Hello, world

Well, hello there. You have come across a forum intended to evaluate changes in culture, specifically regarding attitudes toward spirituality, as they have been influenced through media, especially cinema. I write this blog as a film student and a person of faith and will use it to develop thoughts and ideas about the relationship of these.

As a student of cinema, I recognize a serious drift between faith and film. This began nearly at the inception of cinema when christian preachers would condemn cinema for its lack of morality. Consequently, people of faith refrained from the cinema and the cinema did not regard people of faith when generating or marketing material. The cinema, however, became a significant cultural force, and without any direct influence of christian values, has shaped the culture away from christian values.

People of faith have responded only within the last decade or so. They have attempted to generate two types of films: those which appeal to other people of faith, and those which attempt to spread their message to the culture at large. Many of the first type suffer low production values, bad acting, and stories in which even most church-goers find no interest. The second type are generally cryptic and not understood for what they are, accomplishing nothing. What is needed is balance between these. This is the problem of the church in general, to be truthful to what it is and relevant to the culture. If a film is preachy or attacks ideals that people hold dear, it will not get funding, it will not get distribution, and it will not be watched by its intended audience. Conversely, a film which engages the culture, attracts a large budget, gets distribution and is seen by many, but betrays its worldview and its intent is meaningless.

I find it extremely important to analyze what it means to be a christian filmmaker. Do you choose to be a filmmaker who happens to be a christian, or a christian who happens to be a filmmaker? Where do you put the emphasis? I believe you cannot have the emphasis on one or you will betray the other, and neither is then effective.

Finally, what are the consequences of this cultural shift away from christian values, upon which our nation was built and has thrived for many generations? Sexuality is the big one. It's what people want freedom in and what will inspire hostility if you attempt to restrict. This includes promiscuity, divorce, and orientation, but is not restricted to these. This is perhaps the most valid reason for me to use a pseudonym. I do not intend to offend people, but I speak freely out of my conscience and my belief and quite frankly, I do not care if that offends you. I am above all concerned with truth and accuracy, and I may come to a different conclusion than you, but that's the great thing about the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The Pseudonym, as you may have recognized, is a combination of the name of a famous director and an order of knights assigned to protect the temple in Jerusalem during the crusades. I know, it's clever.