Colorado suffered the worst mass shooting in America’s history on Thursday night at the midnight showing of the Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." This one hits close to home. Christian friends—homeschooling friends—were in that theater that night. Others almost went to the theater but decided not to at the last minute. What are the lessons to learn here? What are the connections between the murders and the movie? Why does the accused shooter keep referring to himself as “The Joker”? When brilliant, intelligent men lose track of the difference between fantasy and reality, something terrible usually happens…. Man turns to autonomy. He becomes a law to himself.
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“ Useful discussion, but care with conclusions ” Thank you for this discussion Kevin- you make many excellent and helpful comments, particularly regarding God's judgment against abortion.
I would just make a couple of comments to recommend care. Firstly Heath Ledger, who played the Joker in 'The Dark Knight', did not definitely commit suicide. In fact it seems more likely that his death was accidental.
Secondly, do we not have a responsibility to view everything we see in the light of Scripture, whether it be in our workplace, our family, on the news or in a movie? The reason I ask is that the point that God is not in the frame could be made about most movies, some of which are very good and whose content would draw very little criticism from Scripture. So that is not a reason not to watch them.
I would suggest that the Batman franchise, as with many hero movies, when viewed allegorically, can actually make a very strong biblical point. The overarching message that I am often left with afterwards is that the hero is good, but falls short. And when people make such movies, without realising it, are they not reflecting man's desire for the ultimate hero, the ultimate Saviour, Jesus Christ?
And to be a great saviour a hero has to save people from great evil, often depicted by violence which is necessary to make t
Marianne (7/24/2012)
“ Great Sermon! ” Why would any Christian go to see this movie? I only saw a ten second clip on the tv about this new movie and I was sickened by the sadistic violence in it. I seriously do not understand why christian and christian homeshooling people would defile themselves by watching this and going to these dens of immorality that broadcast these movies. Don't miss the real point here.
Concerned (7/24/2012)
“ Wake up ” Read 'THE CHRISTIAN AND THE THEATER' easily availble on the web on Grace Gems website. Especially the last paragraph.
Tshai (7/24/2012)
from Trinidad and Tobago
“ Great Sermon! ” Its sad to see,people with intelligent minds using it to do wickedly.What we feed our minds daily is what we will let out.
Josie (7/24/2012)
from USA
“ ” Amy: I agree. Sin is rooted in the fall and we should not feed that evil through entertainment. This man had not seen this very movie. However, he was very familiar with the Batman franchise and was dressed like the maniacal Joker. There is something very dark about this character and some even say that the last actor to portray this character killed himself because he could never escape the macabre persona.
Amy (7/24/2012)
from Alabama
“ Great Sermon! ” I'm sure this is a very violent movie judging from the trailer, but didn't shooting happen before movie started? If so, shooter had not even seen it. Yes, sex, violence, crudeness in movies have all had their effect on our culture, but we must not forget the true root cause. Mans depraved nature. It started with the fall.
Josie (7/24/2012)
from USA
“ amen james ” Why do Christians think it is ok to be entertained by violence? This may not have caused the massacre but a culture of death certainly did not help keep minds on whatever is pure and righteous. Some say look at all the violence in the pages of scripture yet that is very different. The Bible simply reports historical events. These movies are meant to amuse and celebrate and revel in the gore and darkness and profane our holy God 's name. Do you really think Jesus and the disciples would sit through such vile blasphemy?
JamesC (7/23/2012)
from Fallbrook, CA
“ Stronger Stance Needed against worldly movies ” The show/talk was good, though I was disappointed that a stronger stance was not taken against these types of movies. Is this a movie that a Christian should see? We know that "all things are lawful', but is this particular movie profitable, edifying, redeeming? I could not (or maybe I do since without Christ we are under the power of Satan and are slaves to Sin) believe that 6-10 year-olds were at this movie at this time of night! A 6 year-old died. We would be quick to say that Christians should not watch pornography, but what about 'worldly-ography' or 'gratuitous-violence-ography'? Sexual Lust is not the only sin in the Bible.
Lady Day (7/23/2012)
“ Great Sermon! ” It may be young men who committed these massacres BUT look at when these men were BORN!!
IMO if we christians dont repent (why were chrisitans seeing movies that non christians wouldnt watch 30 years ago?!)and become 2 Chron 7:14 christians
I also think that we may see more record breaking disasters before 1/1/13
We are 39 years after Roe v Wade, homosexuality, and PORN
Now kids in the single digits are getting addicted to PORN etc. Which didnt happen in 1973, etc.
BATMAN in the 1960s was made 'campy' for a reason: the original was sooo bad that the HAYES CODE people wouldnt let it be MADE
Prayer was taken out of schools in 1963 and we are 49 years RIGHT NOW after this---before its over, we may see Hollywood BEG the Kendricks bros to take over the old studios! with a modern 'hayes code'
not everyone could homeschool their children & public schools are 'babysitters'--so many will bring back PRAYER in public schools after 2013--or MALLS wont even be safe
Kevin Swanson has served as elder and pastor of Reformation Church, OPC since its inception. Kevin was raised on the mission field in Japan in the 1960's and 1970's. Together with his wife Brenda, they are bringing up five children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord....
#3 - Top Played Sermon (48-Hours) on 7/25/2012
