Fame And Fortune

"Movies are one of Satan's most effective and destructive tools, and how
the lives of many Christians he also rules."
The poet, author

1.  What Hollywood And Satan Have In Common

Well, both create scenes of mayhem, degrade women, ridicule men, and also
Set the agenda, corruption and deception, which in every life might show.
Family televisions having a direct link to the rot that is seen,
And that just trashes principles, morals and standards via each acted out scene.

Yes, all those actors up to their necks in violence and immorality,
They as guilty as sin, just Satan’s stooges who bow to his authority.
Hollywood a Hell of types, it fanning a fire that devours hearts and minds,
Because Hollywood’s a place where there’s no boundaries, no wise and wholesome lines.

No, Hollywood knows nothing of God, though it’s happy to use Him for profit,
Drawing from the Bible, but artistic licence pointing to Satan’s soiled mitt.
And thereby, Hollywood adding to and taking away from the Holy Word,
Where God says, “Follow Me,” “I’m the way, truth and life,” which clearly isn’t preferred.

And so, both Hollywood and Satan,

Certainly not interested in our well-being, Hollywood and Satan mates,
Both lying their heads off, their tackle boxes full of dazzling, poisonous baits.
Hollywood and Satan reeling folk in, and oh, how Satan loves the big ones,
Those glued Christians who deludedly still see themselves as God’s daughters and sons,

Midst the flow of Satanic rubbish that the truly committed Christian shuns.

Hence why no Christian should aspire to Hollywood heights, all that stolen glory,
Every idolized actor or singer repeating the same old story.
Satan having deceived Eve into reaching for what belongs to God alone,
And fame another apple, another lie, and Hollywood bad to the bone.

By Lance Landall


"If God doesn't destroy Hollywood Boulevard, He owes Sodom and Gomorrah an apology."
Jay Leno

“Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.”
Marilyn Munroe

"Violent heroes are more harmful than even violent villains. Children imitate more often the characters
whom they like and find most appealing."
 Dr. Joseph Strayhorn, child psychiatrist Medical College of Pennsylvania.

"I get letters from children addressed to Professor Dumbledore, and it's not a joke, begging to be let into Hogwarts, and some of them are really sad. Because they want it to be true so badly they've convinced themselves it's true."
K.J. Rowling herself speaking to Newsweek

"Any time the dark side of the supernatural world is presented as harmless or even imaginary, there is the danger
that children will become curious and find out too late that witchcraft is neither harmless nor imaginary."
Lindy Beam, Focus on the Family


More poems about Hollywood appear on my Home page in the box titled Societal Concerns.
Also see my page There's More To Be Said which is accessed via my page Food For Thought,
Home page too.





And while we're on the subject...

2.  The Devil's Home-made Brew

It’s my belief that TV's not compatible with a Christian home, and nor with Christian belief,
And that aside from it being extremely harmful spiritually, it is also a thief.
And though many Christians may think that it's under control, I suspect that it's highly unlikely,
'Cause even if such were the case, there are all those worldly adds — and how they flicker destructively.

Yes, full of scantily clad women (sexploitation, by the way), those sexual innuendos,
Along with putdowns, violence, crudity, falsehood, seductive enticements, whatever else goes.
A potpourri of sin that's left to run whilst watching something that’s considered as acceptable,
And which begs the question: How amidst such corruptiveness, can the Spirit within the heart and mind dwell?

And the answer? He can’t, at least not whilst that worldly cocktail is being imbibed, willingly so,
'Cause seldom's such rubbish blanked out, thereby allowing the devil’s home-made brew to ferment and flow.
And then there are those hundreds of hours spent watching that screen, as opposed to sound Bible study,
Which begs this question: How can Christ be the Lord of someone’s life when they’re giving more time to the TV?

Well, I'll leave you to ponder on that, friend, for it certainly needs serious consideration,
'Cause we’re either full-time Christians or not — and part-time Christians receivers of God’s condemnation.
At the end of the day, Christians can't have it both ways, hence why Christians should ponder on that TV,
If they've one glowing in their home, and lest it tragically come between them and eternity.

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded on 23 October 2022.

"How can you pull down strongholds of Satan if you don't even have the strength to turn off your TV?"
Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994)

"TV is the single most significant factor contributing to violence in America."
Ted Turner

"TV is the most powerful thing that has ever been invented."
Ozzy Osbourne





Christian content or degree.

3.  Praise God Doesn't Want

The Bible tells us that it’s God alone who any glory is due, and so
He’s hardly behind that fan-based success of pop stars and Oscar winners, no.
They receiving adulation that’s not theirs to have, and God the giver of gifts,
All why He rejects their skewed skyward “Thank you,” which that “me” spotlight hardly shifts,

'Cause those fans barely register such, and I’m glad that they don’t, actually,
'Cause God has had nothing to do with it all, and those talents misused, sadly.
Oh yes, that worldliness they’re engaged in hardly having His anointing,
And the spotlight always on them, not Him, He just getting that skyward pointing.

Yet, ungodly lyrics and raunchy scenes equalling a faulty witness, and
Why instead of God’s ambassadors, and before all, it’s as hypocrites they stand.
Sincere? Well, in their deluded state, possibly, but haven’t they read God’s Word?
’Cause there they would’ve learnt to not behave so, though surely such should’ve occurred.

After all, how much of a Christian are they, or really only so in name,
Little time given to church and study, much devoted to personal fame.
Yes, so much for God first, and where is their wealth going? Much of it wasted, say,
Over the top mansions, lavishness, wild partying — yes, all hardly God’s way.

And nor is it a case of ten percent for me, ninety percent for others,
Plus their fame eclipsing more worthy works of their fellow sisters and brothers.
It all an image, another god, an idol, thus shaming that cross they wear,
Christ having died because of our sins, stuff they’re into, which could cost them, I fear.

Oh yes, the music, acting and entertainment scene riddled with what God hates,
All why in His Word, the possible dire consequences of such ill, He states.
One quickly sullied by such an industry, few strong enough to not give in,
Weren’t above it in the first place, perhaps, already acclimatised to sin.

Yes, the stage always being where the spotlight is on us, not God, and therefore,
We refraining from such, or keeping our integrity, closing this or that door.
And all why for Christians it’s in the world, not of the world, and by that I mean:
They only partaking in what’s noble, wholesome, God pleasing, honest, true and clean.

Yes, God oft getting praise He doesn’t want, for though the giver of talents, He
Doesn’t want such employed unrighteously — and thus praise here, an effrontery.
Oh, the words of that song, that lusty rhythm, that beat that almost numbs the brain,
Or that immoral, violent or other scene that some Christian’s seen to feign.

No, God no party to that, it misused talents, so thanks but no thanks, it is,
The credit for that million seller, dubious movie Oscar, hardly His,
Thus praise Him don’t, ’cause that’s a double sin, and your Christian profession a stab,
So, "Shush," I say, ’cause after indulging in such, more harm you add when you blab.

But better still (and what God wants), come into line with His will (if straying here),
’Cause God doesn’t want Christianity distorted, and more shame have to bear.
It’s the difference of Christians and their ways that He so wants the world to see,
And not that sullied sameness that some dare to praise Him for — it blasphemy!

By Lance Landall

4.  The True Man

Puny, wayward fallen man, so full of self importance, self interest and carnal desire,
Mr Sophisticated, Mr Show-off, Mr Stud, Mr Power Hungry, highflier.
Ambitious, competitive, aggressive, and surrounded by image enhancers-cum-treasures,
Immersed in self-serving distractions, spiritually deadening attractions-cum-pleasures.

And he, so unlike Christ, the true man, as it were, who came to serve, died to save, and gave His all,
No childish, egotistical 007 nonsense for Him, no vanity, cheek-cum-gall.
Yes, He the very opposite, nothing but Himself, truthful, transparent, selfless and humble,
And His foundation sure, unlike that of vain fallen man, whose castle is about to crumble

How easy it is for Satan to work in the hearts of puffed up sex symbols and superstars.
Those who receive worldly applause, cameras always on their form, their indulged in homes and cars.
They cavorting on stage, cavorting on screen, revving it up, living it up, lapping it up,
And once again, so unlike Christ, the true man, mature man, He not flashed-up, made-up or stuck-up.

And yes, such folk so unlike Christians too — oops! — if only it were so, but very sad to say,
Many of them are in fact professing Christians, though the truth is, they’ve come under Satan’s sway.
In other words, they’re either ignorant or deluded, and thus are living perilously,
For hypocrites, false witnesses and lovers of the world, will tip Christ’s scales unfavourably.

Yes, for weigh, the true man must, He a God of justice who calls all to repent and change their ways;
Such why the Christian who’s position hungry, stage besotted, or image bound, his Lord betrays.
For Christ isn’t into airbrushed looks, sexy clothes — “My, don’t I look cool” — self glorifying scenes,
Be they via the stage or screen, or those foolish wannabes on the street clutching cult magazines.

Oh, how folk let themselves be moulded by the world, they copying him or her, not the true man,
But rather, pop stars, actors, celebrities, they drooling over and running after the false man.
Yes, their eyes glued to unheavenly scenes, their ears to unheavenly sounds, their hearts divided,
They lacquered, layered, decked out, pierced, tattooed earthly billboards, and their fate, possibly decided.

Can’t they sense danger? Don't they know God’s Word? — 'cause “Come out of the world!” Christ is shouting urgently,
“I’m coming soon!” — and then, there will be a separation, and for many, lost eternity.
Yes, “You can’t serve two masters,” the true man says, and He a jealous God, for He created man,
Never intending that anyone become like or follow any other man, other than,

The true man.

By Lance Landall


"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Phil 2:5-8, ESV).

“You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness [God accepts people where they are, but He gives them no excuse for staying there]” (Eph 4:22-24, ESV).

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions–is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17, ESV).

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Gal 1:10, ESV).

" 'Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven' " (Matt 7:21, NKJV).

5.  The Joel Osteen Trap

Joel may well be a very nice chap, and even sincere, but this you should know,
God’s never wrapped His children in cocoons, and Satan’s still their determined foe.
And so, troubles and trials there’ll be, we needing to be tested under fire,
Hence why any prosperity gospel is more tied in with Satan, the Liar.

Sure God blesses His children, but take up your cross, He says, no cotton wool there,
But exposure to the same things that Christ suffered — and yes, all of it unfair.
Life random too, man’s fall having made Earth a dangerous place — a trap, in fact,
And Christians not exempt from such, they copping it too, the dice having been stacked.

But that’s where faith, trust and hope come into the picture, midst all the hurt and pain,
Christ soon returning, and then, only then, peace, joy and prosperity will reign.
Meantime we not seeking fame and fortune, but the lost, and letting God supply,
Lest we boast in out achievements and chattels, and just the devil “Well done!” cry.

We witness more in our bearing up under trials, less in our wealth and fame,
And not so where we don’t share our wealth, where we don’t point to God and praise His name.
It’s all supposed to be about Him, and then others, but never about us,
Hence why it’s better to shun the limelight, and centre our lives around Jesus.

The truth is, Christians are being persecuted, shot, stabbed, mugged and raped as I write,
And many are poor, victims of adultery, other things that aren’t right.
And this, despite any positivity, godly walk, deep love for God, who,
Knew there’d be thorns along with roses, and why strength He gives us to bear and do.

“We only affirm each other” shouts a sign in a church, and I think, oh dear,
For though such sounds nice, it hardly leads to growth, because there’s more to love and care.
Hence why God chastises those He loves, doesn't remove the school of hard knocks, and
In some form or other, points out our errors, that better we may understand.

Yes, too many want Heaven now, despite God saying that things won’t get better,
Despite those calls to remain faithful under fire found in each Pauline letter.
Some of us needing a stern rebuke, a dose of healthy fear, a wakeup call,
Earth no paradise, so lets not lose our focus, and for beguiling things fall.

By Lance Landall





The following poem is the same one as my secular poem Reality's Not Far Away
but with an added verse.

6.  Those Shallow Earthly Dreams

Don’t get too caught up on fame and fortune, ’cause reality’s not far away,
One reduced to that same operating table where some surgeon has the say.
Most facing such somewhere along the line, fame and fortune losing out to fate,
That diagnosis that can change everything, or that even comes too late.

“Leave your pride at the door,” it’s said come operations, and hospital stays too,
And certain cruel diseases stripping pride further, others attending to you.
Mister Sophisticated suddenly as helpless as a child, in pain too,
Fairytale castles and the likes meaning nothing, friends deserting you thought true.

Yes, fame and fortune attract, but once the limelight’s gone, that attraction’s gone too,
Lame or scarred ducks left swimming in a pond of their own, curtains hiding the view.
Life needing to be built on something more sure, not spotlights, image or money,
’Cause sooner or later something invades that fragile land of milk and honey.

God knows this, and wants to save us from those shallow earthly dreams that self desires,
Those baubles and bangles, the tinsel and trappings, all just tailor-made liars.
Too many Christians beguiled by that same serpent that lied and deceived Eve,
And hence why when God says to “come out of the world,” He means to leave and not cleave.

By Lance Landall

7.  Giving Credit Wrongly

Tell me, have you seen the actors who on receiving an award,
Not only thank all those gathered, but amazingly, thank the Lord?
The fact of the matter is, that pleased, God certainly wouldn't be,
Both with how they got that award, and any credit given He.

You see, God does not condone sexual immorality,
And that such pervades many movies, we know is reality.
Hence why wherever there’s a TV, very frequently is seen,
Two married actors acting very intimately in some scene.

Now that is adultery, which their kissing alone makes a fact,
However, the celluloid with even more evidence is packed.
Thus, is it any wonder that feelings between these actors grow,
That harm each others (real life) marriage, and the seeds of divorce sow.

Christians shouldn’t watch such intimate scenes, given what God’s Word conveys,
As any Christian who watches such, their God clearly disobeys.
Such acted sexual presentations in their life don't belong,
For though these actors are just acting, their act's real, and very wrong.

No, it isn’t just a harmless kiss that these married actors share,
But rather, an immoral action at which Christians shouldn’t stare.
Kisses aside, sexual intimacy God has very plainly said
Shouldn’t occur or be seen outside of the marital bed.

Such actors who give God some credit for their dubious award,
Are giving credit wrongly, thereby grossly offending the Lord.
It’s clear that they know little about the Holy righteous God above,
Who’ll soon dispense His justice (wrath), having first warned us out of love.

Why is it that married actors their own marriages jeopardize,
Via this intimacy with others that is wrong and most unwise?
Why do they allow themselves to behave in such a foolish way,
For they, via such intimate action, gross unfaithfulness display?

And others also credit God with the success that they have found,
Like singers whose lyrics and actions with iniquity abound.
They too, appear to be unaware that God cannot bless their act,
For it too, with the immoral (and its sensual beat) is packed.

Besides, our God isn’t into fame, for such just engenders pride,
Yes, it’s a very slippery slope, a pathway that's worldly wide.
Any who desire adulation, or any earthly acclaim,
Will hardly bring glory to God, nor rightly uphold His Holy name.

Yes, giving credit wrongly to the Holy righteous God on high,
Isn’t something that we should do, as it’s effectively a lie.
Such will falsely portray God, and no Christian such a thing should do,
So tell me, how well do you know God? Is your witness false or true?

By Lance Landall


“I will set nothing wicked before my eyes…” (Ps 101:3, NKJV).

“I have made a covenant with my eyes...” (Job 31:1, KJV).

“Rejoice, young  man, while you are young, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth [appreciation of
the blessings of life]. Follow the inclination of your heart and the desire of your eyes [legitimate desires and needs],
but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment” (Eccl 11:9). Note also 2 Tim 2:22.

“A gracious woman gets honor, but she who hates virtue [moral excellence, sexual purity] is covered with shame”
(Prov 11:16).

“ ‘But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her
in his heart [a serious violation of God’s marital concept of a one-woman man or one-man woman (Gen 2:24;
Matt 19:5,6; 1 Tim 3:2; 5:9)]’ ” (Matt 5:28, NASB).

“Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers— none of these will
inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor 6:9,10).

“For this is the will [desire] of God, your sanctification [holiness – the work of a life time]: that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you know how to control your own body in holiness and honor, not with lustful passion,
like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one wrong or exploit [take advantage of, misuse] a brother or sister in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, just as we have already told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. Therefore whoever rejects this rejects not human authority but God, who also gives His Holy Spirit to you” (1 Thess 4:3-8).

“Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. Now the works of the flesh are obvious:
fornication, impurity, licentiousness [unbridled lust]” (Gal 5:16,19).

“...for God will judge fornicators [illicit sexual intercourse (or general sexual activity) between unmarried persons]
and adulterers [illicit sexual intercourse (or general sexual activity) between persons other than spouses. Can
also be seen as a relationship with some one other than your spouse that involves any mental or physical inappropriate interest or activity]” (Heb 13:4).

“You shall not commit adultery” (Ex 20:14).

“...for I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ…” (2 Cor 11:2).

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.
Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others” (Phil 2:3,4).

8.  The Gall Of Christian Pop Stars

They’re part and parcel of the world's entertainment scene — young, famous singers — their gyrations raunchy,
They caught in a modern Sodom and Gomorrah pattern, one that sneers at Christ and morality.
They having no idea of what righteousness is, their sexy behaviour far from the heavenly,
And yet, they openly, and unbelievably, calling themselves Christians, which shouts hypocrisy.

Hence my question: How can they be so ignorant of what Christ wants? Their witness as flawed as can be,
They acting no different than the unconverted, their dress, body moves and lyrics so anti.
Anti the teachings of Scripture, anti the example of Christ, and anti plain sense, quite frankly,
'Cause they should know that the Christian walk is about purity, and given that their God is holy.

Either they hardly read-cum-know their Bible, or they’ve been fooled into thinking that saved they’ll still be,
'Cause Scripture says no such thing, but clearly cautions against such folly, and it being heresy,
'Cause those who love and copy the world are hardly true followers, they not displaying loyalty,
But a divided heart, shamefully claiming grace while in bed with the world, which is adultery.

Yes — unfaithfulness — 'cause Christians are betrothed to Christ the Bridegroom who’s awaiting His bride,
A people who’ve shunned the world and its sinful ways, they emulating Christ, not wrong that’s nationwide.
And nor seeking stardom, that unhealthy adulation-cum-idol worship that just steals glory,
'Cause only Christ is deserving of glory, only He should have fans — and they, seeking what’s holy.

They not moving to a sexy beat that encourages promiscuity, nor dressed shamefully,
Nor thrusting, highlighting, exposing what belongs to the sanctity of holy matrimony.
But there those unrighteous pop stars are, praying before hand, or thanking God for their success — the gall!
'Cause the righteous God who’ll judge this world, and who’s set the standard, wouldn’t have a bar of such at all.

There those Christian pop stars are, their on stage behaviour (even off stage behaviour) so contrary,
And by that I mean, in opposition to God's Word-cum-what’s been conveyed apostolically.
Oh, how happy they seem, thinking they can have the best of both worlds — well, let me tell you this: They can’t!
'Cause when it comes to eternity, and such willing, blatant unrighteousness, how could God such grant?

“Grace!” they shout. Well, grace is for the repentant, those who’ve turned from their old ways, not still knee deep in them,
Nor playing with the edges, 'cause such shows a heart not fully surrendered, which God's seen to condemn,
'Cause we’re either all for Christ or not, and He a jealous God who wants undivided attention,
Our willing, committed response to His wishes, standards; hypocrisy His bone of contention.

“To God be the glory," they sing (if they attend church), and yet they're basking in such themselves, oh dear,
Hence why the early Christians weren't pop stars of their day, such a modern thing, a prideful and tainted sphere.
And this where one's only singing Christian songs, 'cause it’s all the rubbish that comes with such, and why we
Need to give more thought to such, and more so when it comes to what is done within each sanctuary.

Humbleness and righteousness aren’t in vogue these days, and I’m talking of within Christianity,
Or more correctly, Christendom, where many are craving the limelight, competing ambitiously.
Yes, Christians, yet no one ever saw Christ behaving so, but only Lucifer, from who such stems,
And why anything that puts self on a pedestal (oh, those poses on those CDs), God condemns.

We’re told there’ll come a time when God will judge the hearts and minds of all, hence that coming resurrection,
Or penalty, and why no one's ascended yet, we’re told, and thus should mind our current direction,
'Cause neither God nor His will are to be trifled with, and aren’t we His ambassadors? Yes, we are,
And thus charged with living up to a holy standard, a Christ-like-ness; exit that Christian pop star.

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded on 20 May 2023.


“You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:22-24).

“And all these [faithful Bible heroes of all the ages], though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised [eternal life, immortality], since God had provided something better [much fairer] for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect [immortal. They will have to wait]” (Heb 11:39,40, ESV).

9.  God They Don't Know

“Glory, glory, hallelujah, His truth is marching on,” ends the singer’s show,
The band’s loin laden beat pounding it out, which says to me, that God they don’t know.
So too those songs that angels would close their ears to, that open necked shirt one sees,
Sweat dripping past a large crucifix and wiped on handkerchiefs soon tossed to please.

Yes, its glory, glory alright, but not for God, it going to that man, who
Basks in the standing ovation, even returning, as entertainers do.
He idolised by women, many more than happy to oblige, sell their soul,
Risk their marriage, excitedly awaiting that introductory drum roll.

No, God’s truth is hardly marching on come such worldliness, immorality,
He actually shamed by such, angered by such — oh, that brazen effrontery.
It nothing but a false witness, the singer deluded, lost in his ego,
That “hallelujah” ringing very hollow, shouting that God they don’t know.

Delusion has us thinking we’re right when we’re wrong, on track when we’re off track, and
Lack of study oft the culprit, and here, the world dearer to singer and band.
Yes, God having to put up with leftovers, that lack of time to help one see,
Hence these people who know little of Him, and what He’s conveyed biblically.

No, God they don't know — well, hardly so.

By Lance Landall

10.  Rock's Anti The Rock

I could say that Satan invented rock, but it’s humans that I see on stage,
Though a rock star said his guitar played all by itself, and more could fill a page.
Yes, strange happenings, supernatural experiences that clearly shout
A Satanic mastermind’s behind it all, which David Bowie didn’t doubt.

And he not alone, aware of the force he was playing with, an ugly one,
Courtesy of a fallen angel working in opposition to the Son.
And that Son being Jesus, the God of beauty and order, who, long ago,
Had to remove a magnificent angel who turned bad, one that we all know.

Oh yes, that rebelliousness of his manifesting itself in mankind, and,
Thereby aiding this devil’s corrupting of all that’s still good in any land.
All why we see the likes of porn, violent movies, foul language, drugs and rock,
The latter well known for its outright rebellion, ability to shock.

Oh, how Satan now hates God, and does his best to distort all that He has made,
Hence why through a mire of debauchery, lawlessness and blasphemy we wade.
It all around us, rock leading the charge, its drummer boys stirring its addicts,
They hooked on that beat and demonic Stratocaster screeches, that some switch flicks.

“Rock ‘n’ roll” it’s been coined, with its disgusting connotations, backseat coupling,
Love having nothing to do with it, nor that commitment that comes with a ring.
Rock all about self, lust, anger and dissatisfaction, it wild and ready,
Only to happy to pick a fight with order and beauty, the heavenly.

Hence those mind bending drugs, the groupies, that demented shouting and jerking, which,
One normally associates with all that’s primitive, some Sharman or witch.
And hence those names groups have taken on, those occult images and symbols too,
All of which show’s a link to the realm of darkness, a devil who this well knew.

Yes, it all his creation, of course, good music no longer the food of most,
It having been exchanged for something that kills good taste, and why the devil’s toast.
There’s little he hasn’t corrupted, including the hearts of women and men,
Who’ve made good seem bad and bad seem good, and hence my straight flourishing of the pen.

So, don’t give me that “Christian rock” thing, because I just don’t buy it, nor should you,
Rock’s very essence, style and sound being the product of a devilish brew.
“Come out of the world,” God’s Word says to such straying Christians, but it’s there in church,
Hence why from a true witness to a false witness the Church has been seen to lurch.

No, can’t copy the ills of the world, and why would non-Christians also want to,
Unless they’re happy with the lowest denominator, what one shouldn’t do.
And God really being the only reason for brakes, taking the right course,
The God of love, truth, beauty and order who’ll soon destroy that Satanic force.

And rightly so, Satan having sought the young, removed their compass and ruler,
And as the years have gone by, his attacks have been far more cleaver and crueller.
Most now dancing to his tune, he having arranged the notes very cleverly,
And that hard rocky rhythm that beats a path that diverts from eternity.

Rock’s beat is a modern invention on a modern contraption; however,
Some people say that it’s primitive renderings have been around forever.
We’ll, since the fall of man, that is, rock’s jungle-like expressions calling spirits,
Those beings of confusion and ugliness, not harmony and righteousness.

Yes, attract them it does, hence those supernatural happenings, that evil,
The crowd moving as one, their hands raised to the god of rock, creator of Hell.
But sometimes rock’s kind of disguised by a clever blend that seeks to break down walls,
Walls that should never succumb to its thumps, because once within, it quickly brawls.

Oh yes, rock’s certainly anti the Rock, the God of order and beauty, who,
Meant that music be a blessing, and not something that ones health would soon undo.
The mind and body closely linked, things taken in benefiting or harming,
Things taken in stirring folk up negatively, or relaxing and calming.

No, we can’t serve two masters, because one will get the upper hand in the end,
The sad history of rock clearly showing that it’s a foe and not a friend.
It littered with every evil, just music for the neck down, today’s lost,
Who on a sea of iniquity, error and selfish indulgence, are tossed.

By Lance Landall

11.  The God Of Music Easy On The Ear

No one would have a finer taste in music than God, it easy on the ear,
He shunning that wild, discordant, thumping, lust inducing bedlam that we hear.
The music of Heaven being like His voice, melodious and harmonious,
It pure, lofty and sweet, reflecting that same beauty that is seen in Jesus.

Yes, because God’s a God of order, nothing off key, out of sync or jarring,
Not a single thing marring, it so unlike what we listen to here, or sing.
We so used to the earthly, less familiar with the heavenly, and why
Over the musical corruption that is found on Earth God must surely cry.

The music of Heaven full of depth and joyous brightness, easy on the ear,
Even with millions of angels singing in chorus, filling the holy air.
The hairs on the back of the necks of the redeemed standing up, they all in awe,
The music of Earth no longer attractive, and only now seeing how poor.

But meantime,

Something having happened to that pure music that was once heard in Eden too,
It now mostly sung and played in honour of man, tunes that angels never knew,
And things that angels never saw, like those suggestive thrusts, those spasmodic jerks,
And oh, when it comes to refined senses, how all that screeching and howling irks.

And how it must upset the God of music easy on the ear, ones body,
The rhythms of Heaven never assaulting and clashing injuriously.
No, only the compositions of man, those inspirations of Satan, who
Once upon a time, that rebelliousness and corruption also never knew.

Hence why the Christian’s taste in music should be like God’s, it easy on the ear,
Pleasant, uplifting and relaxing — wholesome, in other words, our angels near.
They too often forgotten, too often offended, our minder embarrassed,
And how Satan via our fallen tastes ensures that our guardian’s harassed.

Yes, our soul requires beauty and dignity of taste in order to attain
That same holiness and righteousness that’s found in hearts where God is seen to reign.
And I mean seen, our tastes reflecting our direction, it either up or down,
Clothed in a chosen soiled garment or a gracious pure white heavenly gown.

By Lance Landall





DRAMA

Also see the poem (in the section above) called: Giving Credit Wrongly.

12.  Drama — It's Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!

Why is so little said about the evil of drama? Could it be because it’s so desired,
Or simply because most are uninformed, they ignorant of the fact that it’s far from inspired?
And yet, it's found within almost every Christian home and church, it both addictive and sinful,
For drama violates clear and sound biblical teaching whilst also being wrong in principle.

You see, when any actor role-plays — pretends — they effectively lie, falsify and deceive,
For they’re not being them self, something that's contrary to God’s will — and hey, don't you remember Eve?
Yes, she being deceived by the inventor of pretence, the father of lies, deception his art,
And why every Christian who desires an acting role should very quickly have a change of heart.

And by the way, it’s clearly every bit as much a sin to act out somebody else’s sin,
And to feign the likes of anger, given that anger shouldn’t be coming from any Christian.
Such behaviour profanes those gifts that God only intended be used in truth and sincerity,
And never for the likes of pretence, for via such, we subordinate our own personality.

But you know, such is surely plain common sense, for honestly, what is wholesome about pretence?
Which, when it’s applied, soon becomes a partner in crime with that “end justifies the means” offence.
If something is wrong it’s wrong, and pretence certainly is, despite folk calling such just an act,
And why “hypocrite” in both it’s Greek and Latin forms refers to actors — they twofaced, in fact.

Yes, drama effectively violates the ninth commandment, it devoid of integrity,
But rather, it a sullied medium, awash in dishonesty and satanic artistry.
And hence why we are told that deception will be involved in Satan’s End-time activity,
And the reason why? Because he’s an actor, one who hates truth, principles and transparency.

At the end of the day, and without a doubt, it’s wrong to pretend, for how could pretence be right?
Given that such is pure fabrication, fakery, make-believe, darkness as opposed to light.
Hence why other than Satan, its origin lies in pagan worship rituals — no surprise,
For paganism is the opposite to Christianity, and thus falsehood glorifies.

Pretence is a sinful attempt to be who God hasn't made us, and challenges His sovereign right,
The latter meaning, His right to make us who we are, and have us live so every day and night,
Rather than looking someone in the eye and pretending to be someone else, which none should do,
For it’s not only insincere, but schizophrenic in nature — and yes, a false witness too.

And hence why actors can suffer from emotional, psychological disorders, you see,
For it’s most unnatural to feign emotions, and subconsciously, leaves one feeling guilty.
Hence why both Christ and the apostles never indulged in such, they just relying on the Word,
For drama is a threat to the Word, and why the addictiveness of pretence is now preferred.

Yes, subordinating our God-given personality in order to portray others,
 Hardly brings glory to our God, we each unique individuals, which role-playing just smothers.
Hence why there’s no parallel to modern theatrical performance anywhere in Scripture,
And why those who incorrectly draw on certain things there, have somehow mistaken each picture.

To summarise:

Drama’s not only an addictive medium, but was introduced by the father of lies,
It being built on pretence, fakery, and thus at odds with truth, which its origin identifies.
It’s application profanes gifts intended for righteous use, and sees us witnessing falsely,
Even acting out someone’s sin, and this, whilst subordinating our own personality.

Yes, drama is wrong! wrong! wrong!

By Lance Landall


“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will not escape” (Prov 19:5, NASB).

“He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me” (Ps 101:7, NASB).

“Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness speaks deceitfully” (Prov 12:17). Note 1 Peter 2:22.

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that hurry to run to evil, a lying witness who testifies falsely, and one who sows discord in a family” (Prov 6:16-19).

“Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices” (Col 3:9, NASB).

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness!” (Isaiah 5:20, KJV).

“...for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Cor 6:14, KJV).

“God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit [in all sincerity] and truth [free from all that is false]” (John 4:24, ESV).

“Behold, thou [God] desirest truth in the inward parts...” (Ps 51:6, KJV).

“Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth” (Joshua 24:14, KJV).

“ ‘Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil’ ” (Matt 5:37, ESV).

“...Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” (1 Cor 5:6, ESV).

“… ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand’ ” (Matt 12:25, ESV).

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth...” (Eph 6:14, ESV).

“ ‘Sanctify them in the truth…[sanctify — to make holy — the work of a lifetime]’ ”(John 17:17, ESV).

“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one
another earnestly from a pure heart ” (1 Peter 1:22, ESV).

“ ‘When the Spirit of truth comes [the Holy Spirit], He will guide you into all the truth...’ ” (John 16:13, ESV).

“I will set nothing wicked before my eyes…” (Ps 101:3, NKJV).

“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the
love of the truth, that they might be saved” (1 Tim 2:10, KJV).


Quotes relating to drama:

“A psychoanalyst in Beverly Hills, interviewed for TV Guide, talked about what is bothering actors today. He talked about the guilt that seems to be common in Couch Canyon. The actor, he says, “feels guilty because it’s wrong to be a pretender. He pretends to be so-and-so and he’s not really so-and-so. That’s lying. That’s hypocrisy.”
Dick Hobson, ‘What’s Tormenting Actors Today,’ TV Guide, July 26, 1969.” Quoted by Marjorie Lewis Lloyd in “Too Slow Getting Off” p.80.

"All actors, in some way, suffer for their craft, with the very act of losing oneself inside another
being coming at a high price."
Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times, 31/12/2010

“One more day of make believing, one more day of playing the star, one more day of endless pretending, do you know who you are?”
Neil Sedaka, famous singer.

"The stage as an institution has within itself the seeds of corruption, and exists only under a law of degeneracy.”
Herrick Johnson.

“The actor’s profession is unnatural and radically wrong. It is an unworthy profession. . .Solon, the great lawmaker of Greece, denounced the profession as “tending by its stimulation of false character, and by its expression of sentiment not genuine or sincere, to corrupt the integrity of human dealing. . .”
M.E. Kearn

“Stage life, according to my experience, has a tendency to deaden the finer feelings, to crush the inner nature of men and women, and to substitute artificiality and hollowness for sincerity and truth; and, mind you, I speak from an intimate experience of the stage, extending over thirty-seven years.”
Theatrical critic, London Press. Quoted by M.E. Kearn.

“Drama is . . . . . .generally believed to have had its roots in primitive religious rituals.”
Encyclopedia Britannica.  Origins of Western Theatre.  Section headed “Pre-classical Antiquity” 

“Basic role-playing is associated with the religious rituals of the Mesopotamian, Egyptian and ancient Greek cultures; eg things in nature, leading later to portrayals of kings and gods.”
Encyclopedia Britannica. Section headed “Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Civilization”

“Greek theatre arose from the religious festivals celebrating the worship of the god Dionysius.”
A Concise Encyclopedia of the Theatre p.103

“To me, acting is a childish thing, and thus drama simply an adult version of childhood make-believe that people of maturity and dignity surely wouldn’t want to participate in, and given its associated shallowness, artificiality and mimicry.”
The poet, author

"If it’s wrong to lie, it’s wrong to feign."
The poet, author


For more on the wrong and ill of drama, see my page The Two Dividers, Contemporary Worship article
and Drama section.

13.  If We're Not Ourselves, We're Not Being True

If there’s one thing that people are hooked on today (and I mean, addicted to),
It’s drama, role playing (people acting out the sins of others, me or you).
Yes, be it via movie theatres, DVDs or TV, folk sit there glued,
Never mind how violent, trashy, raunchy, devilish, fictional or rude.

And midst those hooked and glued, many Christians too, taking in the lie of pretence,
Those acted out sins polluting viewers, for which there’s no biblical defence.
Married actors indulging in certain things with someone who’s not their spouse, and
Thereby committing adultery (pretended or not), and thus condemned stand.

And come Oscar night, it’s “Thanks God,” despite that very hypocritical scene,
God hardly having anything to do with it, having seen where Satan’s been.
So out has come Christian movies, as if that solves the problem, removes the sin,
That lie of pretence, acting as another person, which God’s favour won’t win.

No, He hating sin, hardly wanting such repeated by actors sinning too,
Subordinating their God given uniqueness in order to become who?
Oh, the shallowness of it all, a worthy message no excuse, none at all,
But just the serpent in disguise whose same spuriousness brought about man’s fall.

Enter Christian rock too, its sound the sound of rebellion, thus Godly words tainted,
It all a clever deception no matter how spiritually painted.
And Satan well aware of the addictiveness of movies, that spell they cast,
Those musically crafted, nail biting scenes ensuring Bible study won’t last.

Yes, the Word not as exciting, nor as artfully created, and hence why
(What with Christian rock music too), the walk of many Christians soon goes awry.
And the minds of certain actors going awry too, hence their psychiatrist,
Because constantly acting as someone else can have one going round the twist.

To be a good actor, one has to become that someone else, effectively,
And thus one’s mind having to grapple with those two different selves, you see.
Yes, which one’s the real one, our minds never designed to be split like that, and so,
Off to psychiatrists some go, because their former self they soon hardly know.

To look someone in the eye and say what’s not true of you, or not true at all,
Is not what Christians should do, and on the street, it’s that false image folk recall.
You may be yourself, but not in the minds of others who watched you pretending,
And how a garbled picture every actor is creating and sending.

If we’re not ourselves, were not being true, and Christians should be true at all times,
Otherwise, into the driving seat of the mind an impostor of sorts climbs.
Pretence meaning that our mind’s not under the directing of the Spirit, but,
Acting like a gate that has been temporarily and most unwisely shut.

The stage creating an image that’s not made in God’s likeness, but a devil’s,
A false image, an ego stroking one in which the backslidden one revels.
Such acting of pagan origin, pretence something that’s hardly heavenly,
Only truth coming from God’s mouth, not make-believe like that of our enemy.

“But the end justices the means,” some holler, another lie of Satan’s, who,
Accomplishes much via such thinking, that lie in Christian movies proving true.
Christians feigning anger or laughter, pretending to be someone else — oh dear,
And the cunning, ancient pied piper, the old serpent, cheering that sinful fair.

In other words, the Father Of Lies, the greatest pretender of them all, who,
Strolls up and down Hollywood boulevard proud of what he has managed to do.
A whole industry built on pretence which has captivated the masses, who,
Bow before an idol of Satan’s making that’s got Christians just as hooked too.

By Lance Landall

14.  There's No Virtue In Pretence

Now then, who likes watching a movie? Yes, I thought so, and so do I,
For movies are very entertaining, they can make us laugh or cry.
But though we may love to watch movies, our eyes such acting shouldn't see,
For pretending to be someone else is acting most dishonestly.

Yes, it’s a form of lying and deception that we are condoning,
And a dishonourable art form that the actor’s wrongly honing.
Although we know that it’s simply pretence, such pretence is make-believe,
And such isn’t for any Christian, who only truth should live and breathe.

Although we know that they're only acting (and they know that this we know),
It is still a faulty medium, and not the Christian way to go.
For this medium that is used, by its very nature is infused
With the artfulness of the old devil, who no doubt is most amused.

For after all, it started with him, who as a serpent misled Eve,
And then pretended to be Samuel, so that He could then Saul deceive.
Yes, Satan's the master of illusion, who deception loves to weave,
For he's the father of lies, we’re told, who hopes that error we’ll believe.

 Nobody should ever subordinate their own personality
In order to take on someone else’s individuality.
Pretending that we are another when God has made us all unique,
Violates His intention, destroys integrity that all should seek.

Plus, emotional disorders are known to plague many an actor;
Their pretending to be someone else (not them self), the major factor,
After all, every single person only them self is meant to be,
As pretending to be someone else just distorts our reality.

No, it simply isn’t normal some other person trying to be,
For it's somewhat schizophrenic, and thereby, affects us mentally.
And hence why we are seeing actors that are ill emotionally,
As old Hollywood’s Couch Canyon regularly bears testimony.

“Hypocrite” in both its Greek and Latin forms, refers to an actor,
Which certainly isn't surprising given acting’s two-faced factor.
Thus, it’s no wonder some actors feel guilt, for pretence doesn't sit well,
And besides, every actor is just honing an empty shallow skill.

It is clearly quite unnatural to look a person in the eye
And then pretend to be another, feign a laugh, shed false tears, or sigh.
Hence why it should make us feel uneasy that we haven’t our self been,
But instead, simply falsely witnessed, creating a fictitious scene.

Yes, there is something that's very wrong with this whole theatrical scene,
That mesmerizes so many folk via the stage, TV, or movie screen.
It’s clearly an addictive medium, and that, Satan knows so well,
And hence why he uses it creatively to more corruption sell.

No, there’s no virtue in pretence, introduced by the old Deceiver,
And hence why it shouldn’t play a part in the life of the believer.
Christians serve a God of truth, and therefore, only truth they should reflect,
And never by a medium that our Saviour would clearly reject.

The question could therefore be asked, what on earth are those Christians doing
Attending a theatre, or those movies within their home viewing?
And also: Why are there Christian actors? Why do Christians movies make?
Could it be that Christianity has made a very big mistake?

By Lance Landall


Also see my secular poem A Despicable Profession which can be found on my page
There's More To Be Said, and which is accessed via my page Food For thought, Home page.


"Stars"

“His [Satan’s] tail swept down a third of the stars [angels] of heaven and cast them to the earth...” (Rev 12:4, ESV).



By the way: Why it was clearly Satan impersonating Samuel:

“He [Saul] said to her [the medium], “What is his appearance?” She said, “An old man is coming up; he is
wrapped in a robe.” So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and
did obeisance” (1 Sam 28:14).