From a spiritual perspective the movie concludes that Jesus never said anything about homosexuality. I’m trying to get at the major points without telling every detail of the movie – which was pretty well done as far as independent movies go.

I have to say I liked the movie even if I don’t agree with it’s ultimate points.  I think the portraial of the characters is realistic eventhough a few sterotypical characters pop-up (but don’t we all know a few stereotypical people in real life too?).  I guess I see a movie like this as something I would want to watch with others for the purpose of starting a discussion – not a bible / theology debate, but rather to illuminate the tensions that exist in the way we treat the issue of homosexuality in the Body of Christ.  I liked the portrayal of Ted -  one of the leaders at the reform home.  He himself is a member of a 12-step for drug and alcohol dependenace and has been sober for a number of years.  He often seems to be the ideal balance of grace and truth throughtout the movie – even when the movie it self begins to lean towards it’s pro-gay Christian theme.  In watching the end-credits I got a little insight into how this movie managed not to be anti-Christian: it appears have been strongly supported by the MMC (Metropolitan Community Church) which openly affirms same-sex attraction.

For me, the movie causes me to dig deeper into the Word of God – I’ve heard the same scripture arguments tossed back and forth about homosexuality, but very often I haven’t looked deeper into the significant issues that surround this topic.  There was a very strong theme of acceptance and how that desire drives us – in our relationship with each other and our relationship with God.  I have been greatly influenced through the years by acceptance (having it or longing for it) and while it’s a natural part of what makes communities, it can also cause us to put on blinders for the sake of maintaining that same community.  I do believe God designed us to be in community, but I need to get a deeper understanding of how His design of community works.  God loves and accepts us, yet he is able to maintain his standard of holiness and engages us in the free-will process of changing what he can’t accept.

There’s a lot to be said, but getting back to the movie, I’m glad that I watched it and would be very interested to hear the thoughts and discussions of anyone elese who’s seen this movie or one like it.  There are two previews available online if you click the movie poster image above.

This is so special to me because God said this BEFORE Jesus had done any miracles or even been tempted in the desert!  God didn’t say it based on Jesus’ performance thus far.  I’m realizing that my struggle is seated there… in the performance mode of trying to do so much (often too much) unconsciously in hopes of being rewarded with a ‘well done’ from people.  However the reality is that God knew me before I was born and called me for his purpose.

I don’t know if all this is making sense, but I’m being renewed in my thinking on a lot of stuff and it’s kinda heavy right now. I’ve had a long battle for freedom in some areas and after 10 years of struggle come to realize some things that aren’t so pleasant, fun, or easy to manage.

I do way too much.  I’m working on it, and with this latest realization I need to really look at why I’m so dang busy — what am I really looking for in all that I do.

Ok… I’m being majorly reflective here…but that’s what I tend to do…   I will be writing more on this as my journey continues.
Love
Darren