Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Of peacocks, hawks, doves and dodos

A parody from Saturday Night Live (SNL) is causing a commotion (publicity/marketing ploy) as Academy Award Sunday approaches, coinciding (this year) with the beginning of the solemn Christian period of observance known as Lent.

One of the movies up this year for multiple awards is "Django Unchained" by Quentin Tarantino.

Someone over at SNL thought it a clever play on words, etc., in the context of the Hollywood "scene" which; strangely enough, is not for everyone.

Such reckless, careless disregard (goofiness) has, sadly, become common place.

Our friend, Dr. Frank Kaufmann writes more on that, including essential reflections and a recent disturbing revelation regarding double standards here.

Christianity, particularly among the liberal elite (self-described) of Hollywood would seem to be an easy target these days, particularly when one looks closely at what its own adherents (or proponents) have brought forth in the last few years.

Standing alone (oddly) or perhaps most notably in that category, affiliation or label ("Christian") is Mel Gibson - AND - his "Passion of the Christ."

As a self-proclaimed proponent of religious freedom, I thought it might be worth looking at Hollywood, Christianity and certain themes intertwining (not always or necessarily entertaining) and ask a few new questions, upon brief reflection:

1. Why has "Passion of the Christ" apparently become a joke (at least) in Hollywood?

2. What exactly defines a "religion of peace" in our modern world? And will "one size" ever fit all?

3. Why (or how) is cinema relevant to "true" religion?  Is it?

4. When is freedom of expression more important than freedom of religion? Or is it?

A certain recent event at the Libyan embassy comes to mind.

And so it goes.



Roelant Savery - Landscape with Birds