I also don’t think he’s speaking authoritatively about acting or casting, but offering his opinion. In fact, I recall him saying things like, “I don’t know” and “I think” a few times when commenting on the “mistake” made in choosing Allen.

In the end, I agree with many of Mohler’s principles when considering film, but often wind up coming to a different conclusion in the end (MDB for example).

Mohler, however, goes on to list several key actors in some tremendous movies who were/are also gay activists. Yet this does not seem to get in the way of finding their character believable?

Am I off on this assessment? And if not, is this just smoke screen on Mohler’s part?

In the King transcript he says he’s not a movie critic and isn’t able to comment about the cinematography and yet here (in his blog) he is able to speak authoritatively about casting the craft of acting?

I hope this doesn’t come across poorly, I am just very confused by Mohler’s statements. What do you think?

I really mean what I wrote about Mohler, though I am sure there are many who doubt it, say I am kissing up, or am just trying to ease the sting of my disagreement. But the truth is, I really look up to him. But he is a human who makes mistakes just like me (though probably less often than me). I have friends (church members) that are engaging the same issues he brings up, so I feel the need to address them and point out where we disagree.

The story of the martyrs is something to learn from, and I think you are right in that one of the things we will learn is that sacrifice and service will look different for everyone depending on culture.

Joe, I find your comments about your esteem for Mohler in the midst of disagreement admirable. I find myself too often dismissing people in this regard. I think, in that, you present a very pressing challenge to how I live my life now.

Movie matters:

I have not seen the movie yet, but from the extended trailers it actually looks like there might be a story and that it was well filmed (this is no small thing). In my estimation this is a huge step for Christians making film (notice I did not say “Christian” film). (Also, I am making an assumption about the film makers based upon what I have heard, I don’t know first hand that they are believers so forgive and correct me if I am wrong.)

Another note:

As I have thought about the movie it has caused me to think about Elliot and the other missionaries. I wonder if their story is exactly what it means (and looks like) for us to improvise the scriptures in our own context, living them out in ways that are real and significant. Not just mimicking or “re-doing” them, but truly making the story come alive today. Just a wondering.

thanks.

If you don’t see it the theatres, maybe buy it on video when it comes out. But, as you said, it doesn’t matter. It’s not going to kill you.