Hi!

Thanks for the feedback.

I do appreciate your attitude and receptiveness. In fact, that's just how I thought you'd feel about it because I know you pursue truth and honesty, not strokes, and are thus open to things.

I agree with you that not all movies are bad, just the vast majority. Some are worse than others but rare is the gem that actually edifies. At best, usually, it points to God in a general revelation way (alluding to your example of design, etc.) but hardly ever in a special way. I agree with Piper on this, when he says he hardly ever goes to see a movie because there's hardly ever worth anything to see:

"I might just add that I am also glad about some other so-called fundamentalist no-nos. My parents almost never went to movies and I almost never go to movies. The reason is very simple: there are almost no movies that don't ask me to be entertained by attitudes, motives, and actions which Jesus died to eradicate. My heart will not allow me to be entertained by worldliness."

John Piper

BTW, I do have a movie video that I bought Sandra a few years ago for Christmas that I think is a good use of a movie. It's called A Vow to Cherish.

I also have cautions not only about the content of movies but also the medium of it. Again, it's neutral but powerful. I believe it ought to be less relied upon as a medium for nourishment than it is. Abilities and senses are being deadened by the volume of "entertainment".

I also don't think you or anyone else is impression-proof. I believe that indelible impressions are being made upon you and that, unbeknownst to you, your soul is subtly but surely being shaped. Is that what you want to shape it? How many movies have you seen that weren't worth it? Too many, right?

I recall when I had this same conversation with another a few years back who replied to me, "I can handle it, Art." Well, as it turns out, that person couldn't. No one can.

Anyway, there's so much more to consider on this subject. Sandra and I would certainly love the opportunity to get together with you to discuss this objectively, so iron can sharpen iron. We can learn much from each other, which is the way God designed it. Pretty invigorating.

Wouldn't this make a great panel discussion or "debate" topic for congregation? At least it would make people think and re-consider their lifestyle, which is a major goal anyway. Let's think about that.

I leave you with this: only the best, not merely acceptable or permissible, will do for God and you. Don't settle for less.

With thankfulness for our dialogue,

Arthur