Dear friends:Yesterday I went to see the new movie, "The Omen," the remake of the 1976
movie of the same name. It is about a diabolical little kid, born of the
devil, who is the antichrist. I enjoyed the 1976 movie and wanted to see
the new version.Artistically and dramatically, the movie was great. But the new Omen kid
was not as devilish or impish looking as the original, who was a classic.Like most modern movies, it was full of exaggerated and loud
sounds. Modern audio technology often substitutes for weak acting and
plot, although in this movie, acting and plot were excellent.Do I recommend you see it? Not really. In some places it is gory.
Was it biblical? Partly yes and partly no.
Does it have any redemptive value? I think so. In spite of aspects which
are not supported by the Bible, a typical, uninformed viewer should leave
the movie with a sense that we are in the end times. This is because it
ties the coming of the antichrist to the Jews returning to the land, the
current revived Roman Empire (both of which this generation has uniquely
experienced), the book of Revelation, signs in the heavens, as well as the
critical need for Christ for salvation. It will plant seeds of awareness
where, with the Holy Spirit's help, a person can be later open to the whole
truth. As the world may experience Tribulation-type disasters in the
future, the idea is clearly planted that people will need Jesus. It could
have a "pre-evangelism" effect.There is one major benefit for believers and non-believers: It emphasizes
that there is a spiritual dimension to life that transcends the material
world, something for which most non-believers are unaware, and believers
often forget, and that there is an evil spiritual force at work that
opposes God. Any rational person should want to be on the right side of
this battle. Those are important lessons.Jim
Caution about "The Omen"
Dear friends:
Thanks to two readers for reminding me of the dangers of watching "The Omen" movie. The original 1976 version seemed to have an aura of evil around it which affected some people. I had forgotten.
One lady wrote: "My born-again son, as a teenager, went to see the original The Omen. He had such a backlash from it! He woke me up in the middle of the night so frightened! His father and I had told him not to go to see it, but he went with friends anyway -- peer pressure. I got up with him and talked with him, prayed with him, and found out that he had gone to see it against our wishes. Then I ended up casting a spirit out of him. Don't know if you believe in this or not, but that is what actually happened. He even SAW in the spirit what was happening. Said he saw 'stuff' coming out of the top of his head like a tissue coming out of a box. Then he was fine after that, went back to bed and had a restful sleep."
I believe that account and in the past experienced a similar situation with a child that went through the haunted house at Disney World.
Another reader reminded me that the original 1976 version seemed to have a curse on it as evidenced by the numerous personal disasters or near disasters with the crew associated with it. For a description, see http://www.amctv.com/amc/img/omen_curse_1.html.
The movie probably won an Oscar in hell, and there is definitely something spooky about it. I have no doubt that demons have a field day with it, possibly affecting those weak in faith or with no faith.
In view of all this, even though God will use it for his purposes, I would recommend not seeing it unless for a divine purpose and led by the Spirit, as I believe I was, and unless you are strong in the faith and fully covered by the blood of Jesus. It is definitely nor recommended for impressionable children.
If you do see it, remember Jesus' words,"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:19-20).
Jim