divide* /dɪˈvaɪ dɪd/ verb, -vid·ed, -vid·ing, noun; verb
- to separate into parts, groups,
sections, etc.
- to separate or part from
something else; sunder; cut off.
- to deal out in parts; distribute
in shares; apportion.
- to cleave; part.
- to separate in opinion
or feeling; cause
to disagree.
Doug Phillips, founder of Vision Forum Ministries who briefly appears in Divided, commented on the backlash: “The film’s detractors have sent a clear message to the Church: they will accept virtually anything from evangelicalism, except the position that says that the discipleship of youth should be directed in a family-integrated context, and that the youth-driven “Youth Ministry” is toxic; this position will not be tolerated,” Phillips said.
Brown offered this: “While Divided has been well-received by thousands, the opposition it has garnered illustrates one of the film’s core messages: that the church today has drifted away from Scripture and toward modern culture for her answers.
After watching the film myself, I can understand the resistance from mainstream evangelicals and youth ministries. Nobody likes to hear they may be going about something in the wrong way. However resistance is one thing, but banning a film (and without even seeing it?!) is another. Who are we as a Christian culture that we can't even entertain challenging viewpoints within our own faith? And whether you agree with the message behind the film or not, it will raise questions, stir healthy debate and challenge the status quo.
“The crux of the matter is that progressively over the last 200 years, the church has set aside the sufficiency of Scripture for the discipleship of the next generation. And what you’ve been seeing is the devastation that has resulted from that as the church has abandoned the principles for the training of the next generation.”1
The film can be seen here online for a limited time only and will not be available after September 2011.
* From dictionary.com
1. Quoted from an interview with Scott Brown who is also executive producer of Divided
Ugh - I feel like I can't even begin to adequately comment here about this film. My preference would be for all the gals to watch it and then Skype me in for a discussion some Friday morning! I think there is SO much in this worthy of our time and attention and discussion. Thanks TONS for sharing it, Crystal!
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