As it turned out, The Golden Compass was dubbed in Spanish (with no subtitles). I was pleasantly surprised to find that I pretty much understood the whole movie. Between what he understood, the visual helps, and periodic updates from me, Tim seemed to get along okay, too. All things considered, it was a fun experience.

I went back for my second manicure yesterday. The owner of the shop came over to chat. She asked me if I am Mormon or Evangelical (I guess those are the two types of missionaries around here). I asked her if she is Catholic (affirmative). We got into a conversation about the similarities and differences between our faiths, and somehow she started telling me that the problem with Evangelicals in this country is that some of them (pastors in particular) are people without principles. From there, she told me that the Evangelical church would be better if it didn’t just invite in any kind of person, if we were more careful to only spend time with good people from good families. Wow. While agreeing with her that perhaps the churches need to be more selective when it comes to leadership, I also told her that I think it’s pretty darn hard to be a good person apart from the power of God. I told her a little about me, that before getting to know God, I felt absolutely unable to be the good person I (half-way) wanted to be.

Oh, there is so much more to say in response to her suggestion. For now, I felt a prompting within to leave our conversation at a somewhat impersonal level with only subtle disagreements regarding her advice. I look forward to continuing our conversation next week.

Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick…. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:13

1 Comment

1. Mary on December 9, 2007 at 3:23 PM

   Hey Han, there's a lot of talk about the Golden Compass here in the North. Check out this review: http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=1065 Talking about this movie could be a good conversation starter?