And–think about this–to what extent, and through what process, are we able to overcome our culture-bound perspective?

With all this in mind, here is a clip from a movie I walked out of at the theatre. Nevertheless, I think this scene satirically skewers consumer-religion in a pretty powerful way.

NOTICE: This clip contains two mild swear words. You will, and should, find the attitudes displayed offensive. But the question to ask is: to what extent does this overblown portrayal hit the nail on the head when it comes to American consumer-religion.

Here’s another example:

Sacramento theater director resigns in Prop. 8 aftermath

November 13, 2008

More Prop. 8 fallout

Scott Eckern, the Sacramento theater director whose political donation in support of California’s Prop. 8 ban on same-sex marriage turned into a lightning rod in the debate over gay rights, resigned Wednesday, saying he wanted to protect the California Musical Theatre, his artistic home since 1984, from further controversy.

Word of Eckern’s $1,000 donation — publicly reported under state elections law — spread rapidly on the Internet last week, and Eckern drew criticism from some prominent stage artists, including Tony Award-winning composer Marc Shaiman (”Hairspray”) and Jeff Whitty, the “Avenue Q” librettist.

“I am disappointed that my personal convictions have cost me the opportunity to do what I love the most,” Eckern, the nonprofit stage company’s artistic director since 2003, said in a written statement. By resigning, he said he hoped to “help the healing in the local theatergoing and creative community.”

– Mike Boehm

What do you think?

When we met this morning, Herm showed me something the Lord had laid on his heart. Both of us have felt burdened to pray for the upcoming election, as have many of you. In this prayer strategy, Herm wisely points us to pray for the RIGHT THINGS, not to focus on individuals, but on strongholds. I want to share this with you and encourage you to share it with others.

Gideon’s Army

Overall guidance for our battle plan is found in Eph. 6: 11-12 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle with flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places. II Cor. 10: 3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God to the pulling down of strong holds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

As you can see we aren’t going to single out candidates to come against or, to push others into office. There are two areas of prayer. (1) Expose the world system at work in this election process and awakening America’s conscience (2) The Christians in our nation who maybe mislead by hype and lofty glowing words which are deceptive and seductive. We will earnestly pray for the light of truth to prevail in both areas.

Exercise faith that not only will your prayers be heard but also answered. And also we don’t want our prayers hindered by sin, withholding forgiveness or broken relationships.

(A) We will start with the system. Jude 16 “There are grumblers walking according to their own lust and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.” WE WANT TO AWAKEN AMERICA’S CONSCIENCE BY ASSUALTING THE FOLLOWING STRONGHOLDS. Deceit, hypocrisy, cheating, antichrist attitudes, harm to those who seek to live righteously as elected officials, murder of the innocent, violation of the God ordained family, malicious slander, lying, stealing, deeds done in darkness (giving and receiving bribes), activities coming out of hearts darkened with sin, betrayal, all secret alliances with enemies of the cross for political or financial gain..

Pray that all who practice these things will be exposed by in the light of Divine judgment. And their words and deeds will be shouted from the housetops!

AT THE SAME TIME WE WILL ASK FOR BLESSING AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THOSE WHO WALK IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, TRUTH, INTEGRITY, FORGIVING THEIR ENEMIES AND LETTING THEIR LIGHT SHINE IN THIS PUBLIC FORUM.

Hi All! We’re going to be releasing Consumers or Creators this month! I’m writing to my faithful blogfriends to ask a favor: Help us get the word out! One of the best ways you can do this is by picking up a copy yourself. Give the video and small group curriculum a run through and then help us get it into as many small groups as possible.

From beginning to end, we’ve seen the Lord’s hand at work in this production. We’ve had so many people help us get this idea off the ground, into production, and finally packaged (soon to be done!). We need to thank those who gave their time and talent to making it happen. Kevin and Sherry Harney, two of the top small group authors in the country, wrote the curriculum for free. Josh, our camera guy and editor, shared his artistic vision and know-how. Stevens Associates, an advertising firm, provided free art design and layout. And so many others!

Now…we need you!

For a description of the product and several excerpts from the video, see the sidebar to your right.

Now…remembering what that word “abortion” describes, consider this: