quick thoughts

Alright, some thoughts provoked by another blog I read (http://eruntalon.blogspot.com/2008/12/little-rant.html)

Can movies and/or video games ever successfully be titled "Christian" with our standard of "Christian" behind it?

At the moment I am thinking "no." But that depends largely on the purpose of such. If the purpose of a movie is entertainment, then I don't want to watch "Facing the Giants." I am not entertained. I think it is a script which I could have written. Nothing surprising, and no sweet screen shots. However, looking at the story from a point of meaning, there is meaning. There is principle there.

So, do we watch movies for meaning/principle? Sometimes. Braveheart. Yes, it is a fantastic movie for many reasons, but I can't watch that movie without feeling saddened by the betrayal, and the broken-heartedness. What about old classics? Star Wars? We don't watch it for principle. We may draw principle from it, but it is entertainment.

Of course, everyone draws different things from different movies. I don't understand why girls would want to watch a movie they know is sad, that is going to have them all crying in the end. BUT they get together to watch it anyway. So, we all watch movies for different things, and from that perspective, it is possible to have a "Christian" movie.

Video games however are pure entertainment. Of course, they are becoming more and more of other things. Anyone seen the new cooking commercial for the handheld something (psp, or NDS). But still, video games are for entertainment. So, what is a "Christian" video game, and how do you win? By getting the most sinners into Heaven? Sounds Catholic/Pharisaical to me.

Anyway, there are my thoughts. Let me know what you think.

Merry Christmas to all, and happy new year. (Since I probably won't be back to blog in quite a while. . .just in case: Happy Valentines day!!)

Peace