Mark does what he accuses other of. He ridicules the Westboro members but doesn't state his beliefs. 99.99999% in hell is wrong but he avoided giving his Scriptually supported percentage.
In fact, the Bible gives us a picture of a God who is almighty and vulnerable, Lord and friend, judge and gracious, hater of sin and forgiver of sin. We see this especially in the life and ministry of Jesus, God incarnate. He graciously accepts the woman caught in adultery, and violently drives blasphemers out of the Temple area, with a whip no less. He calls to himself all those who are weary and heavy laden, promising rest, and tells others that if they follow him, it will mean nothing but suffering and death. He lifts up an inspiring vision of the kingdom of heaven while warning people about the curse of hell.
The above quote is the only part of the article where Mark attempts to refute the movie with references to Scripture.
In fact, the Bible gives us a picture of a God who is almighty and vulnerable
Almighty and vulnerable are opposites. God can't be both.
Lord and friend, judge and gracious, hater of sin and forgiver of sin.
While I agree with that quote I likely disagree with the intended meaning of "judge". All ETs I know about equal judgement to hell. The see God as a judge that only has 2 rulings. Eternal bliss or eternal suffering. No in betweens.
and violently drives blasphemers out of the Temple area, with a whip no less.
Mark forgets to mention Jesus didn't chase them forever. Neither did he mention Jesus forgave those who tortured Him to death while they didn't repent in even the slightest way.
it will mean nothing but suffering and death.
Suffering and death. Not death and suffering. Neither does Jesus say it's eternal suffering.
So are Mark's claims correct? Without having seen the movie I think the answer is yes. The UR/ET debate presented by UR people is just as biased as the same controvesy presented by ET people.
Does the movie take a scholary approach? Again I mention I haven't seen the movie; but I think it's impossible. The only scholary approach is discussing truckloads of verses, Greek and Hebrew words.
Interviewing scholars, as Mark suggested, from whatever denomination isn't a scholary approach. Scholars giving an opinion is just that, an opnion. Scholarship, for me, comes with lots of verses. Would Mark be convinced if a Westboro top scholar states 99.9999% of all people go to hell? I think Mark is more wise than that.
A movie simply isn't the correct medium for a scholary approach. It's more for bringing a message/opinion across and tickle intrest to study deeper.
Again without having seen the movie I suggest something that perhaps already has been done.
Create a website and point to statements made in the movie. Like at 1:03:56 Philip said ..... He bases that view on <long scholarly view follows>
So Philip, how do you like my review of a movie I never saw?
