If you could be God for one week, what would you do?And what if you were Jim Carrey?Moviegoers everywhere flocked to find out the answer. The result was one of the funniest comedies of all time, "Bruce Almighty." This hilarious feature was directed by Tom Shadyac and re-written by Steve Oedekerk. These filmmakers have a long and goofy history together, stretching back to Jim Carrey's big break, the "Ace Ventura films." But they share a much deeper connection than that. Something that bonds them far more than their work in Hollywood. They are both Christians.At our last meeting of THE DECODER RING (at the NEW Church Office :-) we laughed ourselves silly watching "Bruce Almighty." We enjoyed Jim Carrey's outrageous behavior, Jennifer Aniston's redeeming heart, and Morgan Freeman's soothing presence. We also witnessed Steve Carrel's scene-stealing performance, which lead to him starring in the spin-off film "Evan Almighty."We confronted some of the controversial aspects of "Bruce Almighty," which involved premarital sex, swearing, seemingly blasphemous dialogue, and the God character telling Bruce that everybody's problem is they "keep looking up." The director, thankfully, answers all of these objections: the characters in the film are not perfect people. They are imperfect, and thus behave outside of God's parameters. The out-of-wedlock sex and foul language falls into this realm. The accusatory words thrown at God mirror those found in the Bible, specifically Psalm 27. And as far as the problem that people "keep looking up," the director tells us what he meant. People should be ready and willing to put their hands to the work of the Lord on this earth, by personally helping those around them in need. If we keep looking up, he suggests that we won't help others here and now because we'll expect God to do everything.This is the only part that doesn't quite fit theologically. I get where the director is coming from, but the truth is much more complicated than that. According to the Bible, Jesus clearly says in John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
It also says in James 1:17-18
It also says in James 1:17-18
"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do."
God desires that we do BOTH AT THE SAME TIME. Look up AND walk. It's an uncomfortable balance, but that's how He operates. God's sovreignty and our responsibility. You may never get used to it, but it's the truth.
We also wrestled with the big idea this movie is trying to bring to the audience. That God desires an honest, loving relationship with his increasingly selfish and worldly children. The best insight into God's dilemma captured on film is when Bruce asks God, "How do you make people love you without affecting free will?" To which God replies, "Welcome to my world, son. You come up with an answer to that one, you let me know." The film demonstrates how much God yearns for a relationship with his children, but that he also respects us enough to make our own choice.
During our time together we had a great discussion with some thoughtful moments about what God has done in our lives up to this point. We encouraged each other with our hope in God's plan for the future. And, as is our tradition, we prayed for the filmmakers and actors: Tom, Steve, Jim, Jennifer, Morgan, and Steve. God loves them very much, and joins with us in our prayers that they will be open to him and seek a real relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Until next time,
Steve
THE MATRIX (1999)
