Appetite for Destruction

This summer is being called the “summer of destruction” by movie critics (CNN, June 10, 2014). A plethora of summer blockbuster movies boast abundant blood and violence—referred to as “destruction porn” by film critic Lewis Beale. In a recent editorial Mr. Beale chided the U.S. movie industry for its addiction to blood and violence and decried the example these movies set for the world: “we’re exporting this American blood-lust globally, giving outsiders the impression of a country that has totally gone over to the Dark Side” (ibid.). Mr. Beale offered a sobering perspective that America is, “A country where scenes of mass destruction are the norm, and carnage is preferred over peace, love and understanding. Is this the kind of negative image of America we want to export? And sure, we all know that ‘It’s only a movie,’ but don’t kid yourself: When we get geeked at the leveling of entire cities, it says something about who we are, and where our society is going” (ibid.). 

Speaking of the morally floundering end-time Israelite nations, God prophesied “for the land is filled with crimes of blood, and the city is full of violence” (Ezekiel 7:23). Then, speaking of their religious hypocrisy God states, “For they have filled the land with violence; then they have returned to provoke Me to anger” (Ezekiel 8:17) and “An astonishing and horrible thing has been committed in the land… and My people love to have it so” (Jeremiah 5:30-31).

Mankind’s appetite for blood and destruction will not continue indefinitely. A change will come for the better! For a glimpse of a different future, read our insightful commentary on “A Promise of Rest.”