Tribute to Will Ryan (My Top 20 Favorite Eugene-centered AIO Episodes)

 One of my favorite shows is the radio drama Adventures in Odyssey (AIO).  The shows range from simple slice-of-life stories to more intense action/adventure stories.  I've been listening since I was five, and in a lot of ways my appreciation for it has only grown since then.  And one of the best loved characters on the show was Eugene Meltsner, Odyssey's resident genius.  He was voiced by the immensely talented Will Ryan.

Sadly, Mr. Ryan just recently passed away, and I was heartbroken to hear that the man who had brought so much joy to my life was now gone.  So, I wanted to do something to pay my respects.  I thought it would be nice to give my top 20 favorite episodes that focus on Eugene, or at least have him as a main character in the story.

This list was very hard to put together because he's been on the show since 1988, and there are so many great Eugene stories.  As such, if you're an Odyssey fan, there are probably many episodes that you love that didn't make my cut.  Here are some honorable mentions:

A License to Drive (from Album #14:  Meanwhile, in Another Part of Town...), Back to Bethlehem (from Album #10:  Other Times, Other Places), Prisoners of Fear (from Album #45:  Lost and Found), The Right Choice (from Album #28:  Welcome Home), Truth Trivia and Trina, Naturally I Assumed...(both from Album #19:  Passport to Adventure), It Ended with a Handshake (from Album #20:  A Journey of Choices), and The Turning Point (from Album #24:  Risks and Rewards)

Now, on to the list...

20.  A New Era (from Album #49:  The Sky's the Limit)

This episode comes at the end of a long story arc of Eugene searching for his long lost father, Leonard.  Having finally found him and gotten rid of a dangerous man who was hunting Leonard, it seems everything is great now.  But then Leonard starts recalling his own failures as a father during Eugene's childhood, not the least of which was trying to pressure his wife into an abortion when he first discovered she was pregnant!  Eugene ends up having to save his father's life, giving up his kidney in a risky surgery during the story, and this just makes Leonard feel all the more guilty.  He finally comes clean to Eugene, who is hurt at first, but still ultimately forgives his father, knowing that's not the man he is now.  It's this decision that influences his stubborn father to finally accept Christ, after having debated about God with Eugene in previous episodes.  Eugene's seemingly otherworldly understanding is just one of the things that makes him so cool.

19.  A Christmas Conundrum (Album #45:  Lost and Found)

Granted, this one is more of an ensemble piece than specifically a Eugene story, but he shines so much at the end, I have to mention this one!  This episode concerns a big Christmas mix-up over who is giving which gift to whom.  I'll try to explain:  Mr. Whittaker (Whit) wants to get Connie Kendall a car for Christmas, but he asks Eugene to find out which one she wants.  This leads Connie to believe Eugene is getting her the car, so she wants to get him something expensive, too.  She decides to get him a stereo he wants, but asks Tom Riley to pick it up for her.  Eugene sees Tom picking it up and assumes Tom is getting him the stereo.  He then asks Whit to find out what kind of expensive gift Tom might like.  Tom answers he could use a better vacuum cleaner and of course thinks Whit is giving it to him, and he decides to buy Whit an expensive watch that Connie was going to get for him before cancelling it to buy Eugene's stereo.  Get all that?  I hope so, I'm not repeating it.  Anyway, they all exchange their gifts, learning the truth and becoming embarrassed that their gifts don't equal what the other person gave them.  Whit tells them that Christmas isn't about trying to make everything fair, but giving something from the heart.  After all, what could we give back to Jesus that equals His gift to us?  Nobody takes the lesson to heart more than Eugene, who gives a young poor boy named Grady his stereo to take home to his family for Christmas.  That gets me every time....Odyssey never deserved you, Eugene!  I'm not crying, you are....just go to the next episode!

18.  Flash Flood (from Album 15:  A Place of Wonder)

In this one, Eugene goes on a camping trip in the mountains with Whit, Tom, and Bernard Walton.  Neither Tom nor Bernard are particularly pleased to have Eugene along, as he's not exactly outdoorsy, and brings along a lot of equipment they believe to be unnecessary.  But, it's not long before Tom is thanking both Eugene and God that he was so prepared as a flash flood strikes where they're camping (hence the title) and Eugene uses his equipment to save a trapped Tom.  Tom learns to accept Eugene more and about the value of being prepared.  

17.  Connie (from Album #3:  Heroes)

The main focus of this episode is Connie becoming a Christian.  But I have to include it here as it is Eugene's first episode, and you know what, I'll just let this amazing introduction speak for itself:

Eugene:  You know there are more efficient ways to let you know a customer has come in than the employment of that small bell above the door.

Whit:  Probably.  Are you a salesman?

Eugene:  No sir.  My name is Eugene Meltsner.  I'm a science student, and might I add in all modesty, a recognized genius of the Campbell County Community College.  Whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?

Whit:  Um, I'm John Whittaker, and this is Tom Riley.

Tom:  Howdy.

Eugene:  *chuckles*  Howdy, an abbreviated form of the phrase "how do you do?" or in the older English, "how do you fare?"  In answer, Tom, I fare well, thank you!

So Eugene begins working at Whit's End and immediately automates all the machines there.  The kids aren't too happy and Whit has to teach Eugene that Whit's End is more about the people than the inventions.  Eugene gets the message and undoes everything.  This is a big key in his development toward a more empathetic character, and Whit also later uses a variation on his ideas with the computer, MABEL, but we'll get to that....

16.  The Cross of Cortes (from Album #12:  At Home and Abroad)

Yes, the one where Eugene is chased by the bull!  In this one, Eugene records his and Whit's trip to Mexico to assist a missionary friend's search for a valuable cross rumored to have special powers.  It becomes very Indiana Jones-esque as they encounter other ruthless people after the cross and make their way through some dangerous locations to get to it.  Of course, the cross doesn't actually have supernatural power on its own (Focus on the Family is still waiting for their royalty check, Veggietales' Minnesota Cuke!) and a lesson is learned about where we place our faith.  I like that they point out that, in addition to it being wrong for the villain to want it for power, it is also wrong for the missionary, Dan Isidro, to want it to try to win souls for Christ, as magical conversion is, of course, not what God is all about.  An important lesson, and an important step in Eugene's journey toward faith!

15.  Thy Kingdom Come (from Album #17:  On Earth As it is in Heaven)

Another big step in Eugene's faith journey.  Eugene is reluctant to help Whit with a Kids' Radio program about the Kingdom of Heaven, as he's just had a traumatic experience with a life after death simulation in the Imagination Station (you bet your life I'll be talking about that in another entry!).  But Connie discovers he actually has been looking into into Christianity and isn't sure what he wants to do about it.  This episode also contains a very powerful moment:

Eugene:  I think I want to believe, but I need help with my unbelief.

Whit:  Eugene, that's as good a start as any!

14.  Train Ride (from The Lost Episodes)

A bit more of a lighthearted one.  The reason this one is included in the Lost Episodes is because, even though it does still air as part of the syndication on the radio, it was never included in a regular album.  Apparently, some parents were upset that an apparent murder that takes place might be too intense for younger listeners.  I can't say too much about this one without giving away the twists, and this is one you should hear on your own.  Suffice it to say this is a fun, offbeat mystery/comedy episode that shows us a new side of Eugene!

13.  Suspicious Minds (from Album #8:  Beyond Expectations)

Another funny mystery.  Cash goes missing from the register at Whit's End, and both Eugene and Connie go to hilarious lengths to try to catch the thief, eventually even suspecting each other!  This is where we first hear that as a child Eugene once put a trap on his parents' refrigerator to help them diet.

Bernard:  You must have been a joy to have around as a child.

Actually, this is also one of my favorite Bernard episodes as well, as he knows what both Eugene and Connie are up to and can only sit back and laugh at their ridiculousness.  All of this combines to make it one of Odyssey's most hilarious episodes and a real classic.

12.  Last In a Long Line (from Album #10:  Other Times, Other Places)

This is the first in the mystery surrounding Eugene's family, though the search for his father wouldn't continue for several more years.  In this one, Eugene discovers his father's name on a grave near Odyssey and can't understand how it got there, until he discovers his grandfather, Hiram, might still be living nearby!  It's a bittersweet episode on the importance of your heritage, even if you don't have the best history with your family.  This is also where Eugene discovers that another Odyssey character is a distant relative, whether that person likes it or not!

11.  Feud for Thought (from Album #14:  Meanwhile, in Another Part of Town...)

Sort of picking up where the last one left off, Bernard invites Eugene to come with him to his family reunion.  But trouble starts when they find that Bernard's grandfather, Borealis, has a long-standing grudge against Eugene's grandfather, Hiram.  Eugene then goes on a journey to find out if the grudge is warranted and, if so, how he can make it up.  Another good lesson on respecting your heritage and a cautionary tale of what bitterness can do to family.  Also, my favorite character to be paired with Eugene remains Bernard Walton, any episode with them is gold!  Speaking of which...

10.  Room Mates (from Album 12:  At Home and Abroad)

Eugene's dorm room is being fumigated, so he's invited to stay with Bernard, as his wife is out of town.  What follows are all the odd couple shenanigans you would expect, as both of them push each other toward the edge of their sanity and must learn to get along.  It's just a great setup, having these two live under the same roof.  We also get one of those tough love scenes from Whit that became less common after his original voice, Hal Smith, died, which is always a plus.

9.  The Eugene Returns trilogy:  A Most Intriguing Question, A Most Surprising Answer, and A Most Extraordinary Conclusion (from Album #44:  Eugene Returns)

After discovering his new revolutionary research, the radio wave study, was being used for nefarious purposes by an evil company called Andromeda, Eugene went on the lam.  And even after the story line, which became known as the Novacom Saga, ended, Eugene still stayed gone for a few years to make sure he was safe.  When he finally returned, of course had amnesia and had to relearn who all of his friends from Odyssey are.  Easily one of the most heartbreaking parts of the series.  Hearing Eugene back after all that time he had been absent from the show was a joy, even if the circumstances weren't great.  And the journey he goes on, recalling every classic moment he spent with Whit, Connie, Tom, Bernard, and his wife, Katrina, is still just as emotional every time I hear it.

8.  Gone... (from Album #21:  Wish You Were Here)

One of the saddest episodes in the show's entire history.  Eugene and Bernard had been on a road trip across the country for the last few episodes.  They come back to find out that Whit is about to leave Odyssey to assist with an archaeological dig in the Middle East.  Eugene tries to catch Whit before he flies over so he can say goodbye, but he is unsuccessful.  The episode is even sadder knowing that the reason for this episode is that Hal Smith, the original voice of Whit, had died recently, and this was their way of keeping Whit off the show for awhile.  Eugene gets a letter at the end from Whit letting him know that "the best is yet to come," which is now all the more poignant now that Will Ryan is also no longer with us.  This episode and the next one, ...But Not Forgotten, have the characters learning to cope with the loss of Odyssey's most loved citizen, and you can tell the actors are trying not to cry learning to live without Hal.  Always emotional, but a good way to discuss death with your kids without being too heavy-handed.

7.  Dead Ends (from Album #46:  A Date with Dad and Other Calamities)

Another in the saga of Eugene's search for his father.  He begins to despair of ever finding him and even wonders if his father even wants to see him.  But after a visit with his foster parents, the Burnetts, he learns that God really does provide for us, as he's always had a father figure when he needed one.  In the very heart-tugging final scene, Eugene tells Whit that God first gave him his biological father, Leonard, then his foster father, Mr. Burnett, and finally...Whit.  Since Eugene came to Odyssey, Whit has been like Eugene's father.  We all knew it, but to hear Eugene finally say it really gets the waterworks going.

6.  Eugene and Bernard's Road Trip Saga (from Album 21:  Wish You Were Here)

This is where Odyssey's odd couple took a trip across the country together and had lots of adventures.  In "First Hand Experience," they first start out travelling separately, then have to help each other out of various jams, until they ultimately decide to travel together.  You truly never know who your friends are, until you need them.  In "Second Thoughts," they help settle a dispute in Iowa between a father and son, since they can relate to them.  The father is more mechanically minded, while the son is more into computers.  Then we get the comical "Third Degree" where Bernard goes to jail for a traffic ticket and Eugene meets a group of people just like him.  Eugene decides that he is willing to give up the acceptance of this new echo chamber he's found and stick with those he loves in Odyssey, which is really cool.  "It Happened at Four Corners" gives us a mash-up of the comedy classic It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and the silent film Greed as Eugene and Bernard are supposedly struck with gold fever at Four Corners.  Finally, we get The Fifth House on the Left (see a pattern forming here?) where Eugene and Bernard encounter Hollywood people and see what can happen to those who create artificial worlds for themselves when a devastating earthquake strikes.  A really fun time with Eugene and Bernard, as both undergo a lot of character development, and they're both thankful for the adventure in the end.

5.  Blind Justice (from Album 27:  The Search for Whit)

A retelling of 12 Angry Men has Eugene and Bernard on the same jury to decide the fate of a young man accused of burglary.  Like the classic story it's based on, everyone else would love to deliver a fast verdict and leave.  But with Eugene there, that's not an option.  He insists on going over every detail to make absolutely sure of the young man's guilt or innocence, slowly winning everyone over to reasonable doubt and exposing the bias of one particularly stubborn juror.  His fight for the truth helps ensure the defendant gets a truly fair trial, and Eugene earns Bernard's respect for it.

4.  Eugene's Dilemma (from Album #5:  Daring Deeds, Sinister Schemes)

After Whit showed Eugene the aforementioned central computer, MABEL, he and Connie both get fired for messing with a forbidden program on it called Applesauce.  Eugene takes a new job at the college computer department and uncovers a grade changing racket masterminded by a counselor at the school named Richard Maxwell, who becomes a lackey of Odyssey's main villain, Dr. Regis Blackgaard.  He's using a young boy at the college named Nicholas to do it, and Eugene decides to take the blame for the problem to keep Nicholas out of trouble.  Luckily, Nicholas defends Eugene at the last minute, and Eugene's sacrificial behavior earns him back Whit's respect and trust.  To see Eugene go to bat for someone like that is always cool, and to have Whit accept him once again is even better!

3.  Poor Loser (from Album #30:  Through Thick and Thin)

This is a totally biased ranking, I just think this one is really funny.  Eugene has always fancied himself the most intellectual person around. Consequentally, he can't handle it when Bernard consistently beats him at chess.  Adding insult to injury, he does it with no apparent strategy!  Eugene's state of disorient when Connie and Whit go to check on him is easily one of the show's funniest scenes.

2.  The Mortal Coil (from Album #16:  Flights of Imagination)

I submit this as the most emotionally intense episode of the whole show.  I was definitely not ready for it as a kid.  Whit decides to see if he can invent an Imagination Station adventure that simulates life after death.  The point is to show that death is nothing to be afraid of for a Christian.  Unfortunately, when Whit goes inside and reunites with people he's lost like his wife, Jenny, and his son, Jerry, he doesn't want to leave and goes into a coma.  This leads to one of two of the most emotional scenes as Tom pleads in the hospital for Whit to come back and not try to glimpse things he shouldn't see yet.  "As believers, we may long for Heaven, but we're to remain here as servants, until the Master calls us."  I'm getting emotional just writing about this, so let's move right along.  Eugene also decides to test the program out, but not being a Christian yet, he sees what is basically a vision of hell.  His conversation with Connie discussing the horrors he witnessed is the other big emotional scene and beyond haunting to a young boy like I was when I first heard it.  This is arguably the biggest development toward Eugene's eventual salvation and it even has the guts to end on a cliffhanger as Eugene debates what to do with this experience!  (Don't worry, Whit's okay, though...)

1.  The Time Has Come (from Album #25:  Darkness Before Dawn)

If you're an Odyssey fan, this is probably the exact episode you were expecting to take the top spot.  I'm sorry to be so predictable, but I have to be honest with myself, and this is by far Eugene's most important episode.  At this point in the series, Eugene feels he's been stripped of everything important to him.  Whit is still in the Middle East, Katrina has left Odyssey, and Whit's End has been shut down by the weasel Philip Glossman, working under Dr. Blackgaard.  But the wise Jack Allen tells him that it is good that all of his distractions are now gone, as "the time has come" to make a decision regarding Jesus.  Eugene decides to reexamine his life in Odyssey through the Imagination Station and sees how it has all brought him to this point.  With Jack, Connie, Bernard, and Tom as witnesses, Eugene finally makes the best decision of his life and accepts Jesus Christ as his Savior.

And with that, I wish Will Ryan a fond RIP.  Hopefully, some day, I will be able to tell him how much he's meant to me.  And if you haven't heard any of these episodes, do yourself a favor and check them out.  Mr. Ryan was truly a talent unparalleled.  God rest your soul, sir, the world won't be the same without you!

Groupthink Is The Enemy Of Truth

What is groupthink?  A quick Google search defines it as "the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility."  That's a pretty good sum-up I would say.  And it is a big problem that I see in our society today.  

I've been thinking about it a lot lately.  I think it all started when my school started performing the play, The Crucible.

For those of you who don't know it, it's about the Salem Witch Trials that took place during Puritan-era America.  A group of girls are caught doing things they shouldn't in the woods, and to cover up for their sins, they take advantage of the village's fear of El Diablo by calling out people as witches.  And to keep up the charade, they must keep lying about more and more people, with one vengeful little shrew, Abigail Williams. using her power as a way to get to her married crush, John Proctor.  And there's this other jerk who uses it to get ahold of people's land, too, and it's all quite maddening. 

I've read the play and seen the movie a couple times, so I am quite familiar with the story.  And I know it's symbolic of the McCarthy era and all that.  But seeing it performed here by people I know kind of drove it home more that this play is still extremely relevant today, with people who jump on bandwagons, whether out of fear or hunger for power.  

Two lines that really stuck out to me:  One has to do with how we should take Rev. Parris' word for everything.  Because if he's an ordained minister, surely he must be a man of God, right?  Well, not this time.  Turns out he loves having power over the community as well and only tires of the affair when Abigail's treachery finally bites him in the ass late in the play.  Sadly, I do see this happening now.  Yes, I'm going to call out my own people here and say that Christians are just as guilty, if not more so, than others of groupthink.  I hate to keep beating this dead horse, but Christian media is a big part of it.  Whenever some studio craps out a lazy movie, we're told to support it because if it's Christian, it must be good!  I also see it as it pertains to people or politics.  I don't think a lot of people are aware that there are political issues that you can feel differently than all your friends about.  Obviously, if you're a Christian, there are some issues that it's impossible to not take sides on, but there are a lot of neutral ones.  But a lot of people don't see this because at some point in their lives they start to confuse Christianity with patriotism and say that if you don't agree with them, you're not only a bad citizen, but a bad follower of Christ.  Like, really?  And I have had occasion where I've questioned the legitimacy of something a church had going on, and someone told me that if it's Catholic, I should believe it!  That's not an interpretation or summary of what this person said either, they said exactly that!  And it really both saddens and angers me because the old-time Catholics believed that Christians should be free and logical thinkers instead of just blind sheep because we need both faith and reason.  Check out some Aquinas or C.S. Lewis if you want something more recent.  Their work is fascinating in explaining why they believe what they believe.  But the difference between them and the modern mob mentality is that they tell you what has led them to accept these things as true, instead of just following what someone else said.  These days, people just go with it and throw out reason, whether out of fear or arrogance, I don't know.

The other quote that stuck in my mind kind of goes back to what I was saying about Christianity vs. Patriotism.  They said at one point that if you're a good Christian, you must accept the word of the court as true.  No.  Just, so much no in this.  Following your faith does not always mean following the law.  I know the Bible commands us to obey and respect authority and everything, but that doesn't mean we should always accept the law as right and worth obeying without any questioning.  I'm a Christian who thinks taxation is theft and socialized healthcare is a horrible, horrible idea.  There are actually those who would say I can't claim to follow Jesus and think like that!  "But give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, David!"  And what belongs to him exactly?  And who decides this?  Caesar, you say?  The one who says I owe the man some of my paycheck is the one who benefits most from it?  How convenient.  But that's another conversation.  Sorry, I'm not hear to talk about my politics today.  Just using it as an example.  

I also saw the Danish film, The Hunt, recently.

If you're like me and don't mind R-rated movies and don't mind generally feeling like crap, I highly recommend this one.  In this, a little girl develops a crush on a kindly daycare worker, and when he warns her about liking him, she gets angry and lets slip a lie that leads everyone to believe the man is a pedophile.  Even after he's acquitted due to inconsistencies in made-up stories about him, his community continues to shun him and his family.  And I got mad.  So mad I actually kind of understood when the son lost his temper and spit at the girl and called her a bitch.  You're making me okay with cussing out and spitting at a child, movie, not okay!  But that's just to give you an idea of how this stayed with me.  I think it may just be one of the most important and relevant films I've ever seen.  

I know I'll probably come under some fire for this, probably more so than anything else I've said in this post, but I see this in relation to the #MeToo movement.  Yes, I know that sexual abuse is real and the Hollywood epidemic is real.  I'm not implying in any way that this is just like The Salem Witch Trials or The Hunt.  I know that it's happened and the predators involved should be punished harshly.  Okay?  Okay.  But one would be foolish to say that none of the many, many accusations popping up hasn't been the result of power hunger or revenge.  As a person with a penis, false accusations like that terrify me because I keep hearing about innocent people who get accused of this and then shunned by their society because the universal groupthink right now has told society to always believe the accuser no matter what.  I know that's not popular to say right now, but that's my point.

So, what can we do to combat this mob mentality?  I actually got the immense privilege this weekend to meet Mr. Paul McCusker from Focus on the Family, one of the main men behind one of my favorite shows, Adventures in Odyssey.  "Pics or it didn't happen, David."  Okay, fine.

Can I get back to what I was saying now?  Okay.  Anyway, I asked him what he thought could be done about it since the topic was on my mind.  And he basically said that people have a tendency when they hear something they don't like to immediately look for the imagined motivation of someone opposing them.  The trick is to look first for the truth and then think about the why.

And that's really what it all comes down to, I think.  Truth.  People, for lack of a better way to say it, truly can't handle the truth!  But if we're to move past mob mentality and have real justice we have to look for Truth.  Always pursue it and don't stop until you've got it.  Even if you're scared the Truth may go against everything you or your group has ever believed or held dear, just look for the Truth, wherever it may be.

What Are They So Afraid Of?

Pardon my French, but protests are a shit show.  No matter what you're protesting, or how positive/negative the reaction to it is, the purpose of a protest is always to provoke some sort of a reaction.  But, somehow you never expect the reactions to be as childish as they often are.  Take yesterday for example.

I attend the school Franciscan University of Steubenville, which is a Catholic university.  Needless to say, we are a very pro-life school.  So, yesterday, for some reason only God knows, former President and possible future First Husband Bill Clinton came to town to deliver a speech.  You can bet as soon as some of our students in leadership positions heard about it, they immediately formed a pro-life group to go protest at the rally.  I, being a very pro-life person myself, was very excited about it and did everything I had to in order to attend.  (I have no car.)

Anyway, this was a peaceful protest.  There was no standing in the back with signs and screaming at Billy Boy (or calling him a rapist, which Alex Jones is allegedly offering a $5,000 reward to the person who does, FYI), we just stood there with red tape on our mouths with the word "Life" written on them.  At first, the event was pretty...uneventful, actually.  We just stood there listening to what Clinton had to say.  He didn't even really address life.  But, I did notice us getting quite a few looks from the crowd.  We must have gotten at least a little attention because toward the end of the speech, some little woman with an ear-piece (I honestly don't know her role in this.  Maybe she was the event organizer or something) walked up and asked if we were planning to cause trouble.  I believe at some point, she asked us to leave, even though that is completely not within her rights.  Turns out our plan all along was to just stay in the back the whole time and then turn around to face the news cameras at the very end of the speech.  Now Little Woman (hope she doesn't mind me calling her that, we never exactly got on a first-name basis.  My mouth was covered, and I doubt she was in a listening mood anyway) can't stand that, of course.  So, what does she do?  The most immature thing possible.  Since, legally, she can't do a damn thing about us as long as we're not causing any problems, she got her cronies from the rally to stand in front of us and try to block us by waving their signs in our faces.  Keep in mind, their signs were facing away from the cameras, so the cameras couldn't see them.  They were only there as a barrier to us!  Wow, just wow.  And can I just say these people must not be used to opposition because they were terrible at their job.  They were leaving enormous gaps that even the most amateur cameraman could film through.  It was quite laughable, really.  At one point, I even went back further behind my colleagues to make sure the cameras could at least see one person.  Little Woman does not like that one bit.  She first asks, then tells me to go join the rest of them, but I just shake my head, "no."  Now, since as I said before, she can't make me do anything (plus, she's like half my size), she brings over a sign wielding person just for me!  Boy, do I feel special.  Eventually, we all left...but not before one of our naysayers actually started pushing one of my friends!  I'm glad I wasn't there to see that part.  I might have become very unpeaceful, and that wouldn't have helped our cause...

(Ahem...)

Sorry, I couldn't resist.  

And don't worry, I have no intention of pulling a Pureflix here and acting like all liberal pro-choicers are like this.  I'm saying these particular people were behaving like children and it's disgraceful.  Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against opposition, as apparently they do.  I welcome discussion.  Granted, I may not always be the most polite person once the discussion gets heated, and I'm working on that.  But I do believe people should have the right to oppose me.  But that's not what was going on here.  These people weren't offering opposing viewpoints.  They were just doing everything in their power to silence our voices, or lack thereof.  Think about it, they were worried about people standing like statues with tape on their mouths?  What, even...

And I would guess these are the same people who would tell you how "intellectual" and "tolerant" they are compared to the rest of us less-enlightened masses.  They have proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that they are the opposite of that!  And the cameras couldn't even see their signs, like I said.  Their only interest was silencing our voices (so to speak).  Like Steven Crowder once said to SJW protesters attempting to disrupt his panel, "You're not fighting for free speech.  You're not fighting for rights.  You're fighting for the right to be a pussy and not hear opinions you don't like!"

So, if you reading this were one of these detractors, or you feel you would have done something similar, I ask you this:  What are you so afraid of?  What sort of threat does a harmless, silent protest pose to you and your kind?  Most importantly, would you be open to a dialogue about our differing viewpoints?  If you're reading this and want to talk it out like adults, comment below and we'll be in touch.  I hope I could reach some sort of middle ground with these people, but I'm not optimistic, to be honest.

God's Not Dead...And Neither is Manipulation

So, if you're someone who talks to me a lot, or follows me on Facebook, has been reading my other blog for a long time, you know that I love movies. and more often than not, I have a bit of a distaste for Christian movies.  Don't get me wrong, I don't hate all of them.  There are a few that I enjoy and even find meaningful to my life sometimes.  It's just that nine times out of ten, they're not very well done movies.  The writing and acting are pretty mediocre, and even the message can sometimes be a bit half-baked.  Now, if those were the only problems with Christian movies, I probably wouldn't make such a big deal about it.  But then, this new wave of Pure Flix movies happened.  The most popular of these movies was God's Not Dead, which like some of the company's other films, makes it its main goal to paint Christians as a victimized poor-little-us minority, and every non-believer as an ignorant jerk.  I haven't seen it yet, but I've heard that the recently released God's Not Dead 2 does have a non-believer who defends Christians, which is certainly an improvement, but doesn't change the fact that its still existing stereotypes are just as prevalent and just as ridiculous.  I could go on forever about why I hate the God's Not Dead franchise, but for the sake of time, I'll just focus on one specific article I came across today over godsnotdead.com, which was mostly made up of quotes from Movieguide, entitled "Let's Stop Attacking Movies for Saying Something."  Clearly, this title is very out of touch with reality already.  If that was the reason for the attacks, no movie could pass by critics!

I will attempt to break down the article and respond to each part one-by-one.

So, it begins with a quote from C.S. Lewis, who said, "This is not what is called an ‘apologetic’ work. I am nowhere trying to convince unbelievers that Christianity is true. I address those who already believe it, or those who are ready, while reading, to ‘suspend their disbelief.’ A man can’t always be defending the truth; there must be a time to feed on it.”  

Okay, a few things to say here already.  One, you're comparing yourself to C.S. Lewis, which is pretty arrogant.  Two, C.S. Lewis was actually a good writer, so he at least had something of an excuse to respond to criticism this way.  Three, the difference between you and him is that he actually wrote truth, instead of writing some half-a$$ed stereotype trying to pass itself off as "truth" or "revolutionary."

"Have you read some of the critics’ reviews of GOD’S NOT DEAD 2? As Ben Kayser, the managing editor of Movieguide, writes, most of these critics consider “it’s bad because, in their eyes, a movie that preaches and teaches by definition cannot be a good movie.”

Yeah, you wish.  They don't hate preaching in movies.  (Look at Spotlight, for crying out loud...)  They hate that the movie is basically a two-hour sermon, rather than a compelling story.  

He goes on to say:

“They can disagree with the message, or have issues with the side it takes, but to complain that a movie or story takes a side would mean that movies should always be amoral. If this was even possible, imagine if SELMA or SCHINDLER’S LIST didn’t take sides and the filmmakers chose not to make any statements about how life should be in those real life situations. They would be bad movies, not just artistically, but morally. Let’s stop attacking movies for saying something, and instead have a discussion over what’s being said.”

Again, you're seriously comparing this movie's quality to that of Schindler's List, which is already pretty dumb.  Also, are you seriously saying that just because we may not like how one-sided this movie is, that means we can't like any movie that even remotely takes a side?  Getting upset about a movie unfairly targeting atheists means we also can't support a movie that denounces the Holocaust?!  Really?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, we reach the crux of this copy/paste masterpiece, which is directed at the Christians who criticize these movies.  And since I myself fall into that category, I will break that statement down line-by-line.

Another key point Ben brings up in his article is how some Christian critics have panned the movie for the same reason—despite stating the acting, cinematography, and other elements of the film are strong. His well-stated conclusion addresses this:

“If you’re a Christian, and you hate Christian movies, maybe it’s time to accept that many people do love them...

Yes, I am fully aware of this.  I never heard anyone argue that they don't.

"...and have laughed, cried and had emotional experiences because of them..."

Again, you're not saying anything that we don't already know.  I myself have laughed, cried, and had emotional experiences during Christian films.  However, that doesn't make them good mov...

"...and ultimately, regardless of how you feel, those movies may actually be good movies because of it.”

WOAH BRO!!!!  Let me stop you right there.  I'm convinced now.  The people who make these movies and those who support them have no concept whatsoever of filmmaking.  Did you REALLY just say that a movie making people emotional makes it good?  

Okay, let me paint you a picture.  Say we're talking one day, and I start telling you the story of how my parents died.  By the end of the story, you're in tears.  And then I reveal to you that the whole thing is made up.  Am I a good person just because I made you cry by lying to you?  (If that's not a good analogy of the Pureflix situation, I don't know what is.)

But, you know, I shouldn't be surprised by any of this.  These are the same people who automatically assume anyone who doesn't like their views is an enemy.  So, it makes sense that they would try to villainize the movie's critics in the same way.

The fact is, these people lack an understanding of not only film quality, but also of Christianity.  I just can't for the life of me comprehend how they think God could bless their self-righteous, manipulating crap.  They are literally guilting you into shutting up if you have anything negative to say about these movies, just because some Christians love them!  Doesn't the Bible itself preach against conformity?  Oh, but that doesn't apply here because it's something Christians made and it's something they need you to financially support just so they can make more of these movies nobody asked for.  I missed the Bible verse which says, "Do not conform to the world, unless we need you to."  And criticism=persecution, which ties in perfectly to the horrible messages these films try to promote.  

Well, I'm done with this rant.  Let me know if you agree/disagree and why and all that...see you later.

I Am Starting A New Blog

Since I talk about movies so much on this blog, I just decided I would cut to the chase and do a blog just about movies.  I will try to update it at least once a week (Sundays probably).  My posts could be any of the following things I've done on here:

-Top 10 lists (or whatever number fits)
-Spiritual Commentaries on movies

Or, I could just simply review movies.  Maybe pull a PluggedIn and talk about why they are/aren't good for Christians.  I am also open to suggestions about what to talk about, so comment to me either on here, there, or Facebook.  Okay?  Okay.  See ya.

I'll still talk about things on here.  Just no more movie posts.  This blog will focus on the other types of things I've discussed on here.

The new one is here.

10 Christ Figures in Movies (That I Haven't Mentioned Already in my Plethora of Spiritual Movie Posts)

I love movies.  Did you know that?

I also like looking for spiritual symbolism in movies.  Did you know that, too?

I'm just going to move on before I go into self-aware humor overload...

But I do like it when I'm watching a movie, and I'm like "Hey, this could apply to Christianity."  I've already discussed this before in a few other posts, so this list will not include Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption or John Keating from Dead Poets Society.

Also, please don't get angry with this post and say that I'm trying to put any of these characters on an equal level with the Creator of the universe.  When I consider somebody in a movie or book a Christ figure, I only mean that they display certain characteristics similar to those of Jesus.  This could mean inspiring hope among a group of people, showing an extraordinary amount of benevolence, or committing a significant personal sacrifice for the good of others.  And like I said, these characters are NOT perfect pictures of Christ by any means.  All humans are called to be Jesus in the world, but we all inevitably have flaws, just as most, if not all, of these characters do.  So here we go.

1.  Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver

"You talkin' to me?"

You probably weren't expecting to see this guy on the list.  He's just a violent, mentally unstable taxi driver, right?  Well, partially true.  But, a lot of people don't take the time to delve deeper into his character.  This man was disgusted by the sinful things he saw on New York's mean streets (hey, that would be a good name for another De Niro film), and he wanted to do what he could to transform them. He was particularly interested in saving a young prostitute from the life she was trapped in.  He became willing to help somebody that was considered the lowest of the low in society, similar to how Jesus reacted to a lot of the sinners he met.  He ends up charging into the house where she stays, eliminating anyone in his way.  He rescues her, but gets shot himself.  (I don't think it kills him though.)  

Actually, Jesus was a manly man.  I'm not saying He would be like this guy, but He was definitely no pansy.  

2.  Terry Malloy in On the Waterfront

It took him awhile, but he came through.  Malloy is a guy who's owned by the town's crime boss, Johnny Friendly.  Terry comes to do the right thing, and makes the decision to testify against Friendly in court.  He boldly speaks the truth at personal risk.  As a result, all of the people he thought were his friends betray him.  But, he still wants to deliver them from his control.  He has a showdown with Friendly, which does not end well for Malloy.  The cowardly villain has his goons beat up Malloy when he's getting the upper hand.  This example, though, inspires the other men to refuse to work for Friendly anymore.  The best is the end when Malloy, despite having been beaten within an inch of his life, still gets up and walks away, and the men follow him, leaving the enemy with nothing.

3.  Batman in The Dark Knight

Yes, I am serious.  And don't call me Shirley.  Basically, he allows himself to be hated and hunted by the people he loved and wanted to protect.  After Harvey kills a bunch of people, Batman decides to take the blame for the crimes.  He takes Harvey's sins on his own shoulders, leaving Harvey Dent spotless and pure in the eye of the public.  And he rises in the third movie...

4.  Randle McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

I know, I know.  McMurphy was a dishonest, disrespectful, foul-mouthed fellow.  How could he be a Christ figure?  Well, he did turn his attention away from himself and to helping the other inmates of the asylum.  He took certain risks, such as hopping the barbed wire fence, so that he could show them a good time outside the walls of the institution.  He taught the men how to play basketball.  Ultimately, he taught the men to think for themselves, rather than letting the tyrannical Nurse Ratched tell them what to think.  Most significantly. he had his brain fried for his "unorthodox" behavior, a sacrifice which inspires at least one of the other inmates to bust through the wall and run to freedom.

5.  Luke in Cool Hand Luke

(See what I did there?)

Like other stories I've mentioned, this is about a man who goes to prison that everyone immediately knows is different from the rest.  He challenges any sort of authority, earning the respect of his fellow inmates.  He continually attempts to escape, but he keeps failing.  In spite of that, he never loses the loyalty of his men or his resolve to not conform to the mindset that the jailers would like.  They beat him worse every time they catch him. They beat him so badly at one point, they have to lay him out on the table in the crucifixion pose you see before you now.  Finally, in the end, it looks like he will finally escape, until he's turned in by the Judas in the story.  Luke tries to escape, but gets shot.  It's unclear as to whether he died, but we do know that he never gave in, as he still keeps his perpetual smile while the police are driving away.

6.  E.T. in E.T.:  The Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. is not just an alien visitor.  He is just the kind of friend young Elliot needed in his troubled time.  In Spielberg's classic, we see Elliot dealing with the pain of his parents' separation and the fact that he doesn't seem to have a friend he can turn to.  But, one shows up.  E.T. comes to Earth and becomes Elliot's best friend that helps him get over his hurt.  They seem to become one.  Of course, there are some obvious analogies that can be drawn from E.T.'s death and resurrection later in the movie.  But, the most obvious symbol comes at the very end when E.T. leaves.  His spaceship comes to take him back home, but Elliot begs him not to leave.  E.T. hugs Elliot, points to his head, and says, "I'll be right here."  Aside from making everybody in the room cry, this is also a reminder of when Jesus had to leave the disciples to ascend into Heaven and comforted them by saying, "I will be with you always."

7.  Jamal Malik in Slumdog Millionaire

It's as simple as this.  Jamal represents how Jesus pursues us unrelentingly, no matter how hard we make it for him.  He loves Latika because he believes they're destined to be together, and nothing stops him on his quest, even when both of their lives are threatened.  This is probably the best love story I've seen in a secular film.

8.  Walt Kowalski in Gran Torino

Hey, even this guy will back me up here.

This short-tempered man also believed in standing up for the weak.  He saved the Asian girl from the gang pushing her around on the street.  He also took a special interest in mentoring Thao, the neighbor boy, so that he won't become a criminal.  He then commits the ultimate sacrifice so the local Asian gang (led by Thao's cousin) will stop harassing them.  And he went to his final confrontation with them in a completely non-violent manner.

9.  Phil Coulson in The Avengers

It's not always the main character who serves as the Christ figure.  This guy was probably the most selfless character in the movie, simply being SHIELD's humble servant.  The only thing he ever asked for was for Captain America to autograph his trading cards.  He ends up committing the ultimate sacrifice when confronting Loki.  And it was this sacrifice that persuaded the superheroes to put aside their differences and come together to save the world.

10.  John Coffey in The Green Mile

It's pretty common knowledge that this story was partially intended to be a retelling of the story of Jesus.  He has the same initials.  He heals people when he can.  And this movie specifically says that his powers are from God.  "And I do not see God putting a gift like that in the hands of a man who would kill a child."  Indeed, his powers are what persuade the guards on Death Row that Coffey is innocent of the crimes he's been accused of.  His healing Paul Edgecomb's bladder infection could be recalling the time in the Gospel when Jesus healed the ear of one of the men arresting him.  Also, we discover that it was another character in the story that killed the little girls in question.  But, John Coffey still goes to the electric chair for the man's crime.  And he does so willingly.