Clayton looks just like his daddy. I love the microphone attachment to his chin. LOL.
Sound not good to good on Sunday message. I could not make out the picture Joey held up in the car.
You know the bible says that God's word nver returns void. The written word of God is the bible.
We try to make it so hard to be saved. The bible says to be saved is ..Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. PERIOD.
For by grace are you saved through fatih, it is a gift of God, not of works, least any man should boast.
We can not be saved by cleaning up our act. We can not change our life to be saved. Salvation is all about what He has done and Who He is. Changes come about after we are saved...slowly as we learn and are taught the word.
Thank you for your video. I am disapointed that the clear plan of salvation did not come across or was not made more plain. I am disapointed that more scripture was not read or quoted. Good video. Get the conversation going. GR
I'm sorry, but that brother's family typifies Southern redneck consumerism. If there was any organic stores there, do you think he would know? They talk about family, but how is a large group of strangers, who meet weekly to listen to one person a family, if two women with children aren't? They wouldn't have a good answer to that one, and you didn't ask. If a group that large began to sing, worship and dance publicly, but happen to be Jewish, Muslim or Wiccan, the same tolerance and respect those religions would show would not be guaranteed. Did you ask your family what they knew about the Bible historically? I find it interesting that many Atheists I speak to about God know more about the Bible than Christians.
Dane, you sound like the ignorant judgmental one here. The people in the film are living in accordance with an external standard, the bible. I see that church behaving as family. A woman of another race is at the house helping to care for the babies and the ladies in the church kitchen are doing the same thing. They have interracial bible studies in the South, where interracial socializing is not common. According to their external standard homosexuality is a sin so two lesbians raising their child would not be acceptable. They believe that all will go to hell if they don’t accept Jesus, and wish to first evangelize their loved ones and then the whole world. If you believed anything like that it would be hateful for you to behave otherwise. As for the bible historically, believers know a lot about proving the bible and atheists know the opposite. One way of judging between the two is whose philosophies contribute the most to society? I didn’t see any evidence of them being as intolerant of others beliefs as your blog is of theirs. Do you believe or stand for anything or do you just attack others living in accordance with beliefs that are different than your own just like you are accusing them of doing?
I have to agree this is one of the weaker pieces of "Faces of Faith in America" - Jason calling Wal Mart his idea of hell and his general tone of voice talking about his family is that of an anchor on 20/20. He has the tone of voice of an angsty teenager moved away from the family, hometown, and culture he once held as his own yet still suggests value in these ideals. He's too grayscale in the way he talks about a religion, in the end saying "It's not that I don't believe, it's that I don't know." Being agnostic doesn't allow the luxury of athiest criticism like Jason exudes here.
Whereas other authors on this News21 site are objective, he directly delivers this piece as an attack on his very own part of Christian America. Even Sasha Cohen as "Borat" was more respectful in his delivery of this culture.
...Granted, I do find the entire Bible belt, southern Protestant culture described here as rather disgusting but I'm not the reporter. Jason Blalock has a lot of work and studying to complete before I would ever hire him anywhere but on the FOX network. That said, he put together a great short documentary that fired me up.
Anonymous,
You begin by saying "I have to agree...," but who are you agreeing with? Commenter "Grizzly Mom" was criticizing Commenter "Dane," who was criticizing people in the story. I wasn't brought up.
As for your comments, I don't think hypothesizing that if there is a Hell, it might be similar to WalMart is a "luxury" of atheistic criticism. Agnosticism comes from the Greek meaning "without knowledge", and I maintain that I don't know.
As I don't believe in any God (since I haven't had the spiritual experiences of my family), I'm probably technically an atheist as well. Atheism is about demanding empirical evidence. I think I'm transparent on that. And I think you'd agree that NO reporter on 20/20 or otherwise - especially on conservative Fox News - would admit to being an atheist or even an agnostic.
I'm glad you got fired up, but I think you misunderstand my goals here. You say I'm not "objective," but I believe no one should attempt to be objective about their own family. I think that would be REALLY bad reporting.
Jason, I want to thank you for sharing such an intimate experience with your brother and his family. You did well in bringing out how pathetically lazy we Christians can [and sadly have been] be. While at the same time, you highlight the diligent workers within the same community of believers. Please wake up and come to reality, folks--this is not just "in the South" or "the Bible belt." Sadly this is everywhere.
I must also say I strongly disagree with the critism here. There is absolutely no way you could have approached this in a neutral personality--as normal journalism would do. This is your brother, for God's sake [pun intended]. You did not, in my opinion, even come across as bashing or rude. In addition to my regular church, I belong to an evangelical organization called Shatter the Darkness and we make it a priority to go out pretty regularly sharing the Gospel, offering aide in any capacity, etc. Many of the comments and questions you posed here we come head to head with on a regular basis. In fact, you are pretty mild compared to many! As much as I agree with what your brother said about loving and caring for you, it breaks my heart that even while you are asking him, that not only did you practically have to dig out of him his testimony...but, he feels it's not his duty to offer the salvation of Jesus Christ? May the Lord bless him and I pray he get a refresher course in Christianity 101. In 1st John it states plainly that if we claim to know Christ and do not do as he did, we are "a liar." It's that love that compels us to share Christ with all. If it is truly the Love of God in Christ that is one of the evidences. Read Mark chapter one for a great summary of all that Jesus did...because of that same Love.
oh, & BTW...the answer to one of the questions posed here regarding biological vs. church family? The truth is found in Matthew 12:47-50. Yet, again, Jesus displayed Love for all. He showed no partiality. Regardless of doctrines and other proposed differences, if that is not our basis then how dare we call ourselves Christian?
Nice work, Jason. I'm applying to be a part of this year's News21 project myself.
It seems to me you've handled quite gracefully what is a difficult topic to cover, especially when it involves your own family. Contrary to the anonymous comments above, I feel you managed to strike the right balance in tone between inquisitive observer and knowing insider. Anything too far in either direction might have come across as disingenuous or lost its appeal as journalism.
I come from the same religious background and was the first in my family to break away from it. You've made me see the possibilities in presenting such personal subject matter in a newsworthy and culturally relevant way.
And the Tyde song is a nice touch.
"You know the bible says that God's word nver returns void. The written word of God is the bible." -G.Ryan, above
This kind of circular thinking about the Bible's authority has always puzzled me.
The film is simply excellent. Not just as a sociological window to christian communities, nor because of its rhythm, structure, and its very fun and intelligent approach, but especially because it's touching. I saw it with my own sister, after a year without seeing each other, and it was a great trigger for our own, long term, difficult, and loving fraternal dialogue. Congrats.
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Comments
Anonymous, 2007-08-09 00:07:21 -- Flag for review
Honest and thoughtful! Thanks for letting us share this experience with you.
CatholicCourage.com, 2007-08-21 13:02:41 -- Flag for review
Nice job! Humanity at its most real - just trying to figure it out.
Glenda Ryan, 2007-08-21 14:25:19 -- Flag for review
Clayton looks just like his daddy. I love the microphone attachment to his chin. LOL.
Sound not good to good on Sunday message. I could not make out the picture Joey held up in the car.
You know the bible says that God's word nver returns void. The written word of God is the bible.
We try to make it so hard to be saved. The bible says to be saved is ..Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. PERIOD.
For by grace are you saved through fatih, it is a gift of God, not of works, least any man should boast.
We can not be saved by cleaning up our act. We can not change our life to be saved. Salvation is all about what He has done and Who He is. Changes come about after we are saved...slowly as we learn and are taught the word.
Thank you for your video. I am disapointed that the clear plan of salvation did not come across or was not made more plain. I am disapointed that more scripture was not read or quoted. Good video. Get the conversation going. GR
Dane, 2007-08-28 17:10:45 -- Flag for review
I'm sorry, but that brother's family typifies Southern redneck consumerism. If there was any organic stores there, do you think he would know? They talk about family, but how is a large group of strangers, who meet weekly to listen to one person a family, if two women with children aren't? They wouldn't have a good answer to that one, and you didn't ask. If a group that large began to sing, worship and dance publicly, but happen to be Jewish, Muslim or Wiccan, the same tolerance and respect those religions would show would not be guaranteed. Did you ask your family what they knew about the Bible historically? I find it interesting that many Atheists I speak to about God know more about the Bible than Christians.
Grizzly Mom, 2007-09-06 08:14:13 -- Flag for review
Dane, you sound like the ignorant judgmental one here. The people in the film are living in accordance with an external standard, the bible. I see that church behaving as family. A woman of another race is at the house helping to care for the babies and the ladies in the church kitchen are doing the same thing. They have interracial bible studies in the South, where interracial socializing is not common. According to their external standard homosexuality is a sin so two lesbians raising their child would not be acceptable. They believe that all will go to hell if they don’t accept Jesus, and wish to first evangelize their loved ones and then the whole world. If you believed anything like that it would be hateful for you to behave otherwise. As for the bible historically, believers know a lot about proving the bible and atheists know the opposite. One way of judging between the two is whose philosophies contribute the most to society? I didn’t see any evidence of them being as intolerant of others beliefs as your blog is of theirs. Do you believe or stand for anything or do you just attack others living in accordance with beliefs that are different than your own just like you are accusing them of doing?
Anonymous, 2007-09-10 06:12:41 -- Flag for review
I have to agree this is one of the weaker pieces of "Faces of Faith in America" - Jason calling Wal Mart his idea of hell and his general tone of voice talking about his family is that of an anchor on 20/20. He has the tone of voice of an angsty teenager moved away from the family, hometown, and culture he once held as his own yet still suggests value in these ideals. He's too grayscale in the way he talks about a religion, in the end saying "It's not that I don't believe, it's that I don't know." Being agnostic doesn't allow the luxury of athiest criticism like Jason exudes here.
Whereas other authors on this News21 site are objective, he directly delivers this piece as an attack on his very own part of Christian America. Even Sasha Cohen as "Borat" was more respectful in his delivery of this culture.
...Granted, I do find the entire Bible belt, southern Protestant culture described here as rather disgusting but I'm not the reporter. Jason Blalock has a lot of work and studying to complete before I would ever hire him anywhere but on the FOX network. That said, he put together a great short documentary that fired me up.
Jason Blalock, 2007-09-10 19:19:38 -- Flag for review
Anonymous,
You begin by saying "I have to agree...," but who are you agreeing with? Commenter "Grizzly Mom" was criticizing Commenter "Dane," who was criticizing people in the story. I wasn't brought up.
As for your comments, I don't think hypothesizing that if there is a Hell, it might be similar to WalMart is a "luxury" of atheistic criticism. Agnosticism comes from the Greek meaning "without knowledge", and I maintain that I don't know.
As I don't believe in any God (since I haven't had the spiritual experiences of my family), I'm probably technically an atheist as well. Atheism is about demanding empirical evidence. I think I'm transparent on that. And I think you'd agree that NO reporter on 20/20 or otherwise - especially on conservative Fox News - would admit to being an atheist or even an agnostic.
I'm glad you got fired up, but I think you misunderstand my goals here. You say I'm not "objective," but I believe no one should attempt to be objective about their own family. I think that would be REALLY bad reporting.
-Jason
Kara Andrade, 2007-09-12 17:58:24 -- Flag for review
I have to agree with you now, Jason, that the dispatches don't come even close to the final product. Well done, yours/Chris story is moving.
c. l. thomas, 2007-12-05 22:58:00 -- Flag for review
Jason, I want to thank you for sharing such an intimate experience with your brother and his family. You did well in bringing out how pathetically lazy we Christians can [and sadly have been] be. While at the same time, you highlight the diligent workers within the same community of believers. Please wake up and come to reality, folks--this is not just "in the South" or "the Bible belt." Sadly this is everywhere.
I must also say I strongly disagree with the critism here. There is absolutely no way you could have approached this in a neutral personality--as normal journalism would do. This is your brother, for God's sake [pun intended]. You did not, in my opinion, even come across as bashing or rude. In addition to my regular church, I belong to an evangelical organization called Shatter the Darkness and we make it a priority to go out pretty regularly sharing the Gospel, offering aide in any capacity, etc. Many of the comments and questions you posed here we come head to head with on a regular basis. In fact, you are pretty mild compared to many! As much as I agree with what your brother said about loving and caring for you, it breaks my heart that even while you are asking him, that not only did you practically have to dig out of him his testimony...but, he feels it's not his duty to offer the salvation of Jesus Christ? May the Lord bless him and I pray he get a refresher course in Christianity 101. In 1st John it states plainly that if we claim to know Christ and do not do as he did, we are "a liar." It's that love that compels us to share Christ with all. If it is truly the Love of God in Christ that is one of the evidences. Read Mark chapter one for a great summary of all that Jesus did...because of that same Love.
oh, & BTW...the answer to one of the questions posed here regarding biological vs. church family? The truth is found in Matthew 12:47-50. Yet, again, Jesus displayed Love for all. He showed no partiality. Regardless of doctrines and other proposed differences, if that is not our basis then how dare we call ourselves Christian?
Andrew Kersey, 2008-03-08 06:50:03 -- Flag for review
Nice work, Jason. I'm applying to be a part of this year's News21 project myself.
It seems to me you've handled quite gracefully what is a difficult topic to cover, especially when it involves your own family. Contrary to the anonymous comments above, I feel you managed to strike the right balance in tone between inquisitive observer and knowing insider. Anything too far in either direction might have come across as disingenuous or lost its appeal as journalism.
I come from the same religious background and was the first in my family to break away from it. You've made me see the possibilities in presenting such personal subject matter in a newsworthy and culturally relevant way.
And the Tyde song is a nice touch.
"You know the bible says that God's word nver returns void. The written word of God is the bible." -G.Ryan, above
This kind of circular thinking about the Bible's authority has always puzzled me.
Well done and good luck in your future work.
monerul islam, 2008-03-08 10:51:27 -- Flag for review
what con i see i am think?
Palomino, 2008-08-08 17:41:33 -- Flag for review
The film is simply excellent. Not just as a sociological window to christian communities, nor because of its rhythm, structure, and its very fun and intelligent approach, but especially because it's touching. I saw it with my own sister, after a year without seeing each other, and it was a great trigger for our own, long term, difficult, and loving fraternal dialogue. Congrats.