re·lig·ion (r-ljn) n. Abbr. rel., relig. (1) Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. (2) A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship. (3) A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
(4) A cause, a principle, or an activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

That's why, when it comes down to matters of tradition or ritual within the Christian religion, I prefer to use the term "denomination." Different fingers on the same hand.

My ten-year-old daughter Jessica was crying when she came home from school. I was instantly jarred by this; the sight of her in tears was not a common thing, and it was clear that something terrible had happened to her. I hugged her until she stopped crying, and she began her story:

"Jamie and I were standing at the bus stop when Tammy's little sister Tracy snatched my purse from me and began running away with it. I dropped my books and chased her. She's smaller than me, so I gained on her quickly. When she realized that I was going to catch her, she opened my purse and began tossing my things into the street! When the purse was emptied, she tossed it into the street too! I had to dodge cars and trucks to get all of my things, and many of them were lost or destroyed!"

I was so angered by this story that my blood was boiling. I wanted to KILL somebody. I got myself together emotionally, and Bonita & I discussed what we needed to do about this. It was decided that I would pay a visit to Tammy & Tracy's home and tell their parents what had happened. I dropped my work and drove over there immediately.
This was a black family. The only reason that I even mention that fact is that in my town, racial tensions are everpresent and very strong. I needed to be gentle, yet firm. I told the parents what had occurred while the two girls listened from behind them. I concluded by saying, "We just want all of the girls to get along at school, and I'm sure that you do too." And with that I went back home.
We had a late dinner that evening, and Bonita & I found ourselves in the kitchen at 10:45 PM doing dishes, which is unusual. I was in my underwear and Bonita in her slip. The doorbell rang. Startled, we ran quickly for clothing, and answered the door. There stood Tammy & Tracy, along with their entire family on our front porch. Parents, grandparents...there were over a dozen ANGRY black folks ready to fight! Tammy's dad looked at me with an angry glare and yelled, "Tammy didn't do ANYTHING to your kid! Your kid LIED about her!"
There was a hotly charged moment of silence.
Bonita knelt down, gently took Tammy's chin into her hand, looked right into her eyes and said, "We love you honey. We LOVE you. All we want is for you and Jessica to love each other, OK? Will you please love my daughter the way I love you?"
Huge tears began to drop down Tammy's cheeks, and she nodded her head. Bonita stood up and looked at all of the adults. Their weapons were gone. Vanquished. Love disarmed them, and they silently retreated.
I stood there in stunned silence at what I had witnessed.
God's love NEVER fails!
Little Tammy came to our home several times after that just to visit Bonita. I'm convinced that what occurred that night changed that little girl's life...she had never experienced God's love expressed toward her before, and she wanted more!

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wedge:
Andre: about that quote ...
It doesn't make sense on a number of levels. First off, religions don't "make" men hate each other. Men do that on their own.

---

I agree with you Wedge. Indeed, men hate each other. But, now answer me, who creates religion?

Isn't it men? Yes, it is. So...

Of course, religions are based on LOVE. And this should be nice.
Too bad this "philosophy" doesn't apply to those who don't share that particulary faith... Why? Simple because religions and sects are created by MEN.

I think the quote from ANGEL HEART is not only "catchy" but it's quite correct. And that's what LIFE OF BRIAN is all about...

quote:

---

Originally posted by Chris Kinsinger:
When I said that I detest religion, what I mean is that I detest the way true Christianity has been TWISTED into a religion, thereby deceiving people, limiting God and destroying lives.
Those definitions of "religion" aren't in the dictionary, but that's what the word means to me.

---

Get back over to the official off-topic thread! This is an exorcism of off-topic posts, posts that need to be cast back from whence they came!

NP: "I'll Lead You Home" Michael W. Smith

See, Peter?
Even HOWARD is coming here, and everybody KNOWS that he's without any doubt a rogue, a rascal, a villian, a thief, a scoundrel, and a mean, dirty, stinking, snivelling, sneaking, pimping, pocket-picking, twice double-da**ed, no good son-of-a-b**ch!

It says that right here on his name card!

Where did you get those cards, Howard?

Please don't feel like I am picking on you individually. Shortly, I will be going after all the posts that are off-topic AND outside the "? for PeterK" thread. I mean, come on, this place is a movie music forum in topic headers ONLY! Five posts into every thread, we've got people going off in their own little ways, not really understanding why messages are in THREADS NAMED WITH TOPICS to begin with.

It's like all of these discussions are like jumpstarting a dead motorcycle. We pump the crank, and for a split second, the machine works, but in another split second, it's not.

Maybe that's why it's tough to keep a good community here, because everyone's come in, donated their two cents about movie music and then raves on about everything else. For those who like to keep up with the movie music discussion, it's hard. Sure, they can be pro-active and start some good movie music discussions, but within five replies, things typically go off, whether it be one-liners that contribute nothing but a two-bit reaction or an account of personal offense and lessons on how to discuss.

Can you respect the place I am trying to build? For religious discussion or other, please visit forums that are ABOUT that! OR, just mosey on over to "? for PeterK" where ANYTHING goes.

Thanks for reading! This goes for all discussions!

PeterK

In terms of the production, I thought it was brilliantly filmed. One of the best musical-to-film adaptations since "Fiddler on the Roof" and a certain OTHER film based on a broadway show which shall remain nameless.

In terms of the music, I found it some of Webber's best. I especially appreciate the use of Dixieland in a Biblical story.

In terms of the theology, it's really more interested with Judas's POV, so I see any theological inaccuracies as a reflection of that.

Chris, patronizing me with lines like "I came here to post about Alfred Newman, but I guess I have to wait for permission" is, well... you know what this is. It's called an AL-GORISM.

Give me a break, not a crack. If you think about it, you should know exactly what I am going to say, EVERY time. You know, the Catholic Church has some INCREDIBLE consistency throughout its history. That's a character I will take on when defending my intentions for this place.

The Star Wars trilogy is bursting with such examples! You have pastoral music for Yoda, dark Satanistic music for the Emperor. During the final duel scene in Return of the Jedi, the religious dimensions are UNMISTAKEABLE. The Force Theme has been put to so much good use in this vein, especially in the first film. And Episode One, of course, had that haunting chorus for the Funeral.

I'd also like to point out "Hook." The music for "The Face of Pan," "You Are the Pan" and "Goodbye Neverland" can only be described in one word: spiritual.

Williams' Christmas Carols for Home Alone are simply spectacular.

Okay, now who wants to do Goldsmith? I'll start off with "Patton" ... one of THE BEST examples of religious beliefs (reincarnation in this case) being conveyed through musical technique.

The internet is a niche business. There is not ONE place that covers it all, everyone should know this.

And what's so bloody wrong with going to the now-official off-topic thread to carry on this discussion?

You know, I think I will move this thread to "JUST MOVIES," because that's where it fits second most. What do you think?