Official theatrical poster: (c)2009 20th Century Fox Film Corporation

Legendary Canadian-American filmmaker, director, producer and screenwriter James Cameron of “Titanic” (1997) fame is back and he’s taking names with his latest sci-fi fantasy action thriller “Avatar.” The simple story of the blue-skinned alien tribe known as the Na’vi hit theatres nationwide earlier this month and has already grossed over $212 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

Armed with groundbreaking visual effects, the technologies of which have been in the works for over a decade, Cameron takes his viewers deep into the stunning world of Pandora, the native planet of the Na’vi and home to a myriad of breathtaking flora and spectacular creatures.

“Avatar” tells the tale of paraplegic marine Jake Sully (actor Sam Worthington, “Terminator: Salvation,” 2009), who “becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home,” according to an IMDB plot summary. With his mind operating inside an artificial Na’vi body (known as an Avatar), Sully must infiltrate their world, learn about their culture and ultimately aid in the brutal genocide of their race. After falling in love with Na’vi tribeswoman Neytiri (actress Zoe Saldana, “Star Trek,” 2009), Sully turns on his commanding officer, his orders and his own race.

Since its release, several conservative Christian writers have published critical reviews of the film, condemning its alleged promotion of New Ageism, mysticism and elements of Wicca, mingled with “Native American-style spirituality [and] a heavy dose of environmentalism and antiwar rhetoric,” according to Crosswalk contributing writer Christian Hamaker.

Hamaker also warned viewers to “be prepared for a gooey, New Age romance with thematic elements that will likely make you squirm.”

“Christianity Today” entertainment columnist Todd Hertz, however, had nothing but praise for the film, despite its less than perfect script and storyline.

“James Cameron may not be [the] greatest writer,” says Hertz, “or one known for original and complicated plotlines…but he is one of Hollywood’s best storytellers in terms of using all sides of the cinematic journey (visuals, story, music, etc.) to stir and capture imaginations for a satisfying ride.”

On the topic of religion, Hertz noted, “Some Christians will be bothered by the Na’vi’s worship of the unseen female deity [called Eywa in the film, said to be “in all living things”]…But vagueness about this entity makes it possible to view her not as a New Age goddess but as just one more strange piece of fantasy in this alien world.”

So, should Christians avoid seeing “Avatar?”  No. Rather, as with most secular films, they should be prepared to encounter strange anti-Christian elements, including language and sensuality, while still enjoying a phenomenally well-crafted and brilliantly orchestrated visual masterpiece. Ultimately, the decision rests within the personal stance and belief of the individual. It seems, however, that there is little need to become anxious or angered about such a small part of a purely fictional piece of entertainment.

Recent surveys find many Americans mingling their Christian faith with New Age precepts, including Astrology

According to a December 2009 poll by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, an increasing number of Americans claim to mingle their Christian faith with New Age teachings and Eastern religion precepts, including “reincarnation, astrology and the presence of spiritual energy in physical objects.”

This survey is of particular interests to U.S. religious demographic studies, considering that in 2008 76 percent of American adults claimed to adhere to traditional Christianity. This is down from 86 percent in 1990.

Pew Forum noted that “sizeable minorities of all major U.S. religious groups say they have experienced supernatural phenomena, such as being in touch with the dead or with ghosts.”

In March of 2009, Catholic League President William Donohue cited the nation’s move toward individualism as a key contributing factor to the decline in traditional religious practices. In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Lou Dobbs, Donohue said of this radical shift, “The three most dreaded words are thou shalt not. Notice they are not atheists – they are saying I don’t want to be told what to do with my life.”

Further research by Pew Forum found that 13 percent of “white evangelicals profess to believe in astrology and about 10 percent accepted the possibility of reincarnation.”

Pew Forum has been careful to note that “reincarnation” has been defined as being physically reborn again and again, as opposed to the resurrection of Christ, a common misnomer among many traditional Christians.

Despite the aforementioned, the American Religious Identification Survey conducted earlier this year by Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, found that “born again” and “evangelical” Christianity is on the rise, according to CNN.

The survey also found Americans less interested in other “mainline” denominations such as Lutheran, Episcopalian, Methodist and Presbyterian as national attendance at churches of these religious origins has fallen significantly, while mega church attendance is on the rise worldwide.

In fact, the survey found mega church attendance has leaped from 200,000 in 1990 to over 8 million today. Unfortunately, there is still a national rejection of religion taking place throughout America says Mark Silk of Trinity College.

Silk, citing sexual abuse scandals within the Catholic Church and religious affiliations mingled with political parties, told CNN, “The culture has changed in a way that makes it easier to say, ‘No I don’t have a religion.’ Even in the past year, Mitt Romney and Barack Obama feel obliged to talk about ‘those of no faith.’”

In fact, Obama’s mention of “those of no faith” within his January inaugural address marked the first time in history a U.S. president has done so.

Still, many scholars believe Americans will return to their traditional religious practices within the next five years for comfort in such economically unstable times.

According to gospel act Mary Mary, Michael Jackson, became a Christian three weeks before his death.

“Last night we received some good news from Terri McFaddin-Solomon who is good friends with Sandra Crouch,” the duo said in a post on their Facebook page.

“Three weeks ago Sandra and Andre’ spent some time with their close friend, Michael Jackson. Michael asked Andre` to play, ‘It Won’t Be Long and We’ll Be Leaving Here.’ Michael then prayed with Sandra and Andre and accepted Christ into his heart. Now he’s singing in the heavenly choir! Our hearts rejoice!”

Jackson visited Crouch to discuss using Crouch’s choir for an upcoming studio album.

“Michael always had a respect and curiosity for spiritual things,” said Crouch via his Facebook page.

“During our meeting, not unlike many other creative/music meetings we’ve had with him the past, we sang together, prayed together and had a wonderful time.”

Jackson, who died June 25 of cardiac arrest, grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness and has been linked at various times throughout his career to the Nation of Islam, Judaism and New Age spirituality.

Over the years, some of his spiritual advisors have included Deepak Chopra and Rabbi Shumley Boteach.

In 2008, various publications, including the London Telegraph, reported that Jackson converted to Islam in a private ceremony in Los Angeles.

Jackson’s burial will take place Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

http://www.facebook.com/MaryMary

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrae-Crouch/52529391635?ref=ts

–Tiffany Orr, the Underground managing editor