David Miller

Just saw the movie 4 years after release; read the book, which I found inspiring and expansive upon it's publication. Wife and I loved the flick because it seemed pretty true to the book as I remember it, and, as a mystic "None," it portrays imaginatively, dimensions of spirituality which should expand exponentially the boundaries of thinking habits of religious bigots and other reactionary practitioners. The critical response is about what I would expect from the religious right; the "professional" critics panned it, by and large; it got an overwhelmingly large positive response from the general viewing public who actually saw the film, not those who need to be told how they should regard it. I regard those positive critiques as imaginatively oriented, able to accept allegory and see where it goes; those with linear, literal, limited habits of mind and spirit find it incomprehensible, which again, is about what I would expect. And so- in a world where everyone and their dog can post their opinions on some platform: very democratic. The resistance to the content, book and movie, especially from the religious right is feeble; they haven't consulted/adopted enough sources with differing perspectives. It clearly hides racist and xenophobic biases, because for Trinitarians, of which I am no longer one, should find it thrilling, healing and transforming for pain, a dream, which is what it is. Sorry. A reflection of our ethos, darkening ages with limiting outlooks. Mr. Young, if you're out there, know that you have created a polemic masterpiece, even if it appeals to a narrower cohort; I prefer the term "remnant." That remnant will carry it's power. If you have another one in you, would like to consider it, though reality says very few do. Meanwhile, this is enough for a bunch of lifetimes on this plane. Thanks to all involved for creating such a mind expanding piece. From the state between Washington and California.