Comments on: Big Screen, Little Screen

By: Ann O'Malley

Ann O'Malley — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 23:19:15 +0000

Thanks for the encouragement. It came at a good time!

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 15:40:05 +0000

In reply to Ann O'Malley. Great thoughts, Ann. Thank you for this further analogy. --Philip

By: Ann O'Malley

Ann O'Malley — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 15:18:22 +0000

I love your big screen/small screen analogy! It’s a great image of the church within the larger culture. But I have to admit that I get pretty discouraged by the current state of Christianity in America. It seems like a lot of believers do see the small screen, but choose to follow the big screen anyway.

Another analogy that a Christian friend pointed out to me years ago involves the movie The Matrix, in which the main characters must choose between living what appears to be a relatively comfortable life but is actually an illusion to distract them from their slavery to the machines that have taken over the world, or facing reality, as unpleasant as it may be, and fighting for the freedom of people everywhere. When my friend and I saw it together for the first time, it triggered an ongoing conversation about the greatest realities in life. Which is the more real, the more permanent world—the physical one or the spiritual?

As in the movie, believers face a choice. We can deny the greater, spiritual reality and commit our lives to our own comfort and security, or we can serve God and others regardless of the cost. Which option does the Bible demand of us? Which will have the greatest impact, not just in this life, but for eternity? (Adapted from my blog, ThoseWhoWeep.blogspot.com, in a recent post titled “The Matrix.”)

The trigger for my blog entry was a conversation with other Christians about the movie. They all agreed that they would choose to remain as captives in the matrix, rather than suffering and sacrificing in the real world. Even though they’ve seen the small screen and clearly understood it, they’re choosing to follow the big screen way of life.

It helps me to know that a good and loving God is still in control, but I grieve for my country.

By: J.Samuel Prem Chandar

J.Samuel Prem Chandar — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 13:43:28 +0000

Blessed message. In fact see the world in God’s view through Jesus is the real blessing. For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

By: Andrew P

Andrew P — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 08:15:08 +0000

Thank you, Philip, for setting forth the truth in such a simple, clear and compelling manner.
It is as Saint Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 1, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” Those who pursue only worldly success (wealth, power, fame, pleasure, and knowledge) are in truth the foolish and the weak. We could maybe modify Paul’s words, “God chose the foolish people of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak people of the world to shame the strong.” Let us seek to be foolish and weak (according to the world’s standards), that we may in truth be wise and strong (in God’s eyes).
God bless you in your adventure of truth-finding and truth-telling.

By: Joyce James

Joyce James — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 03:20:11 +0000

I love and have read every book of yours that I have been able to obtain, and share
with others. Always give me much to ponder on. A question: Is the Almighty Creator
big enough, wise enough, His love strong enough, that His total will, His eternal purpose can be completely fulfilled. I like to think that it is eventually possible.

By: Sharon Struve

Sharon Struve — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 19:24:55 +0000

Jesus was always a servant. He even healed on the Sabboth. He loved the little screen and you have written about that so well. Blessings on your ministry and your writing. God chose you to minister to us.

By: Ken

Ken — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 18:34:33 +0000

As usual, brilliant observation. That we all would have that kind of courage!

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 15:34:13 +0000

In reply to Agnes Banas. We'll post soon on Facebook.

By: Thomas varghese

Thomas varghese — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 15:01:51 +0000

We are blessed by reading your books.
Specially books on grace of God.
Thanks..