Prepared to Live
or Die?
The Christian worldview of United 93 denies
a ‘Black Screen’ at the end
By Mary Marr, Founder and Chairman of
Christian Emergency Network
ANTHEM, AZ (ANS) -- Deciding
how to live is a choice; to die is not. How we do both have eternal
effects. What are we willing to live for and die for? That is the
question that the movie “United 93” posed of viewers as it opened this
past weekend, in a well-crafted, heart racing, unveiling of the events
of 9/11. As viewers solemnly filed out of almost 2,000 theatres across
this country, the post-WW II elderly appeared resigned, the younger
shocked, and all were silent participants of a memorial service
dedicated to the victims of 9/11, an event they did not choose.
While
not a Christian film or even religious in any meaningful way, “United
93” has touched this nation in a real and powerful way, the evidence of
which may not be truly known for years to come. Why? Because it forces
each of us to ask ourselves questions on the meaning of life, and
death. For the Christian, it begs several questions: Are we wiling to
die for our God, to fight for His purposes, or just let life’s tragic
events happen? When confronted with the challenges of life and death,
can we say “Let’s Roll” for Jesus’ sake? Are we raising children who
will be able to stand against the terror of our day? Are we getting our
Christian act together?
These were the questions posed by the “real time” event of 9/11, which
the movie dredges up again for those who have denied or refused to face
them. As we move towards the fifth anniversary of the day that our
nation “grew up,” many Christians have been seizing the mounting
tragedies – whether man-made or natural – for good, with hope for the
hopeless. With each looming nationwide crisis, thousands of Christians
are waking up and seeing the open doors of sharing their peace, joy and
love flowing from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in these
uncertain times. Our work is far from over. Sadly, there are millions
of American citizens who have yet to face the daunting questions: How
must I live in this age, and how can I be ready to die? Where is God in
this? For the Christian, “United 93” says one thing – It is harvest
time!
The road is not an easy one. Since the devil roams on a mission of
destruction, for the Christian, making the case for self-defense is a
tough one in a largely spiritually indifferent world. For almost five
years, Christians in the U.S. have had to face threats they have not
customarily addressed. The events of 9/11 forced the airlines, military
and government officials to face their own communication failures, and
as Christians we must do the same. Are we effectively communicating the
Hope of Christ to a nation that views death as a “black screen” in a
movie which they can walk out of – with their hopelessness, need, and
willful denial in tact? Are we going on as business as usual or are we
preparing disciples for the “real time end game” of life?
What perspectives of 9/11 do we still need to clearly address from a
Christian worldview to earn the right to answer this life and death
question? Listen to some “United 93” viewer comments: “It shows you
when all people are in trouble, they all turn to THEIR God” “This was
the Real World.” “I hope the young people in our country finally
understand the difference between the real world and the video-game
world they live in.” “Our enemies have longer memories than we do.”
“This enemy knows we are asleep at the switch.” “All in the civilized
world need to see this film, including France.” “The majority in this
country gets it, but the minority rules, and they’re putting us all at
risk.” “It was real.” “This shows that this is really a religious war,
it is not about land, buying them off, or the latest political spin
sound-bite.” “It forced me to ask myself, would I be wiling to die for
my God?”
Are you prepared to give an answer for the living and dying Hope within
you?
Note: For interviews with CEN Founder/Chairman Mary Marr, contact Judy
Hannestad at 701-484-5028 judy.hannestad@cen911.com
Mary Marr is Chairman and Founder of Christian Emergency
Network, which
was founded after 9/11 with several national ministry leaders and now
has over 7,000 ministry, church and media organizations who partner to
pray, care and share the Hope of Christ together before, during and
after national disasters. To learn more about you or your Christian
organization may partner with CEN go to www.christianemergencynetwork.org.
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