Random Thoughts

V for Vendetta

2006-03-18T10:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, I saw an R rated movie. While some would condemn me, I think that it is much more important to judge whether to watch a movie based on all of its aspects, and not just some simple letter rating. Thus, while there are some R-rated movies that I will watch, there are also many PG-13 movies that I don't watch; hooray for spiritual discernment.

"The film is set in a futuristic London, and the story follows V, a freedom-fighter, who is also on a personal vendetta, pursuing political and social changes in a dystopian society."(courtesy Wikipedia, I was too lazy to summarize it myself)

I actually wasn't expecting too much of the movie; I mainly went because it looked different, and I was curious. But I was pleasantly surprised; it turned out much better than I expected. It was quite different from standard action movies, and it put a unique spin on the standard 1984-style movie. Though the directing and the plot flow seemed to come apart a little during the last half, it was still worth the trip.

One slightly annoying aspect was the political slant the movie had, whether intentional or unintentional. While the movie did give a plausible reason why the state of affairs in Britian would degenerate to that level, it seemed rather a stretch that they managed to attack capitalists, the military, Christianity, the Church, and Conservatives.

But I don't think that this is a reason to slam a movie and refuse to watch it. Maybe it's propaganda, but it doesn't mean that it couldn't happen. Conservatives must be careful not to sacrifice Freedom in the name of security, and Christians should be aware of how our religion can be manipulated for the purposes of corrupt politicians. As the movie pointed out:

"He who sacrifices freedom for security deserves neither"
-Ben Franklin

Selective Service, The Ethical Issues

2006-03-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

I was contemplating the draft and the ethical issues involved while walking back to my dorm from class. Two intriguing questions stood out. At what point is conscription permissable for a government, and is dodging a draft morally acceptable?

The first issue is rather relative to what country you are discussing. For example, while the USA doesn't need to worry to much about getting enough men for defense of the homeland, a nation such as Israel which faces hostility on a daily basis and constantly has to be prepared for the worst needs compulsory service as a matter of survival. So the answer becomes, if it is absolutely necessary for the nation's survival, than it is permissable. If it is to support a military action that is merely the whim of politicians, than it is probably unjustified. But how do you define "survival"? Example, according to this definition, the draft for the Vietnam War wasn't drafted. But would a draft for the War on Terror be justified if not enough men were volunteering for military service?

With the second issue, at first I thought that being a citizen of a country entails the responsibility of fighting in her defense if called upon to serve, regardless of one's on views. But then I thought about Nazi Germany, where I would consider it one's moral duty to refuse to fight for the evil that it was. At what point do one's personal views supercede the will of the country as represented by the government? I decided that only when a government directly with no doubt involved breaks the Bible by going to war is one morally justified in refusing to serve.

Valentines...and Nukes

2006-02-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I survived Valentine's day again. I don't know, one would think that I would have been depressed during Single Awareness day; I know my roommate was, and before I've always felt that little pang when I saw the couples out in full force. But I actually felt very content. God's has taught me many things over this past year, and one of them was to be content with God's timing, and to wait on what he has in store for me. I actually think that it would help many Christians faith if their default setting wasn't "I'm going to be married" but "I'm celibate till God tells me otherwise." Trust me, it also really helps develop relationships if you don't treat all members of the opposite gender as marriage prospects.

Now, the nukes part. It was all fun and games and Nuclear Holocaust was a relatively vague threat unless the janitor accidentally knocked the switch, but now North Korea has them, and Iran is getting close, and who knows what they would do with them. I wish so badly that the world could scrap all nuclear warheads and pretend that they never existed. They complicate matters so unnecessarily. Say that a few years from now, Iran starts bullying its neighbors again, what do we do? We can't exactly invade with ground forces, and risk nuclear annihilation of a few divisions. We probably couldn't even threaten, as they would call our bluff, and probably up the ante a little, threaten to use nukes on their stronger neighbors. And we can't exactly invade now, unless we're willing to completely empty Iraq of our forces, and hope for the best. A rebellion from within Iran would work out best, but we've kinda sorta been hoping for that forever, and it doesn't look like it's happening too soon. Alright, I need to think about this a little more, but I'm off to class, peace.

Gratitude is sweeter than sugar

2006-02-11T12:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I was in the cafeteria for breakfast, staring at my bowl of cereal. I was thinking to myself about how much I wished that it wasn't cereal, that it was a delicious breakfast like I could have back home. In my head, I started sarcastically singing to myself a kid's song from Veggie Tales,

I thank God for this day,
for the sun, in the sky,
for my mom and my dad...

and all of a sudden, I wasn't being sarcastic anymore. I started looking at everything that I had to bea thankful for: I was getting an education, I had all the food I needed to eat, I could praise God openly, and dozens more.

It was the best cereal that I've ever had.

Mohammad cartoons

2006-02-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

Apparently, some European magazines decided that it would be a good idea to make a cartoon of Mohammad. Instantly, the Muslim world explodes in anger, so what is the European response? Print more of course, causing more threats and violence on the part of the Muslim world.

First off, one must note that it's not specifically because the cartoons poked fun at Mohammad that Muslims got angry, but because it is blasphemous to make a picture of Mohammad period. It's basically how a Christian would feel about seeing Drew Carey or some other "comedian" mock Jesus by incorporating the cross and crucifixion into a comedy sketch, it's a very inappropriate setting, to put it lightly.

I'm rather undecided on this issue. First off, those pictures never should have been printed. Freedom of speech nonwithstanding, it's not a good idea to print stuff that will make people angry, when said people are quite capable of killing innocent people. Also, the European press is making free speech and democratic ideals seem like a horrible thing to the Muslim world. The message is clear to them, if we tolerate free speech, then the press will spend its time attacking our religion and our Prophet.

But one side of me says that I might do the same thing. Why should I let fanatical extremists determine what I say and do? I have a right to print pretty much anything I want.

However, the problem with that is, where does it end? The Muslim world is not going to back down, no matter what, so it would probably be a good idea to just stop now before they take more drastic action.

I supppose that if I were in the editor's shoes, I would state that I wouldn't print the cartoons anymore, but I would refuse to apologize, as I couldn't honestly say that I had done anything wrong; quite foolish maybe, but nothing wrong. He's proved his point he printed the cartoons. Hooray for the power of the press, now could we just move along?

Good Times...and books

2006-01-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry for not posting in a month. I was home for break, and what can I say, my family likes keeping busy. So I'm back to school now, which means more posts I guess.

Anyways, I've read some awesome books since last posts. I read the Screwtape Letters again; I'd forgotten how totally and completely awesome that book was. On a side note, I'd never noticed before that the book was dedicated to Tolkien. St. Augustine, Schaefer, and all the rest are cool, but no one can hold a candle to C.S. Lewis. I've been inspired to read another of his books, Pilgrim's Regress again. If you haven't read either of these books, you've definitely been missing out. And if you don't know who C.S. Lewis is...my heart goes out to you.

Also, I highly, highly, ever so highly recommend not even a hint by Joshua Harris, of I Kissed Dating Good-bye fame. An excellent book. His writing once again was stellar, and he had some very deep insights into the issue of lust. Also, this book is written just as much for members of the female persuasion as those of the less fair persuasion, so don't think you can skip out.

At some later point when I have time, I'll leave a commentary about something. Right now, I'm kinda sorta getting ready for a show, so, have fun y'all.

Home...

2005-12-19T13:34:00.000-08:00

Sorry for taking so long to post, my family likes keeping me busy, and our internet was dead for a few days.

It's so good to be home. I walk in the door, see my wonderful mother, and she turns to me and says, "Can you drive your sisters to their play?" Ah, the joy of living in a family of 12. Seriously, I really love coming home and seeing everyone. And spending my first hour fixing up everyone's computers. Bliss...

Later on that eveing, I was pulled aside by my mother, who gave me a slight reprimand about the rather risque post that I put up last time. If I offended anyone, I apologize, but it wasn't meant to be confrontational, and I tried to talk about the issue with as little vulgarity as possible.

I don't believe that one should close their eyes to something simply because of a tad amount of corruption. Should I refrain from Shakespeare because of the vulgar innuendoes that he enjoys inserting in here and there? At the same time, I do recall informing Mom at the age of 11 she should stop taking us to art museums cuz of all of the pornography. Heh, heh, good times. It's simply a judgement call; does the redeeming quality outweigh the tainted portions?

Oh yeah, I saw Narnia. Worth every penny. I knew it would be good, but it still surprised me. I also enjoyed how closely it followed the book.

Movies(cont.) and a little segue into today's culture

2005-12-14T16:07:00.000-08:00

Yeah, about, er, risque junk in movies. If I think the film is worth it, then I go and put up with it. If it's way too bad, I must admit that I close my eyes until the scene is over. Which means that if I'm going to a movie like that it had better be worth the public embarassment. And when you're at home, well, that's what the fast forward thing is for. It doesn't matter how much skin is shown/covered, or how far around the bases it goes. If it's something that can lead one to temptation, then it is to be avoided.

Our culture has totally brainwashed my generation. Relationships are supposed to be about sex, and selfish physical gratification, what else would relationships be for? Too many Christian teens are also misled. Maybe they don't actually have sex, big deal. I have a question for the guys, when you're making out, is it really about showing her how much you love her, or is it about your hormones and your desire to please your physical cravings? Girls don't get off the hook either, are you using your bodies just to please your significant other so he can give you the emotional gratification that you crave?

A pure Christian relationship isn't about placating physical and emotional cravings. Part of it is a desire to have someone that you wish to share your life with someone in a way that you don't with anyone else. But the main reason is to deepen each others' relationship with Christ. Their relationship should help them understand how much God loves each of them, and to better understand this.

I'm not going to say that kissing before marriage is wrong. While I did commit myself to wait until my wedding in order to show my future wife(unless God calls me to remain celibant); I don't necessarily condemn doing it beforehand for other people. But only if it is truly a display of your desire to make the other person happy. If it's purely about personal gratification, and you're sucking on each others' faces every night, then it definitely should stop.

blog technicalities

2005-12-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

yeah, I'm new to this whole blog thing. How do I link other people's blogs?

Violence in movies/video games

2005-12-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Before I start this post, I want to clarify something. The number one rule is that if it bothers you, not just one part in the movie, but the whole thing, then you probably shouldn't watch it. This doesn't necesarily mean that no one else should watch it, as some people struggle with different things.

That being said, this post will mainly be about guys and raising sons. I can't say much about the fairer gender, as I'm not really sure about where psychologically stand when it comes to violence. As I understand it, they generally aren't interested in it very much, so you don't really have too much to worry about there.

I want to set on the table where I draw the line when it comes to violence. Ahem, If The Movie/Video Game Graphically Displays Violence Or Disturbing Images Simply For The Sake Of Said Images, Then That M/VG Probably Shouldn't Be Watched. But what exactly does that mean?

Many parents try to stifle the aggressive drive in their sons; my mom originally wouldn't let me and my three older brothers play with toy guns. Well, when every single bent stick that we picked up became a gun, she got the message. We didn't do it simply to be rebellious, we wanted to pretend we were soldiers; it's a natural part of a man's self, the drive to fight. Now, what a parent needs to do, is make sure that their sons channel that violence for a good cause. When they watch violent movies, make sure that they clearly present the heroes in a good light. Have them see that the bad guy uses violence selfishly, and for evil, but the good guy, The Hero, is a man of integrity, who fights to protect others, and stop the bad guy.

Stay away from gore at first, you don't want to freak a child out. But movies such as the Magnificent Seven are excellent. Old Westerns generally provide the best material, as getting shot consists of grabbing your chest and slumping over. Quite importantly, talk about the movie with your kids. Make sure they understand why the bad guy was evil, why the good guy was right in using violence. It doesn't have to be a grim and boring sit-down after the movie, maybe a dinner time conversation, or a discussion as you are in the car. As they get older, factor in more mature movies, such as Band of Brothers. Make sure they understand key concepts such as the sacrifice, a good guy giving his life to protect and help others. At some point, introduce the gray areas, when a hero doesn't act perfectly, when sometimes it's hard to see who's really the bad guy.

Importantly through out this process, teach your children to discern for themselves what is right and wrong. My parents did an excellent job teaching us to decide for ourselves what we should and shouldn't watch. Parenting does no good if you merely shelter your children; at some point, they will have to decide for themselves what is right and wrong to watch. Also, make sure that you watch any movie you even consider for your children before they watch it. Look up reviews for it; I recommend www.screenit.com
Stay away from horror/slasher films, no matter at what age. It's quite morbid to take pleasure in watching people get torn apart by evil spirits/monsters. War movies are generally OK, especially films about WWII, the mini-series Band of Brothers is excellent. For a film with a strong Christian viewpoint, Saints and Soldiers is exquisite. These movies can also be used to teach kids about the sacrifice that Americans have made over the years to protect liberty.

As for video games, same rules. Despite the fact that I'm all "growed up," there are some games that I choose not to play. The Grand Theft Auto games, I am forced to say, shouldn't be played. This is a sacrifice for me, as it has an intense story-line and spectacular game play, but it's far too obssessed with violence. Doom 3, no way. While theoretically it's good in that it shows a man fighting evil monsters, it displays far too many unnecessary disturbing images. I still love to play Halo 1 and 2, and half life 1 and 2. Their story lines are definitely about good vs. evil, and the multiplayers are loads of fun to play. Strategic games such as the Command and Conquer series are generally good to. Remember, it is important to know what it is before you let your children touch them.

I considered putting in a specific timeline for when in a child's growing up to present movies, but I decided that that should really be left up to the individual parents; who knows better than the parents? Just remember, sooner or later, be it at 13 or at 22, kids are going to have to make these decisions on their own. Make sure they understand where they draw the line.

Next time, be prepared for, nudity and such, dun dun dun.

Movies and video games, part I

2005-12-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

Parents today face a difficult question, what movies should I allow my children to watch? Society is overwhelmed by a flood of videos glorifying violence and sex. Where should parents draw the line? Many take the easy way out, and say that if it's R rated, it can't be watched, but if it is pg 13 or lower than it is OK.

Also, where should parents draw the line at video games? At the M rating? If there is any violence in it at all?

The real solution to both questions is much more complex than the rating. There are some R rated movies I have watched that were quite uplifting, such as the Patriot, by Mel Gibson, and Gladiator, Ridley Scott. However, there are many pg 13 movies which definitely should be off limits, such as the new Dukes of Hazzard movie.

In the next couple of posts, I'll share where I personally draw the line in movies and video games, and if you're interested, feel free to stop by.

Welcome

2005-12-08T23:58:00.000-08:00

Sup y'all, and welcome to the wonderful world of Zach Curtis, where the smallest most insignificant thing can trigger a random thought process. Such is life. Just some slight info about myself. I was born in California, the sixth of twelve children. My parents are the two most wonderful people in the world; not many parents care so much about their children. We moved to Virginia when I was about 14, and three years later I find myself in college.

I'm a Christian, and I'm conservative. In other words, I'm right. Haha, just kidding. Why am I a Christian? Probably because I'm just too open-minded to be a agnostic like so many of my intelectual bretheren and sisteren. Usually, they get too dogmatic about relativism and tolerance, and they fail to actually consider whether or not there is absolute truth out there, and if so, what it is. At some point I'll write down the actual circumstances that led to my conversion. In the meantime, I always enjoy a good discussion on the topic.

Now, why am I a conservative? Because man is fundamentally flawed, evil, and will easily do the wrong, selfish thing if he can get away with it. I know that this is a gross generalization, and not every act made by man is evil, but for the sake of keeping this post as short as possible, we'll go with it. Therefore, nearly any organization created by man will act almost absolutely selfishly, be it corporations or governments. The only way to create an environment as free, equal, and secure as possible is to find a way to balance out the organization so that none of them absolutely dominate and trod individuals underfoot. This is achieved economically by having as little government regulation and interference as possible. If the state interferes, history shows that it is bound to favor one company, at the expense of the public. At the same time, government should be big enough to keep corporations from gaining domination through corrupt and greedy means. This means that the government steps in to break up true monopolies, makes sure workers aren't exploited, the public isn't gouged through exorbiant prices, etc. Some libertarians have proposed that a free economy will keep itself in check, due to media watchdogs. I disagree, people don't always listen to the media, and without some government regulation, there is no power strong enough to call upon to stop it. To me, it seems that the conservative position strikes the correct balance on economic regulation, and most of my other beliefs coincide with it.

Sorry for throwing out that spiel; I sincerely did not mean for it to be that long. But I think that I effectively described my basic postion.

Alright, the reason I made this blog? Because every once in a while I come up with some interesting thoughts and ideas, and I would like to share them with more people, and I deeply wanted to discuss my ideas with other, hopefully people who disagreed with me. Lo and behold, I found my outlet. I hope to post with some regularity, and if you come back, I promise I'll put up new junk.

Bye y'all, hope to see you again sometime.