<:~ Rhapsidiom: February 2007 ~:>

Saturday, February 17, 2007

A Strange, Lone Voice in the Wilderness

Politics and entertainment have mingled in surprisingly starker ways. We see it all around us. Now (as observed by those last two links) religion is entering the fray. Admittedly, I've been perusing all the blogs detailing and following Mitt Romney's Adventures of the Politico. Granted, everyone seems to be debating the "Mormon issue." (I can imagine the terms "Culture War" getting a revamp.)

In light of all the ongoings, I found the following (below) Baptist commentator's snippet at this Mormon Dentist's blog. Of course, I realize this is but one voice as it were, and I wouldn't normally bring attention to one soliloquy like this. However, not only did I find the bloke's comments simultaneously amusing and curious, but it elicited a nagging (if not slight) question in my mind: will Mormon films have any play in the political scene in the following year(s)? We've already seen the intent of certain anti-Mormon filmmakers.

The question is at least worth pause:

First of all, as a traditional Baptist, I was stunned after viewing a movie called "States of Grace." A friend of mine from Utah sent it to me for Christmas. In spite of everything I have come to learn about Mormonism, here is a movie – a Mormon movie nonetheless – that demonstrates a deep understanding of -- and longing for -- unconditional grace and forgiveness through a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In my opinion, it movingly depicts the power of God's healing love and redemptive grace that comes after a fall and repentance. It not only shows the heart of Christianity, but it convincingly challenges the stereotypes that many of us traditional Christians have of Mormons and their belief in only conditional grace.

Second of all, I love my country and the constitution it was founded upon. The only person I believe will stand up for those beliefs is Mitt Romney – a.k.a. The “Mormon Candidate.” I will say that it would have been hard to pull the lever for a Mormon until I had a few questions cleared up for me. I believe this movie can be a landmark film in presenting a view of the Mormon church and Mormon life that has never before made it to the big screen – answering simple questions such as polygamy (by far the funniest scene in the movie), interfaith relationships and Mormon beliefs concerning grace...

My question is this – With all the stereotypes and misinformation out there about his beliefs, why hasn't anyone put this movie out there to help him? I would have to say I have never felt closer to Mormonism, and Christ's message of love, redemption, and hope, than after viewing States of Grace. You have a tool to answer the questions that would help me pull the lever for Gov. Romney, and you’re not using it.

I emailed "Evangelicals for Mitt" and they’ve never heard of the movie. I emailed a website called MittRunMitt.org and they dismissed me. I found more information on this movie at www.StatesofGrace.net...

Anyone have a response for the fellow?

Update 2/20/07: Looks like somebody else took note. Note the interesting accessory:

Friday, February 16, 2007

Perhaps a little hyperbolic and short-sighted, but still a thought:

I was in the audience when President Spencer W. Kimball issued his famous challenge to Mormon artists everywhere to "strive for perfection—the best and greatest" and never be "satisfied with mediocrity."

That was in 1977. Thirty years later, I gratefully acknowledge fine Mormon authors and recognize that we have come quite a ways. But my office bookshelves have no books written by Mormons. (Not even by ex-Mormons.) My fiction reading choices are consistently from national markets, not LDS ones. I suspect I represent many lovers of good literature—who also happen to be Mormon. And with the merger of Covenant Communications and Deseret Book, I’m afraid my reading choices will not change. And sadly, though I’ve published a number of books with LDS presses, I doubt I’ll do it again.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

The Plea

Mr. Beat Jeremy Coon might be at a turning point. Says he:

I've almost finished writing my script.

Some of you may be familiar already with some of Mr. Beat Jeremy Coon's antics, but for a refresher, says he:

I graduated from Berkner High School in 1997. So did Jeremy Coon. I went on to co-write a musical that all my friends in Austin saw. Jeremy Coon went on to produce Napoleon Dynamite. Our high school reunion is in two years. I know I'm better than Jeremy Coon. But in two years, I have to prove it. I have to beat Jeremy Coon.

If you feel so inclined, he has made a plea:

To be able to sell or raise funding to direct the script, however, I need contacts. I have a few already. But I need more...

I must say I am, if anything, entertained. For someone who (pretentiously?) has it out for Jeremy Coon, I'm curious to see who might drum up any support. Lemme know.

Many An Interview

On the carpet with American Fork (skipping the very first part). Watch for Doug Chamberlain shootin' stills in the background.

Friday, February 02, 2007

Reprise

Since, according to Google Analytics, people are visiting this site based on search terms such as "new york doll soundtrack," I thought I'd provide at the beau hands of blognitive dissonance some of that fine stuff. (You'll need to click "radio blog" and then scroll down the radio blog list to Johansen.)

Update 2/4/07:

Bloggers

Curriculum

Criticism

Diversion

Contributors

Previous Posts

Archives