‘The Record Keeper’ Internet Drama Series Will Not Be Distributed
by Monte Sahlin
By AT News Team, April 12, 2014
Late Friday afternoon (April 11) the General Conference (GC) of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination announced a decision to suspend the release of the 11-episode Internet video drama series The Record Keeper. The news release from the GC stated that the decision was based on a theological analysis by the Biblical Research Institute (BRI) which identified "problematic and theologically inaccurate matters" in the series and that "church leaders were looking for a much stronger portrayal of the love of God, the creation of a perfect world, the plan of salvation and the final renewal of heaven and earth as recorded in the Bible."
The news release also stated that denominational leaders from different parts of the world, as well as the headquarters staff in Silver Spring, Maryland, "evaluated the series, participated in the discussions and the decision-making process." It gave no further details on how this process was conducted nor who specifically was involved. Since the officers of the 13 GC divisions are in Silver Spring for meetings this week, they may have played a role in this decision.
The Record Keeper is a drama about the cosmic conflict between good and evil which is a primary theme in Adventist theology. It uses two fictional characters who symbolize categories mentioned in the Bible; Cadan and Larus, two angels who struggle to maintain their friendship after universal civil war breaks out. Another character portrays the title role, Raina, an angel who pursues a record of events while trying to make sense of the chaos.
The movie series is innovative in at least two ways that Adventist Today has previously reported. First, it uses a genre called "Steam punk" in its design and production, and it is designed to be distributed via the Internet, by Web sites such as YouTube, instead of through the more traditional means of public showings in theaters or auditoriums or by the sale of DVDs or the purchase of television broadcast time.
The GC news release also said that denominational leaders "expressed their continued desire to produce creative material that would … capture the attention of people seeking divine truth." Pastor Ted Wilson, the GC president was specifically quoted; “Adventist world church leadership is committed to using and developing creative methods of outreach … to reach segments of the population that will never be impacted by traditional evangelism.”
"It is difficult to sort out how much of this is about a disagreement over 'artistic license' and how much of it is about theological disagreements," a source familiar with the pilot segment of The Record Keeper and denominational procedures told Adventist Today. "It is impossible until we see the detailed report from the BRI and which theologian or Bible scholars actually did the evaluation."
Additional documentation was not made available at the same time as the news release, and the release came after Adventist Today had already published its weekly AT Update by Email. The GC offices are now closed for the Sabbath. On Monday an Adventist Today reporter will contact the GC news office and request the full BRI report and other documentation.
Is this yet another outcome of electing a Fundamentalist as a General Conference president? I suspect that this series would not have been canceled under the much more enlightened administration of the former GC president. The Adventist Church is being dragged back into a 1930s sect-type Adventism.
The information seen, disclosed that the SdA church promoted and paid $1 million for the product. On the Spectrum website, a comment was made that it was halted by large money interests that were unhappy with the finished product. If, as has been reported, the church paid $1 million for this series, it is only another of the financial fiascoes such as the latest cyyber fraud that adds to the depeletion of funds. Expect a call for more funds to "spread the Gospel" within a few weeks.
Since my early days as a Church member, from local to international level the denomination has allowed moneyed influences to "buy out" the voices and predilections of less affluent (usually younger) voices. I remember in particular a highly appealing series of lessons offered by the Voice of Prophecy back in the 1970s that was cancelled (before I could sign up to take the course) because certain donor-elements of the Church were said to oppose it. It was a great set of lessons (from my reading of samples of the course) and it provided for me an early index of the extent to which money could be used to usurp unwarranted influence away from the truly creative and dedicated elements of the membership (often youth).
I trace this destructive element in the Church back to a long-accepted premise that the central, prime directive of the remnant is to preserve that which the Church possessed and explicated doctrinally in the early days of its existence, before worldly and modern, scientific pollutants were allowed to slip into our doctrinal mix. This protection of what is believed to be primordial Adventism is clearly one of the highest callings expressed by our historic brothers and sisters, and undoubtedly is shared substantially by our General Conference CEO. It greatly facilitates the work of an executive if he or she knows emphatically that the older dogma and explanations are almost always superior to that which some liberals euphemistically call "Present Truth" (which in the eyes of an honest historic Adventist, is just a parlor name for heresy)….
Conversely, that the Millerites in their earliest years far more often than not fell short of biblical ideals in establishing doctrine (doctrines that were subsequently substantially revised) is rarely mentioned in our studies and histories. We should be honest about these things and recognize that while it is very possible to backslide from that which is honest, Godly, and biblical, many of the later emphases in doctrinal Adventism have been far more biblical and to the Law and the Testimony than some of the early editions of Adventist doctrinal lists. This undoubtedly complicates the work of those who seek to maintain a rule of thumb that older is generally better and that unconsecrated, worldly youth of the Church are constant threats to orthodoxy and must be restrained and even thwarted as the Evil One uses the Sirens of youth to temp the Remnant down the broad pathway to destruction…..
Ed: "Since my early days as a Church member, from local to international level the denomination has allowed moneyed influences to "buy out" the voices and predilections of less affluent (usually younger) voices."
That seems to imply the decision to suspend the Record Keeper was based on money. Would you mind presenting your proof or at least a smidgen of proof that money influenced this decison? Thanks.Maranatha
Patience, we will see. These things have to unlayer themselves, but ordinarily when a production like this is simply killed after such an investment of funds and publicity, it indicates that the financial sponsors of the program have lost confidence in its viability….Second, denominational publications right up to the present have been promoting the production as a Coming Great Thing. There clearly has been a strong sense that this production was intended to be finished, right up to very recent weeks. Had this production been in trouble with top administrators of the Church for months on end, the PR on the project would have been massaged and managed to break the final decision to us gently…..But, no, we are all in a bit of shock, and we can only look at the circumstantial evidence, and say, "I've seen this before, and there's a good chance it's happening again….."
It has been shown, contrary to the implication, Ed, in your early post that is was big $$ that was responsible for getting this movie on its way.
A lesson I have tried to learn is that too often we jump the gun and imply or state something that is incorrect.
Maranatha
Someone recently in a comment suggested patience and allowing the facts to surface, as they indeed will. I'm going to continue to follow that counsel and urge others to do likewise.
Yes I would like to know what the supposed theological problems are with this series. I watched about a 10-minute clip of the first episode on You Tube and it looked very cool and slick. I felt I was watching an SDA version of Buffy or Angel – that probably means nothing to the average 50+ auidence here – let me just say it was pretty cool. And that is no doubt the point – to make a 'cult-following' series (I mean that in the fan sense) that will spread organically.
I do not expect any Adventist media presentation to be done effectively unless it is produced and circulated independently of church leadership because they're just too short-sighted.
Over the years I've seen several video and movie concepts promoted, perhaps tried, and then killed by church leaders for a variety of reasons. The oldest and biggest reason for blocking a promising concept was that the church didn't have money to put into it because funds were being devoted to "true" evangelism, which meant public crusades alone. Then people began to realize that maybe, just maybe, television could be used effectively. So the church paid to put preachers on the air and they drew the smallest audiences that could still be measured, virtually all of whom were already church-goers (and sometimes primarily Adventists).
I was working in the PR Department at Faith For Today when the movie "Lesson in Loving" (originally "The Third Cry") was finished and released. It was a great story about God's love in action. Yet it was resoundingly criticized by church leaders for not more obviously depicting an Adventist lifestyle or having a character teaching directly from scripture. As I recall, it was shown only twice: at an invitation-only premiere and a camp meeting. Then there was the program "Christian Lifestyle Magazine" featuring christian ministries having a positive impact on their communities. I remember sitting in a meeting where one church leader asked when we were going to start preaching. Or another church leader who asked why we weren't featuring only Adventist ministries (there weren't any doing something that impacted their communities on a scale or in a manner that made an appealing story).
I've seen other ideas criticized and killed after being criticized by church leaders who thought the concept failed to properly illustrate the Second Coming as described in "The Great Controversy," the state of the dead, or something else. Everybody had their pet ideas about how this doctrine should be emphasized above that doctrine. Everybody wanted to hit people over the head with specific doctrines. I don't remember anyone in church leadership (outside of FFT) who dare to ask how to get people started exploring spiritual matters. They just assumed everybody would be interested because they were talking about spiritual topics. So if you dare to ask why Adventist media outreach is not far more effective, you just learned why.
William very interesting – and very much agree with everything you said. Our Church leaders could do with a dose of re-reading Jesus' teachings on the crafty servant in Luke 16:1-13.
As for stories that supposedly don't comply with theology, didn't Jesus Himself tell a 'heretical' story about a poor man burnt in hell in Luke 16:23? I doubt the SDA leadership would allow Jesus to present that story today!
And notice how both those two stories are found in Luke 16? I think Luke was trying to get a message across about evangelism that our Church leaders need to consider.
Paul even quoted a heathen prophet in his debate with the skeptics at Mars Hill! (Acts 17:28)
Pointing out that Jesus told a "heretical" story about a poor man in hell is priceless. Well done! And that the current GC leadership would not allow Jesus to tell that story is one of the best comments I have heard in literally years. First class!
It was an excellent decision. I saw one or more trailers and it was not at all representative of what the SDA church should be supporting.
There is no real point in explaining why as those of a diametrically opposed stance will likely just pooh-pooh it.
"Satan's Strategy Is to Confuse the Senses.–Satan's work is to lead men to ignore God, to so engross and
absorb the mind that God will not be in their thoughts. The education they have received has been of a character to confuse the mind and eclipse the true light. Satan does not wish the people to have a knowledge of God; and if he can set in operation games and theatrical performances that will so confuse the senses of the young that human beings will perish in darkness while light shines all about them, he is well pleased." {AH 401.6}
You are probably right that the production does not look, taste or sound like vegie burger. And indeed there may be differences of opinion on the artistic style selected (I am not impressed by it – I guess I am too old). However, to kill the project after spending 1 Mio $ on it would require more explanation than some theological flaws that were found post-production, even though the script was read and approved beforehand. In other words: the theological problems could, should and would have been found in advance (mind you: there are bound to be theological problems in the very construct: an allegory on an allegorical theme to describe a reality we cannot really fathom).
Thus this total recall smacks of fear and mistrust. To praise this as "excellent decision" is denying the great controversy that seems to go on within the walls of Silver Springs.
If it was a "theological problem" did no one review the script before production began? That's the first and best place to catch any errors. Or, are there just too many people in positions giving them veto power over something they don't like, for whatever reason? With so many people with different preferences in positions to killl a project after money has been spent, I doubt even a production based on the last chapters of The Great Controversy could get approved!
My understanding of what I've read is yes – the script was pre-approved.
Has anyone considered Kickstarter as a solution to funding? Does it have to be released as an offficial Adventist production?
Dawn, your suggestion is good, except that it's not available for this project, since the GC "owns" it after spending $8 million on it. They're unlikely to give it away or even to sell it, since certain individuals don't want to see it released.
The idea that the project was scrapped due to objection by someone with deep pockets is the most plausible explanation, because every portion of the script was apparently examined and vetted before going into production. So the objection of suddenly finding theological deficiencies can't really hold water.
Yes, some of the ultra-conservative elements in the church should pay more attention to the story of the "Rich Man and Lazarus." Either they would have to revise their theology, or they would have to accept that Jesus used a popular story originating in Egypt to illustrate a point he wished to make. He wouldn't be allowed to do that, of course, by the folks who canceled this movie.
It appears Dawn may have hit the nail on the head with the question,"~~ Does it have to be released as an offficial Adventist production?
As no one in the church today (from the left to the right) is prepared to confirm what the SDA Church's preferred, (official) position is regarding the Great Controversy today, it is very likely theology may be the straw that broke the camels back.
There is a Facebook page called "Save The Record Keeper" – saveTRK
Isn't it interesting that no matter what the issue, there is a vocal element here that can do nothing but criticize, criticize, criticize? I see the same names appearing over and over, with the same nasty attitude. A little dose of Christian kindness would be so refreshing!
And criticize a series no one has actually seen yet!
Pastor Jim: "A little dose of Christian kindness would be so refreshing!
I'm with you on this one, Pastor. Actually if I were so dissatisfied with the church, its pratices and doctrines I'm quite certain I would find a group more to my liking. I just have to wonder why some are sticking around??
Maranatha
I will gladly and loudly applaud even a little courage and creativity from church leaders.
Was it allegorical? Did the Director not follow the script, or improvise? Surprised"Deep Pockets" (if reality) wouldn't have previewed each segment as produced. And why can't it be edited, and scenes rerun to make it kosher?
Earl, your observation makes sense. So it's possible that someone with great influence did not just object to certain scenes, but to the whole idea of a movie sponsored by the GC to dramatize the conflict between Christ and Satan.
Hi Earl, Ingle, and Pastor Jim,
While it is possible some one with great influence may have objected, it is also likely that the various Church interpretations of Daniel 8:9-14, regarding the conflict between Christ and Satan, that are so opposed to each other, may have played a part as well.
If no one from the Church is prepared to confirm the "official" or "preferred teaching" regarding the controversy between Christ and Satan, that, I suggest, should not be seen, or interpretated, as negative critizism.
As the Church continues to disciplines members for questioning various new teachings on the one hand, but is not prepared to clarify which is the "official," or "preferred," teaching of the Church on the other hand, then it appears the Church has placed herself in a catch 22 situation. In this case, regarding the conflict between Christ and Satan.
All that is written about Satan is conjecture, anyway. Some believe and teach he was in heaven; while others believe that he was cast down to the underworld; and still otheres believe he is stalking Adventists to tempt them into sin; or if he is busy he sends his next in command–whatshisname.
Why the obsession with Satan and his activity? No one has seen him but many write as though they are very familiar with him. If there were no Satan could there be good people?
Hi Elaine,
Re "All that is written about Satan is conjecture, anyway." The use of the word all excludes any other position.
Have you read Ron Corson's article 11/04/14 Who is Lucifer (or Satan misidentified), Adventist Media Response and Conversation. Perhaps, in the light of this article, you may reconsider the "all" of your statement
Not one jot or tittle of anything theatrical is to be brought into our work. God’s cause is to have a sacred, heavenly mold. Let everything connected with the giving of the message for this time bear the divine impress. Let nothing of a theatrical nature be permitted, for this would spoil the sacredness of the work. {Ev 137.2}
That should be enough for commited SDAS.
Maranatha
The series cost less than $1M in total, and from donations, not tithe. I don't know where the $8M figure mentioned above came from. It's not correct.
The current work is the property of the General Conference since it was created "for hire." So if they want to shelve it they can. But the writers own the ideas and can re-visit and reshoot if they feel so called and get independent funds to do so.
I don't think this decision prevents unions or divisions from conducting creative projects of their own if they can find artists and writers who'll trust them in partnership. I do think it tarnishes future opportunities at the General Conference level of the church, just as past failed projects have.
Here is another little film about how apostate THE RECORD KEEPER is, this is real silly and the comment feature is turned off of course!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEqIuxPSuZg
Why do we criticize apparently sincere young men for embarking on a course that is consructive? If these young men were promoting a liberal cause one can be certain the liberals would be falling all over themselves to encourage them. I see a double standard.
Maranatha