Sunday Reflections- the Notion of the Good Christian
Here's what the Bible Says:
21But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 2
All of us have sinned and will likely sin again and fall short of the Glory of God. This sin is inherited- We, human beings as a whole are sinners. And that means Christians, baby! Don't forget it. Christians, from the beginning of Christianity are sinners. People who believe in the blood of the lamb and that Jesus Christ died on the cross for their sins- continue to sin. And make no mistake sin is sin. And make no mistake it doesn't matter how devout you are as a Christian, how famous you are as a Christian, or how 'good' you are as a Christian- you can and will sin.
We can call out sinners by looking at them, especially as Christians, and condemn them for being mortal; but the truth is, you'd better take the mote out of your eye, chickadee. Your poop stinks too; not that that's sin. (It's just that it stinks like sin). Getting back and as close to the mark is about all we can do.
There are atheists that sin less than many a Christian, they are moral and live by a code of ethics that might be closer to what God would expect from man. Some seem almost perfect, more Christian than most Christians. And there are some Christians that are so immoral it would astound you; though it shouldn't, if you know your history.
Now I'd like to bring up some great movies and books that I've watched recently on Netflix that depict to me Christianity in all it's forms, the good, the Bad and the Ugly. Most of you may have already seen them, but that's okay. I'll also try not to add spoilers in case you haven't seen them.
Here are some Movies, Epics and Shows and books I've engaged in recently, they all provided insight into sin and the fact that we are all Sinners. The question is- who has the blood of the lamb to cover them.
The Pillars of the Earth 8 episodes by Ken Follet 2010- TVMA- A dynamic portrayal of twelvth Century England and the struggle, sin, goodness, desire to worship, and measure of sin within all to achieve their outcome be it for the Glory of God, their own personal gain or both. This thought provoking series shows the epitome of man's aspirations, in the name of power, in the name of Jesus and how it can go awry even for the best of men.
Sampson and Delilah- Biography 2005 NR- But I consider MA- The commentary is interesting.
Dead Man Walking- 1995 R- Starring Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon- This is the second time I've seen this movie- I found it very disturbing and yet it begs so many questions about the death penalty, about salvation and whether it can be found moments before death. Noted In the movie: Christian Protestors gather on both sides of the street- for and against execution with quotes from the Bible on their signs.
The Dome- By Stephen King- My favorite Character is the female Pastor having lost faith, but still praying to God,
She prays, "Hello, Not There" This book is most assuredly R Rated and contains many observations about faith and personal agendas in the name of the Lord- and people who follow false if not evil prophets like sheep to the slaughter, out of fear, out of ignorance. You can read my review on the link.
Corrina, Corrina- 1994- PG- This is a great love story about an inter-racial couple starring Whoopi Goldberg as Corrina and Ray Liota as Manny Singer. Ray Liota plays a confirmed atheist, but Corrina believes in Heaven. In a moment of despair fearing he has lost the love of his life- This confirmed atheist looks to the sky and prays to God- for what seems like the first time.
As I always say, I'm a Christian and a Sinner- If these books and movies offend you as a Cristian my apologies- I found them to be thought provoking but more of a testament to the nature of man; an observation, if you will, into Christianity, morals, and that- to my subject as written above- " For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God" KJV
Published by Loraine Alkire
Loraine Alkire is a freelance writer and cultural humorist living in Southern California. Alkire has had three amazing careers and a lifetime's worth of experiences to draw from in love, laughter, playtime... View profile
- All have fallen short of the Glory of God
- Secular Movies with a Message
7 Comments
Post a CommentI am looking forward to seeing Pillars of the Earth. the book was amazing.
The first time I saw this title, I misread it or was expecting something other than this article. Grat work! By the way, check out the classic Swedish (English subtitles) film, "Winter Light."
Great article, Loraine! I've long held that religion is meaningless as far as how people behave. Some people are just better than others, no matter their religious beliefs. I've known wonderful Christians (my dear, late grandmother was a devout Catholic and the sweetest person ever) and despicable Christians (I could go on forever naming them). My wife, like me, is agnostic and is as good-hearted as anyone on the planet. One of the most principled and kindest people I've ever known is a devout Muslim woman I used to work with. Obviously, extremist Muslims are not at all like she is.
Thanks for the movie recommendations. I don't think I've ever seen "Dead Man Walking."
I've not seen or read all you mention here, Loraine, but I agree w/ you on Dead Man Walking. One of the most emotionally hard-to-watch & provocative films I've seen. And absolutely inspiring. Sister Prejean (if I've spelled that right) was Christian love in action. And you're right that one doesn't have to be an avowed Christian to adhere to these values.
Oscar- So we should never be speaking to something God spoke once and for all too?Then we who are committed to His word should just shut up? I was not on offense about any person or persons- and even if I were I would not call them out by name. My jumping off place was- Don't be fooled that anyone is 'Good'- not even our own person.
I admire the heart of your courage. You said a lot here and I tried to sort through. It seemed your jumping off place was offense at some being identified as good Christian. I am not sure what your motivation was for tearing these you do not tell us who the are. Actually, this is personal for me within this theological proposition. People tend to use the text all have sinned and come short to establish either or perspective. People know their poop stinks whether they choose to draw attention to it or not. Since Jesus died to pay for the debt of sin, that s a debt once and for all paid for and does not require me speaking to something God spoke once and for all too. I admire the heart of your courage.