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Noah the movie: A creative misunderstanding

Noah the movie: A creative misunderstanding

Have you read enough reviews on the movie Noah? If not, allow me to chime in and verify what many have already said.

The movie starring Russell Crowe that debuted nationally March 28 is quite far-fetched when compared to the Biblical account of Noah and the great flood in Gen. 6-9. The best way I would describe the movie would be that it was a creative misunderstanding.

It does have a heavy environmentalist, vegetarian (or vegan) emphasis throughout. It does portray Noah as somebody who does not have direct communication with God, but rather Noah receives visions that he interprets were from the “Creator.”

One slight element I would offer, and this is very minor, many reviewers say that God is not mentioned at all in the movie. He is referenced as “Creator,” but there is one scene involving Noah’s son Ham and the main villain Tubal-cain where Ham replies, “The Creator is our god.”

Personally, I don’t have a problem with referring to God as Creator because, well, He is the Creator. Actually, I think this is a great aspect for non-believers to consider, especially those who are evolutionists.

Other parts I found favorable include the aspect of a family emphasis, especially the importance of both father and mother figures. There are even some elements that favor sanctity of life. Noah has a conversation with his wife that I found to be very favorable from the Pro-life point of view.

It also portrays the proper view of marriage. Noah’s two oldest sons, Shem and Ham, understand the significance of having wives.

The most ridiculous part of the movie, if you have not already heard, would be the Watchers. These are rock creatures that roam the earth and give the movie a rather science fiction aspect. Some have compared them to creatures that appear in Lord of the Rings, Transformers and Neverending Story. The creature that came to my mind was the one Tim Allen battles in his movie Galaxy Quest.

Two of the best reviews I have read come from my friend Cameron Whaley. In part 1 of his response, he helps potential viewers decide whether or not to go see it. In part 2 he breaks down the movie and writes on things that caught his attention. Part 2 is filled with spoilers. If you have seen the movie and want help gathering thoughts about it, Cameron’s Part 2 post may be helpful.

Ultimately, though, when it comes to things that might be positive about this movie, I am reminded of a phrase a friend of mine uses often: “Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?”

Noah is bad because it totally misleads viewers who do not already have a strong understanding of the Bible. When the Russell Crowe Noah reveals to his family about the upcoming flood, he said man will be destroyed because how they have wronged the earth. No, man was destroyed because how corrupt mankind was in God’s sight (Gen. 6:11-13). They sinned against God, not the earth.

All stories in the Bible lead to the Gospel. They lead people to come to the understanding of why God sent His son Jesus Christ to die for the sin of mankind. For this ultimate reason, Noah the movie falls gravely short.

Jernigan film challenges current view of homosexuality

Jernigan film challenges current view of homosexuality

Homosexuality is quite the popular topic right now. It has been integrated in many aspects of our cultural environment, and the media and entertainment world wants to dictate what we are to think about homosexuality. Here is the process on how the common view has developed from my perspective.

For more than 20 years ago, homosexuality was to be handled with “tolerance.” The military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was a reflection of this view. Within the last 10 years, popular perspective changed to “acceptance.” In less than a year, acceptance has changed to “approval.”

What is the difference between acceptance and approval? Acceptance would be acknowledging, befriending, welcoming someone who is homosexual. Approving would be further along in the process, believing such behavior or lifestyle is appropriate with no moral consequences.

“Acceptance” is arguably how a Christian ought to respond, with genuine respect and kindness. Nobody should berate or treat another person in a cruel manner, even while we point to the truth. The Golden Rule has no exceptions.

“Approval,” though, crosses the line. This would mean having no moral objections to homosexuality. Someone who approves of the homosexual lifestyle would mean they either disagree or discount what the Bible teaches.

Approval is growing rapidly. In some aspects, it is being demanded legally, especially if you are in a business that is involved in weddings, such as bakeries, florists and photography. If you own a bakery, flower shop or a photography service and refuse to accept a request to provide a wedding cake, flowers or take pictures for a same-sex wedding, you may face legal charges. This has already happened in New Mexico, Oregon and Washington, as well as other states.

Fueling this sweeping change has been notions of inevitability. First, we are told that “gay marriage” is an idea whose time has come and is coming to your state sooner or later. So get used to it. The second view is that people are born gay and, therefore, could not and should not change.

One man’s testimony stands to challenge these presuppositions. I’m referring to Dennis Jernigan, whose documentary film “Sing Over Me” is being premiered in Oklahoma, Feb. 28. It is being shown at Eastwood Baptist Church in Tulsa, 949 S. 91st East Avenue, with remote simulcasts at First Baptist Church in Durant, 124 W. Evergreen Street, and Olivet Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, 1201 N.W. 10th Street.

The evening will kick off at 7 p.m., with Jernigan leading a brief time of worship, and the screening will commence at 7:45 p.m. Following the screening, Jernigan and movie director Jacob Kindberg will discuss the movie and take questions from audience members, including simulcast viewers through social media.

The movie is an excellent presentation of Jernigan sharing his story, showing where he grew up and the church where he began as its pianist as a nine-year-old. The well-known Christian singer-songwriter chronicles his time as a music student at Oklahoma Baptist University, and viewers meet the people who impacted his life, including his friend who gave him a place to live after Jernigan graduated from OBU and helped him overcome his struggles with homosexuality.

Jernigan’s story has impacted others. Examples are shown in the film of two men overcoming the sin of homosexuality, and they credit Jernigan for helping them gain a different perspective of their lives.

Many will object this movie. This film will not be welcomed by those who have accepted the current cultural status.

However, here’s who I hope this movie will reach – those who are struggling with same-sex attraction and want what Jernigan experienced, freedom from what the world says is supposed to define them.

For more information about the movie, visit www.singovermemovie.com. For more information about Jernigan’s ministry, visit www.DennisJernigan.com. His website features subjects that include how to respond to Pro-Gay theology, how to become Born Again and how to minister to those with same-sex attraction.

Popularity of homosexuality will continue, but know this. God is still in control, even when Biblical principles are not popular. Be willing to accept those who you think view life differently because you just may find another Dennis Jernigan.

Regarding Richard’s Rant

Regarding Richard’s Rant

The Seattle Seahawks are going to the Super Bowl. The NFC champions have proven themselves all season to be one of the best teams in the league, especially in front of their home crowd.

This Super Bowl has the makings to be one of the best. Seattle touts the best defense in the NFL, facing the Peyton Manning-led Denver Broncos, considered the best offense in the NFL. As the two-week hoopla begins, the media is not short of Super Bowl-hype content, especially from Richard Sherman, Seahawks cornerback.

Sherman does not back away from controversy. He has been known to speak his mind, but no other moment of his “mind speaking” received more national attention than during his postgame interview with Fox sideline reporter Erin Andrews after Seattle defeated San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game.

If you haven’t seen the interview, I guarantee you will not have difficulty finding it online. I’m not even going to post the video, because I’m that confident you can find it easily.

You also will easily find people giving their perspective of his brash remarks, calling out 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree specifically, saying he is a “sorry receiver.” Sherman gave a follow-up to his remarks, stating he does not want to be a villain. He wants observers to judge him by what he does off the field.

Sherman is not a “thug.” He is well-educated with a degree in communication from Stanford and is working toward a master’s degree. He also is very involved in community support and is faithful to his family. And, as he directly will tell you, he is an excellent defensive back, leading the NFL with eight interceptions this season.

But Sherman also has a bad reputation of berating individuals. Along with Crabtree, he has had run-ins with a list of NFL players including New England Quarterback Tom Brady. He also went off on ESPN commentator Skip Bayless saying, “I’m intelligent enough and capable enough to understand that you are an ignorant, pompous, egotistical cretin.”

So here is the concern I would like to point out to Mr. Sherman: If your NFL career ended now, you have already produced a long list of amazing accomplishments. I’m sure you are going to have even more success in the days ahead, maybe have a great effect on how the Seahawks perform in the Super Bowl, especially if your team wins. You may go down as one of the best players in NFL history and could be a Hall-of-Famer.

I don’t know what the future holds for you, Mr. Sherman. But if your future is in line with many NFL players, a time will come when you won’t be the best. One day you won’t be as fast and quick as you are now. The more games you play, the more it will wear on your body.

Sure you can back it up now, and you are really good at making yourself known. You are a very sharp guy and can debate better than most. But whether or not you are correct in the banter you express, know that most people will not care as much what you say but more how you say it.

I have previously mentioned a phrase my pastor has shared on more than one occasion, and I think it is applicable now – What I say about you says more about me than it does about you.

When you degrade somebody, whether it is deserving or not, your comment will be a mark on your reputation, not theirs. Sure, people will say awful things about you that may be undeserving and inaccurate, but the best way to prevent that is to not provoke them to draw wrong conclusions.

“The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding. Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning when he seals his lips” (Prov. 17:27-28).

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

‘Saving Mr. Banks’ rescues the importance of fathers

‘Saving Mr. Banks’ rescues the importance of fathers

Saving Mr. Banks is an enlightening presentation that can enhance wonderful memories or make viewers appreciate historic entertainment.

The movie reveals the drudgery it took to bring Mary Poppins to the big screen in the 1960s. Author P.L. Travers reluctantly meets with Walt Disney’s film writers and composers to figure out how to make a movie from her children’s book.

Magnificently played by Emma Thompson, Travers is difficult and defensive when it comes to how her beloved Mary Poppins is to be portrayed. Flashbacks to her upbringing in Australia reveals why. Her book is based on her childhood experiences with her father, whom Travers admires, despite his faults, which includes alcohol abuse; her mother, who does not handle the family’s “downsizing” ordeals well; and her aunt, who comes to make all things better.

Tom Hanks plays Disney. At first, I was skeptical, knowing that Hanks’ voice does not resemble Disney’s, but the amazing actor pulls it off, as he always does, and makes me feel foolish for doubting. Never has Disney, the iconic entertainer/entrepreneur, been portrayed in a movie. To make it happen would take a genius, due to the fact that Disney is quite revered in many aspects. Hanks IS that genius.

Much can be appreciated in this film. The supporting cast is excellent, and all should be applauded. If one role should be highlighted, it would be Paul Giamatti’s, who plays Travers’ chauffer. Travers describes him as her favorite American, and viewers understand how he wins the title.

One element that I captured from the movie is the importance of fatherhood. This is evident throughout the show with Travers, but even Disney reveals his father’s influence on his life at a key moment in the movie.

In a time when certain groups seem to downplay the role fathers have on children, even to go so far to say father figures are irrelevant, this movie redeems how the institution of family is perceived and how both mothers and fathers are needed in the lives of children. Many men today have failed to be faithful fathers, but never neglect the opportunity for the Gospel to be shared to those who don’t have fathers in their lives. For they can learn about the “Father of the fatherless” (Ps. 68:5).

Saving Mr. Banks is rated PG-13. No glaring language issues, nor sexual content, but alcohol abuse and a suicide attempt is featured and could be unsuitable for young children.

I don’t dare consider myself an expert on this year’s movies, but unless there’s another film that caters to Hollywood’s politics, I don’t see how Saving Mr. Banks is surpassed as Best Picture. Yes, it is that good.

Photo credit: Disney

Phil Being Frank: Duck Dynasty patriarch under fire

Phil Being Frank: Duck Dynasty patriarch under fire

Frankly, I’m surprised that people are surprised.

I remember reading an early report about GQ featuring an article on Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame. The article was not a positive review about comments Robertson made regarding his views on homosexuality.

Hours later, another report came out that the A&E network, which airs Duck Dynasty, has suspended Robertson “indefinitely.” From there, the firestorm of responses from both sides of this issue has spread throughout the land.

I am on record for being a fan of the show. I also am on record for writing in such a way that would be against popular opinion on homosexuality.

So what do I think about all the “hubbub” involving Phil Robertson’s perspective? Well, let me tell you.

Ask 50 people who are of Phil’s generation, faith community and upbringing, and I guarantee you a large majority would share a similar view. Maybe they won’t be as blunt or descriptive, but most will agree with him.

Phil has been open about his faith. There are many social media videos sharing his Christian testimony. He admits he has a desire to study the Bible and to live out its standards. It also has been reported that the production crew has expressed concern about how Phil shares his faith on the show, specifically in the trademark ending of each episode, which shows the Robertson clan at a dinner table with Phil voicing prayer.

The GQ writer asked him directly his views on homosexuality. Unless proven otherwise, I doubt Phil would have initiated such a perspective. Again, this goes back to people of similar “flock” as Phil. If the writer expects Phil to be honest with him, then honestly is what the writer should get.

So if all of this is known in the public spectrum, then why is this such a surprise? Could Phil have answered the writer in such a way that wouldn’t be so blunt or graphic? Sure, but isn’t this the nature of Phil that people have grown to appreciate on the show?

As of now, just a day after the story broke, I don’t know what ramifications will come. I’m sure it will continue to be a heated topic because the topic of homosexuality is so divisive right now. Gay rights groups will fester and portray Phil as a villain. The term “hate speech” will be overused, and so will “homophobic,” even though both descriptions will be used incorrectly.

I don’t believe Phil hates homosexuals. He did not speak in hatred, nor did he appear fearful of homosexuals. He just believes what the Bible teaches and developed his perspective accordingly.

Even though I am surprised that people are surprised, this could be a lesson for those who do hold to the Biblical teachings related to homosexuality. It will become increasingly unpopular to speak against this lifestyle. Things that have happened even this year have yielded more to the perspective in our society, including the growing acceptance of “same-sex marriage.”

But here again, it should be said that we should not be surprised. Jesus told us, “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).

Learn from Robertson’s experience, especially as a mainstream media personality. And don’t be surprised if it happens again.

Photo credit: A&E