Comments on: PURPLE STATE ROADSHOW: DAVIDSON COLLEGE SCREENING

By: Ron

Ron — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:43:53 +0000

Nice! Thanks!

By: Paige Baker

Paige Baker — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:38:32 +0000

My significant other (who is an Episcopal priest and a Davidson grad) and I were privileged to attend the screening last week. You inspired a GREAT series of conversations through the weekend!

The interesting thing is that both of us felt more at home with your “journey” than we did with Craig’s—even though Craig is clearly in the progressive Christian camp in which we locate ourselves. There was something about your struggles that resonated for both of us.

I am not surprised that your film has been rejected by both secular film festivals and religious ones. Craig is not a Fred Phelps—so the secular community doesn’t see enough drama. And you are not the evil atheist who would be a good foil for the overtly “religious” community.

But for those with “ears to hear,” this film is an important landmark. It shows—like the lady you mentioned noted—that people of good will, no matter what their faith commitments may or may not be, can find common ground and treat one another respectfully. Thank you for that.

Regards,
Paige Baker

By: Allison

Allison — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:37:21 +0000

John and Craig, I am one of the members of the audience who came because of the NPR spot. Very glad I had the radio on that morning! Your conversation is one I am currently having with my father and which, sadly, is not going very well. It is comforting to see two different viewpoints speak to each other intelligently and with compassion. I hope my father can see your movie… that is only the beginning of my hopes. Thank you.

By: Greg Carr

Greg Carr — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 23:26:03 +0000

John and Craig, My wife and I really enjoyed the screening of your movie at Davidson College as well as the Q&A afterward. While the two of you disagree about religion, you seem to agree that the religious right is wrong. Unfortunately, the Republican Party and most churches continue down that wrong path. Hopefully, your efforts will persuade some of these folks to examine their religious and political beliefs – beliefs that seem contradictory and hypocritical to many of us. Good luck with the film. It’s just a matter of time before the critics and film festivals catch on. GC

By: inger

inger — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 21:09:27 +0000

I was in the audience last night at Davidson and was sincerely wowed by your efforts. I think the film voiced many of the theological and life questions we all have. We either choose to not think about them or we get lost in the depths of their answers. The problem is even when we choose to think about them the questions are so big, so hard and so unanswerable that we are utterly lost. I guess thats when we have to make a choice. Either we choose to believe and trust that God is in control, or we dont. What I found most interesting last night is that both John and Craig both agreed that there is a force called “evil” out there. It is a tangible and powerful enemy. I question that if they can both recognize this particular force, then doesnt it then make sense that there is an equally or more powerful counterforce of love? I humbly submit that I believe that force of Love is God. I purchased two CDs last night. The first I plan to keep and share with my friends. The second I plan to give to the Dean of the Seminary which I am enrolled in. I will attach a note that says “If I can answer even half of these questions confidently then I will feel prepared for the ministry” Thank You for a wonderful evening.

By: Chris Brown

Chris Brown — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:55:12 +0000

John, I was there last night and enjoyed the movie; I could see the moving playing on a cable system at night like Starz.

My wife and I, a purple marriage, are stil discussing the points. I am very surpised that this movie , especially with where are in the calendar of presidential elections, does not get viewed more broadly. Thanks for the effort and passion. It is still making me think.