BertMulder
Puritan Board Junior
Was wondering how on this forum, where so many topics pertaining to dogmatics and the Christian walk are discussed so soundly in many cases, at the same time the most horrific movies are discussed, nay, promoted, We even have a subforum devoted to movies? There seems to be there a contradiction. Is the Christian addicted to Hollywood?
Cases in point:
A proposed blasphemy: Synod of Dort: The movie
LOTR - don't like the books because of their theme, although supposedly RC 'christian', heard say the movie is bordering on satanic (Hollywood corrupting what christianity is found in the book?)
Read the whole article by Prof. Dykstra here:
http://www.prca.org/standard_bearer/volume81/2005jan01.htm
Cases in point:
A proposed blasphemy: Synod of Dort: The movie
LOTR - don't like the books because of their theme, although supposedly RC 'christian', heard say the movie is bordering on satanic (Hollywood corrupting what christianity is found in the book?)
It is our contention that drama, as such, is wrong. In support of that contention, the standpoint taken was that the actor is wrong to take on the personality of another. It may be that the reader is not immediately convinced by that judgment. I can readily understand that. For many years, when the same argument was presented to me, I was not entirely convinced of it. I am now.
However, that is only one element in our contention that drama per se is wrong. Several other significant objections against drama must be raised. The validity of these additional objections does not depend on the main point of the previous editorial.
One serious indictment of drama is that it plays out real life situations. Leaving out for a moment that this will include dramatizing sinful deeds, consider the question: May one play the part of a righteous man? Is it legitimate to act out praying for forgiveness of sins and for grace, having family devotions, and going to church? Dear reader, think about this. Playing church? Acting out prayers? Having the director say in the middle of a “prayer” — “Cut! Start over. That did not sound right”? What blasphemy! Surely God is not entertained by such. Isaiah 29 reveals what God thinks of a people whose lips speak the right words, but their hearts are far from Him.
However, there is another element in drama that makes it utterly abhorrent to the transformed, believing mind of the Christian. That element is the portrayal of sin in all drama.
Sin is the transgression of the righteous and good law of God (I John 3:4; Rom. 7:12). God reveals His holy being and righteous will in His law. By giving the law, the holy God commands “that even the smallest inclination or thought contrary to any of God’s commandments never arise in our hearts” (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 44).
Every sin is an act of rebellion against God (Ps. 5:10, et al). Therefore, “every sin deserveth God’s wrath and curse, both in this life and in that which is to come” (Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q. & A. 84).
Read the whole article by Prof. Dykstra here:
http://www.prca.org/standard_bearer/volume81/2005jan01.htm