Hello Everyone:

May all of you have a most blessed week!

This weekend, I went to see Denzel Washington’s new movie, The Book of Eli.  This movie is an action adventure that is as entertaining as it is spiritual.  I was glued to my seat from the beginning to the end.  Mr. Washington is one of the best actors in the business and he did not fail to deliver a stellar performance along with his first rate cast members.  I wish him continued success in his future endeavors. 

When I reviewed some of the comments on the Internet, I was surprised to discover that some individuals had an issue with the version of the Bible that was used in the movie.  I’m a Roman Catholic who was raised as a Baptist and I’m familiar with various versions of the Bible; however, the message is essentially the same whether you’re Baptist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, Roman Catholic or any other Christian denomination.  We believe in and acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  His ministry and teachings were “real” 2,000 years ago, are “real” today, and will be “real” tomorrow.  The path each Christian chooses to worship him and his Father in Heaven is an individual choice, not a preordained societal mandate.  As far as I know, no one denomination has “cornered the market” on this truth.  Jesus chose to conduct his ministry with caring, truth and simplicity.  Too often, mankind has chosen to convolute and misrepresent his legacy based upon our own worldly agendas and prejudices which is an absolute shame!

The Book of Eli is more about the importance of being connected to a much more powerful intelligence than one’s self.  Faith, religion or a system of beliefs have always been utilized by civilizations to build and stabilize them by establishing a code of ethics that encourages the development of healthy societal institutions that foster a sense of community among its’ members.  This film does a wonderful job of illustrating this point without being “preachy”, “elitist” or “bigoted”.  It also challenges the movie audience to look at ourselves as we are and what we might become, if things were really to “go to hell in a hand basket”.  The distinction between civilization and anarchy is a very thin one and it’s only by the “Grace of GOD” through the development of spiritual values that societies evolve in a caring, humanitarian direction.  This movie’s message transcends our Western Judeo-Christian religious concepts and can also be appreciated by non Christians.  I really enjoy movies that make a lasting impression on my thoughts such as this one.  I only pray that Hollywood will produce more of them!  Be sure to enjoy your Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, tomorrow.

May Peace Be With All of You,