Born again boxer
November 29th, 2006
Rocky VI will be out in a few weeks, and the movie supposedly has some significant spiritual themes.
[Sylvester Stallone] first explained that he felt compelled to write the first film, and he believes that drive came from above. He said the character of Rocky was meant to reflect the characteristic nature of Jesus.
“It’s like he was being chosen, Jesus was over him, and he was going to be the fella that would live through the example of Christ,” Stallone said. “He’s very, very forgiving. There’s no bitterness in him. He always turns the other cheek. And it’s like his whole life was about service.”
And although the Rocky character wasn’t based on Stallone’s life, Sly says God has done a work in his life in recent years.
“I was raised in a Catholic home, a Christian home, and I went to Catholic schools and I was taught the faith and went as far as I could with it,” he said. “Until one day, you know, I got out in the so-called real world and I was presented with temptation. I kinda like lost my way and made a lot of bad choices.”
No joke, said all the subscribers to People magazine.
But, Stallone added, he’s been going through a change in his life. He’s realized that he was wrong to place his career and fame ahead of his family.
“The more I go to church,” he said, “and the more I turn myself over to the process of believing in Jesus and listening to His Word and having Him guide my hand, I feel as though the pressure is off me now.”
Interesting to read about what could be a work of grace in Stallone’s life. Let’s also hope there’s a work of grace in Rocky VI to make it better than Rocky V.
Now if he can only witness to his Rocky IV opponent, Andrei Kirilenko and his wife…
I am such a cynic, and I hate that. But I read that article you are citing, and the writer mentioned that the film is being directly marketed to the faith community. Imagine that. So why wouldn’t the star of the film say what needs to be said, in order to get more folks to the box office? His comment that the church is like a gym for the soul made throw up a little in my mouth.
Like you, I hope there is sincerity there, but I won’t get on board until I see that his “testimony” isn’t just an attempt to sell more tickets to his movie.
I’m told by a local movie reviewer colleague that it is a good film. No joke.
And I can’t remember where, but I read something very funny the other day. Someone commented on an issue by saying “I wasn’t born-again yesterday”.Hilarious.
I believe what we need to do is ask ourselves whether what is being communicated is true or not. If it’s based on the truth of God’s word, then it’s alive and active and not something that we should hide under a bushel. Granted I understand cynicism and far too often fall into that snare myself, yet, I think our call as Christians is to communicate truth and let God work on the hearts. If we don’t communicate truth because we doubt the genuineness of the source, the end result is that the truth is not communicated - and the enemy wins that battle.
Yo! Atheist!
?
Philippians 1:15-18
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”
Jeremy, I hope you remember the famous line, “Yo, Adrian!” Well, “Yo! Atheist!” is obviously a play off of that.
And regardless of the whole false faith issue that some people are stirring up, I can’t wait for this movie. I’m a long time lover of the Rocky movies. I’ve been known to watch all 5 twice in one day. I’m going to this one opening night.
I eat lightning and …
…crap thunder.”
Is it ok to say “crap” on this blog?
I guess so.
Anyone notice hor often we discuss the legitamacy of other people’s faith? This thread reminds me a little it of the Obama discussion. I am not quite as cynical, I try to take people at face value til they betray their own proclamations. If indeed this is true, how far Mr. Stallone has come from his youth when he starred in porn films.
Personally, I detest boxing and do not see how it can be glorifying to God.
Before you label me a hypocrite for enjoying football and you remind me how equally violent it is, I’ll save you the trouble. The intended goals are the splitting hairs point for me. I despise it when football players take cheap shots at their opponents for the sole purpose of injury.
Hey, Jeremy provoked it.
Personally, I like the style of boxing that went on back in the early 1900’s and maybe into the mid-1900’s. Back then it had some professionalism about it, a gentleman’s sport, if you will. Nowadays, I don’t like it. Boxing was ruined by the Mike Tysons and the lack of respect between boxers.
I just thought I’d throw that in there.