In his book Restoring the Foundations, former engineer Chester Kylstra has developed a cutting edge theology which helps Christians better understand Hollywood. If Ephesians 6:12 is true, one must begin to fully grasp and understand the spiritual forces which influence an individuals’ actions, behavior and choice of vocabulary. In today’s blog, I will use the 1993 sports classic Rudy to illustrate RTF’s biblical principles.
According to Kylstra, a person’s life experiences form and shape what they end up believing. Beliefs in turn create specific expectations, if I do something good, blessings will result, Leviticus 26:1-13. However, if I choose to do the opposite of what I believe, bad things will follow, Leviticus 26:14-45. When belief expectations are not met, individuals face a crisis of faith often rebelling from God. Finally, these expectations influence behavior, which explains to a certain point why people in Hollywood act as they do.
In the case of Rudy’s father, he was abandoned by his own dad when he was a teenager. Therefore, when Rudy was about to get on a Greyhound Bus to follow his dream of playing football at Notre Dame, Rudy’s dad tried everything in his power to stop him. Rudy’s father had developed an ungodly belief which led him to think he would never see his son again if he got on the bus. Abandonment had become a routine expectation in the mind of Rudy’s father. Thus, when you examine this spiritual perspective, you start to comprehend the thought process behind the father’s self-destructive words toward Rudy.
Whether we like it or not, everyone has ungodly beliefs and a set of life expectations. When you pray to God, you expect to be heard and receive an answer. As you work hard in your present occupation, you will eventually expect a raise or promotion. Unfortunately, if any of your expectations are shattered, you can easily turn into Rudy’s father. “You’re not good enough! Your not smart enough! You don’t belong there!” This is precisely why the apostle Paul urges believers to put on the whole armor of God, not just the parts you feel like putting on, Ephesians 6:10-11. As you wage war against the powers of darkness, tempting you to erupt, follow the words of Romans 13:12-14 to avoid losing control like Rudy’s father.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 