----- Original Message -----

From: Lakewood1997@aol.com

To: pastor@landoverbaptist.org

Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2001 1:31 PM

Subject: Movie Reviews

I'd like to preface that I am a born-again Christian who believes that Jesus died for our sins, that we are to be lights to the world and that we are to be gentle as lambs yet wise as serpents. I believe we are in a spiritual battle against the Enemy and his minions. I bring this email to you in peace with a Christian-minded and logical concern.

Comments made on your movie review of Planet of the Apes by Betty Bowers sparked tones of secularism, vanity and self-centeredness. Though I am in agreement that the Theory of Evolution (currently TIME magazine says its fact) is a laughable attempt to eject the Lord and Jesus from our contemporary psyche, I disagree with comments made in the review. Stated in the review: "My idea of natural selection is picking up a pair of Gucci slingbacks at Barneys to complement my new Hermes silk suit." Though witty in a secularistic venue, we are called by Christ to be humble and not braggarts.

An offhanded remark like that to boast expensive tastes has no place in a Christian venue. We are to be lights to the world and examples of a relationship with Christ. You are in error.

"Sure, the idea that we are après-apes is intriguing (and, in regard to some men, a transformation somewhat overstated), ..." Again a funny comment in a secular forum, this adds to the negative tone that is portrayed int he review. I ask you, what separates you from the sardonic remarks offhandedly thrown out on Jay Leno or Conan or any other sarcastic secular humorist that seeks only to sensationalize?

"...the delightful Adam and Eve clan our Lord somewhat ineptly created as His first stab at making humans. With such ribald shenanigans in our very own Bible, it is quite clear that if Tim Burton was looking for cheap sensationalism, he needn't have veered away from Creationism." I am unclear as to why this reviewer would want to cheapen the word of God or defame the stories intended for teaching, not for a tawdry, cavalier remark.

"So, instead of creating one male from dirt (casual observation reveals that the Lord's easy recipe shows all signs of still working today with few, if any, additional ingredients), this film overlooks no opportunity to turn everyone back into filth. Starting, apparently, with Helena Bonham Carter's hair conditioner." Again a repeated reference in showing a man, God's creation as nothing more than filth. If you're going to take a firm view that this secular movie discredits the Bible and blasphemes creation with ape-evolution, why insist on degrading God's very creation that you are defending?

"(and, to be honest, I did go shopping for crocodile mules at Nordstrum during the last third.)" Again another stab at vanity, aren't we called to not indulge in excess? By the way, Nordstrum is spelled "Nordstrom" "I suspect, however, that it is simply a ham-fisted attempt by Secular Humanists to peddle the outrageous lie that not only do humans come from apes, we are blithely traipsing back down the genome highway to the zoo. While casual observation of most American living rooms or conversations would seem to support such notions of devolution, as a True Christian I find it quite disconcerting enough to think that I will be sharing Heaven with people who wear sensible heels, much less four of them! "

Again you seek to degrade humanity in an attempt for cheap humor. Everything in this article indicates that you are NOT a "True Christian" (Trademark or otherwise). You are a sensationalist that does not possess good will to strengthen loving, Christian values.

Lastly your posted Gif image of Betty Bowers throwing a stone is offensive, ill-intended, scripturally inaccurate and a discredit to Christians seeking righteousness and goodwill towards the secular world. If you believe me wrong, open your heart, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and reveal your errors...and he will.

God Bless you.