Avowed New Athiest and author of "God is Not Great", Christopher Hitchens, succumbed to cancer last Thursday at the age of 62.  No one knows the soul of another, but there is no evidence of a Gospel confession. 

Peter Hitchens, Christopher's brother, was also an athiest until his recent conversion to Christianity.  He has writen a book entitled "The Rage Against God" explaining his conversion to faith. 

He was interviewed in the June 2011 edition of Tabletalk Magazine and made these insightful comments about death. . .

Death is the great reminder that this life is limited, and that it may not be the end. For most of our lives, we behave as if this is not so. It is only when death touches those close to us that we are forced into this understanding, especially in a modern world where death is kept at a distance, ignored, undiscussed, and shuffled off into corners.

I found Hitchens an intriguing, provacative figure.  I especially enjoyed his debate with Douglas Wilson in the documentary Collision.  Here's a sample . . .

I used to own a copy of the Collision DVD, but haven't been able to find it.  We really need to purchase it for the church library. 

Let us, this Christmas, not behave like life is unlimited. . . as we interact with friends, family and co-workers who do not know the hope of Christ. 

(Disclaimer:  I recognize that Christians have different sensibilities/convictions when it comes to movies/TV/media.  I believe these are areas where Romans 14 and other passsages having to do with principles of Gospel liberty are relevant and must be carefully examined.  We ought to be graceful with those who have different convictions than our own in these areas.  This post is not intended as a recommendation to go see Machine Gun Preacher, but intended to get us thinking and spur some discussion about these complex nuanced issues.  So lets see how and where this goes . . . if this is offensive to you in anyway, I encourage you to simply move on to other posts and topics.  I don't want to offend you or cause anyone to stumble.)

Machine Gun Preacher has just come on my radar.  (I'm so out of it and really don't keep up with pop culture very well at all!)  Last week someone mentioned it.  Today, I stumbled on this thoughtful review.  I have not seen the movie and don't know if I will, but it clearly raises complex issues about the use of violence to protect the innocent . . .

Have you seen this movie?  If so, what did you think?

Are you interested in seeing this movie?  If so, why?  If not, why not?

Would you see this movie?  If so, why? If not, why not?

Here's the trailer. . .

Machine Gun Preacher brings to mind the now nearly ancient movie, The Mission, which I think deals with the same issues . . .