In a recent article in the New York Times, movie director Woody Allen discussed his new movie "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" and whether there is any real difference between a fortune teller, a fortune cookie, and faith. Perhaps I am naive, or maybe even a little jaded, but I was shocked when I read this article and found that Mr. Allen was actually being serious when he said he could not see a difference between religion and a fortune cookie! Mr. Allen even went as far to say "I was interested in the concept of faith in something. This sounds so bleak when I say it, but we need some delusions to keep us going. And the people who successfully delude themselves seem happier than the people who can’t. Neither seems plausible to me. I have a grim, scientific assessment of it. I just feel, what you see is what you get."
This article caught my attention because of the title, and before reading it, I thought it would make me angry. Only after reading, I realized I was not in the least bit angry, only sad. I am so sad that this world has come to this: people trying to decipher the difference between a relationship with Christ and a relationship with a fortune teller! How can we as Christians sit around and let those who do not share a relationship with Christ believe this? My hope and prayer after reading this article is that we as Christians can live our lives in a way that demonstrates our real, interactive, dynamic relationships with Christ! He is more than a fortune teller and a fortune cookie, and it is our duties as Christians to increase in our relationship with Him.
As of late I have had several fortune cookies promising me great wealth, something special 3 months from now, and a musical opportunity to come into my future. These all would have been nice if they had come true- which sadly they didn't. Yet, as I compare it to my relationship with Christ and eternity in Heaven my fortunes become nothing in comparison!
ReplyDeleteI agree this is a very sad article, and unfortunately, I believe, becoming truer. People might not look to fortune cookies for their spiritual enlightenment, but they are looking to anything BUT Jesus. In this post-modern world, absolute truth is forbidden, it reminds of the times in Judges where it was said that everyone did what was right in their own eyes. But Jesus stood and still stands for an absolute truth, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Light, no one comes to the Father, but by Me." This is why, I believe, the gospel of Christ is so offending to non-believers and other ways, in which the individual is free to change and shape it to their liking, are more appealing. We, as believers need to keep pointing to the absolute truth, our Lord Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteThis made me realize that an equal amount of people put their faith in horoscopes...and truly believe THOSE speak the truth. So many people in this world are searching for something that only God can satisfy.
ReplyDeleteMr. Allen is also quoted as saying this his biggest regret in life was not being someone else. How sad...that comment speaks volumes.