HERESY HUNTING; A HOLY HABIT OR A HURTFUL, HATEFUL, HAUGHTY HOBBY? PART 2 OF 2

Crossroads Baptist Church, Indianapolis

Let me start right off by saying we are commanded to contend for the faith against the ungodly who creep in with heresies and the like (Jude 3-4). When we see heresy, we need to confront it. Is that clear?

As I mentioned in the previous blog, though, heretics aren't quiet about their errant beliefs. They want to convert the unsuspecting to their view. But their focus is on those who have some belief in Christ; they're not trying to convince the ungodly. In other words, you don't have to look for heresy: the heretics are looking for you! 

I'll be honest - I don't really enjoy confronting false teachers or others who sow discord among fellow believers. A debate where respect is mutual and where both participants know how to listen as well as speak is a different story. But heretics, as I mentioned in the previous installment, want to weary you and expect you to do 100% of the listening and cave in, while they have no willingness to do either. Add to that - I'd rather encourage those who are presenting the truth of the Biblical Gospel (be it preaching, music, writing, art, etc.) than deal with those who are promoting error. Definitely more joy in one than the other.

However, there are those who consider themselves to be heretic hunters. They not only actively seek out error, they actually seem to delight in it. 

In the title, I asked the question. Is heresy hunting a holy habit that protects believers from false teaching? Or is it a haughty, hateful, harmful hobby that offends the body of Christ and turns away potential believers?

The reality is that what one person considers heresy another considers truth. One says sound doctrine teaches you can lose your salvation, while another says sound doctrine teaches you cannot lose your salvation. I read one blog saying free will is a false gospel and another saying Calvinists can't be saved. Both sides on these and other issues teach that the Bible is a believer's authority, that Jesus the Son of God and God the Son came and died for our sins, that we're saved by grace alone through faith alone, but for some, it's not enough that we agree on what most Christians consider the essentials. 

To me, heresy hunters are not unlike the Pharisees in Jesus' time. They resemble the church in Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7), who cannot bear the wicked and who tested the false apostles but have left their love for God and especially for one another. 

Yes, there is plenty of apostacy and heresy in Christiandom, and some popular Christian leaders are promoting what Peter calls a damnable heresy (2 Peter 2:1), and we need to warn others. But often, I see attacks on well-known Christians which seem more like jealousy and the kind of judging Jesus was commanding His followers to not do.

As I imply in the title, I see pride and haughtiness in a lot of heresy hunting. I also see hatred of the popular and of those who disagree on any topic the heresy hunter wants to make a line in the sand. The result is discord among brethren, with harm done to fellow Christians, and a joyless, peaceless. loveless, patience-less environment.

Believers, I believe our job is to encourage one another, not tear each other down. We should rejoice not in putting the errant in their place but in seeing the lost saved. Like Paul, we should rejoice whenever someone preaches Christ, not finding a reason to oppose one's brothers and sisters in Christ.

 
 

HOW CAN YOU SPOT A HERETIC? (PART 1 OF 2)

Northeast Church of Christ, Cookeville, TN

 Both Testaments warn against false prophets and false teachers. But is it as easy to beware them as it looks? 

Let me divide two different groups of false teachers to start with. One is an apostate, which means one who has fallen away. This refers to one who has departed the faith. The Bible warns of those who will fall away (e.g. 2 Thessalonians 2:3).

The second is a word I hear more often: heresy (referring to the teaching) or heretic (referring to the teacher). The dictionary describes heresy as an unorthodox opinion or doctrine. The word "heresy" appears four times in the New Testament, and "heretic" once. The Greek words are respectively hairesis and hairetikos; the former word is also translated as "sect" in several places in Acts. 

In The Complete Word Study Dictionary, Dr. Spiros Zodhiates points out that the Greek word is relating to choosing and taking for yourself. He distinguishes heresy from schism, which involves a tearing away. A heretic can be part of the church, even though he has divergent beliefs.

In typical usage, there is a negative connotation to heresies and heretics. There are many heretics who take a view contrary to the Bible, such as Marcion who tries to take away the Jewishness and humanity of Christ or Arius who took the opposite error of denying Jesus' Deity. Many would put the prosperity gospel in that category.

However, a minority are branded heretics by the majority when in truth the majority are the ones who have drifted from the truth and the "heretics" are the ones who search the Scripture daily as the Bereans were applauded for doing (Acts 17:11). In Acts 24, when Paul is accused by the Jews before Felix, the Jews call Paul the ringleader of the Nazarene sect, and Paul responds that his belief, called a heresy by the Jews, is the truth. (I italicized "sect" and "heresy" to point out that in the Greek text, it's the same word.) I had a Bible College teacher say he's proud to be called a heretic by the real heretics.

This leads me to another point. Heretical views have a lot of overlap with Biblical ones. In fact, often a heresy is formed by focusing on one Biblical concept and giving it undue importance while minimizing the due importance of the other side of the coin. One example is in the Calvinist/Arminian debate. Some on both sides correctly realize they're both part the body of Christ, but others on both sides brand their opposition as heretics teaching a false Gospel. Could it be that it's not the accused but the accusers that are the heretics? 

One other thing about heretics is that they commit the abomination of sowing discord among the brethren (Prov. 6:16-19). First off, heretics don't hold their views quietly; rather, they are quick to promote it. They will go to certain passages trying to get you in a corner, and of course those Scriptures are taken out of context. Should you challenge them and point out they're in error, will they ever show godly humility by admitting their wrong? No, they won't concede any error on their part; they'll find another route to attack. And they will keep attacking until either they convince you their error is truth or until you become weary and let them have the last deceptive word.

Allow me to close this point - if you see someone standing up for Biblcal truth, please encourage him! Often in these discussions, I feel alone. Those standing for Biblical truth deserve to have their brothers and sisters to hold their hands up and if not go on the offensive to join in refuting the erroneous troublemaker, then thanking and complimenting the warrior for orthodoxy. 

By the way, I'll be dealing more with this topic in a couple of days.  

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 12 OF 48 - PSALM 46

 

Comfortable, sleeping Painted Dogs (aka African Wild Dogs), Cincinnati Zoo.

 

 1  God is our refuge and strength,
    A very present help in trouble.
2  Therefore we will not fear,
    Even though the earth be removed,
    And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3  Though its waters roar and be troubled,
    Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
                                                        Selah

4  There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
    The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5  God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
    God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6  The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
    He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7  The LORD of hosts is with us;
    The God of Jacob is our refuge.
                                                        Selah

8  Come, behold the works of the LORD,
    Who has made desolations in the earth.
9  He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
    He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!"
11  The LORD of hosts is with us;
    The God of Jacob is our refuge.
                                                        Selah
                                                Psalm 46:1-11, New King James Version

How has this Psalm blessed your life? Let me know. But do you need me to comment on it? I didn't think so.

"SHOULD I BE A CHAPLAIN FOR CHRISTIAN ROCK BANDS WHEN I RETIRE?" AND OTHER NON-ROCKING-CHAIR THOUGHTS.

Map hanging on our dining room wall, a gift from a missionary friend. The white circles (on North America and Russia) comprise of L X II, shorthand for Luke 10:2 - "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers into His harvest."

A good friend of mine (who's a Pastor) tells people that if they're able to retire, then retire while they're able to enjoy it.

I may not look it, and I'm sure I don't act it, but I'm getting to that age. For me, there's an additional factor - I'm a few years younger than Becky, so I not only want to retire while I can enjoy my retirement, but so she  can enjoy my retirement.

So the next question is what should I do when I retire? There are better things to do than sit around and watch TV; in fact, no TV station I know of has earned my viewing. Or I can find some fellow retirees and sit at the coffee shop and solve the world's problems (sorry, but our Government doesn't seem up to the task). And as I'm typing this, I'm listening to an ad suggesting a new career - can you picture me as a truck driver? I can't.

So, leaving the Twilight Zone, there are a few other options. Becky and I have thought about doing a short-term mission trip (up to a couple of years). Or I can get involved with a refugee ministry, something I've had off and on interest since I was in college. Maybe I can get back to writing and see about getting some books published. Far less likely, I can get revive my dormant musical/lyrical talents and start a symphonic rock band or a Southern Gospel quartet. Far less likely, and besides, there are enough good musical groups out there.

Which leads me to something Becky mentioned a couple of times - a chaplain for musicians. After all, I've liked hanging around and encouraging musicians all my life, especially those who are using their skills for the Kingdom. Am I already practicing filling that role?

Currently, I am praying for a list of musicians at least once a week. Some are Southern Gospel vocalists. Some are rockers. Some are favorites for a decade or four. Some are young enough to be my kids. (Should I be their Godfather? I could make them a deal they can't refuse. And yes, I've heard of that movie but haven't watched it).

Of course, I should finish this blog and get to bed so I can be ready for an exciting day at work tomorrow - the number of years I'll continue working may be in the single digits, but it still is years in the plural.
 

 

BOOK REVIEW - INCLUDING THE STRANGER: FOREIGNERS IN THE EARLY PROPHETS

 Is Yahweh, the God of the Bible, a vengeful, violent despot who despises the majority of mankind? Or is inclusion or exclusion of individuals based not on ethnicity but on whether they follow and submit to Yahweh?

David Firth deals with this issue in Including The Stranger: Foreigners in the Former Prophets, part of the New Studies In Biblical Theology series.  His view is that foreigners who are obedient to Yahweh are included with His people, such as Rahab, the Gibeonites, and Namaan (and theorizes that Caleb the son of Jephuneh, the Kenazite, was not Jewish). Likewise,  Israelites who are disobedient are treated as foreigners (e.g. Achan) and sometimes Israelites are treated like foreigners by fellow-Israelites (such as the virgin girls kidnapped by the Benjaminites).

Some may wonder what is meant by "The Former Prophets." The OT canon we normally use are divided into the Law, the Historical Books, the Poetic Books, and the Prophetic books, sub-divided by the major and minor prophets (designated not by importance but by book length). However, the Jewish canon divides those same books into the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings (often referred to as Psalms, which is the first book of that section), with the Prophets divided by Early prophets and later prophets. The Early Prophets include Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings (the Jews did not divide the books of Samuel and Kings).

This is the seventh book I've read in this series. Some books are ones that inspire me; others are ones that leave me more knowledgeable on the subject dealt with. Personally, I would consider this one of the latter. I feel richer intellectually for reading this, but it hasn't really effected my daily life like some of the others did.

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 11 OF 48 - PSALM 39:4

 

Cancer Survivors Park, Indianapolis, IN, 1995-2017

Lord, make me to know my end,
And what is the measure of my days,
That I may know how frail I am.
            Psalm 39:4, New King James Version

Yes, we occasionally need a reminder of the fragility and fleetingness of our lives. As it says in James 4:14-15 we don't know what tomorrow brings, and our plans should begin, "If God wills, we will live and do this and that."

As the photo of Cancer Survivors Park above indicates, God can cure our diseases, and allow us to outlive expectations. On the other hand, though, Indianapolis' Cancer Survivors Park didn't survive. It was dismantled less than a quarter century due to disrepair and concluding it would be better to store the sculpture. 

I'll mention that I have memorized 39 complete Psalms, reviewing two a day each month (FYI Psalm 119 is one of the 39, but I review 8 verses a day for 22 days), and also 32 segments of Psalms, including today's Psalm. (BTW, all of the Psalms I'm sharing from this series are from the 39 complete Psalms and 32 segments.) I actually look forward to reminding myself of the fact that I won't be around forever (and other times when I review Psalm 90 and James 1:9-11 and 4:13-17).  

P.S. It just hit me as I'm finishing writing this blog: Today would have been my mother's 97th birthday. She passed away in 2002 due to cancer. 

BOOK REVIEW - A TINCTURE OF MURDER (LORD DANVERS INVESTIGATES, VOL. 4) BY DONNA FLETCHER CROW

 

 Was the fire at the Danvers' home accidentally started by an unextinguished candle? Who is killing the clients of the mission Lord Danver's brother is running? And is the man accused of poisoning his wife a murderer or an insane lunatic?

A Tincture of Murder is the fourth volume of Donna Fletcher's "Lord Danvers Investigates" series (there are currently five installments). As in the rest of the series, Donna tells a story of a true Victorian era crime, as well as a mystery Lord and Lady Danvers solve. 

As stated, this is part of a series. While I would recommend reading the stories in order, that is not a necessity to feel like you know what is going on in the story line. Likewise, reading later stories first won't spoil the surprises of the earlier tales.

I highly recommend the full series, but my personal favorites in it are the first book (A Most Inconvenient Death) and this book. 

ALBUM REVIEW - TRUE REVIVAL, SELF-TITLED

 If you want a blues-rock album with strong, Biblical lyrics, your hunt is over. You need to look no further than True Revival's self-titled debut project.

I first learned of True Revival a year ago when they were announced as one of the participants of the 2022 Kingdom Come festival. I interviewed them just prior to that performance (to read interview, click here). Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend that year, but I did see a video of them live later last year.

This was an excellent album, with several strong songs, such as the title track, "Forgiven," "Someone Great In Me," "His House Of Love," and my favorite, "The Sword." (There aren't enough songs dealing with the importance of Scripture nowadays, if ever.) It also includes excellent arrangements of a pair of good old time Christian songs, "Blessed Assurance" and "I Shall Not Be Moved."

"True Revival" is likely going to be on my favorite album list, and is definitely the most recent entry on that list by well over a decade. I highly recommend it.

The following links are for their webpage, Facebook, and Spotify. They're also going to be performing at a Biker Rally in Plainfield, IN, May 20th.

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 10 OF 48 - PSALM 33:15

 

Lionfish, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works.
                    Psalm 33:15, New King James Version

 

B&R used to have 31 different flavors of ice cream each month, plus, of course, chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. Do you know how many combinations are possible for mixing and matching those 31 flavors and, of course, chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla on a double dip cone? I do. 595! So how many choices do I have if I want two scoops?

Would you believe ten? Maybe on a good month, 15, and possibly as many as 21? 

I'm sure you're scratching your head. Only 10-21 choices when there are 31 flavors (and, of course, chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla)?

First off, I didn't say 10=21 choices; I said  10, 15, or 21 choices. Is that different? Yes, and I'll explain.

Even before I look at the list of 31 flavors, I know I'm not getting chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla - I can get those anyplace! I also already know I'm mixing, not matching - too many flavors to limit myself to just one. 

Then, when I look at the list, I will pick the flavors that grab my interest. Normally, that would be five, and I have ten choices on how to mix those flavors. Should it be a good selection, the flavors I'm considering might rise to six (15 possible mixes) or seven (making it 21).

So what does this have to do with Psalm 33:15? Simple. It reflects on how God fashioned me. He fashioned me to have no interest in the common flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, as well as wanting two different flavors. Not everybody is fashioned that way. 

Let me take a different angle, one I just thought of. When looking at my photos, I thought the one of the lion fish above was excellent. You notice how beautiful that fish is? Which do you think is more likely: God fashioned the lion fish that way, or over millions of years the fish managed to get the color scheme right? Yeah, I'd go with God fashioning this fish - the other is too ridiculous.

But that fish is not beautiful to everyone, and that is also due to another aspect of God fashioning. At the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, it explained the lion fish is one of many examples where a species is taken from its native envioronment - the one God fashioned this creature for - and puts it in another. In the case of the Lion Fish, he's removed from his natural predators and in its new home the fish overpopulates and becomes a threat. 

So the point is God made you for a purpose. Nothing is an accident - don't be dumb enough to think that you have the power to undo God's will and design for you. Attempts to do so are as disastrous as relocating the lion fish. 

PRE-OSCAR LOOK AT MOVIES THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON ME, PART 12 OF 12: X-MEN THE LAST STAND

 

After watching "Batman Forever" on opening day in '95, I did not see a movie in a theater for a full five years. During that time, my taste in movies improved. So the first movie I saw after that Sabbatical was... "X-Men," of course!

I've read some opinion pieces which said that the end of this trilogy was on a weak point. I shook my head. I enjoyed all three movies, but this was my favorite. True, this is the only one to have my favorite X-Man (The Beast, played by Kelsey Grammer) and my favorite X-Man villain (The Juggernaut, played by Vinnie Jones).

To me, there is something deeper. Yes, it carries the same theme of two techniques to deal with opposition that's present in the whole trilogy, but this also deals with free will and determinism. One of the great lines was when Storm (Halle Berry) said she can't see why anyone wouldn't want to be a mutant, and the blue furred Beast replied, "Some mutants don't shed on the furniture."

Hope you found this series interesting, and I'd love to hear what my choice of movies says about me. For those who need a reminder, here's the list:

1. Mary Poppins
2. That Darn Cat
3. Fantastic Voyage
4. Murder On The Orient Express
5. What's Up, Josh?
6. Chariots Of Fire
7. Ghandi
8. Never Cry Wolf
9. Dune
10. JFK
11. Jurassic Park
12. X-Men: The Last Stand
    

PRE-OSCAR LOOK AT MOVIES THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON ME, PART 11 OF 12: JURASSIC PARK

 I mentioned a couple of days ago my favorite actor is Ben Kingsley, and my all-time favorite movie was Chariots. I will admit there's no actress I can say is definitively my favorite, but what is my favorite movie theme? And who's my favorite director? 

Some might guess it might be Vangelis, because of the title of "Chariots of Fire". Good guess. Actually, my second music composition is "Eric's Theme" from Chariots. Others would say, "He's mentioning this while talking about Jurassic Park - there's a connection. Yep, my favorite theme is from "Jurassic Park" by John Williams.

And yes, Spielberg is my favorite director. This movie is an example. For example, one thing I like about Spielberg is how he introduces key characters. In this movie, the first appearances of John Hammond (played by Richard Attanborough, who directed Ghandi), the first braichiosaurus, and the T-Rex. 

Another person mentioned how masterful the suspense was between Dr. Alan Grant and the two kids were climbing a usually electric fence when the power was off and Ellie Sattler restoring power to the park, including the fence the others were climbing. (Apology for the mild spoiler).

I mentioned JFK made an impact but was not a favorite. Jurassic Park definitely is one of my favorite movies.

 

PRE-OSCAR LOOK AT MOVIES THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON ME, PART 10 OF 12

 

 There are movies you want to see, and there are movies you feel need to see. That is the reason I spent a Saturday afternoon in the early '90's watching JFK.

For those who haven't watched this movie, it's not so much about the former President as it was about the trial of one accused of being part of a conspiracy to bring down our chief executive. 

This is one of the films that I won't say I enjoyed but one that made me think. Movies like Blow-Up, Soylent Green, Missing, Clockwork Orange, Schindler's List, and this one. You notice I did not call this list favorite movies? Now, 11 of the 12 movies on this list would be called favorites. This one's the exception. 

Not that I didn't like the movie or regretted seeing it. With this, I feel I know a little more about Kennedy's assassination. If I was on the jury, I would have agreed the lawyer (played by Kevin Costner) didn't prove the suspect was part of the murder of the President, but it did a great job in my believing there is a lot we don't know nor are supposed to know.

PRE-OSCAR LOOK AT MOVIES THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON ME, PART 9 OF 12: DUNE (1984)

 

 Earlier in this series, I mentioned a picture that blew me away with its visuals and special effects (referring to "Fantastic Voyage"). It may be a sci fi film or a great fantasy or one that is more of a cartoonish version of our world like " Dick Tracy" (which claim close to making this list, but fell short). But there is none that compare with Dune, which mixes its technical skills with a Ghandi-like epic feel. All I can say about this picture is "Wow!"

PRE-OSCAR LOOK AT MOVIES THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON ME, PART 8 OF 12: NEVER CRY WOLF

 For the loyal readers who have followed this series thus far, you may have noticed the first two were both Disney movies, but none since. Folks, we're back to Disney today. Not a typical Disney movie - this one is aimed for a more mature audience. Note this was about a year before the creation of the PG-13 rating and the emergence of Touchstone Films, which was a Disney imprint that was aimed for movies less family oriented.

Important to make a distinction. I said this movie was more mature. If it came out later, it would have probably been rated PG-13, and I have no problem with that. However, this is a movie that looks at the balance of nature, and if you have a more mature child or teen-ager (I know these often are two different things), it is one I'd recommend seeing with them and talking about it afterwards.

 

PRE-OSCAR LOOK AT MOVIES THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON ME, PART 7 OF 12:

 

Some movies make you better for having seen it, and others make you worse. For me, "Gandhi" is a clear-cut example of the former. After I watched it the first of two times for a matinee showing, I went to a coffee shop afterward to ponder the movie. Not many movies influence you like this.

Also, this movie introduced me to my all-time favorite actor, Ben Kingsley.

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 9 OF 48 - PSALM 33:1

 

Garfield Park Conservatory/Sunken Gardens, Indianapolis

Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
For praise of the upright is beautiful.
                    Psalm 33:1, New King James Version

Yes, I'm only doing one verse today. Those familiar with the Psalm will say it's too good just to do one verse. And they're right - I'll be in this verse next week as well. Reason: There are two verses that stood out in this Psalm.

Can I really say more than the first verse of this Psalm? And isn't this exciting? I'm blessed every time I see this verse. 

PRE-OSCAR LOOK AT MOVIES THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON ME, PART 6 OF 12: CHARIOTS OF FIRE

 We are at the half point of this series, and you may be wondering, "Will Jeff let us know what his favorite movie is?" I'll be glad to, but we need a rolling drum... or better, the pounding low D-flat on Vangelis' synthesizer. Oh, you've already guessed "Chariots of Fire,' because that's the name of the film and the picture. I suppose I'll need to make it more challenging next time.

This is the 1st Best Picture in my collection (my list contains one other best picture winner and two nominees - including "Mary Poppins", which did win best  actress). Unlike the other winner (which you'll see at some point in the second half), this was a surprise, winning over "Reds" and "On Golden Pond." It also won for best original screen play, costumes, and, unsurprisingly, Vangelis' score. (It also was nominated for director, editing, and supporting actor Ian Holm, who lost out to John Guilguld; Guilguld won for his role in "Arthur," but also was in "Chariots.")

I heard producer David Putnam interviewed. He commented some people said about "Chariots," "Great movie about Harold Abrahams, and the Eric Liddle character was interesting," and others commented, "I love that movie about Eric Liddle, and that Abrahams character was intriguing." 

I've watched it about 9-10 times. The last time was about two years ago, and I noticed something in it I didn't before: in one scene Vangelis played "Eric's Theme" in a minor key, and that definitely added to that scene.

 

PRE-OSCAR LOOK AT MOVIES THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON ME, PART 5 OF 12: WHAT'S UP, JOSH?

 If I made a list of favorite albums or songs, you'd find I tend to the obscure. I was in a group when a member asked us to submit our 100 favorite Christian items, and I believe it was around 40 of my top 100 were not on anybody else's list. So far, I've got a hunch my movie list hasn't been as obscure... until now.

"What's Up, Josh?" is a 1975 Christian movie. They may have been inspired for the title by Bugs Bunny's tagline, as well as a '72 WB comedy movie starring Barbara Streisand and Ryan O'Neal. Plot wise, it's what I considered a typical Christian movie, about a young adult overwhelmed with complications in life and learning the answer is in Jesus. 

You probably are guessing the main character is named Josh. That's a good, logical, natural, and wrong guess. Neither is it the protagonist's Christian roommate. No, this is referring to the speaker at on-campus meetings that the roommate invites the protagonist to, named Josh McDowell, who plays himself.

My hunch is most of my readers recognized Josh's name. In the movie, Josh deals with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and deals with alternative views of what happened. This movie planted a seed on my interest in Christian apologetics. 

Most of the movies I've listed are available on Amazon. Sorry, not this one. However, it is up on YouTube if you want to take an hour and watch it. 

Allow me to add - "Thief In The Night" was a movie that almost made this list. That movie and others I've liked were produced by Mark IV (this one wasn't). One thing I like about Mark IV is that everybody doesn't come to Christ, just as in real life. In fact, sometimes the protagonist doesn't become a Christian.

 

PRE-OSCAR LOOK AT MOVIES THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON ME, PART 4 OF 12: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (1974)

I have read Agatha Christie's novel twice, and seen three different film adaptations of this movie. I could make an argument for including David Suchet's rendition as well. But one could argue that I may not have watched the other versions or even read any Agatha Christie (who is at the top of authors I read the most novels by at 23, not counting movies I've seen based on other stories) if I hadn't seen this one first. 

This was my favorite of the three versions (though Suchet's my favorite Poirot). I re-watched this recently, shortly after watching the 2017 remake. Windmark's performance as the victim was one that didn't scream "evil" as the novel and the other versions hinted (though in Suchet's version, you had a split frame of the soon-to-be-deceased and Poirot praying that made me think of the Pharisee and Publican, and you can guess which is which).

My introduction to Sean Connery was this star-studded movie; I didn't realize at that time he played James Bond, and I forgot that he was in this movie as I became familiar with 007. In fact, I didn't know any of the actors prior to this film (with the possible exception of seeing Albert Finney's Christmas Carol musical prior to this; I'm not sure which I saw first). By the way, if you're wondering if Bond will be showing up in this list... nope. But if you're wondering what my favorite Bond movies are, those would be "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Man With A Golden Gun."

 
 

 

 

PRE-OSCAR LOOK AT MOVIES THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON ME, PART 3 OF 12: FANTASTIC VOYAGE

 

 This may be the highest on my list of favorite movies of the ones I've looked at so far. It's one I keep rewatching every five years or so. Part of it is the special effects. I will admit that I've been exposed to Sci Fi at this point (Dad took me to see "Robinson Crusoe on Mars," "The Day The Earth Stood Still", and "Planet of the Apes" at this point of my life.

One thing I appreciated in this movie when I watched it as an adult is to realize that this was my introduction of creation vs. evolution, and it didn't make you think the creationist was an idiot either.