Thursday, March 3, 2016
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Willie Brown's Journey Of Faith: A Movie Review Response for the Film "Straight Out...
Willie Brown's Journey Of Faith: A Movie Review Response for the Film "Straight Out...: This is a movie review response that was prepared for a class that I am taking called Mission in the Western World. This class deals with t...
A Movie Review Response for the Film "Straight Outta Compton".
This is a movie review response that was prepared for a class that I am taking called Mission in the Western World. This class deals with the condition of this world that we live in which is made up of a postmodern cultural mindset. How can the body of Christ effectively communicate the gospel to those they do not understand or to those who simply do not believe in Christ, God, or the creation of man has recorded in the Holy Bible.
I decided to do my review on the movie "Straight Outta Compton." I thought that was a very interesting film and here is my take along with some methods in which we may have been able to introduce the gospel of Jesus Christ to the men in the film.
I decided to do my review on the movie "Straight Outta Compton." I thought that was a very interesting film and here is my take along with some methods in which we may have been able to introduce the gospel of Jesus Christ to the men in the film.
Movie
Review Response
The
following exercise is a movie review response for the film “Straight Outta Compton.” This response will first identify and
describe elements from the movie (scenes, dialogue, situations, or thought
processes) that are symptomatic of the “postmodern condition”. Next, there will be an identification and
description of one or two elements (scenes, dialogue, situations, or thought
processes) that could present an obstacle for presenting the Gospel. Finally, there will be an identification and
description of one or two elements (scenes, dialogue, situations, or thought
processes) that could present an opportunity for presenting the Gospel. An analysis of what need was expressed and
the questions which were foremost will be recorded as well.
Symptomatic Signs of the
“Postmodern Condition”
The
movie “Straight Outta Compton” depicts the lives of three young African
American males from Compton , California Compton home with
hopes of collecting money, but is confronted with opposition as his drug
dealing cohorts refuse to pay him what they owe. In the scene we hear graphic language as they
argue and curse at each other through the failed transaction. Easy-E refers to a woman who is there as a
“B” and we see guns, alcohol, and drugs present. Finally the police raid the home with a tank
like apparatus which busts the door down while violently slamming one of the
women into the wall. Easy-E runs and kicks out the bathroom window while the
others scramble to hide drugs and exit the best way they can. The very use of profane language, illegal
drugs, and activity depict the postmodern culture that we live in today. We notice a people so desperate to exist that
they must sell illegal drugs and are involved in gangs in order to
survive.
In
scene two we see kids on a school bus throwing up gang signs to a car full of Crips. The gangsters then pull in front of the bus
on a busy street, board it, and begin to scold and threaten the young kids who
were making the gang signs. This is the
kind of life that people are living in the streets of America
today. Gang life is void of Christian
beliefs, true love, and sanctification.
In fact it is a life that is full of people longing for love and
affiliation in the wrong places. It is a
life filled with despair, violence, death, and a need to belong. The very music that NWA and groups like it
promote is said to show what real life is like in the hood and on the urban streets
of America . Producers
of this brand of music claim that basically they are just a mirror of society. A whole culture of what is known as hip-hop
has been invaded by this brand of hardcore rap music that is filled with
braggadocio, misogyny, and the glamorization of drugs and violence. We’ve gone
from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five to Niggas With Attitudes
(NWA). We’ve gone from “Rappers Delight” to “ F the Police”. Every
generation seems to push the envelope a little farther. Sadly enough this is
the reality of many people in our postmodern culture today. An attitude of
tolerance and acceptance is a breeding ground for anti-Christian beliefs and
theology.
In another scene we notice examples of police
corruption as Ice Cube and his parents are referred to as “niggers” and called
other derogatory terms by members of the LAPD.
Throughout the movie there are instances where the police harass these
young African American males for what seems like nothing. Fear and abuse of power along with racial
profiling are also evident in a culture that is lacking faith and righteous
consciousness. On one hand we see a much
needed, but corrupt authority, and on the other hand we see an oppressed people
who are searching for a way out of their misery. Unfortunately when the group members actually
begin to progress financially and are able to move from the hood to Beverly
Hills and beyond they still bring their hood-like
attitudes and gangster lifestyle with them.
Obstacles for Presenting the
Gospel
In
one respect you feel for the young men who are fighting to better their
economic situation and move from a life of have-nots, but what good is it if
their money just allows them to have bigger parties, more drugs and alcohol,
mixed with sexual orgies. In the movie there is a very important scene where
the group is being told what they can say and not say on stage. In order to voice their opinion of police
brutality they exercised their right to record the song “F the Police.” This song caused a major uproar throughout
the country, but it brought light to the subject of police brutality that our
young African Americans are facing every day in this country. When told not to perform the song at a
concert, Ice Cube leads them into it regardless. A riot seemed to break out as the police
tried to stop the music and finally ended up arresting the group. Because of
the First Amendment right to freedom of speech it seems that the law could be a
hurdle for presenting the Gospel. An
attempt could have been made to tell the group (NWA) not to use foul language,
or try to tell your message in a more positive light, or instead of saying “F
the Police” can we find a way to somehow get along with the police? Laws and rights make it hard in a postmodern
culture to present the Gospel. When the
government makes things that are immoral legal then people feel that they are
well within the law to exercise their rights.
When a downtrodden people believe that money is the answer to all of
their problems then it is still difficult to teach them how to behave with
respect and dignity. You can move the
boy out of the hood, but you can’t move the hood out of the boy. People who have lots of money tend to feel
that they can do whatever they can afford to do whether it is right or wrong.
A Chance to Present the Gospel
There
are a number of opportunities where we could have presented the gospel to our
main characters in this movie. We could
have presented Christ to the young men when they were first forming the record
label. Instead of them leaning towards
gangster rap perhaps they could have leaned more towards positive,
Inspirational, or Christian rap. Maybe
we could have explained to them that “Life and death is in the power of the
tongue and those who love it will eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21 ).
There are consequences that we must face with the words that we
speak. Perhaps the gospel could have
been introduced to the men when they were jailed for inciting a riot at the
concert by performing the song “F The Police.” While they were in
bondage and could hear a word spoken from a man or women of God there may have
been a chance to get their attention.
One may have said to them “See where your music and expression has
gotten you”? “You are locked up behind
bars in a country that is supposed to have free speech.” “The only freedom is a life with a loving and
forgiving God.” “It is our faith in God
and not our money that provides true freedom.”
The word says “Now the Lord is the spirit, and where the spirit of the
Lord is there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17 ). One final opportunity to present the gospel
could have been in the scene where Easy-E died from AIDS. In this scene we see
one of the members of the group not even able to go into the hospital room to
see Easy-E in his present condition.
Perhaps this would have been a great time to offer the salvation of
Jesus in the remission of all of their sins.
A Man of God may have said something like this “let not your friend
Easy-E’s death be in vain. Although he
fought for a better life free from selling drugs and being involved with gangs,
his choices which were fueled by his beliefs and money, led him to sickness and
death.” “God wants more for your life
than just an opportunity to get on stage, curse, make lots of money and then
party afterwards.” “God wants your soul
to be saved. He loves you and forgives you for all unrighteousness.” “Do you
know where you will spend eternity if you are to die today”? “Easy-E died, but do you know that Jesus
Christ died for you so that you could have ever lasting life.”
Needs and Questions
The
need for our young rappers to express themselves in a world where they felt
victimized and oppressed was definite.
There was also a need for our people of authority to see that you cannot
profile a whole generation simply by the color of their skin and where they are
from. Also, young artists need to know
that there is a responsibility when getting on the microphone in front of
people, and you will be held accountable for your words and actions. Finally, the only true freedom in this world
comes from a loving God, and through the blood of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of
Christ and his word is the one that should be spread throughout the world, and
not that which seeks the gain of money, and fame. The most foremost questions
are 1) what God do you serve? 2) Do you serve God or mammon? 3) What profit is
there to gain the whole world and lose your soul?
In
conclusion a movie review response was conducted which identified many
elements, situations, and thought processes that are symptomatic of the
“postmodern condition.” An
identification of an element or two which could provide an obstacle to
presenting the Gospel, as well as an element or two which could provide an
opportunity to present the Gospel was provided, along with an analysis of needs
that were expressed and the foremost questions which might be asked.
Please provide your feedback. I'd like to hear your comments on what you think about the paper, the movie, and your thoughts on our post modern society as a whole.
Thank you.
Get the new "Willie Brown and Friends Gospel Comedy Live" DVD Volume 2. It's available through PayPal
on The Clean Comedy Clinic site at www.cleancomedyclinic.com. It's hilarious and will keep you and your family laughing the entire time.
Get the new "Willie Brown and Friends Gospel Comedy Live" DVD Volume 2. It's available through PayPal
on The Clean Comedy Clinic site at www.cleancomedyclinic.com. It's hilarious and will keep you and your family laughing the entire time.
Friday, January 8, 2016
Willie Brown's Journey Of Faith: Spiritual Discipline Comes From Repetition
Willie Brown's Journey Of Faith: Spiritual Discipline Comes From Repetition: Friday, January 08, 2016 Good Morning Saints. I got up early and hopped on the 6 AM prayer call with Pastor T.J. McBride a...
Spiritual Discipline Comes From Repetition
Good
Morning Saints. I got up early and
hopped on the 6 AM prayer call with
Pastor T.J. McBride at Tabernacle of Praise International www.topci.org.
This ministry is on fire! I’m
finding that spiritual discipline comes from repetition. If you want to accomplish something great or
make a change in your life you have to keep doing the new activity each and
every day. I’ve heard it said that it
takes three weeks to change a habit.
Maybe that’s why the Daniel Fast is for twenty-one days. I don’t know for sure, but I do know that if
you want to have a positive change in your life then you need to be focused and
persistent. Keep doing the daily
activity whether it be praying, reading your Bible, exercising, writing,
practicing, or whatever it is that you’re trying to accomplish. Stick to it!
The word of God tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore my beloved
brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
for ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” It is through constant repetition and
availing ourselves to the things of God where our transformation takes
place. We must be transformed by the
renewing of our minds through Christ Jesus.
Hey yall I’m expecting great things for my life on this day and you
should do the same. Be blessed!
Godspeed!BE SURE TO ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE NEW "WILLIE BROWN AND FRIENDS GOSPEL COMEDY LIVE" DVD EPISODE 2. You can order it now through PayPal at www.cleancomedyclinic.com or www.williebrownandwoody.com. You can also book Willie Brown to perform or speak at your church or event along with a cast of many other great and talented clean comedians. Call today (310) 663-9228 or (770) 871-1197
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Willie Brown's Journey Of Faith: It's A Fact That We Have Feelings But Feelings Are...
Willie Brown's Journey Of Faith: It's A Fact That We Have Feelings But Feelings Are...: Thursday, January 07, 2016 This is the day that the Lord has made. May we be glad and rejoice in it (Psalm 118-24). Satan is really con...
It's A Fact That We Have Feelings But Feelings Aren't Factual
This is the day
that the Lord has made. May we be glad
and rejoice in it (Psalm 118-24). Satan is really conniving and slick. He will try to attack you in your sleep,
and make you dream of things that you
use to do, and then bring you before your accusers. I rebuke every attempt that he has tried to
make on my life and on the life of my wife, children, and family. What a trick to have you in your dream
smoking cocaine cigarettes and acting out of sorts, and then he puts certain
people there to accuse you of what you’re doing. I feel a need to be candid
here. I hope my testimony helps someone
out there. If you are battling with
substance abuse or any type of addiction whatever it may be I pray that you
would have the strength to turn it over to God right now in Jesus name! I pray that Satan has no power or authority
over your life, and that he can no longer use drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or any
mind altering, or mood changing substances to keep you in bondage. This I pray in Jesus name.
I woke up this morning feeling
tired and out of it a bit. I’ve often
heard that it’s a fact that we have feelings, but that our feelings aren’t
factual. I’ve been told not to get
caught up in my feelings and emotions.
Feelings and emotions can lead you astray or distract you from what God
really has intended for you. Sometimes
we have to know that he is near even when we don’t feel his presence. We have to trust in his word that he will do
all that he said he will do. Sometimes I
fall back into fear and doubt about financial matters and all that is before
me. I don’t know what it was today, but
I was feeling uneasy a bit. We got up for the 6 AM prayer with TOP and it was
good, but I didn’t open my mouth as much as I would like to, because my wife
said that it was distracting when I prayed out loud while Pastor McBride was
praying out loud. But I find a need to
open my own mouth and speak to God myself.
I appreciate Pastor leading us in prayer, but I have to make it personal
sometimes. I realize that I’m the one who
needs the breakthrough. I’m the one who
needs the power of the Holy Spirit each and everyday. So after the prayer I got up and still felt
like I was in some kind of a funk. I
tried to express myself to my wife, and I could see that it was making her recoil
and feel a certain way so I began to think in my mind that it was a waste of
time for me to even say anything. If
what I am thinking or letting off my chest makes my wife feel uncomfortable, or
makes her not want to hear it then maybe I should keep it to myself. I was kind of tired an irritable, and it
could be because of the fast that we are on. I don’t know what it was. At times
I can be a real ball of emotions. So I decided to get dressed and go to the gym
to work out. I’m on a new regiment and I need to take care of myself
first. When I went downstairs to get my
jacket out of the closet my dog Spirit was whimpering and trying to get me to
take her for a walk. Unfortunately for
Spirit I wanted to take myself to the gym.
Sometimes a man feels bogged down with so many things to do and he gets
frustrated because it seems like he can’t get anything done. Anyway I went to the gym and had a good
workout. I listened to some gospel music
as I worked out on the elliptical machine.
I then did some crunches, walked around the track, and jumped rope. The
exercise helped to clear my mind. Now
I’m ready to take on the day.ORDER THE NEW "WILLIE BROWN AND FRIENDS GOSPEL COMEDY LIVE" DVD EPISODE 2 TODAY. Go to www.williebrownandwoody.com or www.cleancomedyclinic.com and order it through Paypal. It's great for the entire family. You can also book your favorite comedians at www.cleancomedyclinic.com or call (310) 663-9228
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