This year there is an interesting political battle brewing at the Academy Awards.
No, I am talking about the annual battle over best and orst dressed. I am referring to the global battle for the intellects of all people.
Two films have been nominated for the prestigious award in the category of 'best documentary':
"An Inconvenient Truth" and "Jesus Camp". Unlike the other categories, I have actually seen these two films in the same category.
"An Inconvenient Truth" is a respectable and introspective look at Al Gore as he presents the global warming in the slide show presentation that has taken him around the Globe. He presents the scientific data and he responds credibly to those who would deny the data:
"Even if man is not the cause, we have the ability to change our lifestyles in such a way that we can make a difference." The film is engaging and actually makes Al Gore look interesting- something millions of dollars and a cadre of advisors couldn't pull off in 2000.
Jesus Camp gives a balanced presentation of Evangelical Christians who participate in a summer camp for children that principally focusses on developing young Christians (Born Again). There are many reasons to watch this film most of which revolve around what has happened to these people since the film was made.
I would hope that people are informed enough to know what happens to Rev. Ted Haggard who, in the film, makes an odd comment about the youth and beauty of one of the young camp participants. The other is a direct assault on Global Warming. The mother of two homeschooled children says , "That is such a political issue! Can you show me how that position makes no sense?" to which the chld responds, "The temperature has only gone up .6 degrees."
The Mother tells him how excellent that is and points out that Christians need to constantly point out the 'lies' of science- evolution, global warming and the like.
The woman who runs the Camp announced recently that she will no longer run "Jesus Camp." The land owners were conerned, she said, over vandalism to their property and interest was not strong enough for her to attempt to relocate.
The juxtoposition of these films in this category is interesting to me. "An inconvenient Truth" achieved great accolades in getting Al Gore nominated for a Nobel Prize in Science and, in sharp contrast, "Jesus Camp" calls science a lie.
I doubt that either award ceremony will solve the debate- especially among those for who the scientific laws of our world that are clearly visible do not provide credible evidence. But, an afternoon of watching these two films will provide an entertaining- if not a little depressing- afternoon.
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1 comment:
I expected to find this here, Jon. As usual, it is well presented. You are aware of my total support of Al Gore and his views. Further opinion shall be reserved until I have watched the second film....the very least I can do in being fair-minded. Thank you.
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