by Pastor James R. Hines
(Note: Most information for this article was taken from the book. Though contents of the book may differ in some small details from the movie the author stands behind all allegations made in the article.)
The lines are long and the coffers are ringing as the crowds mass at the theatre to see the biggest movie produced in a long time -- E.T.
Hero of the story is a little visitor from outer space with a long neck, frog-like eyes and a bulging belly that hangs perilously close to the ground. Since he is such a lovable and loving creature, the country has taken him to heart. Before long, some predict, he will have taken the place of Mickey Mouse as the leading fantasy figure of American youngsters. Doubtless there will be a rage of E.T. T-shirts, notebooks lunch boxes, E.T. space games, pencils, balloons and anything else some entrepreneur thinks he can make money on. As certainly as night follows day there will be an "E.T. II," or "Return of E.T." not too far in the future. After all, you can't allow a creature that lucrative to simply disappear into outer space for good.
So the popularity of E.T. win grow and Christians across the country will be invited to see the show. With the level of Christianity being what it is nowadays, a great number of them will lay their Bible aside and dash off to the theatre. But is this right? Should a Christian go see E.T.? That is a question that deserves some comment and consideration.
No, this preacher did not go to see the movie. But he has done some investigation to enable him to make comments. The story deals with a space creature who was visiting earth with his comrades to collect samples of earth's vegetation. When earth's space authorities rush to the sight where the spaceship has landed, it is forced to depart earth, leaving one of its crew behind. The abandoned space creature wanders into town and finds a home with three children who hide him out in their bedroom closet whenever Mother is around. They dub him E.T., for Extra-Terrestrial. Eventually the authorities discover his presence and begin to close in on him, but the spaceship returns to retrieve him just at the last minute.
Now the story seems an innocent sort of science fiction yarn that is nothing terrible. But of course, Hollywood has the "perversion touch" so that everything it touches tends to turn to garbage. An honest look at the details, philosophy, morals and innuendoes of the story to convince anyone that E.T is not the cute, harmless story it is cracked up to be.
How is the family presented? One would suppose that it portrays the typical American family, and it may be. But it is certainly not what we want our families to be. The mother, Mary is an attractive divorcee whose husband has run off with Lucy to Mexico. She works, fights the urge to overeat, tosses stacks of overdue bids in the waste basket, keeps a six-pack in the refrigerator, screams at the kids (who completely ignore her), spends her money on herb plasters and creams to make her beautiful and lives in eternal hope that some man will come along she can get involved with. She worries that there may be a sex maniac in the neighborhood, but hopes he finds her instead of the children if he is there.
The children are supposed to be typical too. Michael and Elliott are teenagers and Gertie goes to Nursery School. They continually lie, cover their walls with girlie pictures, make raids on the hardware stare to steal equipment, keep dirty magazines hidden behind the couch, listen to rock music and ignore their mother. When Mary hears Gertie's scream from the boy's bedroom she assumes it is because the boys have pulled her pants down and are attacking her. The language of the entire family is liberally laced with profanity and obscenities of the gutter. Near the end of the film the two boys make off with the governmental van. Gertie asks, "Are Michael and Elliott stealing the van?" "Yea, they are stealing the van." "Why didn't they take me along?" "Because you are too young to steal vans - when you are older you can."
Certainly any upright-minded Christian would be repulsed by the language and moral standards of the film. But these are not the most startling elements of the film. A close examination of the plot demonstrates a clear parallel to the life of Jesus Christ. Here is a person of countless eons, far wiser and more loving than any of earth, who leaves his home in space to spend time living among the people of earth. While here, he loves everyone, performs miracles of healing, and influences the thoughts of people. But most do not recognize or understand his presence. Finally, the government authorities begin closing in on him, seeking to seize him, but he dies. He is put in a coffin and mourned by his friends until suddenly a bolt of golden light strikes him and he is restored to life, resurrected. Then appealing to his "Captain" in the skies, he is shortly picked up by the spaceship and returned to his home in the heavens. Whether the parallels in the story with the life of Christ were deliberately intended by the author or a clever stroke of the Devil, we do not know, but the fact that they are there cannot be denied. Thus the whole story becomes a mockery, a blasphemous parody, of all that Christians hold to be good and holy and true.
Thousands of naive Christians will stand in line and pay their money to have their Savior mocked, non-believers will be more firmly persuaded that the Bible is just another fiction story, and the Devil will laugh himself silly. It is no wonder that the ungodly crowd would relish a movie like this. The wonder is that Christian people have so slipped into carnality, compromised their convictions and abandoned the practice of separation that they have any sympathy whatever for the godless world.
BEWARE OF E. T.
By E. L. Bynum
E.T., the Extra-Terrestrial, has taken America by storm. Multitudes are caught up in this science fiction tale, with little thought of what is behind it an.
As early as June 16, 1982, according to a New York Times Service story, Universal Pictures projected earnings of nearly $13 million in the first three days of the showing of E.T. Robert Rehme, president of distribution for Universal, said that E.T. which opened in 1,100 theaters, had the largest opening weekend in Universal's history.
Hollywood is the leading promoter of immoral living in America, and personally I hate to see them make that kind of a profit off of anything. They win simply use the money to promote and produce more filthy pictures.
Is E.T. Like Jesus Christ?
Over and over again we are hearing that E.T. is like Christ and that he presents the gospel. Nothing could be more blasphemous than to compare this grotesque figure from outer space, with our loved Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. E.T. is cheap Hollywood science fiction, and to compare him with Christ is to put Christ and the gospel story into the allegory class. This is exactly what the modernists and atheists have been trying to do for years. It is sad that some who claim to be Bible believers are so lacking in discernment that they fall into Satan's trap. It is time that God's people say with the Apostle Peter, "...we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ...." (II Pet. 1:16)
What Theologians (?) Are Saying
The LAJ of January 7, 1983 printed an article by David E. Anderson, United Press International writer. We shall quote extensively from this article. Anderson writes, "Millions have seen the movie and perhaps hundreds of thousands more have video games in which the aim is to help the gentle alien, E.T. return home.
"E.T., the extra-terrestrial created by movie director Steven Spielberg, has become a genuine cultural event - a character in political cartoons, stand-up comedy routines and newspaper stories.
"And such attention has now invited the probings of theologians and religious commentators to probe the religious meaning of the film and the character who has entered the homes and hearts of countless people around the world.
"In particular, commentators seem struck by what they see as the parallel between the saga of E.T. and the Christian gospel.
"Theologian Robert Short, best known for his book, 'The Gospel According to Peanuts,' has written a new volume, 'The Gospel from Outer Space,' which looks at the E.T.-Gospel connection as well as the religious themes he finds in a series of other apace films such as '2001: A Space Odyssey,' 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' 'Superman,' and the 'Star Wars' sequence.
"Short, in exploring the parallels between E.T. and Christ finds that both are Messiah figures, both come from outside our world on temporary 'earthly' missions, both appeal to the underdog, are rejected by the authorities, die, rise from the dead, and ascend heavenward after leaving their mark on the hearts and minds of those who have come to love them."
The Low State Of Theology Today
The above is a sad commentary on the low state of modern theology today. That a man could write "The Gospel According to Peanuts," a comic strip character, and still be known as a theologian is mute testimony of the awful state of theology in modern religion. No doubt "The Gospel from Outer Space," will make a lot of money for publishers, and book stores, but will it bring glory to God? The answer is no!! The only basis for theology is the Bible, and not comic strips and science fiction.
Will E.T. Be Made A Saint?
Anderson further writes, "Two writers in a recent issue of the National Catholic Reporter suggest only half humorously that E.T. should be made a saint.
"Edward Brett, assistant professor of history at the College of Santa Fe, N.M., and Donna Whitson Brett, a freelance writer say that E.T., like other saints, teaches the 2,000-year-old Christian tradition in ways few other modern heroes do.
The Bretts say, " ' Our searches for spiritual meaning in the 20th century have for too long been thwarted by our excessive dependence on rational phenomena.'
" 'Through our high-powered telescopes we have gazed at the heavens and discovered countless galaxies, mysterious black holes, quasars, super-suns and, in the process, our own insignificance in the universe,' they add, 'What better way can we salvage our human pride and at the same time satisfy our trampled spiritual yearnings than by creating a space-age saint?'
"Add the Brett: 'The fact is that Saint E.T. had to be created and it was not necessary for the church to canonize him. We did it ourselves.' "
The Bretts call Spielberg "a modern prophet" who has found the answer to man's great need. They write, " 'Steven Spielberg searched our souls and created Saint E.T., a gentle extra-terrestrial who comes to earth, teaches us love and compassion and leaves us for the unknown heavens.' "
It is not surprising that Catholics would fall for such junk, but that Protestants, and even Baptists would do so is deplorable.
People Get Emotional Over E.T.
We have before us a two page article entitled, "The Riddle of E.T." It is based upon a pamphlet written by Dr. Al Millar, P.O. Box 66, Newport News, Va. 23607, caned "E.T. You're More Than A Movie Star." Dr. Millar points out numerous parallels between the attributes of the alien and the life of Jesus Christ. According to the article, Millar states the following:
"1. E.T. had a prior extra-terrestrial existence.
"2. His early life on earth was 'submerged' or hidden.
"3. He came to little children.
"4. The three admirers (Elliott, Gertie, and Michael) knelt before him. This occurred when E.T. had run to the closet after being frightened by the little girl. (And can that really be a stained-glass window we see behind them?)
"5. E.T. had occasion to feel rejected and forsaken on earth.
"6. E.T. had reverence for nature and was seen with passive animals such as rabbits and deer.
"7. Groups of men pursued him carrying lights and weapons in the night. One thinks of Gethsemane here.
"8. E.T. also had an 'involvement' with an alcoholic beverage. People still celebrate Christ's turning the water to wine.
"9. Yet he was innocent of any wrongdoing.
"10. He spun spheres in space in imitation of our solar system.
"11. He healed the physical pains of those who loved him. No one can forget E.T.'s response to 'Ouch!'
"12. He caused a plant to wither. Matthew 21:19 says that Jesus caused a fig tree to be 'withered away.'
"13. E.T. wore a robe.
"14. And as he emerged from the van after regaining life, he is shrouded in white. The transfiguration of Jesus is described in terms of His 'white raiment' (Matthew 17:2).
" 15. E.T. communicated with 'home.'
"16. He also was seen lying wounded and rejected.
"17. E.T.'s followers for a time denied his existence to others. This is especially visible in the bus stop scene.
"18. Later, E.T. enjoyed absolute dedication from his followers. Many who had mocked the 'goblin' helped him reach 'home.'
"19. E.T. encountered much trouble from governmental authorities. In this case, U.S. Government rather than Roman or Hebrew.
"20. E.T. emitted a light even from his tomb.
"21. E.T. wept. Another 'ouch!'
"22. He seemed the epitome of love, even returning the gifts of Elliott.
"23. E.T. had the capacity of defying gravity and could 'hold' others up with him. Peter's faith kept him above the waves with Jesus when He walked on the water.
"24. E.T. possessed a kind of E.S.P. He had a method of non-verbal communication that seemed to be a form of omniscience. He even knew he was going home at the time of his earthly death.
"25. While E.T. was suffering and dying, he called out, 'Mom.' Of course, she was Elliott's mother, but her name, interestingly enough, is Mary.
"26. E.T. died. And note that the doctor pronounced him dead at 15:36 (3:36 p.m.). It is especially significant to recall that the Gospels place the death of Jesus on the cross at some brief time after the 'ninth hour' Matthew 27:45). The Hebrew day began at 6 a.m. so the ninth hour would have been 3 p.m.
"27. And it seems that E.T. had to die so that Elliott could live.
"28. But E.T. attained resurrection from death. Elliott declared, 'He's alive!'
"29. And afterwards to Gertie, E.T. said, 'Be good!'
"30. To Elliott, his most beloved follower, he said while touching the boy's temple, 'I'll be right here.'
"31. He also said in his final moments on earth to Elliott, 'Come.' Matthew 14:29 reads, 'And he said, Come.'
"32. E.T. ascended to his original 'home.'
"33. And when E.T. returns to his origins we all can see a rainbow flashing across the sky."
Is E.T. Of God, Or Of The Devil?
The record shattering crowds who go to see E.T. are very much affected emotionally. It has been said, "As the theater empties after each performance, children are sometimes heard to be sobbing in sympathy for the strange little creature known as E.T. Their elders are also touched with pathos and even affection for the alien."
This editor is well aware of the fact that some professing Christians will be made very angry by this article, but we cannot hold our peace. There is little doubt that this movie has occult overtones. Instead of trying to see how that E.T. "proclaims the gospel, "Christians should see that this monstrous movie is being used to discredit and belittle Jesus Christ our Saviour.
The 33 parallels listed above could not have come about by accident. Some of them yes, but all 33, no! There can be only two possible explanations as to how this happened. (1) The writer and producer deliberately meant for E.T. to parallel the life of Christ in this diabolical way. (2) The writer and producer did not realize what they were doing, but were unknowingly to them, influenced to do this by Satan. In either case we have a sound basis for Christians to shun this movie and everything connected with it.
The Bible warns us of those "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." (Rom. 1:25) Many will believe the lie quicker than they will believe the truth. No wonder that when the Antichrist comes working miracles, the whole world will wonder after him. (See Rev. 13:3). When the False Prophet comes on the scene, he will use miracles to get people to worship the Antichrist. "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast, saying to them that dwell on the earth that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live." (Rev. 13: 13,14)
The Antichrist will also parallel the life of Christ in many ways. He will use that to draw gullible followers. Beware of E.T. and of everything that Hollywood produces. Make no mistake, Hollywood is not a friend of God nor of Christianity. Everything they touch turns to garbage and trash. True Christians should stay out of the movie houses and never contribute a dime to their illgotten gains!!
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Tract # B-346 (Out of Print & Unavailable)
TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH
P.O. Box 3100, Lubbock, Texas 79452