Dear Mr. Philips and Mr. Botkin,
Thank you so very much not only for your new message concerning the Western, which I actually have not yet heard, but even just for this thought-provoking email!!! Our family is a great fan of Westerns, but as I read I was alarmed at what we have possibly overlooked (or been deceived concerning) in some of the films we have (embarrassingly) enjoyed! Thank you for sounding the alarm as some of us have very possibly ignorantly slept through the dream! We shall be investigating further!!
Sincerely and Gratefully,
Mrs. C. in Nebraska
Dear Vision Forum
Upon receiving your recent email on reclaiming the Western film genre from Hollywood, I can’t help but think of the contrasts of the godly from the ungodly. Our family mourned with you this past year after hearing about the passing of a godly young man who had accomplished so much for the Lord in his short life of 19 years—Michael Billings. From the beautiful tributes we read of his life, we can only imagine what a blessing he must have been and the impact He must have made and continues to make for Christ’s Kingdom. His knowledge of history and theology must have given great glory to God, showing God’s hand of Providence in the affairs of men, and He now enjoys the presence of His LORD!
On the other hand, there was also another young man who died this past year who starred in a worthless and historically-revising Western film (Brokeback Mountain) which glorified one of the most abominable sins mentioned in Romans 1... When young filmmakers contrast the lives of these two young men, what more motivation can there be for them to produce works that aim to enlarge Christ’s Kingdom as they exalt their Savior in their films? Everything else pales in comparison to that! May God give us more of a vision to make the most of these short lives we’ve been given for God’s glory!