So this is it. It's really starting to sink in now that I've started packing. First off, that I have way too much stuff. But mostly just the reality of moving so far away from home. I have said my good byes to my friends and most of my family. I missed some but you can't win them all I guess. It's gotten me thinking about what I hope to achieve in all this and I think I have an idea.
Over the last several years I have become increasingly disillusioned with pop Christian culture, particularly the media aspect. Movies and music alike have a narrow vision, often preach to the choir and are often times of sub par quality. Movies like Fireproof may have a positive message for those that need Christ's love but how many non-Christians would go see it? What non-Christian will buy a Casting Crowns album (especially if their Christian friends are pirating the album anyways, but that's another topic)?
When I applied to LAFSC, there was an essay question that said "What is a Christian's role in Hollywood?" I replied that Christians should be leading the way. Christian films should be the best films out there. Ones that make you think and ask questions. Oscar nominated stuff. Instead we produce low quality stuff that people don't really want to see, besides the occasional church visitor that happened to be there the day the pastor told his congregation to go see it.
I was recently turned on to a former NBC show called "Kings". It was unfortunately axed after just 12 episodes this spring, but this is a truly remarkable show. For those that have not heard about it, or maybe were misinformed about it (the ads were poorly done), I will sum it up for you. The show is literally the story of David and King Saul, but set in modern times. There is a little bit of artistic license for the sake of good television but it is surprisingly accurate to the real Biblical narrative. It has an incredible cast with some top notch writing but there is also extensive talk of God and he carries a very real presence in the show (protecting David, among other things).After watching this show I had an overwhelming desire to read the Biblical story and see how it compared, what other subtleties I had missed out on. I hope to someday have a Bible study group look at the show as I think it can promote good discussion. Now I can't say for sure that this was the creator of the show's intention, but if it was he succeeded.
This is the kind of stuff I want to make. Stuff that can be present in the mainstream media, acclaimed by critics and make people think important thoughts. Stuff that can make people do active things like go to church or pick up a Bible. The United States, contrary to popular belief, is hungry spiritually. I think the "Passion" movie proved that without a doubt. People that had never set foot in a church were suddenly thrust into the very heart of the story of Christ.
I don't know what God has in store for me in California (though as I've said before, I know he has something for me or he wouldn't be calling me there). But I pray it is having a hand in revolutionizing what I see as a flawed industry. This is what I have a heart for. This is what I want to do.
This will be my final entry from my house in Shoreview. Once I get to California you can all expect more frequent (though perhaps shorter) updates so make sure you check back often. Ciao!
Luke's Pick:
I have decided to include this section with some of my updates, starting with this one. For those that have trouble finding movies or television shows to watch, I will be using this section to make some suggestions that I think anyone who reads this will enjoy. This week, since it ties in so well with my entry, I am suggesting the tv series "Kings". Check it out on Hulu.com/kings, or on DVD September 29th.
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