Christian Reflections on the Messianism of Harry Potter July 22, 2009
Posted by bdennert in Media, Ministry, Random.1 comment so far
We went to see Harry Potter on Sunday night and as you might guess, it made me think a little bit. In particular, the direction my thoughts moved was onto the messianic theme seen in this movie (he is the Chosen One) and in many other movies (Star Wars, etc.). Why is this so appealing to us? As I pondered this, I wondered, is it because we hope to be the chosen one? That it inspires us to go forward and do things, instead of just waiting passively. This might be the case in some respects, we do want to be the one who rescues others. We want to be the “chosen one.”
This then moved my mind to ponder: who do we identify with in the movie (as good movies draw you in and you seem to identify with someone). Is it with the messiah figure? I know I don’t usually think of myself of this; in some ways, I don’t think I can do it. I usually identify with the side-kicks, the Ron Weasley’s if you will (or maybe better the Nevilles). Maybe it is the friends we identify with, as the chosen one still needs help to get to the position in which he can destroy evil. This might better match the proper Christian identification, as we are not the messiah but go forth with him into the world. But then I began to ponder it a bit, as a Christian, maybe I should identify with the extras, with the crowds, with the people who have nothing to do in the battle but put trust in the Chosen One. He delivers me because I can’t. My job is not to “help him,” as that then says that what I do is what leads to my salvation (this does not make me passive, but it also is an important thing to remember, as we sometimes try to “help” Jesus save us more easily).
Maybe I am on to something, maybe I am not 
Sorry for overthinking movies again, I just can’t help myself.
Decline of Christian America…but not the Gospel! April 11, 2009
Posted by bdennert in Media, Politics, Spirituality.1 comment so far
As usual, a big magazine ran an article about faith right around Easter, with Newsweek’s “The Decline of Christian America (http://www.newsweek.com/id/192583). It is on the heels of the research showing that people with no religious affliation are increasing. The contention is that America is a post-Christian nation. What’s my take on it, as a person of faith and a leader in the church? First of all, they are right in some ways, that the idea of a Christian America is over. However, one might argue that it was really a “Christian” America. That is, the civil religion was Judeo-Christian ethics, but that does not mean that the gospel was believed by the whole country…in fact, the “cultural” Christianity might be one of the biggest obstacles to Christianity (as it assumes as oppose to experiences the gospel). That being said, Christians might need to realize that their political agenda might never really move forward. (Note: Christian America might be different than Muslim nations in the Middle East, but some might perceive what Christians would do as being the same thing).
Christian America…or “Christian” America might be over. However, the church is not. I believe it was Time Magazine a few weeks ago that said “The New Calvinism” is one of the ideas that is shaping and sweeping the nation. While less people claim to be Christian, many churches are growing…both mega-churches but also those those that are small and missional. That is, perhaps more Americans are truly understanding the gospel and committing their lives to follow it. While I am a Reformed guy, perhaps what Calvin and many Reformers and their followers got wrong was the expectation that a state church would be what is best…maybe the Anabaptists were right in that we should have religious liberty. When there are ideas out there that are anti- or non-Christian, you get to truly see what the gospel is and what the gospel calls us to do. The Decline of Christian America might be the thing that the church needs. One wonders if the church has ever truly grown when it is the “majority” culture. So, that’s my thought. I am not afraid….I am excited! And I am confident that the gates of hell will never overcome the CHURCH, maybe the country, but not the CHURCH. Why? Because Jesus lives!
I Love Raymond…but Doesn’t Everybody? December 23, 2008
Posted by bdennert in Media, Ministry, Spirituality.add a comment
One of the gifts that Beth and I have received for Christmas is the complete series of Everybody Loves Raymond. We are looking forward to watching it because it is a funny show and it seems like it is getting funnier as we can relate on new levels to the discussions and ideas on the show. We have yet to open the shrink wrap but still catch some episodes on TV when it is on. This past Friday (I think) was the episode where the whole family except for Raymond goes to church. What a fascinating episode full of illustrations and ideas about how people perceive church. There are his parents, where his dad is yelling at him to go to church, his mom is guilting him to go (surprise there, huh?) which are great pictures of how we often do evangelism. There is the scene of Ray’s daughter drawing a picture of him in hell because he does not go to church (both the child-like heart as well as the perception of what qualifies you for the kingdom). There is Robert complaining that the prodigial son has returned when Raymond comes but he, the obedient son, gets nothing….which is exactly the point. There is Ray’s dad who serves as an usher to get out of hearing the “mumbo-jumbo” of the sermon. There are all sorts of pictures of how people have a false view of church and how we continually need to check our hearts in the midst of it. That’s a reason I love Raymond-it might not always be true, but it often is thought provoking.
The Theology of House December 22, 2008
Posted by bdennert in Media, Spirituality.1 comment so far
As many know, I like to watch the TV show House (with my wife, of course) and I like to draw illustrations from media if possible. I was watching an episode of House yesterday where he has diagnosed a patient, told her that she is going to die, and she does not care why. He is baffled as to why someone would not care, her response is “Does it make any difference?” While the situation changed after that, it was part of revealing how House is not concerned with people or practicalities, but with ideas, knowledge, and curiousity. It was a great challenge in light of how I (and some can be) about many different things in the Bible and theology. Yes, this structure is cool…but what difference does it make? Is it going to transform my relationships, my life, etc. It behooves me to make sure that things are not simply theroetical, but also practical. That is a goal of mine in ministry, to make sure that the things that I find so interesting make a difference. And I think I am getting better at doing this…I still have room to grow, but may I continue to grow in knowledge of this each day.
