Well, yesterday was interesting. I wrote a post and put it out there as usual, expecting my usual 150-ish people to read it, and somehow it got passed all over the world. I generally don’t write for all over the world. No, I write for my friends and family, and I consider them my true audience.
I started this blog because I wanted to leave something of myself for my children to read when I’m gone. I wanted to leave a legacy of faith in Jesus, and a testimony of how real God is and how He has worked in my life. Despite all of His work on me through the years, I am still plagued by plenty of weaknesses. But, I’m learning to depend on Him and trust that where I am weak He is strong, and He can take my okay-ness and do something good with it. I am trusting that is what He is doing with the Matthew McConaughey post from yesterday.
If you’ve read the comments, you know that I was not a popular person in lots of different circles yesterday. Many people felt like I was judging Matthew McConaughey. I was certainly judging the content of his movies. I think that it’s okay for me to do that, as a Christian. I didn’t watch the movies, but I get information about the content of movies and television shows from a great website called pluggedin.com. I don’t enjoy watching movies that are filled with sexual content and foul language, even if the overall message is good. I think explicit sex scenes are spiritually harmful to Christian people.
Yesterday’s post was not about whether Matthew McConaughey is a Christian. It wasn’t about whether I am better than him or worse than him. It wasn’t even about him thanking God in his acceptance speech. The post was a reaction to what I was seeing on the internet in the hours following his speech. What I saw was Christian people reaching up to that stage in Hollywood to cling to Matthew McConaughey’s nice tuxedo jacket, to hang on to his coattails and excitedly exclaim that he is one of us. That he validates us and he makes our God more acceptable, and if Matthew McConaughey is going the praise the Lord, then that must make our faith worth more. I didn’t want us, as Christians, to feel like Matthew’s speech somehow legitimized our trust in Jesus.
This is my little corner of the internet, and I try to fill it with truth. I certainly don’t hold myself up as an amazing example of Christianity. I fail. A lot. But, this is my place to be honest with fellow Christians about the wonderful things and the difficult things about being a Christian in our current world. And, that’s all I was doing yesterday. I was trying to speak the truth.
One person asked what I thought Jesus would think about my blog post yesterday. I don’t presume to speak for Jesus, but I pray that He, knowing my heart, has taken what I said, in all its imperfection, and done something good with it for His kingdom. I know that He can bring beauty from ashes, in my life, in Matthew McConaughey’s life, and in this little blog that suddenly got big for a day. It was an interesting experience.
*If you would like to keep up with Your Mom Has a Blog, please like me on Facebook!
*Due to the fact that everything that can be said HAS been said–many, many times–comments are closed. Thanks for stopping by!
I think its interesting how your blog from yesterday was blown up with comments but today’s there are none. I personally think a lot of people missed the point of your article yesterday…and it made me sad. It also made me sad because I think some of the reaction came from people who didn’t like hearing that what they watch on TV/the movies matters to God and their own heart. It also probably came from the idea that what someone does for a job does matter and they are suppose to do it “as though they are working for the Lord” (Col. 3:23) and that really does call a lot of jobs and a lot of things we do at our jobs into question. (Don’t get me wrong I struggle with those 2 questions in my own life daily!) Its hard to face that fact, and easier to say “your pointing at my speck so I’m going to show you your log of judgement” truly an interesting juxtaposition that we all face when confronted with someone we view as doing something wrong especially when they say they are a Christian. I hope God made good out of Matthew’s speech and out of your article yesterday and out of your article today, etc. And I think it is good that you were willing to point out that while it may seem nice to have someone validate our beliefs (someone cool, and “sexy”, and famously rich) that it shouldn’t be something we “need” or “desire” because Jesus should be enough…but that doesn’t mean we always live up to it either…but it should still be what we strive for, I liked that about yesterdays post.
You hit the nail on the head, Sarah. I think sometimes people are convicted of their own sin and by continuously posting things like “you need to look at your own sin”…..”you’re being judgmental”….”only God can judge”, it makes them somehow feel better. Personally, I would much rather be judged by my fellow Christians on sin they might see in my life so I can repent and move on, instead of comfortably living in my sin and have to face God in shame.
I couldn’t agree with Sarah J more! I for one, after reading yesterday’s post, found myself questioning MYSELF, as I didn’t even think about the things you were pointing out. I was one of those that was thinking, “Alright! You go Matthew!”. Your post challenged me to step back, and look at the bigger picture. I wonder how often I do that… hear something someone proclaims about God, but don’t look into the example and life they lead. Make no mistake, I am certainly including myself in that category. My walk with Christ is an ongoing thing for me, filled with mistakes, and thankfully – forgiveness.
Bravo for your article, and again, thank you for opening my eyes to more.
Jenn
For am I now seeking the favor of men or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 and hugs!
That’s a good word. Encouraged me so thanks for sharing!
You put into words exactly what my thoughts were on Monday after learning that Matthew McConaughey won his award. Thank you for filling our corner of the internet with truth. It takes courage to speak truth and you do it so eloquently.
I read the last blog article, and I was baffled by some of the comments. We are living in the midst of a weird culture of “American Christianity” in which the mere profession of God is sufficient proof of a walk with Jesus. Your blog was addressed to believers about their undue loyalty to someone who appears to be having a “one night stand” with Jesus. Paul was very clear in 1 Cor. 5 about how we should respond to ongoing sin in the life of “with anyone named a brother”. 2 Timothy 2-3 expounds on a faith that claims God while living in error and wickedness.
What you wrote about requires a revelation for believers to understand. Years ago, I had a dream. A musician stood a stage and began to sing as I watched him. He began to sing a song about God, and I cheered for him in response. Later in the dream, an older relative that I respected firmly corrected me. He said, “Do not give that BOY your sanctified loyalty!”. I have had to learn to be more careful about my loyalties and who I grant heartfelt trust to. We can accept people regardless of where they are in life, but we must be careful about who we extend fellowship to. In addition, loyalty must be tied to maturity in the area of godliness when we are talking about modeling our life after/following/imitating them.
I ran across your blog yesterday and I would just like to say that I felt you hit the nail on the head! Thank you…I did not feel that your blog was judgmental or “holier than thou” it was spot on and I loved it.
Agree wholeheartedly – with yesterday’s post and today’s. Nothing to add, you said it beautifully! Blessings, and thank you for taking a stand!
first of all, the movie was not “filled with sexual content” or “explicit sex scenes”. there were a few, and yes, a FEW very short scene; and yes, there was cursing, this is why the movie was rated R. the movie was factual in that the way people treat each other (good or bad), and even worse in the way that the medical ‘professionals’ and politicians put greed before all else.
if you know anything about cancer, you’ll know that this is still how the ‘medical field’ and FDA operates. pray for them, they are the real sinners!
i just can’t get over your ‘Christian attitude”. i know so many people like you who profess their Christianity, yet are usually the worse hypocrites. does putting yourself on some kind of religious pedestal, or shoving it down someone’s throat make you a better Christian, or does it just ease your guilt for the sins you commit?
P,
When did having an opinion or thought on scripture become putting yourself on a “religious pedestal?” Obviously you have an opinion on the matter. Does that make your pedestal of greater or equal height?
The internet makes everyone “brave”. Especially when they can hide behind a single letter.
“i just can’t get over your ‘Christian attitude”. i know so many people like you who profess their Christianity, yet are usually the worse hypocrites. does putting yourself on some kind of religious pedestal, or shoving it down someone’s throat make you a better Christian, or does it just ease your guilt for the sins you commit?”
Since when does posting your opinion on your own personal blog about sin make someone hypocritical or make it “shoving it down someone’s throat”? Were you invited to this blog? Did she send it to you personally?
The “I know so many people like you” is so judgmental and stereotypical. Using “usually”, that says you have a few exceptions for people you know well or who you are close to. You don’t know this mother. You know nothing about her besides her opinion on this film.
On her “Christian attitude”, if you’re inflamed by it, well that’s to be expected. Jesus said we would be hated because of him. That’s just part of it, and we accept it graciously.
get over yourselves
p, you are completely misrepresenting Melissa’s post and her “Christian attitude.” Take a look in the mirror sometime before casting your judgments.
Well said. I agree – we have but 1 true hero and have been blessed with countless faithful and flawed examples in life. We need not cling to anyone to legitimize our faith.
I initially read your post after seeing it shared on FB and read it in nearly the same voice as I might have read a perceived snarky text from a girlfriend. (What a strange experience it must have been to find your traditional audience had grown exponentially!) While I disagreed on some points, I admired the skill with which you detailed your discontent. None should seek legitimacy of their faith through others, celebrity or not. It’s ok to be a Christian when Christianity isn’t cool. It isn’t easy but the reward is far greater.
Your children will no doubt return to your writings with great respect and pride in finding that their mother defended her faith and forged a Christian life in only the best way she knew how. You could leave no better legacy.
I had also just had a simular conversation with someone about the explosion of praise for him on fb from “Christians”. When I saw & read your blog, it was point on & written with discernment & wisdom granted to us by the spirit…. not judgement. Thank you for your discernment & boldness to stand up for truth!
“By their fruit you will recognize them” Matthew 7:16
I’m sad for you and the comments you must have received yesterday. I didn’t read them. I also didn’t watch any of his movies, or the Osacars…but I applauded your blog post yesterday and am happy it went around the globe. Even if you received many hurtful comments by it, console yourself with the fact that it probably made many people think because it was filled with truth.
“Commenter P” above obviously missed your point too. You can’t be a part of an R rated movie {regardless of how short scenes are or whether it was “factual or not”} and then thank the God of creation for the opportunity and expect Christians to applaud you. He may be a great guy, he may love the Lord, he may be a better Christian than I am – but he can’t be the poster boy for Christianity until his public-in-the-movies-walk lines up with his talk.
I think Jesus would say, “amen child amen”. The bible says for our yes to be yes and our no to be no. It also says that we are to equip the Saints. We as Christ followers have to stop compromising and looking to entertainment to train/teach the people of God. Christians please get a backbone and stand up for Jesus. And thank you Melissa for speaking the truth. It’s so refreshing.
People are accusing you of being judge mental because you are judging a person’s character based on a review of a movie that you HAVEN’T EVEN SEEN. You literally don’t know what you’re talking about. And since when are their Christian leaders in Hollywood? Interesting thoughts.
As Christians, we are CALLED to DISCERN the behavior of OTHER BELIEVERS by their actions, (what is misunderstood as judging) because we understand that the walk should line up with the talk. Sadly, there are many who call themselves Christian, but live like the devil. The world throws out the “JUDGMENT” card because they do not understand the Christian faith. Only God judges the hearts of man, but believers are called to “judge” or discern the lives of other believers in order to encourage them in their faith, help them in their walk, spur them on to maturity in Christ. I’m guessing Matthew McConaughey’s faith is new and he still has things to work out, as we all have had, as Christ works in us. Melissa, in the blog, is simply making a point that AS BELIEVERS, not unbelievers, we must be careful in whom we place our devotion. Just speaking God’s name or claiming to know God doesn’t make one a Christian. “Even the demons believe in God and they tremble.” James 2:19
It’s ridiculous to say you can’t disapprove of a movie’s content unless you’ve seen it. You don’t have to taste poop to know that it’s bad. She stated facts about the movie (sexual content, language) and made a judgment based on those facts and based on her application of biblical principles (such as Phil 4:8).
Amen, Michelle!
Laura, I have seen many of MM’s movies, so I know that some of them do not glorify God. That doesn’t mean that they’re bad movies (some of them are quite good, from a secular standpoint), or that MM is a bad person for acting in them. Melissa’s only point was that we as Christians should not put MM up on a pedestal based on one thing that he said in a speech. As for being judgmental, there has been a whole lot of judging going on in the comments, and it is has been unfairly directed at one of the kindest, most non-judgmental Christians I know.
Your post was great. There is a different between passing judgment and revealing the truth! Too many people straddle the fence and become offended no matter what people say. So just keep on with your faith and let God handle those who can’t see past the rose colored glasses. God Bless!!
In the response of what would Jesus do. He would say well done! He would remind us that we are not to have any other gods before him and that the only way to Father is through him. He would remind us that we are to be in the world but not off the world and the that being one of his followers isn’t supposed to be a cakewalk with celebrity representation. To be a follower of Christ we must humble ourselves and learn that we are nothing in this world without HIM. I hear so many people complaining about how hard it is becoming to be a Christian, but the last time I checked, my Church building wasn’t a cave and none of by brothers or sisters in Christ have been slaughtered in an arena. I wish everyone was like you and stopped looking for validation in our culture. We get our validation from God and HE is the only one who counts.
You did a great job on pointing that out and your post deserved to be spread around to remind us all who the real Hero is.
JA
I loved what you wrote. People, famous or unknown, do not legitimize Jesus. God does not need someone we consider famous to legitimize His authority. Your article served a great purpose and the “attacks” are the devil’s way of trying to get you to keep your opinions to yourself. It happens to anyone willing to take a stand for God.
God knows your heart just like He knows Matthew’s heart. If you feel led to do write something, write it and let it go.
I just wanted to say that I really appreciated your last post! I didn’t think it was rude. More like a plead to make sure our actions follow WHO we are proclaiming. It’s interesting to see that so many people justified posting such hateful words and judging your heart (when they have not seen the fruit of your life, how you live out your day to day for Christ) as they were telling you not to be hateful and judgmental towards someone.
When I read yesterday’s blog, I felt like you articulated exactly what I was feeling in my soul. It appears that some Christians seek validation in the public eye (celebrity, political arena, etc.) and latch on to anyone who acknowledges God as a fellow believer. In a world where tolerance is “preached” ad nausium, we are bashed when we compare the words coming out of someone’s mouth with their lifestyle and we find discrepancy. Thank you for writing!
To those who say you must watch the movie before having an opinion…I completely trust her source of information. I have never found them to be incorrect in their content listing of a movie. I don’t always go by their recommendation, but the listing of potential offensive material is a great tool to use in making that decision. You don’t need to watch this movie to have an informed opinion. Do I need to use/abuse drugs or alcohol to have an informed opinion of what could happen if I do? Or should I take the word of those I trust as to what the damage to my body could be? For me, personally, I saw a preview of the movie, and that was more than enough for me. 🙁
i think you were spot on with your comments. i saw dallas buyers club and predicted MM would win on my blog and as a texas boy myself i was a little proud of his win. but the theological content of his acceptance speech was bizarre, odd and his life doesn’t reflect his faith statements. i think you did very good work in your observations.
I’ve never read your blog. I haven’t read the comments on the previous post so I may be repeating what others have said. I did read the first post with interest because although I am a fan of MM as an actor, I found it fascinating how excited fellow Christians were about his inclusion of God in his speech. I thought ok great but now we get to see all of the non believers point out all of the ways he’s NOT Christlike. I immediately thought that those publicly giddy with excitement have obviously forgotten the content of some of his movies and even events from his personal life that have become public knowledge. Is that who they want everyone to look to for moral & spiritual guidance? I can’t assume to know his heart so I don’t say these things in judgement of him, just as an observation about what’s out there for the world to see. He’s certainly not the first actor to thank God so although I was happy to see the acknowledgment, it certainly wasn’t the big deal everyone made it out to be.
That being said, yes the movie he won an award for was explicit. I’m not defending that at all. Reading your comments about it made it obvious you did not see it. I saw it and yes, felt some guilt about watching it when those scenes came on BUT they were not the point of the movie. They were in no way a promotion of bad behavior. If anything, they were a warning of what NOT to do.
Which is what led me to comment. Your previous commenter spoke of the pharmaceutical industry and the FDA and their relationships that are overwhelmingly focused on money instead of the health and well being of humanity. Exactly! The movie also touched on the horrible way people treat other people. I dare say many of the people treating those afflicted with AIDS as worthless people who deserved what they got considered themselves to be Christians. In actuality, I’m betting that was the majority. If I had to choose, I would rather align myself as a Christian with someone that makes questionable decisions in choosing the movies he acts in, than with someone who treats others with such hatred and judgement.
The movie was explicit but it had more substance than smut. It was an Oscar worthy performance and an extremely moving portrayal of human nature.
Just to be clear, he’s not my hero either but I have much respect for the story they told.
As a person that speaks truth often I know how hard it is to hear criticism and to even be attacked. Starting in John 18:36 Jesus tells us why He came…to testify to the truth. As people of a fallen nature we have a tendency to drift to the low places accepting even the appearances of what seems good and true when in reality we are compromising our spirit just because it is easier. It is people like you and your willingness to say the hard things that truly honor and represent Jesus and fill people (that are willing to listen) with hope. Jesus told us that we would be persecuted for our faith and for following Him. But it is worth it. I don’t know you, but I am proud of you saying the hard things. Good job.
I think both posts are very interesting. I don’t watch the Academy Awards and rarely go to the movies. The hypocrisy of the industry just turns me away. I saw the clip of Matthew’s speech and was dumbfounded. Him thanking God was news??? This is NOT an example to be held up as exemplary to our young people. It just felt wrong somehow. This tidbit was not worthy of the ridiculous level of media attention it garnered – it was something most people of faith do every day of our lives. The tragedy is that our society has lost that foundation to the point that an acceptance speech for a movie that mentions God is newsworthy.
I agreed with you 100%. Sarah was right! People didn’t like hearing that what they watch on TV/the movies matters to God and their own heart. I think you just spoke what was on your heart and people read it how they wanted to read it. That will happen though! Actions speak louder than words!
So many would have taken this opportunity to bash those who so harshly bashed you yesterday but once again you show your true character by writing this explanation in love and with more kindness than is deserved. I want to be like you when I grow up. 🙂 And I have zero doubt that your amazing children will read these posts and see in them the godliness that you always portray….the godliness they’ve seen in you from the beginning of their lives. And they will be so proud to call you their mother, as I am to call you my friend.
I am one of those that stumbled across your blog after it ‘went around the world’. Thank you for this reminder. My initial reaction when I saw his acceptance speech on the internet (we do not watch the Oscars) was “oh, good for him, MAYBE he’s a Christian”. I didn’t consider the content of the movies he’s been in. I haven’t seen the movie he won the award for, but I have seen other movies he’s been in and I’m pretty sure that God did not give him his talent and opportunities to promote a sinful lifestyle. And I’m sorry if it offends people but everything we watch and hear affects our morals. Even if we know it is sin, it still affects us! I used to be one of those Christians that watched R rated movies and didn’t think a thing about it, after all, I knew what was right and wrong, but because of things that took place in my marriage God opened my eyes. I am now disgusted when I hear things that are said on TV shows, we do not rent even PG-13 chick flicks anymore. I pray that God shows me how to raise my son in this filthy world to follow Him and in all his ways acknowledge Him.
People come to know Christ by how we live our lives, even when we are at our worse. It is what they see not what we say. Your detractors seem to opine that because he is only acting his actions don’t count. When I act less than Christian should those actions be ignored, I am a hopeless sinner but for the grace of my Lord. Be encouraged.
What a backtrack lol.. Still a judgemental bad blog
I am writing a judgemental post in judgement of LIli’s judgemental post. It must be strongly noted that in this post I have judged myself as judgemental though… twice.
CC
I am writing a judgemental post in judgement of LIli’s judgemental post. It must be noted that in this post I have judged myself as judgemental… twice now.
CC
Melissa, first I wanted to thank you for your writings. I do keep up with them from time to time. As one who remembers you from Eastland days, it simply makes it more personal when I read them. Thanks for your blog yesterday on MM. I believe it was very thought provoking and really on the spot. I wondered if I could analyze it the way many individuals did, however, I believe that was covered in the comments quite well, both for those who agree and disagree.
But, you again nailed it today with your post this morning. Excellent rebuttal to the comments. Thanks. Pete Robertson
BTW I linked your page on my website. http://www.rancherwriterpoet.com
I read both this and the original blog; however, I didn’t read any of the comments from the original. I can only imagine… Smh. I didn’t watch the awards nor did I see the movie, but I watched a clip of the acceptance speech after all the hoopla. I wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts yesterday, for I had the exact same thoughts myself. Thanks for putting it out there.
Melissa, I “got it”. I share your passion that the gospel speaks for itself apart from any of our attempts to prove it. I have the same concerns about a movie coming out at Easter. Not in anyway trying to discredit the story behind the book/movie about Heaven. Just thinking God’s Word legitimizes the reality of it, not someone’s experience. But I guess that is another can of worms.
I discovered your blog after reading yesterday’s post. I have to admit when I saw everyone exclaiming MC’s virtues I also wondered what God thought of Magic Mike. 😉 I didn’t see the movie, but I know enough about it to know it would make me blush! I think Matthew is probably a great guy and I think your post was right on target. Thanks for writing it. I enjoyed reading it.
You were not alone in the criticism- I was immediately chastised with a scripture (at least 🙂 ) when I shared it on my Facebook. I was surprised and shocked that people can share all sorts of crazy things but the moment I shared something I agreed with for the same reasons you wrote it, I am suddenly being judgmental. People need to wake up- there will be a lot of disillusioned people one day and as Christians I believe that God has called us to stand up and separate right from wrong for others who are believers to see. You were just one of the few brave ones who did it in such an open and public way. The minute I got the scripture response of Matthew 7:1-3 I took the post off my wall because I just didn’t know how to respond to that. So, thank you for the follow-up!
Isn’t calling someone judgmental . . . judgmental?
When criticism comes that means you struck some sort of truth and that you did! As Christians our actions must precede our words. You pointed that out eloquently. Well done!
Thank you for your honesty and directness. The truth is painful for a lot of people. I think that the reason your post was so popular yesterday was because so many people valued what you had to say. Don’t apologize for that. God used you as His voice and messenger. There is nothing wrong with that. I pray that someone’s eyes were opened because of what you shared. It may have been just the catalyst that someone needed to understand the truth.
Thank you! I am so happy to hear someone share the same opinion I have regarding this speech. Yes, he thanked God and yes that is exciting. However, like you I am not convinced. The characters he frequently plays in movies do not portray a godly man. He regularly used the Lord’s name in vain in his movies even when it is not necessary (not that it is ever necessary), but you get the point. As Christians, we are blinded by small moments when an entertainer sides with us by thanking God. One side note to consider is “What god are they thanking?” As Christians, we know we serve the one true God, but many people serve different gods. Had he thanked Jesus that would have been another story. I digress.
I do not know Matthew McConaughey and I don’t know what he does behind closed doors. I do know who I see him portray in his movies and in many instances those characters do not honor God. The fact that he is ok with portraying those characters and acting out those scenes makes me question his judgement if he is a Christian.
I think what you wrote in the blog needed to be said. The people that are getting their panties in a twist are probably the ones who feel convicted about their own lives and they don’t like it one bit.
HAts off to you for stating your beliefs and standing up for them. I think you were spot on. People will always find something to throw stones at and you just got to be the subject of the day. I thought the same thing you wrote, both times. Again good job, well said. And while I don’t speak for Jesus either I’m a pretty sure he is happy that you spoke up for him!
There is a reason it struck a nerve with so many people yesterday. Judgmental sounding things usually do even when it is not the writer’s intent to sound that way. I do not disagree with the point you are attempting to make, but the way it came across certain distracts from the message. I know judging him personally wasn’t what you intended and that you had another point entirely, but judging him is how you went about it and in doing so, much of your point was lost. Just as you misinterpreted and judged his point about being a hero, you, I am sure, have been misinterpreted as well. The problem isn’t with anything he had to say. It is with people taking off with it and making a big deal with a guy saying thank you. All he intended was to say thank you. To God and to his family for their importance in his life. The problem lies with not taking it for what it was. A simple recognition of his Creator and his family. Poor guy can’t catch a break with unbelievers OR believers. Good grief.
Reblogged this on Directed Path Ministries Blog and commented:
This is Melissa’s follow-up to what she wrote yesterday. I truly appreciate her commitment to Christ and her transparency as a person.
Why do Christians statistically focus on sin? If the teachings of Jesus were TRULY followed, wouldn’t the focus be on unconditional love?
I listened to a Christian woman talk about her toddler… that the child simply needed her “spirit broken”. I was intrigued, and asked what on earth she meant by that. She went on to explain that all children are born with sin nature… that they must have their spirits broken to see the true callings of Jesus. How terribly sad.. to train someone from birth to live in fear, and constantly be thinking of terrible things as opposed to the true beauty of the world.
I think about that and then see adolescents (some as young as 7) going to church camp where they see a live reenactment of Jesus being nailed to a bloody cross, hairs being pulled from his beard, being poked by spears, a crown of thorns piercing the skin of his skull…
It deeply saddens me to think that some would chose to “protect” their children a movie, but then send them off to a camp where the main focus is crucifixion!
Why not focus on the LOVE and the resurrection?
It’s all very sad. There is so much GOOD in the world… by focusing on sin or the evils of the world, its simply just compounding the negative and giving it momentum.
Unconditional love and gratitude is what spiritual leaders taught. How can anyone exclude another or condemn another and claim to follow the path set by Jesus?
Personally, I will never choose to be a part of something that excludes so many of Gods children. No matter WHAT doctrine! It promotes nothing but war… as the blog comments yesterday so clearly demonstrate.
Taylor, there would have been no resurrection without the crucifixion. And Jesus being crucified was the greatest expression of love in the history of mankind. And you’re right, there is so much good in the world, but the only way we can increase the good in the world is by acknowledging and fighting, on a daily basis, what is evil in the world. That’s what Christians are trying to do.
Zak, you reiterated my point… How can you form GOOD from fighting?
“And Jesus being crucified was the greatest expression of love in the history of mankind.”
-How anyone may think that crucifixion could be an expression of love is beyond me. Its a form of slow and painful execution in which the victim is tied or nailed to a wooden cross and left to hang until dead. The only expression of love in the crucifixion of Jesus, was that through it all, Jesus maintained his love for ALL, no matter the torture, and no matter their belief!! He LOVED…
No where did he ever “increase the good in the world by acknowledging and fighting, on a daily basis, what is evil in the world”…
He increased the good in the world by LOVING… even those that condemned him.
If Christians are trying to “fight on a daily basis, what is evil in the world” in order to increase the good in the world, they are doing the COMPLETE OPPOSITE of what it is they are attempting to achieve.
Nothing GOOD will ever come from FIGHTING. Fighting generates fear and turmoil…
“Fear knocked at the door. Love answered and no one was there.”
Taylor, I would direct you to the good that came from FIGHTING slavery, and the good that came from FIGHTING Hitler, and the good that came from FIGHTING segregation. As Christians, we are not called to passively sit on the sidelines while evil happens.
Zak, not one of the items you just referenced were spiritual. They were all political and cultural. Those are 2 very different things, that are typically not looked highly upon by Christians when mixed.
Slavery was abolished by a law… a law that could have been made WITHOUT the biggest blood bath North America has ever seen. There is no righteousness in saying that “GOOD came from fighting slavery”. That fight saw more American deaths than any other American war.
The holocaust was brought on by Hitler who was slaughtering people in the name of their culture… their skin, hair, and eye color. It was a war about race, politics, ideology, and had almost nothing to do with religion. And MILLIONS died in that war. What GOOD is there to be said about that?
Segregation is also about race, politics, and culture… and has ZERO to do with religion. As a matter of fact, most republican Christians SUPPORTED segregation in the southern states. And no GOOD came from FIGHTING segregation. The majority of the GOOD came from public speeches made by Martin Luther King Jr., and the public (NON-VIOLENT) petitions from the youth of America (Both non violent acts of love and acceptance).
Your points on FIGHTING bringing about GOOD are false…
Zak, love is not a bag of marshmallows. The Cross was not a bag of marshmallows. It wasn’t intended to be. Jesus fought the good fight and tells us to do the same. The point of loving people is to point them back to the Saviour so that they can be drawn to repentence and salvation. Loving for the sake of loving has no substance, and bears no eternal merit.
Oops, I meant Taylor, not Zak. Sorry!
Taylor, if you really think that slavery could have been abolished by a law alone, then you clearly do not understand how strongly Southerners supported slavery. And if you think the Holocaust “had almost nothing to do with religion,” then you clearly do not understand that the majority of those killed were of one particular religion. And if you think segregation was abolished by “love and acceptance” alone, then you are, quite simply, incorrect. Anyway, we’re completely off-topic at this point. You clearly were looking for a debate about Christianity in general, and that was not my purpose in posting here. I was just trying to defend my friend, a good Christian who has been unfairly attacked by many people in these comments.
Hilary, I totally agree. Love is made meaningful through Christ. Love is about sacrifice; love is about fighting for who and what you believe in and not being afraid to lay down your life for those you love; love is so much more than simply “not judging people.”
Zak and Hilary, I appreciated both of your views. And while I have a rebuttal for both, I can sum them up with the fact that we have very different views and beliefs.
The main difference being that of Jesus.
While I believe in the love he gave us and all of the wonderful things he brought into the world in his short time here, I do not believe that he is the only way to the Lord. I do not believe in condemning others who have alternative views, I do not believe in FIGHTING in the name of your religion (whatever it may be), and I do not believe that JESUS thought all those that did not solely follow him were condemned..
I wish that all organized religions focused more on love, than sin and fighting.. and I think that all of our spiritual leaders would agree.
They were made great by the peace, serenity, and love they brought to so much upheaval in the world. Extreme Christian views focus on sin nature and fighting all those that oppose their “one way to the Lord”. It’s against everything that the Lord stands for.
If more people realized that, we would have more Mother Theresas in the world… and less ego driven blogs.
Taylor, I appreciate your views as well, but with all due respect, if we focus less on sin — our own sins and the sins that exist in the world — then we are not truly loving those who are hurt by sin. Jesus died so that we might be set free from our sins. Thus, if we were to refrain from fighting the sin that still exists in us and in the world, it would be disrespectful to the sacrifice that Jesus made. I’m a Catholic, and I don’t believe Mother Teresa ignored sin. She fought the sin that she saw in the world, on a daily basis, and that is why Catholics consider her to be a Saint.
I think your comments are the exact type of vomit that turns folks from church and Christ. We are ALL as filthy rags and none of us should be ashamed of our past when we are forgiven. Hey may be forgiven. What if his life changing moment happened the day of the Oscars? Wouldn’t you feel horrible after judging (which God specifically said not to do) a man based on his past actions? Let’s go dig around in your closet and see if you have anything unclean that could tarnish you today, alright, alright, alright? This took tremendous courage to speak so boldly about GOD in a place where doing so could drastically affect his future career. We do not know his heart and we should not pretend to do so in order to stir up some traffic to our “Christian Blog”. Why does it bother you that a man gave God credit on national television? That, my friend, is what I would be soul searching for the rest of today.
You completely missed the point of Melissa’s post. The post was about our response to MM’s speech, and how we as Christians have a tendency to place undue importance and admiration on celebrity acknowledgements of God. Melissa never said that giving credit to God bothered her. What bothered her was how Christians were responding to what MM said. And why, exactly, do you think it takes tremendous courage to thank God in a speech? The majority of Americans, even Hollywood people, believe in a god. What would take courage is for MM to profess his faith in Jesus Christ, and then to start taking roles in movies that glorify God, but that would be ridiculed by Hollywood.
I’ve gotta admit, I’ve had mixed reaction to the MM Oscar speech buzz. I’ve not seen this movie or Magic Mike, and I don’t read People, US, or any of the celebrity-following magazines. Your blog entries cleared the fog and refocused my thoughts. While I’m hopeful that MM is beginning a personal journey with Christ and is a work in progress, his celebrity does not make him valuable to the faith community. If anything, those who walk & speak of a life of faith in Christ in spite of working in Holly-world are the ones we should look up to.
We all must examine our own heart to see who or what we idolize. I think you brought clarity to an important cultural phenomenon.
Good job, Melissa. I agree with what you said and had the same thoughts when I saw what the actor had to say.
I think these posts rock! I completely agree. I don’t think you sounded judgy or came across in any negative way. Thanks for speaking the truth, even if some people don’t like it!
After reading your reply to your earlier post, I would like to simplify my ramblings on the other post. I agree with the point you are trying to make (he is not a model for my Christianity), but feel it did not have any concern for Matthew McConaughey’s soul. Basically an unsuspecting person was picked to make your point. Maybe some feel he has it coming because in their eyes he is a lost soul. But doesn’t this man deserve prayer & encouragement that all Christians need to walk daily with the Lord. No matter what this man has done in his past, God loves him and his soul is worth not tearing him down in the pursuit of opinions of his example of his Christian walk. Bottom line is that he & God know where he is in his Christian walk. We do not. I read a comment that used a lower case “g” for God yesterday basically saying his God isn’t the commenter’s God. News flash…God is God. There is only one no matter what you call him. I am not trying to offend anyone. I just have strong feelings about the Christian mission. That is to bring ALL to Christ. & I don’t believe Matthew McConaughey would be brought any closer to Christ by this blog about him. I would have made different comments had it been a general “Why do actors throw out God’s name when their lives don’t reflect him” sort of thing.
How can you call a man’s work “filth” and then go on to say that you never saw the work? Yes, that’s judgement. Even worse, it’s judgement based on second-hand information. I’m struggling with my faith right now, mainly because of the lack of compassion and love that I have experienced in my relationships with my Christian friends and family. I actually went to church this morning, and left feeling hopeful. Unfortunately, this morning a friend referred me to your original McConaughey post on this topic, and I feel that hope for my faith evaporating.
Wait…. does anyone look up to celebrities for anything but pure entertainment and hard work bc they are where they are… and that business as well as music, is a hard business to break through… some people completely lose themselves in other things (drugs, alcohol, etc..) and some pull out of that …or some never let the pressure get to them. I look up to artists (singers/musicians) when it comes to music, bc that’s what I do.. i have my “heroes” when it comes to music.. I have those I look up to, bc their music touch me in a way that made my “like” for music into a “passion”. Erykah Baddu’s voice, RunDMC’s rapping, Tupac’s honesty in his lyrics (unlike today’s crap radio rap), Frank Sinatra, & Tony Bennett… i mean, THESE people made me LOVE hip hop, r&b, jazz, classical music, etc… they’re the people I look up to bc they made it to where they wanted to through HARD work and dedication to what they believed in: MUSIC.
Are they my “idols”.. nah, just people that inspire me to write/sing/play.
So if people look up to Matthew McConaughey in that way, why is this bad?! Think some people are taking this speech wayyyy too serious. Again.. he’s acting. Why would we look down at him for characters he plays in movies.. why not look at his LIFE.. his wife, kids, household.. they might pray before each meal, pray before bed, he might read bed time stories, rub his wife’s back when she’s sick.. but no one should completely dismember his speech bc of a “character” he played in a movie.
God Bless the man for thanking the one who probably carried him through whatever struggles in life he went through & helped him come out on top of his career… how about that?!
Thank you for your follow up. It explains your reasoning. I’m not one of these people who put celebrities up on a pedestal or in awe of them when I see one. I think of them as ordinary successful people with problems like all of us have. I don’t think he was trying to be the Poster boy for Christianity! Or that he intended to be it. I take him for what its worth. A man thanking God for where he is at! Not perfect, but a man, like all of us. With problems and sin. Christian’s should not criticize him. None of US are worthy!
I happened upon your blog yesterday and I must say that I was very discouraged as a Christian. My interpretation of yesterday’s blog was that MM is unworthy to speak the name of GOD because of his past work experiences. Which lead to the thought of wow what must people think of my sin when speak of GOD! My point is we all sin but only GOD knows our heart. For all we know GOD put MM in that position to speak his name in a crowd of non believers. It just makes me think…. I wonder what people thought about some of the Bible’s actual heros like Noah (abuse of alcohol), Moses (murderer), and Rahab (prostitution). It’s a good thing they didn’t have social media. And I should say…I am a mom of three 🙂 The only t.v. I watch consists of kids shows. I have not watched a MM movie in quite a while and no he is not my hero. Those are just my thoughts and I felt a heavy burden to voice them as I never respond to blogs 🙂
Sorry you got dinged by so many yesterday. Your post was solid and sound. And I appreciated it. The church has bought into a lie that we are not to judge. Actually, ‘judging’ requires reasoning and thinking, and we are to use our brains. We don’t judge as God judges, which is condemning to death. We simply decide if something is right or wrong. And it’s wrong for Christians to ‘worship’ celebrities or anyone else. Are we that desperate to be acknowledged by Hollywood? Pretty sad state, if that’s true.
This blog is for your children to learn from you .
Will you be pleased if what they learned from the Matthew McConoughey post is that mom would not be pleased with an accomplishment I made and thanked God for unless I am living a life that she finds blameless and acceptable to her