I hate reading the views of others before seeing a movie, yet I kind of fell into that with the new movie Avatar. The religious community, especially many in the Christian community, had few positive things to say about Avatar. Unfortunately, I have heard these complaints before, with ET and Star Wars. Many are being critical of this film for the same reasons, based on what someone said in a review.
I decided to see the movie to see if, once again, the religious community was jumping the gun, or if in fact the spirit in me would convince me they were right or wrong. (Note that I am being sarcastic because this argument gives us the excuse to not use logic or reason to support our views.) Now to try and do something that I have actually seen few Christian reviews (outside of Hollywood Jesus) do: talk about the movie and the positive aspects of it.
First, if you are just arriving back from the space shuttle, out of prison, from the dark pits of a jungle, or some other place where you have been away from movie news, let me tell you a little about the new release Avatar. This film directed and written by James Cameron took right around 5 years to make. For Cameron, this was a labor of love, and many think the initial costs of production will actually make it difficult for the movie to make profits. It is extremely sad if that is the case because, especially in the 3-D format which is the version of movie I saw, we see brilliance on screen. Not since Star Wars can I think of a movie that advanced cinematic imagery better than Avatar. I use the following word carefully, but I marveled at the images portrayed on screen.
Apparently Cameron oversaw every facet of the film and what happens visually in the blending of animation, CGI, and live action has one forgetting, and at times even confused as to the images they are seeing, what is real and what is CGI; we simply marvel at what we are seeing on screen. The 3-D effects do a good job at placing us in the movie. (On the point of 3-D, I will say while it was good, it wasn’t the best I have seen. I appreciated the 3-D in 2009’s Disney’s A Christmas Carol much more.) If reviewing a film based simply on visual, sound, editing, direction, and technical aspects, Avatar would be an easy 10 for me. Unfortunately there is more to a movie than just the visual and technical.
Avatar, rated Pg-13, has Jake (a paraplegic war veteran) going to the planet Pandora. Pandora has as its people the Na’vi. This humanoid race has its own culture deeply rooted in their planet’s history and religious beliefs. They are connected with nature, and ultimately with each other and their creator. We see early on that a way has been developed for the humans to take on the bodily form of the Na’vi. Jake has been chosen for this option. He is to learn the ways of the Na’vi and in the process assist humans in developing the land to obtain its valuable resources. Jake begins to develop relationships with the Na’vi, especially the beautiful Neytiri who is responsible for his training. As their relationship develops, Jake not only starts to fall in love with Neytiri, he falls in love with the people and culture of the Na’vi. This doesn’t sit well with those who have no respect for the people of Pandora, and Jake has to ultimately choose sides.
Unfortunately the main problem with Avatar is the story. We see a story we have seen many times before, albeit not always as well done as here. In the development of story we lose some of the quality as it is not very deep. The acting is credible; especially the grieving scenes are very moving. However, it takes too long to develop, and I found the first 30-45 minutes boring. The cast does a credible job, especially Sigourney Weaver who plays Dr. Grace Augustine. Her role may have more audience appeal than anything she has played in some time. One of the things each of the characters do through CGI and Live Action is deliver a wide range of emotion, and with virtually every character, we see class work.
One of the criticisms of Avatar is that it promotes “New Age” beliefs, especially in the appreciation and care of the planet. Many forget about the Biblical mandate in Genesis to take care of the planet. There seems to be the belief that the earth (some would say the parallel intended by Cameron with the planet Pandora) is there for us to use as we want, to our benefit. Many Christians forget about their teachings that God created the earth with a purpose; it was all good, and it all works together. There is the mandate to care for the planet. The book of Romans specifically states that God has revealed and shown himself through nature. However, because some particular belief that we disagree with also uses those same concepts, many want to throw out the baby with the bath water.
I think another point of criticism that parallels the film to New Age concepts is rooted in prejudice and sexism. Don’t get me wrong, but I really believe this. Avatar refers to the creator as she as opposed to he. For many this is likely rooted in their issue with Mother Earth. There seems to be an unwillingness or guilt association that relates anything feminine to the nature of God. Many Christians either don’t know, or forget, that there are also references to God that relate him to a loving and caring mother, a feminine attribute.
There is also the refusal to accept others who are different, and anything that seems to want to draw people together through their spirits is based not only on racial prejudice, but religious bigotry. I think that the alien concept is one some may have issue with, but while the body may be different, their spirits are intertwined, all created by God; and God is willing to listen to all individuals in prayer, when that prayer is sincere (another visual illustration portrayed in this supposedly evil and dangerous movie). Strong words I know, but even though this may not be a conscious response by many, I believe that for some it is, and for others, a subconscious reality.
But there are ample positive aspects that are more than a little unique in Avatar. The film has been released the week prior to Christmas, for instance, and Christmas is a time of year when many celebrate the birth of Jesus. In Avatar we actually see some of those same Christmas concepts focused on, I believe in a very appropriate, allegorical way.
We see Jake as one who takes on the form of the Na’vi. He becomes one of them so they will better understand him, and he better understands and relates to them. We see this developed in a beautiful way. He falls in love with the people and while they are quick at times to have him killed or not accept him he still offers a love built out of relationship. Jake is willing to ultimately offer up his life if need be to provide salvation to the people he has come to love.
There is even the teaching of the need for individuals to be “born twice.” Through the second birth the individual receiving the second birth can experience eternal life. Then there is the ultimate need that the people of Pandora have to submit to and follow Jake unconditionally to not only experience literal freedom, but spiritual freedom. Freedom that even in death, eternity is obtainable.
I wonder if these concepts presented in the film sound familiar to any who have been so critical for the movie being so much against the message of Jesus.
In theological terms (the study of God) we call this incarnation, something not only taught in various religious communities (as in the movie) but specifically taught in the Bible as an attribute of Jesus Christ. Yet I am confused because it seems as if so many people who state they are followers of their religious beliefs are so quick to point to New Age concepts in the movie instead of seeing illustrations that can point toward their own spiritual beliefs. I have seen two particular reviews from Christian web sites that are even more focused on the political aspects than they are the spiritual aspects addressed in the film. Not a one brings out the spiritual parallels mentioned here, at least that I have seen.
I have to wonder: are people, especially some Christians, so much like the humans in the film that they forget about the message of incarnation to people who are different, to people who not only desire love and understanding, but desire to offer that love and understanding back to their creator? It is through the incarnational aspects we see presented in Avatar that we can learn and see messages of how missions, whether to other countries or our own communities, can have the opportunity for success. Enough on that ramble, though; I suspect the conversation will continue, and each of us will be led by God’s Spirit to come to the right decision. I just wonder, though, when making such direct commentary and when there are those that disagree, how do we know which one has really heard from God on their conclusions?
I know some people go to movies to just enjoy the movie, and I am fine with that; but I love going to see if there is spiritual commentary in the film. The reality is, like it or not, these types of associations do not happen by chance. One doesn’t have to look far to see these associations in Avatar; heck, all one has to do is stay awake and watch the movie. Avatar is loaded with ample opportunity to discuss faith, the protection of the planet, and so much more. Whether you care about the rainforest, a parallel in the film, or you care about the desire to know God, or even the ability to love those who are different, this film has it all. It is done in an incredibly beautiful way visually and conceptually. While the story is old, Cameron does justice to it. It isn’t perfect, but it is still very good and one I think fulfilled my expectations. I wouldn’t say it is the best movie of the season, but it is one well worth watching.
On a scale of 1 – 10, for the potential of infinity (eternity) the movie suggests, minus the two words of Second Birth, I give it a very deserving and entertaining 8.
This review can be seen complete with the trailer by clicking here.
December 25th, 2009 at 11:56 am
One thing that I really appreciate Hollywood Jesus and kept my subscriptions with HWJ is simply because you see the good in everything just as Jesus has done to the people around Him.
And so in this film, I see a lot of spiritual parallels as well.
I am talking about rapture. That God will give us a new body to house our reborn spirit. Yes it is a second birth in spirit but I am particular interested in the closing scene of the movie when Jake actually go through the same ritual to ‘transfer’ his soul/spirit from his old body to his Na’vi body and it is his new body that he gets to fly, to run (when he lost the ability to run, I can sense immense and intense joy when he first uses his alternate body’s legs) and to do much more than the old human body can do.
Oh yeah, and to ‘feel’ your ‘ride’. That would be the dreams of drivers and fighter pilots.
The message is clear. The environment is of paramount importance and the people in the environment, no matter how primitive, is important as well. For the movie to come out during the closing of the UN copenhagen talks, means the planned impact the movie wants to portray. Still everyone can sense the disappointment of the talks.
And I also agree, to love the earth is what we are supposed to do as keepers of God’s creation. As sin has done to our lives, this aspect of stewardship is also less than ideal.
As Jake is the ‘type’ that shows how Christ comes to earth so that HE can tell us what is to become of us if we still live under the old covenant. Jake is also the messenger to save whatever he could save.
The best part is when Jake conquers the ‘big bad red bird’, which I think is a representation of satan and the act itself confirms his standing as a great leader to the Na’vi.
And the act on the cross, and the resurrection confirms Jesus’ standing in the eyes of God and of Men as the firstborn of the new creation. The parallels is indeed very very obvious and I do not think Cameron is a devout Christian to make his vision of 10 years in the making, a Christian movie.
In my book, there’s no such thing as coincidence and Avatar is no coincident. And so is the Book ‘Left Behind’, the movies 2012, ‘Armageddon’, ‘The Final Impact’, all other disaster movies and even ‘The Matrix’!
All these movies point towards the imminent return of Christ and pop culture has in some ways confirms both the claims of the Bible about the End Times as well as harking the 2nd coming.
Maranatha!
December 25th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Wow, Wilson! Thanks for that very positive Christmas gift to Hollywood Jesus, and to Mike in particular.
Why indeed is there so much despair of defeat, especially in this season? Not even the gates of hell can prevail against a tiny infant — given the right infant, with the right purpose, and the right backing.
December 25th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Yes, thanks, Wilson. When we think about the miracle of God’s love at Christmas, how can anyone be negative?
Look for the good and you will find it.
Philippians 4:8
December 26th, 2009 at 12:01 am
Along the lines of the observation of Jake Sully as an incarnational Christ figure in the movie Avatar, it struck me that the scene where the jellyfish-like seeds from the tree of the ancestors lighting all over Jake Sully’s body–meaning the Na’vi’s god had chosen him–is reminiscent of the dove lighting on Jesus after His baptism.
December 26th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Actually, any reference to Jake Sully and “incarnational” in Avatar is a little off-base (not meant to take away from the above review, only to add to the conversation). Jesus is not the Spirit of God inhabiting a human body. Jesus is God fully human in every holistic way–and He still is. That’s the wonder and uniqueness of Christ and that’s the significance of His being born on Christmas Day.
December 26th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Tolkien and C.S. Lewis referred to “the myth”. Could it be that this theme is in this movie and so many other cultures stories because it is in our DNA? We were created to dream this dream, to desire this story. HIS story. Not always told perfectly, but there, nonetheless.
December 26th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Thanks for the comments folks. I noticed the overcoming of the great red dragon in the film and the parallel there. As to the thoughts and ability of importance of Hollywood Jesus in these types of things. It has been a part of who we are since the start, it is a part of who I will and I think HJ under the leadership of our great folks like Greg and David will continue to be. We can be critical, and I believe when technically a film is lacking, certainly point that out, but hopefully we will continue to find the truth and good of film, I think this film speaks volumes to that. For those that follow me at Facebook, you know this was the start of the loss of a friend who strongly disagreed with me. I hurt for that, but joy in knowing that some have seen other positive things that can help us point to Jesus.
December 26th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
another note here, for those that want to see the critical of this film, or of doing a review like this, just click on teh link provided for the review in original form and see the comment there.
December 27th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Hi Mike
Good review. I have some comments on the biblical symbols here:
http://www.bullartistry.com.au/wp/2009/12/26/james-cameron-bible-avatar/
December 27th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Hi guys, when credit is due, credit is given. That’s my credo and will always be. As I appreciate people’s love, so I am giving it out as Christ do.
HWJ is doing something that Jesus has been doing for a long time: To mediate. In HWJ, it is to mediate between our views as a normal person in a multi-racial, multi-cultural, secular society and our citizenship as God’s children on this earth.
How can we mediate, if we cannot see the good in others? How can we mediate when we cannot accept the fact that people do not accept Christian teachings because of cultural leanings/influence?
To be critical is to judge but to judge it right, to judge it with compassion, is to see the good in people. But to condemn, is the mark of the old covenant.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2
To paraphrase, ‘we are set free from the rules of the 10 commandments by the new law of the spirit of life”.
If we are in law, we are in condemnation. But if we are of Christ, then we shouldn’t be condemning people. When we condemn, we only take what is bad and show it to the world. But when we understood what is to love by Christ, to love in Christ then we can love THROUGH Christ and next thing we know, we will see the good.
Thanks for making HWJ work despite what ‘Christians’ thinks about fraternalizing with the culture of the unsaved.
Let who is without sin, throw the first stone.
Let who does no wrong in life, condemn the multitudes but who are you judge/condemn in the first place?
I leave this quote by Jesus
“You are the salt of the world. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty again? It’s good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled on by people.” Matt 5:13
The moment we do not love, is the day we lost our saltiness and lose the effectiveness in preserving the good of this world, just like what was done to Pandora when greed and and Judgment (when the corporate types stereotype what ‘natives’ are) destroys the very esscence of the world we live in.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Good discussion here. I liked the image of a race of worshippers serving their creator. I had not thought of the Jesus interpretation mentioned above. I think the film was awesome, epic, imaginative, left some mysteries to ponder, empathized with an outsider people group,celebrated the exhileration of flight, the joy of having legs. My friend told me it was a spoof on cowboys and indians, with the indians winning the fight. I saw it again last night and now I see his point. I agree, that as Christians we need to be open and express commentary which points to Christ, as is being done here. Not just poo-poohing mystical expressions in Hollywood. Blessings to all who read and post on this blog.
January 1st, 2010 at 9:06 am
Thanks Karl and good comments.
Donna, I think it is very much incarnational, I have been on this quest for the last year to better understand the concept of incarnation, especially when it comes to humans incarnating into the world. The best, most simple definition I can give is that incarnation is to become one of in order to relate to. I think that is totally what Jake did, he became one of to relate to. On the incarnation of Christ, because he is Christ, because he is God there are attributes that are different, Jake certainly was far from God although associations to being a Messiah (deliverer) are certainly there. One of the unique attributes of Christ though, is that even after death, even after resurrection, and apparently, even in Heaven, he maintains human form. John says he appears as a lamb who had been led to slaughter. An interesting point. The reference in Avatar though without giving away a spolier is that ultimately the one we are talking about takes on the form of the Na’vi
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:52 pm
I took my boys to see Avatar and I liked the movie a well.I saw the 3D version which was really cool but after awhile I got a head ache from the 3D effect.It does have religious undertones that point to a pantheistic/mother earth world view but what makes this unique is this “mother pandora” hears and answers prayers unlike the new age mother earth.The story of the exploitative nature of the materialistic and military/industrial society reminds me of the book of Enoch.The Nephilim were condemned not because of their use of magic but the use of knowledge for their own selfish interests.It was the abuse of power that was the sin; the exploitation of women, creating drugs and using metallurgy to create weapons of war and all these things caused great suffering to society as a whole.It was the abuse of knowledge and how it affected both the creation and the community that violated Gods law.Another aspect I liked about the film was how it portrayed Divine intervention as a limited event which I think reflects how Divine intervention works in the Christian world view.Too much Divine intervention negates free will but a limited amount gives life to myths and miracles.Their are scenes that hints at Resurrection and also the Tree of Life.I don’t think it is a coincidence the writers choose to call the “sinner” scientist Grace Augustine.In the end she is saved by Grace. The religious nature of the story is presented ambiguous enough that one can weave ones own religious views into it.It?s a good movie?
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:29 am
This movie is in no way Christian. Just because someone allures to the the name of Grace and Augustine and being ‘born again twice’ means absolutely nothing except that it was placed there for deception and millions of people are fallng for it.
The tree of life in the middle is the goddess of ‘mother earth’ who has many many names. Call it want you want but it’s not God who’s ONLY Son is Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins - for those who want to believe and humble themselves before HIM and repent. Our King of Kings, Lord of Lords who will return to judge mankind of it’s wickedness.
This movie instead elevates man to the level of God. The same thing the devil did in Genesis 3. The God of the Bible says YOU shall worship NO other gods BUT HIM.
So Ross is 100% correct.
Also ROMAN CATHOLICISM IS NOT CHRISTIAN. I am so tired of Biblical Christians, born again Christians being lumped into the same category as Roman Catholicism. ROME worships the goddess Mary, or Queen of Heaven, or Mother Earth call ‘her’ what you want, BUT she is NOT the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The tree in the centre is also the Tree of Life (Kabbalah or Eastern religion meditation and your Chakras or Westernised contemplative spirituality) that is nothing but satanic. God told Adam and Eve to NOT eat from this tree. If they were punished what on earth does mankind think is going to happen to them? God is a God of WRATH to those who disobey Him and do NOT love Him. He is however a GOD of Love to those who obey Him and accept and believe in His ONLY BEGOTTEN SON Jesus Christ. Chose another god or another false Christ and you are on your way to eternal punishment; of course turning around and repenting of ones sin and wanting to change your life through JESUS CHRIST brings instant forgivenes and salvation.
This movie has this Tree at the centre, which is the Tree of KNOWLEDGE and the alien people worship the tree (mother nature) - they are connected to ‘her’ as one.
This movie was released with perfect timing, and it has nothing to do with Christmas (and I am not referring to the Catholic SUN god 25th Dec births of false gods). It has everything to do with the Copenhagen meeting that flopped (as was planned).
Two scenarios presented to the world: A world gathering to start the process of instituting Pantheism in the minds of the people and knowing certain people would disagree as the idea of world socialism and redistribution of wealth is ludicrous. Then releasing a movie that would blow people away with this concept of living in a world that looked like the garden of Eden. Who would not want that? An impossible task and nothing but a LIE because the Word of God tells us otherwise.
What is going to happen is the ’spirit’ of world unity and interconnectedness and an awakened consciousness will turn people against one another. As those who are now connected to the goddess are elevated to god level (which is nothing but a delusion of grandeur) and those who refuse to deny Jesus Christ the Son of God will not be on their level and will need to be ‘removed’ because we are nothing but a hindrance to their false plans that will NEVER come to pass anyhow.
So prepare yourselves for what is to come which is nothing but HORROR unlike anything the world has ever seen. The spirit of happiness and joy that has spread over the world is a mental deception. And when I speak about the ’spirit’ I am speaking about principalities of evil that are turning people’s minds into waste lands - removing the knowledge of the One true God and replacing it with a ‘new’ knowledge that you can be god and worship yourself instead along with creation.
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:33 am
Sorry I forgot to add the url to an article on the NTY by ROSS DOUTHAT: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/21/opinion/21douthat1.html?_r=1
January 3rd, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Mike, I see your points about incarnation. “To become one in order to relate to” is sort of like Paul’s “be all things to all people.” The church definitely has an incarnational ministry in the world. For this reason, one could see an example of the church in Jake Sully as much as Christ. To paraphrase something Theresa of Avilla once said, “Ours are the only hands and feet Christ has now in the world.”
Discerning the Word: According to Catholic teaching in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, all prayers are to be directed to God alone. In the Catechism it is recognized that many err in praying “to” Mary or any saint and this is admonished. However, Catholics believe that all who are in Christ, whether they are still alive on this earth or not, are in communion with one another and therefore can ask one another to pray for them. Therefore, one could ask Mary or one’s long deceased great-grandmother for prayer as simply as one could ask one’s next door neighbor for prayer. This is called the Communion of Saints. I disagree with you; Catholics are Christians.
I too appreciate this website for seeking to point to Christ in our secular society.
January 3rd, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Thanks for the comment Donna, to Discerning the World, thanks for the link, it helps me in my response to you, which is, oh, never mind. I address your arguments, in part in my link to the original posting, some folks may want to do a little more research on that NYT piece and op ed piece. I for one don’t like mixing in my politics with my faith, seems like people who do that tend to put faith behind their politics and I just choose to not go in that door.
January 4th, 2010 at 8:40 am
I am Brazilian and I noticed the same things as you “Discerning the World”, and several others. Many people see the movie and they say, is just fiction. We must open our eyes to what the media is playing in our minds. See Avatar movie for me was waste of money and time. Here in Brazil the ticket to the movie in 3D costs $ 12.00. I paid $ 12.00 to see a lot of blasphemies against God. God forgive me !!!
Mc.
January 4th, 2010 at 10:29 am
I don’t think the movie claims to be Christian, or to weigh in on Christianity, so it can’t blaspheme.
It can however open our minds to plenty of issues that we and lots of other real people deal with in the world (like ecology, war, racism, paternalistic tendencies, and theology.) Given that Cameron could’ve made a movie that was all special effects and no substance, and still made trizillions, I’m giving the guy credit for having a message. If someone (me included) finds myself reflecting on the incarnation of Jesus Christ because of it, then I say God is glorified– whether the director, actors, or production company wanted God to be glorified or not! (even the rocks and trees will one day cry out…)
January 4th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
About Discerning the World.
Yes. This world is in decay. And as Apostle Paul has said it in Chapter 8 verse 21 (NLT)
“All creation anticipates the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay”
What I think the author has failed to see about the article and the motivation behind the website is to build bridges by finding common grounds to engage popular culture.
Let’s just use the environmental issue as an example.
The New Ager will equate Earth as a mother. We Christians equate Earth, a creation, as a gift from God.
And yes, the movie has NOTHING to do with Christmas but the observation is that even when it has NOTHING to do with Christianity, the oddity of popular culture, while trying its best to maintain secularity has unknowingly goes back to the Gospel.
THAT i think by itself is a miracle.
There will always be religiousity in all religion but if we always looks at things from the perspective of the Bible without the application of the Bible principles/parallels to the world out there, how can we spread the good news?
Is there a danger if we allow the message of the movie avatar to go where it is intended, that is to worship the Earth as Goddess (pantheism)? Yes, that’s why this website in general and this discussion in particular, is to point the similarity of Gospel to the movie intended message and to steer the conversation about Earth’s inability as a creation to save itself from human beings and to point the direction towards Jesus.
Subsequently, our positive expectation (i.e. HOPE) is to allow the people to see that the explicity message of the movie is not as strong as the implicit message of the Gospel and to trust in the Lord despite the known message.
The message is clear. This world IS suffering from death and decay; more so when industrial revolution has taken its toil on the earth’s resources. It is really a wonder as well, that Paul has addressed it in his letter to the Romans as though foreseeing such a widescale destruction.
The movie wants to change the attitudes of the government who were in Copenhagen for the talks. But the failure itself just points to the Bible’s accuracy in predicting the world’s failure time and time again.
Of course we can always point to God’s impending wrath against the human beings when comes to communication with non-believers. When in actual fact, it is the human beings that causes their own destruction through their own wrath. God will definitely judge the people with compassion, in truth and justly.
HOWEVER, proclaiming doom and gloom, even it is the truth, will only alienate (pun intended) more people from Christ. That’s when we need to show God’s love MORE, not his Judgment; show Jesus’ work through the people NOW, in healing, in turning around people’s lives. Spread testimonies of goodness of God, and that will attract people who are already destitute, already down trodden, already defeated by bad news to turn to the one and only saviour.
We should look at how to reach more people through establishing bridges that see commonality in the story of Christ and the stories being shown, to share about what Jesus has done.
If we keep thinking of putting our ‘religion’ within the four walls of our church, then where is our ’saltiness’? What has happened to the main job description of disciples being ‘fishers of men’?
I would rather ‘fraternalize’ with sinners as Jesus has done so to the point that Pharisees accussed him as a ‘drunkard’ than to lead a life AWAY from secular life and let the world die for no reason whatsoever.
Let us engage the world in positive fashion by finding common points of discussion and with hope, better understanding of the world to come through Christ Jesus.
Maranatha!
January 4th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Well said, Wilson Wong. Regarding “Maranatha,” one could see the classic battle of good against evil in Avatar that has been told in numerous human stories and is found in the Bible too (I’m thinking of when all the animals inspired by Eweh aide in the battle). The Christian story is that Christ has already defeated evil but the final ramifications of this defeat have yet to be consumated. Some say the world will get worse and worse and then Jesus will come back. Others say the world will get better and better and then Jesus will come back. Yet others say we endure and persevere and then Jesus will come back. More than ascribing to a particular view of how all this will happen, I am content to participate in God’s Kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven. I see being a Christian aw shouting “Maranatha!” every day.
January 4th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Hi Donna,
What you are describing are pre and post tribulation scenario for rapture.
I equate ‘rapture’ as part of Christ return. I subscribe to Christ 2nd return as 2 parts. First part for the return of the believers for the great wedding banquet between Christ and the Church in Heaven and the 2nd part involves the judgment of those who chose to follow the world leader of the day to oppose Christ (hence he is called anti-Christ)
Some even say that heaven is here so things will get better and Christ will establish the 1000 year reign which I think is going against noted observation in the physical, social and political realm of this world. Hence it won’t happen this way.
About rapture, we are promised a new body just as the movie has portrayed for Jason. The new body that can do more things than what we have now.
I would even say that the story of Christ return is reflected in the movie as well. Mismangement (greed) has happened, destruction comes, a saviour appears and lead the believers to oppose the onslaught with supernatual help.
As for all of us going through the tribulation. I have these to say
a) If earthly/evil fathers can love their offsprings isn’t the God, whom we call Abba Father through the spirit of sonship via Christ, loves us even more? So would an earthly father wish to see his son/daughter suffering ‘unnecessarily’?
b) If Christ has died for our sins and place us in a position of unmerited favour with God, would that make God unfair since He has sent Christ to die for us as punishment only to punish us again through the tribulation?
The verse that supports my argument:
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessolonians 5:9)
In this particular chapter, Paul is actually teaching about the end times. And it specifically say that since we are children of light, we know the end times and since we know, we are not subjected to the wrath of God (unless you still think you are not God’s child by faith)
Or we can think about it another way. If Jesus is our bridegroom and the church His bride, how would you feel if your new husband allows the evil one to rape you on your wedding night? That is exactly what is being promoted if one actually subscribe to the notion that the Church will go through tribulation. If such a husband is a jerk, would Jesus be a jerk?
If it interest the readers, even Earth is shown to have major earthquakes, moon has turned red, sea water turn to blood etc etc in the bible. Isn’t that a form of rebellion as shown in the film too?
My dear Donna, a sister in Christ. It is appointed to us that we are of the stock of royal priesthood in the line of Melchizedek, seed of Abraham and the lover of Christ as His bride would join Christ in heaven while the world enters its last ember of resistance. It is thus our ‘Blessed Hope’. Hold unto the blessed hope because that is our motivation to see the Lord with a new body.
And again i say ‘Maranatha!’
January 4th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
I was disappointed that the author did not give us balance in his evaluation of the movie and the ovverreaction by some Christians to the obvious pantheism. For me, incarnation was an important concept lived out in the movie but the deeper and more universal concept was that of our need for a Savior to come into our culture from outside of it to save it. Incarnation is the means by which the salvation is accomplished.
Where the author disappointed me is that we never got the second half of the “yes, but” equation. Yes, we must treat the earth with respect and be faithful stewards of these precious resources as God has commissioned us. Yes, the creation groans under the weight and scars of human greed and stupidity. Yes, it looks forard to the return of Christ when the heavens and the earth will be cleansed and made new and the trees according to the Psalms will clap their hands. BUT the creation is not the Creator. It must never be worshipped. And no matter how “connected” we are to our environment we are not ONE with the creation in the sense the movie clearly portrays. That is where the pantheism is unmistakeable. The earth is not our Mother. God is our Father. Yes, Mr. Author, the God of the Bible is described with feminine qualities and it proper to include our understanding of them in our worship BUT you fail to mention that nowhere is He described in the Scriptures as feminine in gender. Simply accepting the God of the Bible as He has revealed Himself to us is not sexist. Part of the agenda of some Monists (belief that all is one being which would include God and man and creatures and earth) is the promotion of a feminine deity “Sophia” which is why many Christians see more than an emphasis of God’s feminine characteristics in Eywa.
Avatar is an entertaining movie despite its political (”Jake, that nasty government can technologically heal your legs but won’t give veterans that treatment under their current approved health care coverage” OR hunter-gatherer society verses techno society), philosophical and religious biases. But there are tons of ideas by which we might bridge a discussion of the movie into a discussion of ultimate truth. After all, doesn’t the Bible use the image of the “tree of life” to communicate truth? We don’t need to become fuzzy in our own theology, though, to have that conversation.
January 5th, 2010 at 2:13 am
Am glad that Lewis and countless Christians saw the New Age message. Now is the time to really tell the people out there that there’s no such thing as Mother Earth but there is such a Person as Abba God.
The ‘feminine’ has came to the forefront thanks to Mr Brown and his under-handed tactic to undermine the Bible using dubious academic sources as his material for his ‘Code’.
I do not think God wanted to be sexist. Since we ALL, male and female, are made in the image of God, that means God has all the best qualities of both the male and female and then some. Although Jesus tell us God is ABBA and not MAMA, I feel that we are barking up the wrong tree if we are to get into the feminine argument since God is both the Abba and Mama rolled into one (and then some).
The key point is that God, the Abba, is more caring and loving than a female can ever be. And much more than what ‘mother’ earth can be (if the natural disaster is anything to go by).
One thing I did not mention. As pantheism is trying to promote ‘one-ness’ with Earth, Christianity has already promoted a better ‘one-ness’ when the Holy Spirit is one with us through Faith in the acceptance of Christ work on the cross. To me, as a Christian, the connection to Eywa is a very close reference toour connection to the Tree of Life (i.e. Christ)
Then we should also reflect on this question too. “Would the conversation about the environment and God started much more easily with or without popular culture as the reference point?” True enough there are a lot of ways to communicate between believers and non-believers and pop culture is a very obvious place to start.
I am not saying we should be ‘fuzzy’ with our theology just to accommodate our interaction with secular society or other religion, I am saying we should find common grounds in what pop culture is showing to the public with what God/Christ/Holy Spirit has already provided.
Like the scene where the all the Na’vi people are connected to the tree, we as Christians are all connected to God like branches to a tree.
And the ‘tree’ has strong symbolism in Bible theology as well. One imagery of Christ is described as strong as the tree of Lebanon.
January 5th, 2010 at 7:57 am
I have appreciated the comments up to this point. I think Wilson among others hits some of the main points. For me; when asked, Jesus stated that he had come to earth to seek and save the lost. Prior to his physical departure we are told to go and make disciples. We also see the writers of the New Testament tell us how to do that, along with some of the instruction on how to grow, and stay strong while doing that. We can’t loose sight of I believe two particular passages in this whole scheme, Romans 14, and the other Paul’s comments on the need to become all things to all people in order to win some. Some may need to read, and reread those passages. As mentioned both on the link to my original review where this debate goes on, and here, Jesus and the writers of the New Testament all used stories popular to culture, not specific to Judaism to present and communicate the Good News. Hollywood Jesus, and certainly my reviews are intended for that person.
If not mistaken, I have written for Hollywood Jesus longer than any other writer, except for David Bruce who started Hollywood Jesus. I have made it clear numerous times that, no matter what a persons position is on a movie, it don’t change the fact that hundreds of thousands and in some instances, millions see the movie whether you do or not. Neither does it negate the fact that millions may discuss the movie that haven’t seen it, even in national media as I personally saw this morning as the movie has crossed the Billion Dollar mark. We can either hide our heads in the sand and ignore it, or find ways from watching those movies to communicate the need for Jesus Christ in the lives of those who do see the movie. It seems so much against the message and methods of Christ and the writers of the New Testament to ignore opportunities to share the Gospel with people, in whatever way we can find. Where we can find and point out spiritual truth then to focus and bring out those points to people is appropriate. It saddens me that some who say they are Christian; seem to care so little about finding effective ways to point people to Jesus. Then when a source like Hollywood Jesus is effective at it, they become critical. It has caused some to label me and others at Hollywood Jesus as heretics, a harsh word, and as promoting heresy, another really harsh criticism. One poster on my site even indicated that these are words that led to the murder of thousands by Christians during the Reformation. That hits home with me as many of my Anabaptist brothers and sisters were murdered for the heresy of baptizing adults, and others for recognizing the need for Adult decisions to follow Christ. Yet, we have some that will throw those words and concepts around like there is no history to them.
Now all of that said, a great deal has been said, much of what I agree with, some which I disagree with. Yet the one thing that prevails is the need for the followers of Jesus to find ways to communicate the need for Jesus to those around them. If using story, in this case the story involved in movies, constitutes a dangerous thing, I am dumbfounded. I would challenge, Hollywood Jesus is doing exactly what David intended for it to be doing in its formation, finding unique ways to share the Gospel and Good News with individuals regarding Jesus Christ. On this point, I tend to hold to the subheading of my title for the piece I did, “You Can’t See Nothing If You Close Your Eyes.”
January 5th, 2010 at 8:57 am
Lewis, my name is Mike, I am assuming that I am ‘the author’ you refer to.
I, nor do I believe Hollywood Jesus by intent intends to find the bad things in movies, there are many other Christian web sites that do that, you may want to see my earlier comments as to why I review movies, and in part, I believe, why Hollywood Jesus exists. If these are the type of things you desire, may I suggest one of many other review web sites that are operated by Christians which already do exactly what you state. Those sites are intent, more for the church. Hollywood Jesus is by large intent, about sharing and opening up doors of discussion regarding Spiritual Truth, among all people, of all faiths. While there are those of us who solely believe in the absolute need of Jesus Christ for salvation, our reviews, at least my reviews, are more about what some may call seed planting. A concept long forgotten by many modern day Christians.
Your point on ‘incarnation’, I would challenge, incarnation is a far deeper concept than the simple one you promote here. It is not only a process used to provide the understanding of Christ, it is also the concept the followers of Christ are commanded to live out. The actual means of how salvation is accomplished is not incarnation, the means of how salvation is accomplished is ‘belief’ in Christ, to the point of a willingness to sacrifice all in the process of following him, (lordship.)
On your point of the earth, a point you make that I must take issue with, (I hate it when people seem to imply that I said something I didn’t say.) Nowhere did I say, nor do I imply that the creation is the creator. This is just blatantly false, and misleading, and something I didn’t say. I did say, in fact quoted the passage from Romans that states that God has revealed himself through nature. That is not the same as saying that God is the same as nature. I also mentioned The Genesis Mandate, which again, does not state anything about God and nature being the same. Frankly, I think you apply more humanistic attributes to nature than I do. I don’t think nature or the earth for example has the feelings you imply. In other words, I don’t think it is possible for the earth to look forward to the return of Christ. It is simply a part of the creation, given to us to enjoy, use, and yes, take care of; it is as simple as that.
As to your reference to the mother comment, again, God has no sex, and to state that God or the Bible never refers or uses feminine attributes to God either shows a lack of study in the area, a refusal to look seriously at the Greek and Hebrew, or to maintain, yes sexist attitudes in the defense of argument and debate. As a point of reference, I would challenge a serious look for example at Exod. 34:6-7. In this passage, the first attribute, Compassion, in the Hebrew may be something you want to look at. The word ‘Compassion’ is based on a root that refers to a deep and special love rooted in a natural manner. A part of this root is the Hebrew word for “womb.” Like a loving mother, God has a compassionate, motherly concern for His people. Whether or not this attribute of compassion is more important than the others in the passage could be debated. But it is prominent in God’s description of Himself and it seems to be foundational for our relationship with Him. There is also Isaiah 66:12-14 which states: As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” There are other passages like Ezekiel 19, 1 Thessalonians 2:6-8 that show comparative attributes to God, and us, while using mother. I would of primary importance again, read the comments both here, in the review, and on the home site for the review. As I have stated, and Wilson has stated, God has no sex. He is complete in all capacity. Now there could be a deeper point of conversation and debate here to help you with your point, but I won’t go there, as that is your responsibility. I will simply say, this is not as easily a defendable issue, on either side, as one may like to believe. I will simply state though, again, God is without gender. But that is a point of debate that I believe has little to do with the movie.
Your last point actually helps prove my point as to the criticisms of some critics, especially the so called Christian critics. The need for some to prove their political points seem to be of catamount importance. I have to wonder, when people continually do this, is their concern, in all honesty, based more in politics than theology. Of course, for those that wants to bring out their political views on things like this. I guess they can go for it. As to what the Bible uses to communicate truth, well actually the Bible talks about sex, murder, rape, dildos, incest, ghosts, thieves, demons, all kinds of things to communicate truth, and I believe all things that point to the ultimate truth, Jesus Christ. Heck the Bible talks about some things that would repulse any preacher or most any congregation if a preacher preached those things from the pulpit or just read the scripture. Then again, we all can find ways to be selective; the question is what we are pointing to, Jesus or our views that may be rooted in all kinds of things, including politics.
January 8th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
First of all, Mike, relax. Your article for the most part was very intresting and helpful. Your response to my comments was a tad defensive.
I know that anyone who shares their opinions, especially about movies, is going to draw critics. But you don’t need to take past attacks of you out on us. What you and the website do is good and depserately needed and by our very participation in this discussion we are affirming the importance of it.
If you re-read my comments, I think you will see that I think you did fine with the “let’s bridge to the seculer world” comments. The unbelieving world needs as many “bridges” or points of contact as we can discover. But we also have to know what we believe and be able to discuss it meaningfully once the bridge is crossed and the conversation begins. In my experience many Christians wouldn’t know how to respond once that conversation started which is why I thought it might be appropriate for you to reflect on the truth as well as spending time putting misguided Christians in their place.
I think you mis-read my remarks when you suggested that I “state(d) that God or the Bible never refers or uses feminine attributes to God.” In fact, I agreed with you when I said: “Yes, Mr. Author, the God of the Bible is described with feminine qualities and it is proper to include our understanding of them in our worship.” And, just so you know, I do indeed make use of Hebrew and Greek and their many nuances as I study the Scriptures.
I might also suggest that it is you who might want to check your Bible when you say: “Frankly, I think you apply more humanistic attributes to nature than I do. I don’t think nature or the earth for example has the feelings you imply. In other words, I don’t think it is possible for the earth to look forward to the return of Christ.”
Let’s review what I said: “Yes, the creation groans under the weight and scars of human greed and stupidity. Yes, it looks forward to the return of Christ when the heavens and the earth will be cleansed and made new and the trees according to the Psalms will clap their hands.
And now the Scriptures: Romans 8:18-20: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope.” Both “frustration” and “eager expectation” are what I was trying to reflect in my comments.
The metaphorical language of the expectation of the end of the curse and the return of Christ to free the physical creation from bondage may also be seen in the language of Palm 98:7-9: “Let the rivers clap their hands,Let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.”
I am simply trying to reflect the biblical metaphorical longing of creation for the day when it is made new.
As far as incarnation goes, it is indeed the means by which our (meaning the world’s) salvation is even possible: “Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Without the incarnation of Jesus Christ, there would be no Savior and no possbility of individual salvation, the latter of which is what your emphasis is. Yes, faith is the instrument, the means by which we are joined to Christ, which relationship saves us personally but it would not even be possible without the incarnation.
And yes, of course, we are called to be living sacrifices as we incarnate Christ’s love with our hands, feet and mouths, etc. But again, Christ’s incarnation makes that possible also.
It is true that God is a Spirit and, as such, does not have gender. But, as I tried to emphasize in my comments, I believe that our best course in life is not to invent how we relate to God but instead to try to understand how God wishes us to relate to Him. Noone knows God better than Jesus Christ. And, over 50 times he refers to God as “Father”. Though I must undestand that God is LIKE a mother, with compassion and care, the way I speak to God will be guided by how Jesus taught me to speak to God when He told me to pray : “Our Father, who art in heaven.” That’s not a sexist, patriarchal author. It’s out of the mouth of the perfect Jesus.
January 9th, 2010 at 1:34 am
Thanks for the review and the discussion it has opened up through the comments. Although i am reading all this after seeing the movie,i have found it helpful and a few comments (Mike’s especially) have affirmed the concerns/stirrings in my spirit during the movie. Anyway, i thought,as inadequate as they maybe, i might add a few thoughts of my own to the glory of God.
All in all though,i would say,unless you are a Christian,well grounded in the Word of God,the movie is definitely not helpful,and indeed has a devilish lie at its core: (i.e. the Worship of the tree of life etc as stated by earlier comments):it is not neutral.If you are strong in the faith then go and enjoy the spectacle but do so prayerfully for you may “snatch others from the fire and save them” (Jude 1:23).
When all is said and done, for me,as a Christian with an African heritage (born and raised in Tanzania,East Africa), i thought the most demonic aspect of the movie was the all not too subtle attack on missionaries and Christianity. An attack on missionaries by associating/alluding to earlier methods with corporate greed;and an attack on Christianity by portraying the Na’Vi as being essentially sinless and the “humans” as sinful and greedy.
In doing this i think that Avatar seeks to exploit the indigenous/aborigine v.s. civilised/advance society polarisation to push people towards the pantheism of Gaea worship. This polarisation in Avatar is damaging, emotive and demonic because it serves to sell a lie to the world.
The allusions to missionaries is damaging and demonic because whilst it may reflect some the reality of the missionary experience, especially the sinfulness of fallen man and women in succumbing to the temptation to win converts by providing material goods, instead of,by the Spirits enabling, proclaiming Christ and Him crucified, Avatar overlooks the cultural transforming work of the Cross.
History tells us that it was the work of the Cross that transformed what is now the West from tree worshiping pantheistic pagans to the society and culture we see now…In other words, the Germanic tribes of western Europe pre-Christianisation would be properly characterised as the “aborigines” - a termed used for the Na’Vi in Avatar - for they too worshipped trees before the Gospel appeared.(Indeed, i saw the tree of Ewya as more truly representing Thor’s Oak not the Tree of Life in the garden for Adam was no tree worshipper!).
So,when James Cameron associated the techno savvy colonising corporate types with the West or America - for they all spoke with American accents - he is doing the devils work because by presenting the Na’Vi,and all “aborigines” (i.e. American Indians etc) as a separate race not as brethren sharing the inheritance and blessing (and curse) of Abraham. For if the truth be told, the reality is that Jake, his mates and colleagues as well as the Na’Vi are really a a representation,in one form or another, of fallen human beings as they all sinned: Na’Vi and “human” alike. Any thing that seek to present one group as enlightened, compared to others, apart from enlightenment that comes when the light of the Son of His love shines on us through is the Gospel is wrong and unhelpful [besides, surely we don’t need yet another “incarnate” dude saviour with an American accent(i.e. Jake) , representing the west, as some archetypal saviour to the rest of world (i.e. Na’Vi)].
Unfortunately i believe, this “us” against “them” dichotomy is how most people seeing this movie will understand it and seek to go out and do their part,all the while forgetting that we all need saving…one sinful human being cant save another;it takes the work of the true Man,Jesus Christ.
Indeed, a friend of mine after seeing this movie said to me, “it is just how we have treated the aborigines and also how we are treating the earth…we need to change”.Now, true as her point that we need to change, in her mind, the aboriginals were this separate race not her brothers or sisters;indeed, the Na’Vi are a separate race also.
So the disingenuous lie in Avatar is to perpetuate the grand lie that people are not the same and that because my friend was an enlightened,technologically savvy westerner, notas an “aborigine”,she doesnt need saving. As i noted above this is a lie because we ALL need saving and the only person who can save us is Jesus Christ:the New Adam.
It doesnt take more effort by a fallen humanity to be nicer to his/her brother, or a change of mind from seeing the movie but a work of the Cross: We love because He first loved us (on the Cross). Unfortunately the latter “more effort” world view is what is propounded in Avatar, which isconsistent with the age that we live in… I suspect that the “spirit of the age” in the west is such that they increasingly look towards their technological achievements as proof that they are superior and DO NOT need saving.
So unless you are well grounded in the Scriptures and your faith depends on the work of Christ and not your own then i would suggest you dont see the movie because it is a rather powerful and satanic attack in the faith that we profess: that it is by faith, in the Cross of Christ,that we are saved ad not by works…and this is all by God’s grace,we didnt lift a finger to merit our own salvation lest we boast in our own works.
Maranatha!
January 9th, 2010 at 2:01 am
My hat is off to all involved in this discussion. Very much in the spirit of what HJ stands for. You are all very welcome here — on this post, and others too!
(Appropriate ReCaptcha words: “sharpens the”)
January 9th, 2010 at 9:45 am
Lewis, first of all I am relaxed, I pretty much stay that way, at least try to. If I misread your remarks I apologize. I’ll leave it at that and let people read the comments in their entirety from all of the responses. I also understand the difference and deepr theology of the use of allegory in scripture. But those, for example, we both know, the rivers doesn’t have hands to clap, and the planet don’t actually have a soul, but again, individuals can read comments to see the points on their own. I do appreciate the point that you bring up the fact that this is metaphorical language.
As to the rest of your comment regarding incarnation, I have no qualms with what you state here, and could have supported that if stated that way earlier.
That is one of the problems with words on a page like this, they can be easily misunderstood, but often times those misunderstanding come from making assumptions about what one has said rather than asking them.
Majaliwa, I find your comments interesting, some I can agree with and support, others I can’t. That said though, I hope a point we can agree on is this, thankfully there are sites like Hollywood Jesus that can open doors of discussion. I firmly believe, when we can identify the good in a movie, it can open up doors to share with people who may see the things you see. I believe that in part is what it means to draw people to Christ. I also believe that no matter what we believe about this movie, the reality is millions have seen it and it will likely end up being the top grossing movie of all time, currently it is number two, only behind another Cameron movie, Titanic. We can ignore the truths that we can use, or we can find ways to use them.
A note here, I appreciate the fact that the discussion is taking place here, but there are other reviews of this movie up at Hollywood Jesus, in fact I think at least 2 others and a visual review by David Bruce, all of us try to find and see the positive in this movie and have addressed the spiritual issues it brings up. How we see them and use them is up to us. I firmly believe, it is a movie that can open up doors of discussion, and that is greatly needed.
January 18th, 2010 at 5:00 am
There is a visual and information war on people minds.It is a new age propaganda for end times universal luciferian religion of the antichrist.On that Day and it is near some people are going to curse the day that their mothers bring them to this world.To James Cameron it would be better if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea.
dayofwrath
January 18th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Likely best if we let God make those kind of judgments. I am always concerned when we take on that job of ultimate judgment. Even Jesus made it clear, that job belongs to God, and God alone.
January 18th, 2010 at 11:03 am
I know from reading interviews with Cameron, that he intended a “green,” and anti-war, sentiment. Given that, he’s been under attack from folks who feel like they protect the opposite of that. Did you know that he’s also been blasted for being pro-smoking, because Grace smokes? Seems like you can see the movie and make lots of inferences that may or may not be fair.
Cameron’s movie does promote an appreciation of nature which manifests itself in worship; it does imply that our fixation on having what isn’t ours can lead to self-destructive and other-destructive behavior; it does imply that when we see someone else as “other” we tend to fear them until we get to know them, and if they appear weaker than we are, we tend to try and control them; it does imply that people who were once misfits find meaning and purpose in supporting others in community and being unified by a common “true” goal. All of these things, with the exception of the “worship” of nature are off-shoots of teachings that Jesus gave, whether in the Sermon on the Mount or elsewhere.
HJ is a great place to discuss and sharpen ourselves and our faith, by exploring where the gospel of Jesus shows up intentionally (thanks to an author or director) or “unintentionally.” Sometimes, we streeeeetch to get there, but Avatar isn’t one of the places where I think we have to work too hard. There are glimmers of the gospel here whether Cameron intended them or not.
I do think that the “crying out” of the rocks may one day be reflected in the crying out of the rocks, literally. I like to think of the renewal of the Earth/second coming in much of the imagery that C.S. Lewis proposed… I think one day that the rocks will gratefully acknowledge Jesus’ return. So, why not see that here? Why, in Avatar’s world can’t it be that the rocks and trees cry out in response to their stirring by Eywa is similar to the world being moved by the Holy Spirit?
I certainly don’t see Avatar as the fifth gospel or anything, but it’s certainly not hard to find parables there.
January 20th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Since I last wrote, I have discovered two provacative reflections on Avatar online. One is an Op-Ed piece in the NY Times by David Brooks called “The Messiah Complex”: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/08/opinion/08brooks.html.
The other (”The One True Avatar” by Peter Jones)is more critical of the underlying pagan message but is still provacative and thoughtful: http://www.truthxchange.com/article/64-feast-of-the-epiphany-the-one-true-avatar/
Enjoy!
February 12th, 2010 at 4:35 am
And there’s a piece by a Jewish Rabbi…
http://www.aish.com/j/as/83524437.html