by Jason Joyner | Jan 11, 2010 | arts, Avatar, Biblical worldview, Blog, community, faith, movies
I’ve seen Avatar.
So have approximately 10 billion people.
Or so it seems.
I don’t always make it to the “big” movies, unless there are talking animals or race cars involved. When I first heard about Avatar, I wasn’t all that interested in it either. Over time, the previews and early reviews changed my mind, and once it became a phenomenom, I was ready to go.
I enjoyed the movie a lot. The visuals were striking and immersive. It certainly was memorable. The story in my opinion, as many others, was recycled and preachy in a not so subtle (or accurate) way. Still, I appreciated my time in Pandora.
Apparently not as much as the people in this CNN article. The title for the article is “Audiences Experience ‘Avatar’ Blues.” It quotes people as saying they so longed to live like the Na’vi (the tall blue skinned aliens in the movie, if you weren’t one of the 10 billion) or in a beautiful place like Pandora (their Eden-like planet) that it depressed them.
Some thought there was no reason to go on, since humans have pretty much trashed Earth at this point, and there’s no way to reverse things. A couple of the people contemplated suicide, as everything seemed “meaningless” since watching Avatar. One wanted to “escape reality.” Another thought if he killed himself, he’d be “rebirthed” in a place similar to Pandora.
Thankfully those quoted have seemed to find a little comfort in online fan communities for Avatar. I was surprised by the depth of feeling that people had in the article.
Perhaps according to my friend Becky Miller, I shouldn’t have.
She’s been posting for over a week on the movie. She enjoyed the movie as well, but had concerns that Christians weren’t showing discernment over the worldview espoused in the movie (panentheism, slightly different from pantheism).
I certainly agreed with her over the need for discernment. Nothing comes from a vacuum – James Cameron has a certain worldview, and whether he is actively promoting it or thinks he isn’t, it is still going to come out. Christians (and everyone really) should realize this and use a little analysis when doing anything from voting to watching movies. You won’t convince me that is “is just entertainment.”
Still, she and I debated somewhat in the comments of one post. I suggested that Christians take the movie as a “Mars Hill” moment (the time when Paul, visiting Athens, used the idol to the “Unknown God” to explain Christianity to the pagan philosophers). There are certainly some aspects of the movie that can be used as conversation starters, even if the thrust of the movie is contrary to a Christian world view.
After reading this CNN article, I’m a little more disturbed. I don’t think James Cameron’s intent was having people take his movie quite so seriously, but Holy Unobtanium, Batman!
I think I’ll take up some of these thoughts in the next post or two…
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by Jason Joyner | Aug 13, 2007 | Blog, blogging, community, more blogging
My 15 year old nephew gave me a funny look on Saturday when I showed him how many people visit my blog via MapStats.
“I don’t get why people blog. That’s something I’ll never do.”
I didn’t smack him because he is 15 and has a big mouth, (actually, I don’t know what came over me – I usually take any or even no excuse to smack him) instead I shook my head at his lack of understanding.
It is pretty amazing how the blogosphere can create friendships. I guess I shouldn’t be amazed. I’m a computer geek and have done chatting, forums, etc. Anyway, I wanted to highlight a few new blogs that I’ve come to enjoy so we can all be one big happy family. Or drive each other nuts. Wait, isn’t that the same thing…
OK, on with the introductions:
Marcus Goodyear at Goodwordediting has good writing and business tips along with spiritual insight. He is a professional editor, so he knows his stuff and is worth checking out.
Mark Harbeson at Utter Drivel seems like he could be my twin – except that he likes the Philadelphia Eagles, so that would make him my evil twin (Go Cowboys!). He’s got a cute family and blogs about life and such.
Nicole Petrino-Salter over at Into the Fire. This is totally complimentary: she is like a prophetic voice to the world of Christian fiction, sometimes pointing out inconsistencies with the way CBA business is run and Kingdom living. Her posts are passionate and challenging.
Heather Goodman at L’Chaim (with a brand new look – way cool Heather!). Her writing is like a refreshing breeze to me. She describes herself as loving to twirl and dance on her smooth concrete floor. Her blog captures that joyful abandon IMO.
D. G. D. Davidson at SciFi Catholic. I don’t always agree with him (who said you always had to agree?). However, he always has intelligent posts and is great read. Guest posts by Snuffles the Dragon are worth the price of admission.
Hanna Sandvig at Hanna’s Life Is Cool. She’s another artistic type with interesting viewpoints. Make a point to check out her gallery of original art. Very nice work (I wish I could draw…).
These are some new folks I’m making a point to check out. Don’t forget about the “classics” – the folks in the sidebar on the right (Becky, you’re a “classic” now). When I get time these new friends will join the sidebar, but I wanted to showcase them today. Good stuff all around.
by Jason Joyner | Aug 13, 2007 | Blog, blogging, community, more blogging
My 15 year old nephew gave me a funny look on Saturday when I showed him how many people visit my blog via MapStats.
“I don’t get why people blog. That’s something I’ll never do.”
I didn’t smack him because he is 15 and has a big mouth, (actually, I don’t know what came over me – I usually take any or even no excuse to smack him) instead I shook my head at his lack of understanding.
It is pretty amazing how the blogosphere can create friendships. I guess I shouldn’t be amazed. I’m a computer geek and have done chatting, forums, etc. Anyway, I wanted to highlight a few new blogs that I’ve come to enjoy so we can all be one big happy family. Or drive each other nuts. Wait, isn’t that the same thing…
OK, on with the introductions:
Marcus Goodyear at Goodwordediting has good writing and business tips along with spiritual insight. He is a professional editor, so he knows his stuff and is worth checking out.
Mark Harbeson at Utter Drivel seems like he could be my twin – except that he likes the Philadelphia Eagles, so that would make him my evil twin (Go Cowboys!). He’s got a cute family and blogs about life and such.
Nicole Petrino-Salter over at Into the Fire. This is totally complimentary: she is like a prophetic voice to the world of Christian fiction, sometimes pointing out inconsistencies with the way CBA business is run and Kingdom living. Her posts are passionate and challenging.
Heather Goodman at L’Chaim (with a brand new look – way cool Heather!). Her writing is like a refreshing breeze to me. She describes herself as loving to twirl and dance on her smooth concrete floor. Her blog captures that joyful abandon IMO.
D. G. D. Davidson at SciFi Catholic. I don’t always agree with him (who said you always had to agree?). However, he always has intelligent posts and is great read. Guest posts by Snuffles the Dragon are worth the price of admission.
Hanna Sandvig at Hanna’s Life Is Cool. She’s another artistic type with interesting viewpoints. Make a point to check out her gallery of original art. Very nice work (I wish I could draw…).
These are some new folks I’m making a point to check out. Don’t forget about the “classics” – the folks in the sidebar on the right (Becky, you’re a “classic” now). When I get time these new friends will join the sidebar, but I wanted to showcase them today. Good stuff all around.
