Sunday April 4, 2004

Dear Visitor:

So much of our culture, at least here in the U.S.A. seems to be based on the shock factor. Most people think this only applies to thrills and attention seekers; i.e. musicians and Hollywood-types shocking people to get attention, athletes seeking an even greater thrill. I think this is completely erroneous.

For over a century now in the United States, there have been religious revivals, charismatic preachers, etc. I was recently reminded of a study (unfortunately I don't know who did it) that found that people who were "converted" at such meetings remained converted for about 48 hours. We saw a similar phenomena after September 11, 2001. People went back to church, they started viewing the family as important. I am sure some still do and have remained in that grain, but personal observation, and I believe studies as well, have found it didn't hold for most.

Now, before I go any further, I haven't seen Mel Gibson's "Passion." For personal and religious belief (the R rating), I don't believe I ever will. That said, I have nothing against the man for making the movie. I personally believe people would be better served learning about his (Christ's) life and mission and how he would have us live than watching a movie about his death.

Obviously, "Passion" has had good effects on people. Several people have turned themselves in for crimes they committed in the past after seeing the movie claiming they have been touched or that their conscious was digging at them after having seen it. So, it obviously has had a positive effect on society. Unfortunately, I think that this effect is going to be short lived on most of the people who have felt it.

Like anything that is worth changing, the change is best if it is longer lasting. After all, Christ taught that those who endured to the end, leaving the old man behind, following after him would inherit eternal life; not those who ran real fast, changing a lot, and then slipping back into old habits.

We come to the tale of the Tortoise and the Hare. The solution is to have a real conversion. This happens through practicing what you believe - through study. It happens through a concerted effort. Instead of getting all excited and "filled with the spirit", we should be studying the word of God, learning to do it, and seeking the peace he promised to those who followed his Son.

I would suggest the best method for being converted would be to study the scriptures, so that one may know the teachings, and then as Christ taught, do them, and those that would do them would know of themselves if the things he taught were true or not!

Sincerely, Trever Adams

P.S. For those who wish to know more about my religious feelings or beliefs, please visit Trever's Walkabout.