6 Comments

As someone who has also not seen the movie, for the same reasons you mention, I’m just curious — did you ever watch it?

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I have seen almost all of the film, edited for television. My research folder -- online now -- on the topic is still alive.

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Something that came to mind while reading this was why do we have to quote the movie? Direct the sermon/teaching toward the root of the problem, not the weeds growing out of it. We can even reference the movie as the impetus for the subject matter, tell them a cultural nerve has been struck “so let’s dig in the scripture and find some solutions.” I think there are ways to discuss the issues without having to deal with the sticky floor of the metroplex.

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"Reference the movie"? Yes, the key is to let people know that you listened to their concerns. In some films, there may be one or two lines of dialogue worth repeating -- to capture the question the film is raising. Billy Graham, in the pulpit, would sometimes do that.

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I graduated from Denver Seminary, I wish I had been able to cross paths with you. I’m glad I found this substack at Rod Dreher’s suggestion.

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When were you there? Thank you for these kind words. Does Substack have a way to write me privately through this format? I am a newbe. If not, write me at @tweetmattingly or at tmatt@tmatt.net

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