Viva La Vida

We've all heard the latest Coldplay hit "Viva La Vida" and have been astounded by its consistent beat pattern, muffled bass drum, and white noise. The title of course translates from Spanish to "Live the Life" in English, but what of the lyrics?

I used to rule the world

Seas would rise when I gave the word

Now in the morning I sleep alone

Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice

Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes

Listen as the crowd would sing

"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"

One minute I held the key

Next the walls were closed on me

And I discovered that my castles stand

Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing

Roman Cavalry choirs are singing

Be my mirror, my sword and shield

My missionaries in a foreign field

For some reason I can't explain

Once you go there was never

Never an honest word

And that was when I ruled the world

It was the wicked and wild wind

Blew down the doors to let me in

Shattered windows and the sound of drums

People couldn't believe what I'd become

Revolutionaries wait

For my head on a silver plate

Just a puppet on a lonely string

Oh who would ever want to be king?

I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing

Roman Cavalry choirs are singing

Be my mirror, my sword and shield

My missionaries in a foreign field

For some reason I can't explain

I know Saint Peter won't call my name

Never an honest word

But that was when I ruled the world

I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field

For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5TNK-TvIcI

Pillars of salt? Jerusalem bells? Missionaries? Saint Peter? Could Coldplay be talking about Lot's wife? Christ? Or simply an old European dictator?

Hours of research could not produce the answer, but did give me several clues. One fellow blogger writes:

"Yes Cavalry and Calvary sound similar in English, but they are entirely different things. Cavalry is an ancient equine (horses) military force, and the other is a location where Jesus died. I don't think that Cavalry is a typographical error on the artist part. I only write this comment, because history is SO interesting and worth investigating, and Jesus more so!

King Louis XVI and the French revolution...

1.The album cover is a famous piece of art depicting the French revolution. I believe it's title is The French Revolution. Google Images: French Revolution Painting

2. King Louis XVI was beheaded, by a group of people called the Revolutionaries. (..."Revolutionaries wait for my head on a silver plate"...) Google: King Louis XVI Revolutionaries

3. King LouisXVI called out to God to be his judge and guide in the time of his dethroning and ultimate execution. (..."Be me mirror, my sword and shield"... a biblical reference to God's Word) Google: King Louis XVI Last Address or Last Testament

4. The French revolution is known for it's attack on Christianity and it's attempt at the de-christianization of France, but many missionaries left France to take Christianity to the world. (...'"my missionaries in a foreign field"...) Google: French Revolution Dechristianization Google: French Missionaries.

5. Louis XVI claimed in his final address that he was being killed for unjust, untrue reasons, or at best misunderstood reasons. (..."never an honest word, but that was when I ruled the world"...) Google: King Louis XVI Last Address or Last Testament

6. In the song, the steady heavy drum beat that never changes it's tone or rhythm MIGHT be a brilliant final touch... because as Louis XVI was giving his final word, he was eventually drowned out by the steady heavy drum beat of the executioner, and he was beheaded. Google: Louis XVI death drum beat

But as for Jesus... Some of the obvious differences to this song and Jesus are:

1. Jesus has NEVER 'rolled the dice' with His ministry on earth, or Heaven or anywhere else. He was very intentional in His ministry and His goals, He always knew He was going to the Cross. Chance or luck (or lack of luck) had nothing to do with Jesus ministry, death or resurrection.

2. Jesus' castles NEVER were built on pillars of salt and sand. Jesus Himself said the foolish man built his house on the sand (symbolic of a life on sin, foolishness and pride, which can never be a firm foundation, which is Jesus Himself).

3. When Jesus rules only honest words are spoken, the song says "never and honest word when I ruled the world" .

4. Jesus is NEVER kept out of Heaven because St. Peter won't call His name (ludicrous)."

(For original blog, visit: http://www.lyricinterpretations.com/lookat.php/bands/Coldplay/ddf219158226343.)

Well said. The lyrics seems like a bit of semiotics mixed with narrative to me. Semiotics is the usage of symbols to construct and understand meaning. Many of the words Coldplay chose are religiously symbolic--causing our brains to pick apart this song and try to relate it to something religious (Christ) we are familiar with. Furthermore, narrative theory--storytelling in essence--is used greatly to describe how this man's life once was, his experience with the entanglements of power, and his fall therefrom.

A beautiful piece really, even without a firm confirmation of meaning. However, my opinion sides with the notion that this piece closely resembles the life of King Louis the 16th.

But why would Coldplay write a song about someone so obscure and ancient in our mind's eye? Do Coldplay's lyrics speak of one specific man or are they just a general recap of several famous lives in history? How and why does Coldplay use semiotics to bring out a religious overtone?

"Amazing Grace" is Amazing Indeed

Nearly three hundred years ago, a man by the name of John Newton finished his term serving the British Royal Navy. He was not a religious man. At least, not yet. Upon looking for another job, John found himself sailing the open sea again as a slave trader. One stormy night, their boat was violently tossed about in the winds and waves. Several of his ship mates were swept overboard and dropped into the ocean. With rain and wind pelting his face, John took the wheel. But he noticed that his effort was useless against the strong sea. That is when he began to plea to God in hopes that his "amazing grace" would come to rescue them. It came.

John Newton wrote "Amazing Grace" after this intimate encounter with God. After the incident, he was known for always treating slaves with respect and gentleness.
Last night, as I plopped down on my couch after a long day to watch American Idol, a tall, handsome-looking black man stood in front of Simon and the judges. He sang as best he could the chorus from "Amazing Grace." The judges knew the song. I knew the song. I knew my family knew the song and I tried to think of someone who didn't.

How did "Amazing Grace" progress from a single inspired man on a boat to be internationally well-known? I came up with several answers.

I give most of the credit to the cultivation theory. The lyrics for the song were written in the 1700s, perfectly primed for Christian pioneers who sought for some religious relief in America. With no electronic or taping recording possible, the song was disseminated by what mass media consisted of back then: the printed word. Consequently, Christian groups would share the lyrics with others, publications of it would multiply, and its popularity increased. We can find evidence of print media as a factor of the song's popularity in Harriet Beecher Stowe's book, Uncle Tom's Cabin. She includes a couple of stanzas in it.
Much later, when radio developed, the first recording of it was made in 1922. The song was broadcast through many of the channels, especially those targeting African-American religious communities. As television become more common, "Amazing Grace" was then used on several occasions to promote equality and human rights in the 1960s.

Later on still, pop artists like Aretha Franklin, Crystal Gayle and even Kylie Minogue performed renditions of the song that topped various music charts.

More recently, "Amazing Grace" was performed in the movie, "Amistad," which features the escape of a black slave in colonial America--perfectly appropriate for the context of the song itself. In 2007, the movie entitled "Amazing Grace" made it to the theater. It was another film depicting slave trade and the life of an abolitionist.

So how does a sincere man's hymn become a symbol for African-american and Christian freedom from worldly trials? Again, I think the answer here is the cultivation theory. The lyrics of the hymn progressed so strongly through every kind of media, was so often used to convey the message of the Christian religion and freedom from slavery, and it became so widely recognized among traditional Christian music that to be Christian and not know the song would now be perceived as odd and inconsistent. The overall effect the cultivation theory is that it creates a stereotype, or code, for Christians in that they should know how to sing "Amazing Grace" with fervor.

Thanks to the media, this religious hymn is made famous everywhere, and brought Christians together as a common social group.

What other examples are there of Christian music entering the realm of popular culture? Then, how do non-Christian societies perceive Christians because of it?

What is in a name?

Music and Religion

I was interested in bands that had a religious name. I did a lot of research to find information on why the band members chose their name. I analyzed the bands and found theories as well.

Taking Back Sunday

They believe the Bible says that Sunday is a day to be with family and friends, a day to kick back. Sunday should be for your free time, a day to relax and have fun. They do not want people to forget that.

Watch this video at the time 1:30
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rk08t74lAA

Avenged sevenfold

The name originates from the Biblical story of God’s wrath upon Cain for killing his brother Abel. According to the book of Genesis, "And the Lord said unto him, ‘Therefore whoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." It is based on the the philosophy is what comes around goes around.

God Smack

The name is based on the philosophy of karmic retribution. It is not about being punished, but about how to avoid punishment such as being put in a position where one feels how others have felt. I found two stories that could be true. 1. They were rehearsing one day and their drummer came in with this huge cold sore on his lip. Sully teased him and really gave him a hard time about it. The next day, he happened to get a cold sore on his lip. One of the guys in the band said to me, 'See, God just smacked you on the head for all that teasing.’ 2. The band was sitting around trying to think up a name and someone said a smart/disrespectful remark. Someone else replied "you better watch your mouth or God will reach down and smack you."
Cognitive Dissonance is caused by holding two contradictory ideas simultaneously. Many find the name of this band offensive and anti-religious. However, the message is actually a religious one. The philosophy of karmic retribution believes that Karmic Lords show how to avoid punishment. The names contradicts its meaning.

Black Sabbath:

Butler said "It’s a satanic world. The devil’s more in control now. People can’t come together, there’s no equality. It’s a sin to put yourself above other people, and yet that’s what people do." Black Sabbath pursued such themes as war, social chaos, the supernatural, the afterlife, and the timeless conflict between good and evil.

Three Days Grace

It represents a sense of urgency. If you had a certain amount of time to turn your life around, it is a grace period.

Watch this video at the time 1:00
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_cvGng42xY

Angels and Airwaves

When they created their band it was a chance to start over for all of them. They wanted to be very unique that no other band could be named. Tom’s daughter said they sounded like angels. The name is about their angel voices being heard through the airwaves.
Semiotics is the study of the significance of a symbol. The band uses the symbol AVA. Many think that it was for looks to invert the second A. However, the meaning of the symbol is that is actually spells out Tom’s daughter’s name.

Dashboard Confessional

He said that dashboard is sort of his diary. He derived the name from a song called "The Sharp Hint of New Tears," which features the line "On the way home this car hears my confessions." Chris uses the name Dashboard Confessional as an archetype for his songs. He write beautiful songs that gives himself away and makes himself feel a little vulnerable. He talks about the struggle of sharing deep parts of himself in songs. Some of his songs strike an emotional nerve with him that he does not want to ignite every time he plays it in front of people.

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvj9Lvm5Z_A

New Found Glory

Ian and Jordan worked together and one night they were cleaning and trying to figure out a band name when one of them randomly thought of A New Found Glory. It stuck, but instead of saying ANFG, they took off the A and was left with NFG.

Bad Religion

They were young and wanted to make people angry because they were an angry young punk bad. They wanted it to be shocking. It seems that they wanted to be stereotyped. The wanted the image of an outgroup. An out group is not thought of as normal. They are viewed in a negative way.

*****************Each name refers to something religious. However, only half of these bands actually got the name from religion. Some of the band names are even negative towards religion. The bands do not always have moral or uplifting music. Some of the band members’ appearances make them look like they are not religious. These bands are talked about so much that no one thinks twice about the names. These bands are famous and have an impact in many people’s lives. In a world with so many religions and beliefs, has the influence of these popular bands added to the confusion of religion? Do people connect the band’s name, lyrics, and appearances to religion? Do people like these bands because they feel they can define their religious identity?

Religion in the Country Music Genre

Country music falls under the category of narrative theory because most country songs tell a narrative story. A lot of country music's stories are about love, loss and heartache. These songs paint a picture and make people feel emotions that they can relate to. Who hasn't been heartbroken or lost a loved one? Most people have, and country music's lyrics tell a story that make people remember instances in their own lives.

(Picture taken from Google Images)

Religion is a way that country artist's relate to their audiences through their songs. Carrie Underwood's song, Jesus Take the Wheel is the story of a young mother driving home to see her mom and dad on a Christmas eve with her baby in the backseat. The young mother has a lot on her mind, and she doesn't pay attention that she driving way too fast. Before she knows it, her car is sliding on black ice. The song goes on that she throws her hands in the air and says, "Jesus, take the wheel." She gives her life in His hands and trusts Him to take the wheel. The song goes on to have a deeper meaning. The "road" that she's driving on is her life. The lyrics continue, "And for the first time in a long time, she bowed her head to pray. She said I'm sorry for the way I've been living my life. I know I've got to change, so from now on tonight Jesus, take the wheel. Take it from my hands 'cause I can't do this on my own. I'm letting go, so give me one more chance and save me from this road I'm on. Oh, Jesus, take the wheel."

Many people identified with this song. This link goes to a YouTube page where the lyrics to the song are presented as the song plays. The comments below are from viewers who really liked the song. They express that it makes them think about God and how important it is to let him take the wheel in our lives.

I think that it is refreshing to have songs like this in the media. Television, radio, magazines and songs produce so many stories on hatred, violence and terrorism. It is nice to be sitting in the car driving somewhere and be reminded that we need to hand our lives over to God so that he can direct us. This message is in such contrast to what the general public normally hears. Many people are religious, and whether or not they are Christian, they can relate to religious-based songs. It's a breath of fresh air for media, through country music, to spread a good message.

(Picture taken from Google Images)

Through music, artists can express their views about religion and God and stimulate converstation in the world. Rascal Flatts is another country band that has a good message and story within most of their songs. Thier song, Bless the Broken Road credits God for leading the singer to a person they fell in love with. The lyrics of the song tell of the journey of life, and that God blessed the broken road that led the person to his significant other.

Do you like hearing these songs about faith on the radio? Do you think it is an appropriate place to express one's beliefs?

Saved! The Hollywood Doctrine

I am a mere mortal with conservative values. So sue me. But Saved! is one of my favorite movies of all time. I come from a southern background and grew up in an area where Non-Denominational Christians and Born Agains or better known as “Jesus Freaks” (not meant to offend anyone, it’s just what they’re referred to down south) are in great supply. It is a religious satire telling the story of a pregnant teen named Mary struggling to find her place in her religious community. Among the animosity that the main character is met with, and the religious blaspheme that is rampant throughout the film, there is a message given that is often times a touchy subject and taboo in the religious community.

This movie is a revolutionary portrayal of religion at its “best”. It blatantly displays the hypocrisy of religion. The purpose of religion is to Christ-like and have a unconditional love of your neighbor and this movie tries to exploit that point showing the people within organized religion who profess to be religious many times don’t live up to their own standards and how easy it is for them to be hypocrites of epic proportion due to the fact that they don’t want to be scrutinized and ostracized for their shortcomings. This movie shows these people will become the opposite of Christ-like in their behavior towards others and will do anything to save their “Christian” image.

The main storyline of this movie is of Mary’s best friend (Mandy Moore) is trying to “save” her and some of her outcast friends from the fires of eternal damnation and hell. In retrospect, the irony of it all is that the best friend is the one that needs saving. The best friend ends up lying, stabbing people in the back and terrorizing the school just to prove her point of “Christ’s love prevails” when in the end she was doing the complete opposite.

My favorite scene in the movie is one that embodies the movie as a whole. Mandy Moore kidnaps her pregnant friend and tries to perform an exorcism on her. Mary tries to run away and as she is doing so tells Mandy Moore that this is not what Christ is all about and Mandy Moore then proceeds to throw the Bible at Mary, screaming, “I am filled with Christ’s love!”

In the end, we all are imperfect in our religions and this movie perfectly portrays the concept that we are all different and we all have our own personal struggles and we must all find a way to understand our meaning in life. I think it’s great that this matter is approached in a lighter manner. Although it could be seen as blasphemous, it is refreshing.

Is it ok to make so public this taboo subject of hypocrisy in religion? Should we not make light of this serious subject? Is the commercialization of religion having an effect on how people portray religion in the media? Talk to me. Don’t crucify me.

Here is a link to the trailer
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/dor/objects/676666/saved/videos/saved-trl_wide.html

The Da Vinci code flies directly in the face of modern Christian beliefs, attempts to undermine the Catholic church—bringing about admonitions from Catholic leaders, and fosters cognitive dissonance in the minds of viewers.

The suspense thriller, released in 2006 stars Tom Hanks and Aubrey Tautou, and is a result of the popular books written by author Dan Brown. The Da Vinci code unravels a mystery dating back to the origins of Christianity by interpreting symbols encoded in Leonardo Di Vinci's paintings. It also involves cracking a secret held by religious sects for centuries. The last scene in the movie portrays Tautou's character, Sophie Neveu discovering that she is a blood descendant of Jesus Christ. (1)

The basis behind Christian beliefs is the life and teachings of Jesus Christ that can be found in the new testament. (2) Many Christians believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God; however, the Di Vinci code challenges that creed and presents the idea of secrets of the Holy Grail, as kept by the Priory of Sion, that Jesus is not the divine son of God, but a human prophet of God. (3)

Such a perspective may cause one to undergo cognitive dissonance which is " an uncomfortable feeling caused by holding two contradictory ideas simultaneously. The "ideas" or "cognitions" in question may include attitudes and beliefs, and also the awareness of one's behavior." In what could be an attempt to reduce the dissonance, many have spoken out against the film. (4)

Critics include Catholic church leaders. "Italian Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone used a Vatican Radio broadcast to urge all Catholics to boycott 'The Da Vinci Code'. 'My appeal is as follows,' he said. 'Don't read and don't buy 'The Da Vinci Code,'' and called the book 'a sack full of lies.'" (5) Such a statement fits the definition of Religion and Popular Culture in Dialogue found in chapter 2, "When church leaders become involved in the debate about whether portrayals…in movies and television are harmful to society." (6)

Perhaps these leaders are giving too much power to the media and are falling subject to the third person effect which includes, "perceiving others as more vulnerable increases support for restrictions on mass media." (7) Perhaps they are of the opinion of the "hypodermic needle theory" implied mass media has a direct, immediate and powerful effect on their audiences. (8) However, considering the dozens of books written in an attempt to "crack" the Di Vinci Code. Maybe their concerns are justified. (9)

If you were in a leadership position in a church and something like this happened would you take a similar stance?

If people had access to space ships would they look for Darth Vador or the Death Star?

1. http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/da_vinci_code/ .
2. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/ .
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Da_vinci_code#cite_note-6.
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance .
5. http://newsblog5000.blogspot.com/2005/04/dan-brown-hurt-by-vatican-criticism.html .
6. Forbes, David. Religion and Popular Culture in America. University of California, 2005.
7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third-person_effect.
8. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypodermic_needle_model
9. http://www.faithfulreader.com/features/0405-da_vinci_debunkers.asp

Jesus Christ Sacrifice.

The resurrection of the son of God perfectly defeated the darkness and despair that accompanied Him to the cross. His sacrifice became an enabling power for all mankind, and His grace became sufficient.

Consider this portrayal of the hellish circumstances that followed the heavenly being to the cross. More importantly, consider the rejoicing and renewal of hope that followed His ascension.

Christ’s atonement is the ultimate paradigm of the life and happiness that sacrifice can bring. It is the cornerstone of Christianity and the foundation of faith. The media recognize the world’s understanding, appreciation and reliance on this infinite sacrifice, and through countless film productions, they have appealed to Christians’ interests and mimicked the ultimate sacrifice with great success.

In Armageddon, Bruce Willis plays the Christ-figure. He is the world’s best driller, and the world’s safety and existence depends on him. In the film’s final scene in space, Willis sacrifices his life so that the asteroid destined for Earth becomes a non-threat. Immediately following his sacrifice, crowds of people emerge from churches and temples and houses, rejoicing their lives and safety. This is patterned after the Savior’s atonement.

Seven Pounds also depicts the ultimate sacrifice. Will Smith is the Christ-figure in this movie, giving up his own life and body so that others may live. Smith brings hope and second chances to his worthy recipients, just as Christ does to the repentant.

In Principles of Sociology, theories of sacrifice are analyzed. One theory suggests that sacrifice means nothing without some belief in the afterlife (http://books.google.com).

The media have illustrated this theory by showing that an ultimate sacrifice yields a present-life with characteristics of the afterlife—flawless, perfected, safe and happy. Viewers respond favorably to movies that incorporate this theme because it is so widely recognized and deeply-rooted within them already; it is simply the story of the Savior.

In Religion and Popular Culture in America, religion is identified by “sacred symbols which animate an all-inclusive world view espousing perennial values such as love, peace and universal brotherhood” (p.213-14). This view reinforces the idea that sacrifice, a sacred symbol, leads to a society very similar to the afterlife.

Does the media’s portrayal of an ultimate sacrifice diminish or reinforce the magnitude of the Savior’s sacrifice?

Fight Club is Not Anti-Religion

When I tried to think of how religion is treated by the medium of film, I couldn’t think of any positive portrales of religion. Religion is always cast in such a negative light. It is portrayed as either false or just a crutch for those who can’t think for themselves. My thoughts went to the movie Fight Club. On the surface it is an anti-establishment and anti-religion film. With lines like, “if our fathers are our models for God and our fathers failed, what does that say about God,” and “we are God’s unwanted children,” it is easy to think that fight club would have you believe that religion has failed you.
But, I recently came across an article that changed my opinion. Fight Club is not anti-religion. It is pro-religion, just not a judeo-christian religion.The article I found at Fight Club Buddhism points out the connections between the plot line of this film and Zen Buddhism. Whether the filmmakers intended to make these connections or merely just to expose people to a supposedly non-conventional way of thinking, Fight Club the film has many features that would link it to Buddhism.
The overview of the journal article I read said this:
However, if one looks beyond the surface, issues like fighting against capitalism, saving people from themselves, creating a world-wide equilibrium, and suffering to gain enlightenment are all present in Fight Club. This alone may not be enough to prove an air-tight connection between Zen Buddhism and Fight Club but the film’s characters, structure and storyline can also be linked to key aspects of the Zen Buddhist doctrine.
The Movie follows the narrator as he goes from a man who seeks to fill his condo with meaningless, expensive, worldly possessions to having nothing, after his condo is destroyed by an explosion. The narrator points out how empty his life is when he walks past his fridge, that is now outside his large apartment building, and says, “How embarrassing, a fridge full of condiments and no food.”
The narrator finds happiness with his new simple life and his new friend/teacher, Tyler Deurden. Duerden teaches the narrator how his possesions actually owned him and uses the pain of fighting to free him from the imasculating effects of his capitalist lifestyle.
Eventually they invite others to be free and fight with them, to gain enlightenment through suffering.
Eventually they start to destroy business through random terrorist-like actions.
Finally they seek to create a world-wide equilibrium by blowing up all the buildings of credit card companies. This will put everyones debt back to zero.
Fight Club is not an anti-religion film. It is a pro-buddhism and eastern philosophy film.
Not all films are purely antagonistic toward religion. Some just want to pull you out of your comfort zone and get you to think outside your Judeo-Christian ethic.

I understand that this is an R-rated film. Now, you know the whole plot line, so you never have to see the movie.

Gods and Generals

It has often been said that there are no atheists in foxholes. This sentiment is becoming more and more prominent in Hollywood’s treatment of war movies.

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Gruesome scenes of carnage and conquest juxtaposed with poignant moments of spirituality and prayer… This apparent dichotomy of themes seems to be dominant in the majority of the great war movies of this decade. Examples are numerous, and include We Were Soldiers, Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan, and – as clearly evidenced by its title – Gods and Generals.

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In the following clip, the theatrical trailer for Gods and Generals, notice the emphasis placed on religion.

The religiosity of this film particularly surprised many in the realms of Christendom because its producer, Ted Turner, was once considered openly hostile to Christianity. That opinion certainly not a great stretch after his remarks to a group of Dallas reporters in 1989 wherein he called Christianity “a religion for losers” and said that Christ should not have bothered dying on the cross. (As reported in the Rome News- Tribune)

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By the time of Gods and Generals’ release in 2003, it appears that Turner had changed his tune, or at the very least – had realized that Christianity played a great part in the epic story this film was trying to depict and that it therefore was vital to the overall tone of the film.

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Strong Christian faith is shown in both word and deed on both sides of the battle. At one point in the film Gen. “Stonewall” Jackson is asked by a subordinate how he keeps his calm even in the heat of battle. His reply is powerful.

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“Mr. Smith, my religious faith teaches me that God has already fixed the time of my death; therefore, I think not of it. I am as calm in battle as I would be in my own parlor. God will come for me in his own time.”

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In ChristianCinema.com’s review of the film, Stephen Lang, who portrays Jackson, is cited as calling “his character’s relationship with Christ the ‘lens’ through which he ... In Lang’s words, Jackson was an ‘Old Testament warrior with a New Testament theology.’”

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On other side of the engagement, Union Colonel Chamberlain, portrayed by Jeff Daniels, tells his brother, Sam, of his Christian motivations to continue in the fighting.

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“[Slavery] has been around since the book of Genesis it exists in every corner of the world, but that is no excuse for us to tolerate it here when we find it right in front of our very eyes in our own country. As God as my witness there is no one I hold in my heart dearer than you. But if your life, or mine, is part of the price to end this curse and free the negro, then let God's work be done” (emphasis added).

*

The Christianity presented in the film is overt, blatant, and for once, it is not trite, contrived, and controversial. Gods and Generals presents a realistic, balanced portrayal of great men engaged in a great conflict. History tells us that these men leaned heavily upon their faith, and so the question must be raised – is it, for Christians, too good to be true? Was the overt religiosity of Gods and Generals designed only to accurately describe the events, or was it a clever business move on the part of Ted Turner to win-over a market which had viewed him as hostile for the 14 years prior to the movie’s release?

Home Improvement and Religion

Tim the Toolman Taylor ran into a common household argument with his son in an episode set during Christmas time. It’s Christmas Eve, and Tim and his wife Jill are trying to encourage their son to attend the yearly Midnight Mass. Their obstinate son is determined to utilize the exceptional wintry conditions and go snowboarding. Tim and Jill are not keen to give Brad a choice. His parents want their son to recognize the value of their religious belief, put aside his own desires for one night, and understand the true meaning of Christmas.

This portrayal of an American family’ religious dedication is not uncommon in many family TV shows. While many people seem to gravitate toward TV show that are a little more affiliated with their beliefs, most television programs do not seem want to depict a completely unreligious family. However, they also don’t want to make the family too religious, thus bringing in a fairly satisfied audience from both groups.

Tim’s family seems religious enough; they apply well-known and basic virtues in their interaction with each other such as kindness, patience, sacrifice, etc. They attend the Midnight Mass and try to encourage their children to do so as well. What more can be asked of a family? It’s hardly practical to spend every Sunday hustling your family to a church house, isn’t it? Whether or not it was intentional, this is the message that Home Improvement is sending me.

I’ve also found in my interaction with friends of assorted faiths that this behavior is relatively common. Church attendance every Sunday is not seen as particularly important to the American culture. It seems that a semiannual attendance of Midnight Mass and Easter Sunday is a sufficient sacrifice. If that fact is true, the television show Home Improvement portrays American religion in a very accurate and down-to-earth way, addressing the common issue of encouraging children to have a religious balance. However, if most Americans do not view religion as a simple semiannual attendance, what is the truth? Is a higher percentage attending more often, or is it even less than twice a year?

Television seems to depict a fairly uniform answer to that question, family-friendly films sticking to a safe mention of religion only once in a while. I think this program in particular is pretty accurate in describing an average American’s dedication to religion.

Does this reflect America’s views of religious dedication in general? Or are America’s views of acceptable religious interaction shaped by what is shown by family TV shows?

We all need a little 7th Heaven.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, let me enlighten you on the phenomenon that is 7th Heaven. The series centers on the Camden’s, a family of nine (originally seven until the third season.) The father of the family, Reverend Eric Camden, is a minister for a local community church, while his wife, Annie, stays at home, has children and takes care of them and the household.

At the heart of each episode there is an ethical or moral problem that the family must work through and learn from. The family and their friends deal with varying issues spanning from pre-marital sex and addictions, to community service and voting. Most resolutions tend to come from a socially conservative Christian point of view. Meaning pre-marital sex is wrong, violent videogames and music corrupt our youth, family should come before career ambitions, and Christ should be central to the family.

In my opinion it’s incredible that in a world so obsessed with violence and sex that a series starring a religious family, who involve Christ in every aspect of their life, can become popular and stay popular for over eleven years! It seems to prove that the American public craves a little wholesome family programming, because when they are introduced to it they soak it up like sponges!

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7th Heaven ran for eleven seasons from 1996 thru 2007 and is still in syndication today. 12.5 million people tuned in to 7th heaven causing it to break the record for the most watched hour on the WB television network. It is the most watched television series on the WB (now CW), and is still currently the longest running family drama in television history!

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The slogan “sex sells” has been beaten into most of our brains, but it seems that the absence of sex also sells. Not only the absence of sex, but the inclusion of Christ sells. I’d bet if you asked the average person whether or not they watch or watched 7th Heaven, most would chuckle and shake their head no. However, ratings don’t lie and millions of Americans did and still do watch the show. But why wouldn’t they admit it? If you’d like to apply theory to my assertions you could say that the third person effect causes people not to admit that they like wholesome family entertainment, when in fact they really do. Ha-ha. I think the world you be a better place if the media would market more shows like 7th heaven.

So…is it possible that the public would appreciate more television series devoid of sex, guns, and violence? Or was 7th Heaven a one time fluke?

Does God Care About Football?

I don't watch much TV, and what I do watch is mostly sports. The debate about religion and sports has gone back and forth for a long time. For example, legend has it that the roof on Texas Stadium (where NFL's Dallas Cowboys played until the last game of this season) had a hole in it so God could watch the games. Now, God wouldn't really need a hole if He cared to watch the game, but it's interesting to me how prevalent praising God has become in sports, and because the sports are televised, on television.

Almost anyone who has watched a football game on TV (Professional or College) has probably witnessed some form of acknowledgment/pointing to the sky (presumably to God), a quick prayer, or some variation on the 'Sign of the Cross' in celebration during the game, usually after a touchdown has been scored. While not overt or in-your-face, the celebrations are frequent enough that they have become somewhat iconic of touchdown celebrations and football in general.

I personally don't have a problem with the gestures. If someone really wants to thank God for the touchdown or the opportunity or whatever, that's up to them. However, I am curious as to what everyone else thinks.

Since the broadcasting of professional football and other sports began, we have witnessed some incredible and inspirational moments, but do the celebrations after those moments go over the top? Do celebrations with religious overtones have a place in the gaudy, commercialized, over-hyped and over-analyzed world of professional sports? Does the intent of an athlete matter at all?

24's Religious Profiling

Going way back to the year 2002 in the second season of the popular TV series “24”, we see a lot of religious controversy, often disguised as racial conflict. Season two starts just months after 9/11, which sets the stage for religion in pop culture. Without revealing too much about the season, in case you haven’t watched it yet, the basic plot has to do with terrorists planting a nuclear bomb somewhere in Los Angeles. Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) agents are working around the clock to find out who is behind the bomb, where it is and how to stop it from going off.

In search for answers that could help the CTU agents stop the bomb from detonating, they are led to suspect a Middle Eastern man named Reza. Reza claims he is innocent and that they are just racially profiling him. I would argue that the racial profiling he is talking about is more religion profiling. The profiling has little to do with the fact that he is Middle Eastern, but more to do with the fact that he is from a Muslim background and the known terrorists are Muslim from the Middle East. Religion is the basis for the racial profiling. In this clip we see Reza talking to Tony (CTU agent).

http://video.aol.com/partner/hulu/24-24-rezas-interrogation/8oxMxfHeusj4BIGw1h3vOx-K7Ms2HitO (I couldn't save the clip to upload it here, so here's the URL)

As seen in the clip, Reza tells Tony to get his racial profiling right since Reza actually grew up in London. He tells Tony that he is marrying an American girl, and then tosses in that she’s a Protestant. We see here that he is also playing upon the religious perception that he must be good if he is marrying a good little Christian girl. Tony goes on to clear up any questions about the profiling that is taking place.

The clip ends here so as to not ruin it for those who have not seen this season. But, something that is very interesting to me happens later on in the season. The Americans go crazy when they find out that there is a terrorist threat. They start beating up anyone who looks Middle Eastern. The blind hatred that the people feel towards those they think are terrorists is actually making they themselves become terrorists. Numerous innocent people were beaten or killed as a result of a blind fear.

There is little doubt that the class agrees that the media portrays Muslims in an unfair light, but my question is: Based on this clip, does Tony have the right to accuse Reza of his terrorist involvement because of his religious affiliation?

Faith and medicine on television

In the hit drama “House,” Dr. House diagnoses absurd diseases with his team by connecting the dots through a series of tests and symptom analysis. Naturally, in his profession, he searches for the cause and effect, and anything can be explained with his medical knowledge and flawless instincts in the medical field.

Of course, the phenomenon occurs when a religious patient arrives, and tries to explain to House that faith will make them whole. I have never forgotten an episode from the fourth season of the series. In “Don’t Ever Change,” (Episode 12/Season 4), the show opens at an Orthodox Jewish wedding. The bride inexplicably collapses on the floor and ends up in House’s hospital for diagnosis.

The team discovers that the bride, a 38-year-old woman, converted to Hasidic Judaism only six months before and that prior to that she had been a producer for hard rock CDs and using heroine.

When the test for drugs fail, House thinks her conversion to Hasidism six months prior is a sign of porphyria -- a rare genetic disorder that causes an over-production of certain proteins that contribute to mental problems.

Once the husband finds out that the doctor thinks his wife converted because of mental problems, he wants a new doctor. He said he wants “someone who doesn’t think my wife is sick, just because she’s religious.”
The conversation continues:

Husband: My wife’s body is sick. Her mind and soul are fine.
House: (to the husband) You live according to God’s 600 commandments, right?
Husband: 613.
House: Do you understand them all?
Husband: It takes a lifetime of learning.
House: But you follow the ones you don’t understand because the ones you do understand make sense and you believe that the guy who created them knows what he’s doing.
Husband: Of course.
House: So, you will trust my diagnosis, and you will let me treat her because in this Temple, I am Dr. Yahweh.
Husband: I want a new doctor.

House doesn’t have patience for any of his patients, but it’s understandable for this man to wish for a new physician, especially when House is so insulting and actually blasphemous to the husband’s beliefs.

The episode makes a few interesting points about changing, and about the commitment this couple has to their faith. While House is still unconvinced, the team seems to notice that this couple “has something that we don’t have.”

My question to you is why does our culture struggle to see faith and medicine go hand in hand? The media seems to portray that they must be polar opposites. Is it really impossible to use medicine and science and be true to one’s faith?