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| 11.21.2005 |
| Harry Potter and The Fanatics |
Yep. It's that time again. A new Harry Potter movie is being released. In honor of this occasion I decided to do a blog on it. Every time a Potter book or movie is released you can count on swarm of media coverage of Potter fanatics. No not the actual fans or the series. I mean the ones all over the TV and Radio proclaiming if you see or read the Harry Potter series, then you've been tricked by satan himself...it's evil with a capital 'E'. The thing that really bugs me about these 'crusades' is that they rarely accomplish anything, unless you count the increased exposer and higher ticket sales in whatever they're yelling about an acomplishment. Personally I've seen all of them, except the latest, but I will soon. They're great entertainment and they do have redeeming values. Although you wouldn't know that by listening to the 'fanatics'. I found a great article in Relevant Magazine (which by the way is an awesome magazine) that pretty much sums it up. So I thought I'd share it with you.
This article is by Mark Gudgel on www.relevantmagazine.com
In a matter of days, parents everywhere will be forced to respond to a universal inquiry: “Mommy, Daddy, can I go see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire?” This question will likely be asked of both Christian and non-Christian parents, guardians and grandparents the world over. For the Christian, what is the correct answer to this question? In light of the spiritual allegations many churches are making against the book and film series, “no” seems like a safe bet. (If you don’t really know anything about it, abstinence can’t hurt, right?) But perhaps the better question is this: As followers of Christ, are we accomplishing anything good or preventing anything bad by forbidding our children to read or watch Harry Potter? The answer to that question, I assure you, is “no.”
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the series’ first book by J.K. Rowling, reached America in 1998. Since that time, the books have been both highly praised as fantastic fictional literature and heavily criticized for their supposed “occult” content. As an English teacher, I will attest to the great value of these books as an educational tool. When else have so many children, as young as 5 or 6 years old, excitedly lugged around 900-page books? Clearly, Harry Potter is doing great things for the literacy of a generation infatuated with video games. But more importantly, as a Christian and theologian, I will tell you bluntly that, while the Potter books do indeed contain stories centered around witchcraft and wizardry, they are not at all dangerous, but rather a positive influence on children and adults alike.
Critics of Harry Potter have gone as far as to write books about the series, condemning it with harmful and often inaccurate allegations. In contrast, many in favor of the books have compared their dynamic fictional qualities with those of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. Those who stand against the books claim that they are “occult-glamorizing” fictional nonsense, while the works of Tolkien and Lewis are clearly Christian allegory. In his book, Harry Potter and the Bible, Richard Abanes writes, “The Potter books are little more than occult-glamorizing, morally bleak marketing sensations filled with one-dimensional characters.” Yet later in his book he goes on to compare the works of Tolkien to those of Rowling by saying: “… Tolkien’s moral boundaries are clearly drawn with good and evil characters … Orcs, Trolls and Sauron are evil; Gandalf, Hobbits, Elves and Dwarves are generally good. In Rowling’s novels, however, moral ambiguity and relativism abound.”
Abanes’ allegation is false for two reasons: first, the implication that the moral fiber of Rowling’s characters intentionally remains unknown to the reader is a common literary technique which lends itself to plot twists and surprises, and second, the same technique is one employed by Tolkien on numerous occasions, the most obvious example perhaps being the inward battle faced by both his good and bad characters as to how they respond to the cursed and powerful ring. Tolkien’s hobbits, which Abanes claims are “good,” kill one another over that ring; it’s a small part of what makes the story so gripping.
Further attempts to defame the Harry Potter books have come at the expense of their creator, J.K. Rowling. Contained within his book, Abanes authors a section that is clearly meant to deceive his readers or, in the least, to reinforce their unwarranted fears. The section titled “Rowling’s Inspiration” gives a detailed synopsis of modern occult practices. However, never in the three-page section is Rowling connected to occult practices, or even mentioned. The reason for this is deceptively simple: The occult is not Rowling’s inspiration for writing her wonderful books. So then what is?
Connie Neal, John Granger and John Killinger, among numerous other Christian writers, have all authored books in favor of Harry Potter. Their insightful writings offer theories about the books and their connection to biblical stories and themes. The underlying battle between good and evil is but one of the compelling connections offered to bridge the gap between Potter and our Christian faith. The remarkable thing about the works of Granger and Neal is that both writers admittedly set out to read the Harry Potter books in order that they might explain to their children why they were not to be allowed to read them. It was through their research and diligent parenting that they came to discover that there was no harm to be found in Rowling’s works, but instead, a meaningful connection to the most significant principles of Christianity. To quote Connie Neal from an interview she gave in the Dallas Morning News, “When I got to the end, I thought that in all my years I can’t think of a better illustration of the battle we’re in against evil than of one who dies to save the one she loves.” This is in reference to Harry’s mother selflessly giving her life to save her only son in much the same way that our Savior, Jesus Christ, died to save humanity.
Yet by far the most compelling insight into Rowling’s incredible books comes from her very own mouth. Perhaps the reason that Harry and his creator fall under such heavy fire by some is that, unlike Tolkien or Lewis, Rowling isn’t so outspoken about her Christian faith. For the reason behind her silence, in an article in Faith Today, Rowling was quoted as having said: “If I talk too freely about that, I think the intelligent reader, whether 10 or 60, will be able to guess what’s coming in the books.” In short, to understand her faith might be to understand where the Potter series is leading. I find it difficult to seek out “occult-glamorizing” themes in her stories after hearing that.
It won’t be long before the children in your life come asking you to take them to see Goblet of Fire. If you’re still unsure, read the books and see for yourself. They’re harmless fiction, yet capable of promoting in a child a sincere love for reading and literature. Even if your child doesn’t make any astute connections to Christian allegory from the Harry Potter books and movies, the literacy skills they may derive from reading them can certainly translate into valuable Christian dividends later on in life. |
posted by G. @ 10:27 AM   |
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| 11.18.2005 |
| Dr. Chenowith will see you now... |
Congradulations to my boy 'C' (aka Tom Chenowith). He has successfully defended his thesis today and completed the requirements for his Masters in Anesthesia. Booya! Now all that's left is to pass the boards. Oh yes...the dreaded boards that we here so much about. I personally would never want to go before any board of any kind, because I'm sure I would find a way to screw it up, But 'C' can handle it.
This would be a great opportunity for me to share with you all (my one's and one's of readers) what kind of a guy "C" is.
Well, first of all he's a great friend (you might say he's my brother from another mother - lol). Me and Tom have been hangin' since 3rd grade I believe. That'll make it something like 25 yrs as friends....Wow! That's a long time considering I'm only 33. Believe it or not we often got mistaken for each other. Yeah...cause we look soooo much alike. We joined the military together to see the world and all we got was the scorching desert of Ft. Hood Texas. Go figure. I got out when my 'tour' was up and apparently managed to take some of Tom's service time with me. Again, it's not that hard to believe because they often got us confused. Tom stayed in and is now finishing up his training as I mentioned above.
Tom is not only a great friend, but an awesome Doctor. I frequently call him for any kind of medical advice. I'm one of his best patients. He's worked hard to get where he's at and that's why he gets very fired up when other people think things should be handed to them....Did I metion he is a brilliant debater. I think he could go on hardball with Chris Matthews and tear him up. He's very passionate about what he believes in and has the knowledge and guts to back it up. Don't ever get into a debate with this guy unless you want to have your bell rung a few times. Go C. We need more people like that. Not afraid to say what is 'correct' instead of what is 'politically correct'.
Ok, I could go on about that but let's talk about his family. Tom has a beautiful wife, named Jenny (my wife is Jennifer -just some cool trivia for you) and two kids - Ariel Grace and Benjamin Paul. He has a thing for the little mermaid, but I won't go into that. We both have a boy and girl and they were each born within a few months of each other. That's cool. We're hoping that we will be In-Laws someday....it could happen.
After he passes his Boards he'll head off to Disneyland for the kazillionth time, but this time he'll have kids. C used to come down to Orlando alot when Jenn and I lived there. He'd make the trip in record time. I won't say how fast, but let's just say that the sonic boom was heard shortly after he called to say he's coming. The boy loves Disneyland.
And that's another thing I love about C. He's a not just a kid at heart, but he's a kid all over. He still maintains that youthful imagination and curiosity. Even if he hasn't seen the entire Star Wars trilogy,(which I will correct one day) I bet he's seen every single Disney movie and possibly owns them all as well.
I could talk alot about some of the crazy things we've done...but I'll save that for another blog.
Hopefully our kids won't read it. We don't need to give them any ideas.
One last thing. If I ever need him. He's there. No questions asked. He's a friend that's closer than a brother.
C congradulations man on a job well done. You'll have no problem with the boards. I watched you break several when we took karate. Just picture yourself going through it and coming out on the other side victorious. Have fun in Disneyland.
I'm proud of you C, you're a great friend. I love you very much. |
| posted by G. @ 10:37 AM |
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| 11.12.2005 |
| My Interview with Stephen Baldwin |
Well... at least it was supposed to be. I wrote the questions. If any of you don't know, I'm a Producer/Editor for a TV station in Little Rock. Victory Television Network. If you live below Pine Bluff, you can't get it without a dish. Anyway, one of the projects that my boss has been working on is the Livin It Tour that was coming to Little Rock. Livin It was started by Stephen Baldwin as an outreach to the skater generation. We had an interview set up with him. An exclusive interview apparently because no one else got one. Heather, who is the VJ for VTN Carbonated (the 1 hour youth block programming for VTN) was going to give the interview. I was going to over see it and of course meet Mr. Baldwin. As luck would have it, the night before the interview I got a case of the stomach virus from my daughter and was saying 'Earl' most of the night. So I called another producer from the station and asked her to cover for me. So I missed my opportunity to meet Stephen, but I got my interview and it was a good one. You can Click Here to read the interview. You can also Click Here to find out more about The Livin It Tour. |
| posted by G. @ 4:32 PM |
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| My First PSA |
Ok. This is my first Public Service Announcement. However, I know there will be more to come.
Today's PSA is on Email abuse. What is Email abuse you ask? Well, let me try to give you some examples:
First! If it has more than 1 FW: in the subject line. Don't forward it to me. Don't forward it to anyone.
- If it say's "READ THIS! IT WAS ON THE NEWS!" delete it imediately. C'mon. Who are you really trying to convince. If it was on TV then you wouldn't have to send an email about it would you. Nope.
- If it say's "DO NOT DELETE, PLEASE READ" Delete it. Look. If there is something important enough for you to know then you'll know about it with needing to read an email. Do you see a pattern here.
- If it says "ANYTHING" about "ANYONE" trying to take religous programming or something similar off the air...don't forward it. Please, don't be as gullible as most christians out there that have knee jerk reactions and think with their emotions instead of plain ole common sense logic. It's not going to happen. And if it does...YOU WON"T FIND OUT IN AN EMAIL.
- We've had the World Wide Web for how many years now. Bill Gates is literally the richest man on the planet. Not to mention he has the worlds leading engineers and programmers on his payroll. So why on earth would he pay anyone any amont of money for forwarding emails as part of an Email beta test. He doesn't. So don't forward that one either or any variations of it.
- If at some point in the email it reads something like this "....I am a lawyer so I know the law..." or "...my friend is a lawyer and he knows the law..." What are we going to do?....hmm...that's right. Delete it.
I know what your thinking...why am I so harse. You ain't seen nothing. When my alter-ego 'WebSpy G' shows up. Then you'll run for cover. I have friends and relatives that pretty much stop sending me email period, because I (webspy g) rode them so hard about the junk they sent.
You see. Most people know if I forward you something...then it's something worth reading. Because typically I don't forward anything. I maybe forward 3 or 4 emails a year. That's it. If I email you it's because I'm talking to you or sending some pics or something. There are people that send out 4 or 5 Fws a day. C'mon. What's the point of that.
Anyway. I hope I have helped someone today. So remember before you forward anything...at least check it's authenticity first. Here's a good place for email hoaxs and urban email legends. Here's another one.
Laters. |
| posted by G. @ 3:45 PM |
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| 11.08.2005 |
| It Is Your Destiny! |
Well, Jenn and I waited too late to send out invitations. so I thought I do it via the blog.
You're invited to the 1st Birthday Party of Xander Thomas Gulledge.
Where: Mammaw Gulledge's House
When: Saturday Nov. 12 at 10:30am (have to give the hunter's time to get out of the woods.
Why: Because he's turning one..DUH!
So If you're Kin or Friend and you just happened to check the blog. Come on out.
And just incase you were wondering...the answer is Yes. It will be a StarWars party.
Because Xander loves his StarWars. |
| posted by G. @ 6:58 PM |
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| About Me |
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Name: G.
Home: Arkansas, United States
About Me: I have a beautiful wife, Jennifer, who has blessed me with two children. Haven Dawn & Xander Thomas. I'm a Producer/Editor for UAMS (Univ. of Arkansas for Medical Sciences). Go Cowboys!
See my complete profile
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