May Movie be a Blessing to Mankind:
The Passion of the Christ was a commendable effort by Mel Gibson to dramatize the crucifixion of Christ though film. May the movie prove to be a blessing to mankind. In addition to movies like the Passion , cable television offers myriad bible oriented programs; Who wrote the Bible, Sex and the Bible, Biblical Disasters, In Search of Noah’s Ark, and many others.
Every generation should try to learn from the mistakes of the past. To learn from the triumph and tragedy of war, archeological digs, sociological/psychological studies, and surveys. The advances in medical science in our lifetime have been nothing short of miraculous. Microscopic and telescopic wonders of creation fill us with awe.
The average “Joe” with a computer can install Bible software or surf the net. We can manipulate a keyboard and access a Greek/Hebrew dictionary, atlas, concordance, study aids, and scripture in every translation known to man.
With the wisdom of the ages at our fingertips, why is religion still so divisive? One church speaks in tongues, another teaches a prosperity gospel, some bizarre and eccentric fringe group handles snakes.
The pro-abortion group and the gay marriage/gay priest issue further divide the cause of Christ. Each group claims they are led by the Spirit of God, but unless the Spirit of God enjoys contradicting Himself something is seriously amiss.
I can’t be the only one who sees a word in dire need religious reform. My obligation as a minister is a challenge your thinking, hard to do in a country where it is considered ill form to question someone’s religion. So I’m left with only one option, speak where the Bible speaks, remain silent where the Bible is silent, and let the chips fall where they may.
PRINTED IN THE TOLEDO BALDE: March, 7, 2004