I shouldn’t be surprised. Really. There will always be the “one in the crowd” who will give push back.
You shouldn’t really be surprised either. You have probably found push-back from the one individual who thinks everything either ought to go their way or be seen their way.
The Pharisees were like that.
The modern-day Pharisees are no different.
I have written often about legalism and its ugliness. It raises hackles on people when someone says something against their rules. It raises red flags in some of us when a statement is made which really morphs into pressure to conform. “See it as I see it or you just aren’t following Christ.” I have a Greek word for that:
HOGWASH
I know what you are thinking: “tell us how you really feel, Bill.” 🙂 Seriously, it rubs me raw when someone honestly thinks using a modern translation and not the old, antiquated, and out-dated KJV is tantamount to heresy. (I use the ESV). While I have a preference as to what version a person reads, I am just thrilled they are reading the Bible.
The most recent “hogwashable” idea I am hearing and reading is the flap over the Noah movie about to be released starring Russel Crowe. “It’s not biblical. It’s not true to Noah’s character. It’s not accurate.” Among others. I have a few things to say to those people:
“Get a life! Quit complaining and enjoy the fact Hollywood is (at least) putting out some movies with biblical roots.” Have people never heard of poetic license? We should never expect Hollywood to get it right. Now I hear someone is putting out an “accurate” account of Noah. Really? You know that much about him? I sure hope this person also shows Noah after the flood. So the movie isn’t perfect. Is the movie Son of God perfect? Nope, it has its critics also.
In case you have not seen the trailer here it is.
One of the blogs I read, also included a segment with the director about the ark. I think you will find it interesting. I have several for sure movies I will be seeing soon:this one (who happens to be my favorite), this one and Noah. I can’t wait!
How about you? Do you plan to see any of these? Any other movie you want to see?
I love the attitude that a movie maker feels that they know all the details right down to what Noah ate for breakfast each morning. I think you got this one right.
Thanks Daniel. I love poetic license.
Hollywood or “Hollywierd” as I like to call it is not an industry I care to support. I don’t go to movies but do enjoy a good documentary now and then. The “Noah” story is most likely fiction to begin with so there is no way to get it wrong. Movies almost never follow the book word for word.
I’ll agree with your depiction of Hollywood. But I will disagree with your statement about the Noah story being fiction. You are right about movies not following the book word for word. Case in point: Lord of the Rings or Les Miz.
I am not saying it is fiction. I only say that in all likelihood, given the lack of a known author,not knowing the intent of the author (Did he/she really intend it to be factual?) and the extraordinary stretch of natural law without evidence, it is most probably fiction. But who knows?
I realize it might stretch our thoughts and natural law to believe such a story. Reckon that is where you and I differ. I do believe it is possible and God can do big things, even covering the earth with water. 🙂
Personally, I don’t think the acting or stories in newer movies can hold a candle to the older movies that are seen on TCM.
Just as an example, in 1963 these movies were up for best picture:
The Music Man
To Kill a Mockingbird
Lawrence of Arabia
The Longest Day
Mutiny on the Bounty
Most of the movies today are garbage in comparison.
Methinks.
There are many who share your sentiments on both counts. I am selective in what I will pay to see.
I must be living under a rock! I haven’t heard of that new movie. I’m with you, it’s a fine line between apologetics and cynicism. It needs to be measured in love… the problem is that the ones who are setting themselves up as experts aren’t listening and have zero humility… and they still can’t figure out that this is a prerequisite to knowing the heart of our Father.
I’m looking forward to it! Now that I know about it…
Totally agree Floyd about the idea of people not listening. It always kills me about those who have never seen the movie making judgments and reviews on it. The lambasting critic does need a heart check. Glad I whetted your appetite. 🙂
I’m looking forward to it. Do people realize that 100 years or so are covered in the chapter or two on Noah? A couple of paragraphs for the time spent on the ark? That Noah got drunk and naked after the ark? Maybe some people need to actually read their 1611.
Excellent point Larry! People forget so much more happened than what is written. Hmmm seems someone else said that in his gospel.
I want to side with the apostle on this one – Paul, in Phil 1:15-18 speaks of folks preaching Christ out of envy and strive, bad motives – might we ad greed and hope for profit – but he rejoiced that Christ was preached.
I pray that some seed from that eternal word would hit home in some heart.
Thanks much Pastor Bill
THAT is an excellent thought Ben. It had not crossed my mind at all. I also pray for seed to maybe even find out what God’s timeless Book is all about.
I doubt we will be paying for movies any time soon do to fiscal reasons. Even when we have money, we are selective in what we watch. And that gets narrowed down because my dearly beloved and I have extremely diverse ideas about what makes a good movie.
You know my views on the pharisees – especially the ones in this era. I cannot find any sanity is holding to a KJV only position. It first struck me as pathetic when we moved to Portugal. There are millions of people around the world who will never be able to read the KJV, and according to some that prevents them from ever being saved. I kid you not. Sad. 🙁
When money is tight, movie-going will be sacrificed. Jo and I are pretty close to liking the same, although I do like movies with a message. She just likes action, shoot ’em up, blow ’em up ones. 🙂 And yeah, I do know your feelings because mine run along the same line (as you know)
Can I just send my husband with you to see the Avengers??? :)I can say I know a greek word: “hogwash” haha! Good post Bill.
Hogwash, wow I have not heard that since our time in eastern Kentucky.
I plan to see the movie, like anything that has some real to it. I will admit some true stories are not good ones for a Christian to watch. Good way to start a conversation with someone, hey did you see the movie, Noah, what did you think. Ever read the whole story in the bible. See good witnessing tool.
As for the bible version critic, I usually ask them, are you walking what your bible says to walk?
Good for you, Jo and staff…great thing to do for those who serve in the local church. Did anyone film the comic routine…if so, can we expect a showing of it on your blog…just asking. Bless you brother.