Comments on Baptists Today Blogs: Going the wrong direction

re: saying "fine" "You know what it stands for?! ...

2009-10-10T14:55:50.507-04:00

re: saying "fine"

"You know what it stands for?! F-reaked out, I-nsecure, N-eurotic, and E-motional."--Charlize Theron in The Italian Job, referring to the word FINE.

Good comments, guys. Obviously, my initial post ov...

2009-10-09T12:07:15.018-04:00

Good comments, guys. Obviously, my initial post oversimplified, but I'm glad it sparked a response.

As for cussing, being profane when in pain doesn't bother me so much, and I want my church to be the kind of safe place where you can say whatever you need to say in sharing your soul. It's the gratuitous vulgarity that serves no purpose other than intentional offense or self-congratulatory cool that's more likely to get my goat.

I understand the disappointment with Sandy's conve...

2009-10-09T11:18:25.657-04:00

I understand the disappointment with Sandy's conversion, but I think that a lot of folks miss the social commentary Grease was/is making.

The portrait of the 50's pre-Grease was Ozzie and Harriet and Leave it to Beaver. Grease was amnong the first (American Graffiti, et al) to expose the hypocrisy of such a uni-lateral depiction. Fast Times at Ridgemont High and John Hughes films did it in the 80's, DAzed and Confused did it about the 70's--arguably the Judd Apatow "obscene with a heart" films are doing it for the 200's--certainly Juno did.

The moral is that the kids ARE up to all the things we--as parents, the Church, concerned citizens--WISH they weren't. but there's also the heartbreak and ache they feel that leaves them reeling, looking for something.

I too, am skeptical of the bed-headed cussing preachers because it seems put-on (often b/c it IS). But as a member of that generation I can say that I can't tolerate a place that can't discuss the life of faith (and life in general) honestly even when profanity is the only way to describe how profanely you've been treated.

It's less about language than it is transparency. When's the last time someone at church REALLY told you how they were doing, instead of just saying "fine"?

I agree with your assessment in as much as people ...

2009-10-09T09:24:00.309-04:00

I agree with your assessment in as much as people look to the film/play as a moral exemplar. I also agree that current trends in Christianity, while "relevant", are a little disturbing. That said, I think that in a way Grease is a beautiful story because Danny does attempt to change for Sandy's benefit. In the end, her attempt to change for him shows some reciprocity that I can appreciate. I personally think that the musical is more about teenagers finding an identity than their antics; sadly Sandy the international student has to reimagine herself in a new environment. In the end, when they realize the importance of their small community and pledge to sustain it, I think we all can applaud the sentiment. I'd like to think that the booze, cigarettes and drag racing are attempts to depict real teenagers who are really groping for a sense of who they are (Rizzo most of all).

Well said.

2009-10-09T08:20:20.416-04:00

Well said.