The Apostle

Thursday night, my wife took me to the Popcorn Theology series at her church, where they showed The Apostle. We had seen this movie before, shortly after it came out on video in 1997, though Mary didn't remember it. This movie highlights a problem I have with the born-again theology, and a problem I have with President Bush. The main character is a preacher who runs away after killing his wife's lover. He starts a new church under a new identity. He is obviously sincere in his religious beliefs, but he never shows any remorse for his previous sins. He never asks for forgiveness for killing, he instead blames the devil. He emphasizes several times in his preaching that salvation is a permanent thing, once you are "born again."

I know this is a common belief among the evangelical Christians, but it seems very dangerous to me. Any horrible action could be justified, because the person has already been saved. You're a murderer? That's okay, because you have accepted Jesus Christ. You lied to your people? That's okay, you don't need to apologize or repent. The only unforgivable sin to these people is not becoming born-again. This is why we will never see George Bush apologize for any mistakes he has made. He doesn't see the need to, as he is already saved in the eyes of his Lord. And, according to Reverend Joseph Grant Swank, we aren't allowed to criticize the President, because he has already opened his heart to Jesus. For a critique of this article and a slew of other frightening opions, see Word O'Crap.

After the movie, Mary pointed out that during the charismatic services there was never any time for reflection, for everyone to listen for God. Somebody is always talking or singing, the noise level usually deafening. This lack of reflection is the tradition that George Bush has wrapped himself in. Reflect upon that.