"Writers Are The Prophets Of This Generation"

"Writers are the prophets of this generation." These words were spoken to me by a friend who has spent his career in the literary and publishing world. At his words, my soul was pierced and a healing balm of God's Spirit was poured in.

Indeed, the prophets of our day use the art of writing to speak to the world at large and to specific individuals. It is true that writers are the prophets of this generation, but not all writers. Thus it is also true that prophets are the writers of this generation, but not all prophets. But for those prophets, with the gift, the calling, and the opportunity to communicate through writing, one stroke of a pen, one click of a button, one signing of a publishing contract and they are allowed, by the grace of God, and by their obedience, to speak to more people than the prophets of old did during their lifetime. But how do we know today the words that the prophets of old spoke? Their spoken words were written--the people read them--and still read them today. To him who has ears to hear, let him hear. To him who has eyes to see, let him see. The written word by the prophet hits its intended target audience.

Writers are the prophets of this generation. With the words of my friend, I found myself at the culmination of a long season of preparation. I am a writer. By God's grace, my prophetic platform goes beyond a blog. It extends to a larger platform. I am a screenwriter and a film producer.  I am inspired to write that which speaks to the individual, to the nation, to the world through feature films.  I write, then film what has been written-two mediums. A greater audience. 

"You will speak to the masses." These are the words spoken to me by my creator many years go. As I have moved through seasons of life, events, struggles, death of many visions, He has been present to show me, in the secret place of the most high, that place where prophets go to have their flesh annihilated and their will prepared to receive. My life is not my own--I am bought with a price--I speak the will of God in season and out--to those willing to hear and to those who might do me harm. "You will care what no man does to you", said my God.  So, now, this season has arrived and I have penned, clicked and signed- to speak the mind and will of God.

Rocky Top Pictures LLC is the structure from which I am writing and producing several feature films (dramatic films for theatrical release). A feature film that is the definitive film about abortion. A feature film based on the life of Saint Moses the Black. An 1800's period piece showing the spiritual evolution of an outlaw. A feature film about the enduring friendship of an autistic white boy born into wealth and privilege and a black boy from the other side of the tracks.  A feature film about a fallen priest who finds redemption defending a Native American tribe from oppressors. Now it seems, the God of all creativity, is saying to me "Go speak what has been written." And with that, He makes a way. He lights the path. He brings others to aide in the process. Even other prophets to add their words and works. 

Writers are the prophets of this generation. "And He Himself gave some to be prophets...For the Lord does nothing unless He reveals instructions to His servants the prophets."

Lord make me an instrument of your peace and write your words upon my heart.

Brass And Cymbals

It was a wonderful experience to worship at an orthodox Church in Los Angeles last Sunday. The church had actors, writers, producers, directors as members.To know that, somewhere in Orthodoxy, those in the film industry are not disdained for their jobs, but encouraged toward righteousness in their journey to orthodoxy, is a balm. Especially so, in light of my few, but vocal, critics, including at least one priest.

God has called us to go into the all the world and preach the gospel. The larger the visual platform, the greater the audience we have, and the greater the responsibility.  Our lives are constantly on display. Such is the medium of the film industry. We are not all called to monasticism.  I might lean that way, if I were not confident that my wife, of 32 years, would track me down and pull me back home by the neck of my cassock.   

Critics of Orthodox filmmakers are as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal, for they have not love or understanding. They must rely on obscure examples like Saint John of Kronstadt's rejection of the Russian Theatre of the late 1800's early 1920's. All of us would reject the Russian theatre of that era. It was the equivalent of the American burlesque show or some version of today's erotic/pornographic films. I have never met a faithful Orthodox filmmaker, who participates in such. 

However, is a painter relegated to depictions of only flowers and lambs, or are they free to show the human plight as well? What of authors? May they write only children's books? And what about actors? May they play only Christian characters, priests or saints? The depiction of an unseemly character is not necessarily the endorsement of their conduct. Who would play Judas Iscariot, Mary Magdelene, or a Roman Soldier, for that matter, if that were the case?

These critics of the filmmaker just simply do not understand what a filmmaker is or what one does,  and I won't waste time explaining. If they really want to understand, they may read the book, Addicted To Mediocrity by Orthodox Christian, Frankie Schaeffer.  But, alas, such critics are Brass and Cymbals! Just noise to the faithful orthodox  filmmaker who must be about his Father's business.