At first glance, one might question why my opinion on the subject of God and religion would even matter. I'm just a humble actor, going to my little horror shows and selling my little DVDs. I do have an opinion, and this opinion is neither more important nor less important than that of anyone else. Plus, you're here reading it. You obviously find it of some interest.
This is just a short little essay of sorts to explain how I feel on a few different matters. I'm not a Tom Cruise selling Scientology, nor am I a Kirk Cameron proclaiming how you should live and worship. I'm just a dude. I'm a dude who feels the need to get some things off of his chest and believes his personal website is an entirely appropriate place to do so. Are you ready? Here we go!
I believe in Yahweh, the God of Israel. I believe the Holy Scriptures are His Word, and that they are true and without error in their original form. I believe Yahweh is One, yet He exists eternally in Three Personages. I believe Yahweh sent His Son (some call Him Yeshua, most call Him Jesus), Who is equal in power and of the same Essence as He, to the earth to ultimately pay the price for our disobedience. He died, was buried, and rose from death on the third day. He ascended to Heaven and will return one day to those who are eagerly awaiting Him. Have I worried you?
"Whoa, now wait a minute! I didn't come here for some sermon!" You didn't, of course. Given that this is (in rough terms) a sci-fi/horror type website, you probably expected some rancorous indictment of both religion and God. Perhaps you expected something fanciful, such as glowing praise for the world of the occult, aliens, and ghost stories. If you view me as particularly sentimental, you might have expected a warm, fuzzy "God loves and accepts all" worldview. Sadly, the Judeo-Christian faith is one that gets little respect from the horror/sci-fi community, and I think I know the reason why.
No one wants to be a Ned Flanders. No one wants to be Elias from Clerks II. We've been fed this idea that Christians are lame and droll. Perhaps some are. I've definitely met some who are. At best, we expect a jovial, odd fellow with a big smile and lips that spit a neverending fountain of proverbs. At worst, he is dark and brooding, with a giant King James Bible under his arm and a brow that is permanently furrowed. He speaks of judgment, wrath, and destruction, but never seems to get around to telling you the good stuff. Christians are generally viewed as small-minded, ignorant, and backwards. Yeah, I wouldn't want to sign up for that, either.
So, with that in mind, I make a bold proclamation: People have largely rejected Christianity, but not necessarily the teachings of Jesus. Can you name some of the Christian teachings you might find objectionable? You can't have long hair (false). You can't drink (false). You can't curse (it's relative ... what *is* cursing?). You can't have sex outside of marriage (this is true). You can't marry outside of your race (absolutely false). You can't smoke (Scripture is silent on this). You can't enjoy horror/sci-fi/fantasy (this is ultimately false but relative and, I believe, according to the individual). Much of what is taken as "Christian teaching" is sketchy at best and not necessarily indicative of the faith as a whole.
Me? I believe the entire Bible is true. I try to remain Torah pursuant, adhering to His Law as best as I am able. I know that His death and resurrection paid the price for my failures, both those that are accidental and those that come from poor decisions. I also drink the occasional adult beverage, say the occasional curse word, and enjoy the frequent zombie or slasher film. "But ... but ... doesn't your Bible say something about not appearing evil?" It does. What is evil? Greed is evil. Taking advantage of the unfortunate is evil. Adultery is evil. Neglecting or abusing a child is evil. Me? I'm just watching Evil Dead. It doesn't conflict with my faith in any way, shape, or form. How do I know? I know this because it isn't real. There are those who tread dangerous ground by taking their fantasy much too seriously, of course, but this stuff just isn't real. It's fun. It's entertainment. At the end of the day, zombies, ghosts, aliens, and werewolves do not exist. It's The Wizard Of Oz. It's "Little Red Riding Hood." It's just stories.
I'm a proponent of using common sense and logic on both sides. For those who follow Messiah, do not assume that all fantasy is inherently evil. It's just an escape. It's a distraction from a very real, evil world. It is no more wicked than fishing, stamp collecting, or enjoying a college football game. My fantasy is no more real or fiendish than your Tom Clancy or John Grisham novel. Remember not to be legalistic or judge others by your own definition of piety. Those who appear overly pious are generally hiding something. Stephen King scares me much less than Benny Hinn.
For those who don't agree with (or even oppose) the Judeo-Christian worldview, do not assume that all believers are naive hillbillies. Some of us are quite intelligent. Some of us have very strong and real reasons for believing the way we do, and it's not necessarily because "Pastor/Priest/Pope says ..." to do so. Many of us are artistic and passionate, enjoying the fullness of His Creation. Though our opponents would say otherwise, many of us actually *do* think for ourselves! (You're shocked, I know.) We can be quite interesting and engaging. We don't necessarily want to shove our beliefs down your throat. If we care for you, though, don't be surprised if we share something with you that means a great deal to us.
The Judeo-Christian faith is largely alien to the horror/sci-fi world. (Get it? Alien? Because ... oh, nevermind.) I think this is more due to perception than anything. Those who oppose the faith do so because they believe the two to be incompatible. Many adherents of the faith read their comics and keep quiet as not to offend their friends. The lines of communication are down, and many are pleased to keep it that way. I'm not. I want people to know that Christians contribute a great deal to our little subculture. I also want people to know that it's okay to read the Bible and then turn around and read "30 Days Of Night." No one is going to judge you, and the ones that do have no authority to do so.
I love horror. I love comics. I love violent video games. I love Jesus. If you see a contradiction, then you don't know me. I'm just being upfront and honest about who I am. I keep it real on all sides. I pray peace and blessings in the Name of Messiah on all of those who have read this, and if you ever have any questions all you have to do is ask.
For a more complete synopsis of my beliefs, please click here.