Comments on: Dan’s Real Life is A Lie

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:45:46 +0000

Ben,
Likewise appreciate the sentiments of your “commentary”. As a pastor it used to be easy to point out false teachers but now with people like Dr. Phil, Oprah and Rush there seems to be a “rush” (pun intended) to listen to these successful people because they must have figured it all out..after all they are successful. But we don’t look behind the camera. We only see what we want to see…because what they have is what we want.

As I said, it is harder today to “bash” these false teachers since there is just enough truth to sound as if there is a lot of truth (in the case of Rush Limbaugh at least he isn’t making any pretense about faith or morality in his discussions beyond common sense) and with so much relativism floating around a little is better than none. But then I mess up and ask, Why does that have to be all we expect? So what I have been doing knowing that many do listen to these folks…rather than calling them out I compare what they have said with specific biblical doctrine/passages and I get a real quizzical look from those who are actually sincere in their walk with Christ. To the point that they begin to wonder..rather than slapping at thier heros… let’s compare specifics since no one wants generalities anymore… and that often does the trick to at least get them thinking. It is interesting that God’s Word is in competition with the world’s wisdom but obviously that is the way it has been since the Fall or God wouldn’t spend so much time talking about it in His Word.

Thanks for a thoughtful article and further explanation with Logan.

By: Ben Bartlett

Ben Bartlett — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:08:47 +0000

Hey Logan, Thanks for asking! Actually, I really enjoyed the movie in a lot of ways. If I get the chance, maybe I'll do a review. But you're certainly right that its worldview is by no means a Christian one. That said, there is a lot to learn about hypocrisy, family, love, etc. In this case, though, I was merely using the movie to highlight the cultural comfort with the profession, where we spend all kinds of time listening to people whose worldviews are often highly inconsistent, and are certainly inconsistent with Christian faith. Ben Bartlett's last blog post..Healthy Interaction About Obama

By: Logan Mauldin

Logan Mauldin — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:54:11 +0000

So Ben, aside from the advice not to listen to pop psychology over scripture, is there any thing else you have to say about the movie?

What about the affirmation that, “Love is not a feeling… It’s an ability.”? Is that true? Is love a talent you can pick up like juggling?

***SPOILER***

Is there a reason that the movie ended with the wedding? Was it because the writers had no idea how to show their love working in “real life?” Will there be a sequel called “Divorce in Real Life”?

***END SPOILER***

And what about that family? I loved it! I’m not really into family gatherings and what not, but that film had me wanting to be a part of a huge family that could (and would want to) do all kinds of fun activities together. I think the real love was shown between Dan and his parents.

Overall, I thought the movie was funny with some touching moments. Steve Carell continues to impress me with his acting ability, while Dane Cook, though funny, disappoints with his melodrama. I would recommend it. Just watch out that you don’t get swept up in the syrupy sweetness that you swallow some bitter ideologies by accident.

Logan Mauldin’s last blog post..Best Bet: Smart People