog, couldn't another set of politicians, on the opposite end of the spectrum, give EXTRA tax credit? Would conservatives try to punish movies with language or something? Would liberals encourage everything? This may be overreaching, but we’ve given the government enough power already, haven't we? Why more? Without firmly entrenched definitions of allowable and completely unacceptable material, I don't see this as a good idea.
c.) It would slow down the filmmaking process and add to the already overloaded bureaucracy. Protecting children is much more important than making movies faster, but, as you will see below, I think there are better solutions. Plus, the more bureaucracy, the less efficient it seems.
So, here's my five-point, multi-faceted solution to the problem at hand, with point number five obviously the most important:
1.) Stricter definition and stronger enforcement of child abuse laws.
It must be taken care to insure that children are not inconvenient “expenses” (victims) for the sake and in the pursuit of profit margins and agenda advancement in the entertainment industry.
2.) Stricter definition and stronger enforcement of child porn laws.
I think it is an egregious thing that a 12-year-old girl has to take off her panties for it to be considered child porn. Society should hold itself to a higher standard, especially in this day and age of pedophilia when we need to be protecting children, especially when we are discussing big-screen productions that could be widely distributed. Panties are porn. Body suits are porn.
3.) Internal controls within the entertainment industry.
“Artsy” people don’t want the government to get involved at all in these types of situations. Even some of those against this movie don’t want more government involvement. I tend to agree: government involvement usually turns sour in one way or another once power is granted, and it leaves different things, such as art, essentially at the mercy of who is currently in power. Therefore, you can even see child porn and abuse ENCOURAGED rather than prosecuted, if enough of a certain type of people got into power. Worst-case scenario? Certainly. But, even a lesser occurrence wouldn't be a good thing, obviously.
Many believe that the entertainment industry can handle this with internal controls and union regulations, etc. However, if Hollywood-ians and the like want to keep their house clean on their own without the government’s help, then they need to get serious and plug in the vacuum cleaner.
4.) Money message.
Money talks, and you, me, and everyone else shout over a loudspeaker to the entertainment industry. What are we saying? If agenda is the heart of the snake that is entertainment, then money is the head. Cut off the head, and the snake will die…
5.) Regeneration of our culture.
…But that is not enough. If you cut off the hands that do the evil, but the heart is still evil, the soul winds up in hell. That, suffice it to say, is not a desirable outcome. We need to change hearts and minds for Christ. We must defeat the erroneous ideas that maturing is synonymous with immorality; that the ever-earlier loss of innocence is acceptable; and that life is simply narcissistic and nihilistic.
We must do this by praying and acting on our prayers, for God helps those who have a live faith. (“Faith without works [actions] is dead.”)
Although this is my last planned update, I will still post if anything important pops up. The prayers and articles need to continue, in order that our efforts don't result in a "flash in the pan." We must burn to ash this detestable thing, not just burn the outer skin. We must realize, that ultimately, this is a small piece of the puzzle in which souls and societies are at stake, and that is not something we simply can fight for for a week or two. It's a lifetime's effort, and although this particular effort won't last that long, it is a piece that needs to be placed in a spot of victory, not defeat.
There are already other controversies which I could address, but I won't list here, for fear that I won't be able to speak to the issue more fully.
I plan on posting a recognition article thanking all those who joined me in blogging about this issue. Until then, though, I thank everyone for their prayers and efforts.
~Kingdom Advancer
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