FAITH AND "THE DA VINCI CODE"

By Toney Atkins

    Hollywood executives are somewhat shrewd in their efforts to pack movie houses for controversial movies -- particularly if the subject matter is the central character in Christianity, Jesus Christ.

    "The Da Vinci Code," a novel that has been on the shelves for more than a decade, is getting new life and a lot of television, radio and church pulpit exposure because it has become a motion picture that presents theories that some churches do not want to discuss or to outright repudiate.

    I've neither read the book and don't expect to see the film until it becomes available on DVD, but from what I do know about it, the Hollywood PR machine is working overtime and that machine's operators are likely giddy about all the controversy and free advertising they are getting for what appears to be simply another speculative drama that delves beneath the Biblical interpretations we've been taught in the New Testament about Jesus.

    The same type of hoopla raged when "Jesus Christ Superstar" was staged as a rock musical. I recall that friends and I had to wind our way through a sea of protesters holding signs warning that we'd all go to hell if we saw the production at Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga, TN. The musical told the story of Christ in a radically different way than it had been shown in the late 1960s and early '70s, but the underlying message and the questions people had in Jesus' time as well as in the present were presented in a manner that some might find disturbing, particularly the implications of Mary Magdalene singing "I Don't Know How To Love Him." Was that implying a close relationship between the two?

    The next hell storm that I recall came when a decades-old novel, "The Last Temptation of Christ," was made into a movie. What outraged the Christian community was the extended dream sequence as Jesus was hanging on the cross in which he saw Himself being led away to a land in which He and Mary married and had children and then, seeing the chaos in the land, having to make a decision as to whether to fulfill his destiny and go back to the cross to die for the sins of humanity. When Jesus opened his eyes on the cross, He knew the dream had been another Satanic temptation to stop Him from saving the world of sinners.

    I was in Florida at the time of that film's release, and the protests came well before anyone had actually seen the film. Ministers packed city and county council meetings, insisting that "The Last Temptation of Christ" be banned from movie houses, not allowing open-minded Christians to see the film for themselves and judge it for what it was. I heard of no one whose faith was damaged by seeing it much later when it finally became available in video stores.

    We all remember the Jewish uproar over Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," because they believed there would be a backlash against the Jewish folks because of the fact shown in the film that a number of Jews indeed wanted Jesus to be crucified. That movie proved to be a big success with the evangelical crowd because it concentrated on the bloody violence of the crucifixion and sex wasn't an issue.

    Now comes "The Di Vinci Code," which I understand implies that there is a discovery that Jesus and Mary indeed married and had children, and ministers are scared to death that their congregations' faith is going to be shattered by a work of fiction.

    My feeling about the whole uproar follows, and I have read The New Testament several times. So what if Jesus and Mary had a relationship -- even a sexual relationship -- that either purposely wasn't written in the Gospels or was omitted by editors who believed that suggesting that Jesus had natural human feelings were blasphemous. I have been taught throughout life that Jesus was God on earth in human form Who experienced every emotion known to man, who had to battle many temptations to do evil and to turn against the Father. He laughed, He wept, His body bled when lashed and He felt pain until the moment He conquered the cross and death itself. If He didn't have sex, does that mean sex is evil? At least, all of these speculative movies avoid going so far as to emphasize that he mostly hung out with 12 male disciples, and we all know what people today would say about that if Jesus had chosen this time to come.

    The outrage needs to be at oneself when a fictional book or movie has the power to hurt your faith in Jesus. We don't know everything He did on earth. We don't know everything He said. We DO know that He was the Son of God who loved His Father and all the people of the world to die for them and give them the promise of an eventual resurrection and eternal life.

    If you object to a movie or book, don't see or read it, but then, please don't turn around and pay to see a horror flick about exorcists and demons, because then what do you believe in?

    Pray, trust God, keep the faith, nurse it, share with those who believe as you do. Believe in Jesus in the manner that gives you comfort and makes you feel saved. Hold on to it, and I assure you, you will grow strong, using common sense and the knowledge that comes from above.

    Love and peace to all!

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WHAT??? THE INVASION'S OVER?

By Toney Atkins

I realize that the U.S. and the rest of the world are falling apart at the seams: Many illegal immigrants carrying illegal drugs are crossing the border into this country at this very moment, more brave troops have been killed or wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, people are up in arms about a movie based on a decade-old book that they are suddenly afraid will shake their faith in Jesus, and worry beads are being kept busy because of Paul McCartney's impending divorce, Tom Cruise's fatherhood, another Britney Spears baby, Paris Hilton's fear of poverty, the departure of "Will and Grace" and whoever was thrown off "American Idol."

But let's pause for a moment, friends in the Peanut Gallery (who, by the way, are justifiably sad about the loss of Clarabelle the Clown to Clown Heaven). Only the issues of our troops and the illegalities at the border are genuinely worth our concerns and prayers. Even a mustardseed of faith should survive "The DaVinci Code."

But just for a diversion, let me slip into the idiotic sublimity of unreality that monopolizes our lives to ask a question of real urgency in my segment of this Twilight Zone land of ours: WHY IS ABC TAKING "INVASION" OFF THE AIR?

You bet I am angry. We had to endure the initially promising but ultimately silly NBC series, "Surface," being mercifully flushed down tubeland's commode. CBS teased us with "Threshold" and then shoved it into a never-neverland void without notifying us that the last episode we watched was the last episode they would ever show -- no conclusions, no resolutions. Just, "Bye, y'all."

But "Invasion," despite its imperfections, had some substance and a semblance of reality (did FEMA ever show up after the first hurricane?). The characters were suitably likeable and heroic or villainous and venomously hateful. You could even care about some of them, whether or not they were aliens (or "hybrids"). There was a fairly coherent storyline, some good dramatic and suspenseful moments, decent action sequences and a bit of romance and underlying sexual tension.

So what does ABC do on the day of the really good "season finale"? The network announces that the show has not been renewed. Yes, we know why the good guy-bad guy sheriff did what he did at the end; we know the supposedly really bad guy got his comeuppance; we know that the lovely alien (hybrid?) mom and her hunky forest ranger former hubby still have feelings for each other even though his new wife is -- well, if you didn't see the show, I won't give that away; and we gather that FEMA -- or some people acting like they are from FEMA, with our doubts being fueled by their swiftness -- finally showing up after the second hurricane.

But we're left hanging about the non-poddy creatures that assume human form. Are they part of a government evolutionary project? Why have some of them implied a malicious takeover of the human race and others still have humanlike compassion? Why did what happened in the Florida Keys seem to be unknown to the outside world? Like "Lost," what has the time-frame been here? Am I eventually going to have to go back to college at my elder age for a class theorizing the meaning of this series?

So ABC, I chastise you! With all of the world's real troubles on our minds, why do you leave us with one more thing to worry about? Bring back "Invasion," or at least give us a more satisfactory ending, whether it's a happy one or not.

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THE MEDICATION-ALCOHOL DILEMMA

By Toney Atkins

    In an earlier posting, headlined "Addictions," I opined about medication issues as related to the much-reported "confession" and "apology" by Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy in announcing that he was checking into a facility to get help for his addiction to painkillers. Not wanting to harp on the issue, I simply want to be a bit redundant in elaborating and opining on the previous writing.

    The medications he said that he took before driving, allegedly not even remembering getting out of bed and operating the vehicle, were Ambien and something for his stomach, neither of which have anything to do with killing pain, according to doctors and medical reference information. Whatever the case, he obviously needs help if he has been mixing medications without researching potential side effects from the combinations. He says he was not drinking alcohol at the time of his car crash, and even if he wasn't, that definitely draws attention to the public about examining the issue of prescribed drugs combined with alcohol.

    My experience has been that if medications are taken as directed -- and the majority advise NOT to combine them with alcoholic beverages -- they work as they are intended to do. For example, I've chided acquaintances about drinking a lot while taking antibiotics for whatever condition requires them. For one thing, experience and research has shown me that the antibiotics do no good if combined with alcohol, and some people wonder why they don't get well.

    A number of medications can be addictive if taken for long periods of time. However, many people need certain medications in order to do their jobs and to maintain a quality of life. An example here is something such as Alprazolam for panic attacks. If taken as prescribed, I don't see a major addiction problem, especially if a physician will take time to wean the person off the medication (and that includes something like Zoloft, a good medication for depression) -- and IF the health problem is resolved. Ambien, a sleep aid, did not present a withdrawal problem when I was without it for a while, although I suffer from a sometimes serious sleep disorder possibly caused by post-traumatic stress after being mugged and kicked in the face and head many, many times about a decade ago (but that's a separate and unrelated story in itself).

    Information about these and other medications (including those for pain and muscle relaxation) are usually provided by the doctor or pharmacist and should be read carefully, particularly by drinkers who don't (or can't) stop with just one alcoholic beverage. The individual can avoid potentially dangerous side effects simply by knowing about the medication and following the instructions.

    Most don't see it as such, but that beer, wine or stronger beverages are drugs themselves, therein the danger of combining them with any other kind of drug. Taking aspirin while drinking booze and burn the stomach. Taking Tylenol-type drugs in combination with alcohol can impact the liver and even cause coma or death.

    On the issue of alcohol by itself, we all know that addiction as the disease of alcoholism. Symptoms can be frequently  having to have a beer or other drink when arising from bed, many more drinks during the day and evening and before going to sleep. Alone, such an addiction can result in mental and general health problems. (I'm not speaking of an average drinker who does not rely on alcohol for confidence to get through the day, to relieve a hangover from the night before or as an aid to try to sleep.) Controlled drinking is fine, as long as the person is not getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, operating potentially dangerous equipment or drinking too much too drown sorrows or to attempt an escape from personal problems. When the alcohol controls the person, that's when there can be all kinds of problems. That person can get treatment at facilities and get support from such fine groups as Alcoholics Anonymous.

    This is not written to appear that I'm "holier than thou." In some of the instances mentioned above, I've been there or I've dealt with many people who have -- and I've done a lot of research. This is not meant to be preaching. It's intended to be informational. I had to learn about a lot of things the hard way -- and then I learned to educate myself as much as possible, with the prayer that something I write can help even just one person.

    People have real and painful issues that require medication and even regular treatment by a physician. It's nothing to be ashamed of. We all just need to be in control of what we need and not allow it to control us.

    Don't just trust what I write here, though. Do some research from reliable sources on your own. It's your health.

   IMPORTANT POSTSCRIPT: Do NOT abruptly stop taking any prescribed medication before consulting your physician. Doing such could have very serious health repercussions.

    "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." -- The Serenity Prayer.

.

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I AGREE WITH PRESIDENT BUSH

By Toney Atkins

Stop the presses! I have found agreement with President Bush on some issues.

First, I firmly support his statement that if an immigrant wants to be an American citizen, he or she should sing the National Anthem in English and learn to speak the English language as Americans do.

I also agree that there are far too many "pork" issues for lawmakers' desires that should be in a separate money bill but are currently attached to a bill providing funding for our fighting men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan and for the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Let Congress try to destroy the environment and rip our pocketbooks at the same time on another occasion -- and I'm sure they will.

On the issue of illegal aliens, I still believe that ILLEGAL means just that -- unlawful. If our lawmakers should give blanket amnesty to all illegal immigrants from Mexico and elsewhere, they might as well give amnesty to anyone else who has broken the law in any form or fashion.

I am not against legal immigration. I know a number of fine people of Hispanic and other foreign heritage who are wonderful additions to the United States. I have even found some of those living in the South to be the nicest, most courteous people I've ever met, going so far as to be helpful when so-called friends who call themselves American citizens ignored or blatantly refused me. For them, I say, "God bless America, and welcome!"

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SHOULD CHRISTIANS PROTEST AT MILITARY FUNERALS?

--- The following is from the May 2 edition of "The Situation Room" with Wolf Blitzer on CNN. I urge you to read it and my commentary that follows:

WOLF BLITZER: For many families and others, it's an appalling act, going to the funerals of service members killed in Iraq to cheer their deaths. Can you believe this? But the group staging them is finding some support.

Let's get some details. This is an amazing story. Brian Todd is standing by -- Brian.

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, that support comes on the ever precarious grounds of free speech. Now, if any group could ever test the bounds of the First Amendment, it's the Westborough Baptist Church.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TODD (voice-over): They show up and shock.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Every dead soldier coming home is a punishment from the lord, your god.

TODD: At the funerals of service members killed in Iraq, these folks condemn the dead and their families.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You are a hell-bound minister of Satan.

TODD: Followers of the Kansas-based Westborough Baptist Church have been crisscrossing the U.S., protesting at more than 150 funerals of service members. They believe god is killing U.S. soldiers in Iraq to punish America for tolerating homosexuality.

They've caused such a disruption that more than two dozen states are either trying to pass laws restricting the movement of the protesters or have already passed them. There's a proposal in Congress for a federal law restricting their movement in national cemeteries.

But the Westborough Baptist Church now has a powerful ally. The American Civil Liberties Union is filing suit to challenge Kentucky's new law.

LILI LUTGENS, ACLU: What is important here is that the First Amendment protects the free speech rights of everyone, and that includes those whose message we dislike, that we find offensive.

TODD: The father of one U.S. soldier killed in Iraq whose funeral was picketed by the church, as well as veterans group leaders, say their friends and loved ones died to protect freedom of speech. But this lawsuit...

JOE DAVIS, VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS: It infuriates us. When you have some people that are out there just spreading this hate and prejudice and hiding behind the First Amendment to do so, it's something that's just not right. It doesn't sit well with, I would pretty much bet, most of Americans.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TODD: Like it or not, Westborough won't stop. One church leader told me they are heading to Michigan this weekend to protest at two soldiers' funerals. Michigan lawmakers are trying to pass one of those restriction laws, but it hasn't passed yet -- Wolf.

BLITZER: What a story. Brian, thanks for that. Brian Todd reporting.

(C) CNN. Read the entire transcript at CNN.com.

***

THE FOLLOWING IS SOLELY THE OPINION OF TONEY ATKINS AND IS NOT TO IMPLY THAT CNN OR ANY NEWS ORGANIZATION AGREES:

"God does not reject people. Neither do we." -- TV ad for the United Church of Christ.
The advertisement for the United Church of Christ has to be seen to be appreciated, and I have to admit that I see the truth, tragedy and humor in it that actually makes me feel like going to church.
All of us should know the words of Jesus in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that WHOSOEVER believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." That expressly means ALL, not just some, human beings. Unfortunately, many of us committed it to memory by rote because we had to and we do not always truly understand the simplicity of Jesus' message to us while He was in human form on earth. The commercial promotes that truth.
Then, I see on the news scenes of members the Baptist church named in the relatively brief CNN news piece who use an outrageous philosophy in preaching against the Iraq War by violating the mourning process of families and friends at funeral services for loved ones who have died in that war.
The video clips in the "Situation Room" report were tame compared to those that were televised several months ago, but there were still glimpses of the signs these people carry that bear the word "faggot" and other terms of bigotry that have nothing to do with the soldiers and their families, the troops who are valiantly doing their jobs in the conflict and the reasons for the war itself.
If you see one of the news tapes, look into the crazed eyes of these "religious" hate-mongers and listen to the venom of their speech. If one believed in demon possession, one would almost have to believe that this small group of alleged "Christians" is indeed possessed.
Their terrible tirades are causing even greater heartache for the dead soldiers' survivors and casting a bad reflection on religious institutions, most of whom have publicly disassociated themselves from these blatant hypocrites.
The "church" claims that the troops are dying because of their allegation that the United States condones homosexuality and that God is punishing the nation. With this apparently being their central reason for the protests, they have been recorded as hatefully calling all troops "faggots" and "queers" and saying that the soldiers deserve to die. Bull.... er, hogwash! What on earth is this group's agenda, and what insane asylum does it represent?
First, there apparently have been homosexuals on earth ever since Adam and Eve got thrown out of the Garden of Eden for eating that apple and they started to begat and begat and begat.
In all the wars men have fought since the beginning of time, it's only logical to believe that there were homosexuals fighting beside heterosexuals and bisexuals on both sides, so who was God punishing then?
This group calls itself a Christian church, but are these folks still living in the Old Testament? Many Americans do NOT openly condone homosexuality and that a known practicing homosexual would probably not be allowed to be a member of most churches or even be sincerely welcomed to worship in their sanctuaries -- even though the doors are always open to secret adulterers, cheats, wife-or-husband beaters and child abusers.
The difference is that however most Christian churches may believe, their members do not stage obscene, name-calling protests at military funerals.
To label our troops as this single Baptist church is doing is abysmal and totally un-Christian, according to all of the Bibles I've read. To imply that the soldiers of our nation are being punished for a single lifestyle is beyond being outrageous. Now, if they wanted to focus on the alleged untruths and corruption that got us into this war, I might be a little more understanding -- but I seriously doubt it.
The funeral of anyone who has died in battle so that this group might have its freedom of speech deserves respect, not only for the person who gave his or her life, but for the survivors as well.
Instead, this one church stages its protests with vile signs and language directed toward the families at the scenes of such funerals. I'm in no position to judge, but when this group reaches the Pearly Gates, I'm afraid its members could find the gates locked and a detour sign pointing downhill to a hotter climate.
I am a firm believer in freedom of speech, but it has its place and time. I was astounded to learn that the American Civil Liberties Union is supporting this group that is beyond being simply annoying. I shudder to think this is the depth to which our nation has dropped and the direction in which it seems to be going.
I admire and appreciate true Christians who practice their faith, especially in the real world before and after the church services they attend. I rejoice with them in their joy of trying to live the words that Jesus Himself preached.
I particularly admire the religious institutions that have denounced this hateful group that mars the lives of innocents and attempts in un-Godly ways to disgrace the dead. Do these fanatics deliver God's message? I think not.
As the United Church of Christ promotion says: "God does not reject people. Neither do we."
(P.S. And Lord, I'm working really hard to forgive these maniacs about whom I've written. Help me, please, because I'm really ticked off at them!)
(c) 2006, Toney Atkins