My brother sent me a link to this interview with Tom Cruise. Many people are commenting that this video proves that Cruise is crazy. In it, Tom is straight forward about his beliefs and convictions. He reveals true passion and determined follow-through. Though I do not in any way agree with scientology, though, I respect the ardent enthusiasm in which Cruise practices. I can't hate the man for his testimony in this video; he is zealous and seemingly devoted to change. Publically, we have seen the movie superstar rennovate his image since his conversion to scientology, and we have so deemed him "a lunatic". I rather see him as a man who is changing his life based on what he values. For me, to know the truth that is in Christ Jesus, and not be as fervent and decidedly changed is embarrassing. I pray that Tom Cruise would find the real truth of Yahweh and put his eagerness into God's hands, and I pray that this "crazy" video would challenge me to be more "crazy" about my beliefs.
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Kevin, I can't go along with you on this one. That speech was one of the most arrogant things I've ever seen. If a Christian said that he/she was the only person who could help someone in a car wreck, I'd think that was arrogant (and, yes, crazy), too. To me, the intolerance and arrogance cancels out his convictions. And passion--who cares? White power rallies are passionate. A Patriots fan is getting the team helmet tattooed on his head--that's passionate. There are plenty of words for that kind of passion, and none of them are positive.
Lex, I have so many people around me who simply "don't care". I am just refreshed to see someone care. The tattoo guy simply has ink on his skin...white power rallies are about tearing down a people. Tom is severly misguided, but seems to have had an encouter with something that makes him want to be life-enhancing to others. I don't defend his beliefs (it echoes of stocism)...but I can appreciate passion directed at life-enhancement. I can understand that it would seem very arrogant for some people to hear a Christian claim to be "the only person who could help". While this statement is obviously not relevant on a physical or even emotional plane, you and I probably agree that a Christ follower would be the most likely person to help reveal spiritual truth. This interview with Tom Cruise was done as a part of some kind of Scientology awards/event. The intended audience was a community of like-minded people who shared a system of philosopic belief as a way of life. Every week there are Christian individuals who stand before their communities of faith (by way of testimony, teaching, preaching, in dialogue, etc.) and share similar sentimates (for us: that Christ is the only hope for the world, and that we are His emissaries).
Geoff, you can look it up on utube if you'd like
The lunacy of tattooing the human skull to look like an inanimate object aside, you're missing my point that passion, in and of itself, is nothing to celebrate. It's not special or unique, and can actually be a pretty sick thing when it goes towards the wrong thing. You even admit yourself that passionate testimonies are commonplace in churches all over the world every week--so why is this Tom Cruise thing special?
I don't know. I appreciate you (and Chris) trying to find something to learn from this video, and all that. But, I guess what bugs me is the "Jesus Freak" guilt, that would have people watch Tom Cruise and ask themselves, "Why aren't I trying to discredit psychology for Jesus?" Or, "When's the last time I jumped on Oprah's couch for Jesus?" Or, "How come I don't match up to [insert any name here]?" Do you get what I'm saying.
By the way, I don't think it's insignificant that there's a lot of allegations of brainwashing in Scientology. I think that could have something to do with the passion we see.
One last point: are you really embarrassed that you aren't as "decidedly changed" by Chist as Tom Cruise is by Scientology. First, I would remind you that you don't really know the man. Second, I would ask, how old were you when you became a Christian? I know you were at least younger than Cruise was at his conversion. I know that it was before you were an adult. I'd guess you were a child, that you were in church all your life. How much change can you realistically expect?
Don't get me wrong; I do not intend to discredit your thoughts, or to convince you of mine in this situation. I do understand and relate to you in the realization that these are simply words coming out of emotion (or brainwashing)...or (considering that TC is a professional actor, it could simply be an act). I also agree that passion alone is nothing to hang one's hat on. I think you know that I am more geek than freak.
Was he fake or real, was it words or actions, a testimony or a well-rehearsed movie audition...I don't know. I want to have a decided change about me that is passionate and realistic, and humble and powerful. Maybe I should say that TC is not a hero to me b/c of this video, but that the expressions he shared, in some way, made me think (as can fantasy novels, sitcoms, and hallmark commercials).
Yeah, I hear you, and I think it's always good to remind ourselves (as you have done here, and I have not) that people are still people, even when they come across as loons. I'll admit that I'm put off by any traces of the "not-as-good-as" guilt that I learned in youth group from my church, Christian rock music, etc., and I usually react against it when I think I see it.
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