A new book released Monday by New Zealand evangelist Ray Comfort at the International Christian Retailers Show in Atlanta is attempting to explain the spiritual problems in today’s movie industry.
In the book, entitled Hollywood Be Thy Name, the author and host of the hit television program Way of the Master reveals the need for change inside of the entertainment industry and the many idols that are attached to it such as money and lust.
“If you are not familiar with Ray Comfort, his ministry, or his writing, you might be tempted to think that Hollywood Be Thy Name is just another diatribe against a sinful entertainment industry. You would be wrong,” reviewed critic Tony Miano of Ten-Four Ministries. “Ray Comfort writes the way he talks to people – with the concern of a man who deeply cares about the spiritual condition of everyone he meets.”
Through his book, Comfort wishes to address a few key issues.
The first is to give honor to God in all of man’s creations, namely in producing entertainment such as film.
He also hopes to expose the “insider truth” about Hollywood’s non-Christian spiritual beliefs which mimic atheists, evolutionists, and spiritualists. Through this, Comfort believes the industry can begin to repent and change its way of thinking, and people can be also aware of what they are putting into themselves as they watch movies.
Finally, the New Zealand-native urges Christians to stop their support for ungodly movies. He argues that religious people have a great potential to change their society that will last.
“Ray tells the truth,” added Miano. “He doesn’t attack anyone. He simply exposes the lies and the blasphemy of Hollywood with the truth of God’s Word. There is not a shred of legalism in this important book. Instead, the book is a clarion call to people everywhere to revere and honor the name of God.”
Comfort is largely known for his extremely up-front approach to evangelism. He can be seen preaching the gospel with his Way of the Master co-host, Kirk Cameron from 80s television show Growing Pains. Together, they attempt to show people how to evangelize.
The two were most recently in the media spotlight when they challenged two atheists to a live debate on ABC’s Nightline in early May. Although notably well-intentioned, the two were criticized for the debate as many fellow Christians felt they were unprepared to duel their opposition.
In the beginning Hollywood said, "Let there be light," and there was light. And there were cameras. And the spirit of Hollywood moved across the face of the earth. Hollywood created. It picked up unknowns from the soil of humanity and breathed into them the life of celebrity -- a golden image, whose sole purpose was to bring in big money at the box office.
But something went terribly wrong. In 1968 a serpent appeared in the garden. Movies became filled with blasphemy, adultery, and violence. The bright light that once was became a gross darkness, and Hollywood began to suffer the ultimate delusion of grandeur. It enthroned itself as God and began to spout blasphemy against the heavens. It became a law to itself. Hollywood answered to no one. Not even God. So it believed.
BOOK REVIEW
By Tony Miano
Hollywood By Thy Name picks up where Ray Comfort's earlier book, What Hollywood Believes (Genesis Publishing Group: 2004), left off. In Hollywood Be Thy Name, Comfort explores the reasons why the Hollywood film industry, which once produced some godly films, has become, by and large, anti-God. "The average Hollywood production," Comfort says, "uses the name of 'God' and 'Jesus Christ' more than the average sermon."
If you are not familiar with Ray Comfort, his ministry, or his writing, you might be tempted to think that Hollywood Be Thy Name is just another diatribe against a sinful entertainment industry. You would be wrong. Ray Comfort writes the way he talks to people — with the concern of a man who deeply cares about the spiritual condition of everyone he meets. With the same warmhearted style with which he engages people in conversation, Ray tells the truth. He doesn't attack anyone. He simply exposes the lies and the blasphemy of Hollywood with the truth of God's Word. There is not a shred of legalism in this important book. Instead, the book is a clarion call to people everywhere to revere and honor the name of God.
Comfort skillfully exposes the beliefs of Hollywood's elite atheists, evolutionists, and spiritualists. But he also challenges those Christians who continue to support ungodly movies. Then he suggests, powerfully, how Christians can effect change. There is one rock believers have in their hands that can "hit the blaspheming giant [Hollywood] between the eyes."
As is the case with all of Ray Comfort's books, the gospel is clearly and biblically presented throughout Hollywood Be Thy Name. The book is replete with Scripture, with each verse and passage carefully presented in its proper context. Warning: Don't skim his footnotes! The footnotes provide interesting trivia, fascinating history, and Scriptural encouragement. Read every word on every page.
This book will undoubtedly serve as an encouragement and a challenge to both the Christian and the unbeliever alike. I will use this book as a tool in both my discipleship and evangelism efforts.
I have read many books by many Christian authors during the last twenty years. I can think of several that have had a profound effect on my growth as a Christian—books that have brought conviction and a desire to grow in godliness. Hollywood Be Thy Name is such a book. Don't just read it. Let its powerful message change your viewing habits and empower you to effect positive change in our country!
On the web: ‘Hollywood Be Thy Name’ can be found at the website of Comfort’s Living Waters Ministry at LivingWaters.com.
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