Posted on 03/07/2014 9:35:20 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Seven words set off a Twitter firestorm: "First off I want to thank God." Not because it's radical to thank God in public (at least not yet), but because the person who did had just won Best Actor at the Academy Awards. And because he isn't a person known for public displays of religiosity.
Matthew McConaughey's statement in full: "First off I want to thank God, because he's the one I look up to, he's graced my life with opportunities which I know are not of my hand or any other human kind. He has shown me that it's a scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates. In the words of the late Charlie Laughton, who said, 'When you got God you got a friend and that friend is you.'"
What was the reaction? Mostly silence from the Oscar audience, a fact several noted in their Twitter responses. Other viewers were more supportive of the actor's profession of faith. But many were angry: "Matthew McConaughey thanking god…….I hate him so much." Another responded: "I thought we could get through the Oscars without someone thanking god but no he had to ruin it, [Expletive deleted] you McConaughey."
What do we know about his faith? How is it relevant to us today?
Matthew David McConaughey was born on November 4, 1969 in Uvalde, a town in South Texas. He grew up there and in Longview, later graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in media. His mother was a kindergarten teacher and later a published author. His father once played in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers before becoming a gas-station owner.
His Methodist parents took his name from the New Testament. For this reason, he has never shortened it to "Matt." His wife, Brazilian model Camila Alves, was raised as a Catholic and attended a Catholic university. As a result of her faith commitment, they were married in 2012 in a private Catholic ceremony.
Now you know everything I could learn about Matthew McConaughey's faith. Here's what people seem to be missing in the controversy about his Oscar declaration: he articulated a profound theological sentiment. In quoting the late British actor Charlie Laughton, he was more right than he may know: "When you got God you got a friend and that friend is you." When we see ourselves as God sees us, we learn that he loves us for who we are, not for what we do. We are free to befriend ourselves, to treat ourselves as a true friend would, with unconditional grace and support.
I wonder if God watches his movies. I’m thinking so.
“Charlie Laughton, who said, ‘When you got God you got a friend and that friend is you.’”
Charlie Laughton, notorious homosexual.
Isn’t it amazing how vile and full of hatred the atheists are. They not only don’t believe. They don’t want you to believe and make fun of you if you do.
I wonder when the last time was that an actor thanked God at the Oscars. Tom Hanks thanked his gay high school drama teacher.
RE: I wonder if God watches his movies. I’m thinking so.
God knows what will be in the movies before they were even made.
I could be wrong, but I doubt that the “Charlie Laughton” (or perhaps “Lawton”?) he was quoting was the famed homosexual actor; however, it sounds as though he might be quoting some sort of New Age guru, given the rest of McConaughey’s statement.
I don't know who Charlie Laughton is, but I do know that Charles Laughton, the fine British actor who played Captain Bligh so well in "Mutiny on the Bounty," was married to Elsa Lancaster forever, and while he was homosexual, he loathed himself for it and kept it in the closet!!! He should be PRAISED, not censored!!!
“His Methodist parents took his name from the New Testament. For this reason, he has never shortened it to “Matt.”
On orders from his mother. She said Matthew in the Bible was never referred to as Matt and she never wanted her son to becalled Matt. He corrects people all the time that call him Matt.
McConaughey is a fresh gust of wind in Hollywood. A class of people that are miserable, in general, in their own right. Great movies, great attitude toward life, and he has a soul.
But now -- I will watch him with a new attitude.
As for Tom Hanks, he can go stick his head in a bucket of water.
And thankfully, He is a forgiving God.
“Contact” - The Religious character he played wasted no time bedding Jodie Foster’s character.
Jodie Foster announced to the world after getting a lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes that she is “single”.
See here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSU1ZPw1yJE
You state; "As far as the quote, "When you got God you got a friend and that friend is you", once again, it's completely unscriptural, and meaningless nonsense.
Yet the author of the article, Jim Denison, formerly a pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church, a 10,000-member congregation in Dallas, Texas. Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion and Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Dallas Baptist University states that ;
"he, (McConaughey) articulated a "profound theological sentiment." In quoting the late British actor Charlie Laughton, he was more right than he may know: "When you got God you got a friend and that friend is you." When we see ourselves as God sees us, we learn that he loves us for who we are, not for what we do. We are free to befriend ourselves, to treat ourselves as a true friend would, with unconditional grace and support.
Please explain to us of less minds than you why it is such nonsense.
He was trying to convert her
They're mad because McConaughey didn't respect the separation of church and state.
“Gratitude reciprocates” is unscriptural. If we do good things because we think we may get something in return, such works are then sinful.
Oh my, you are judgmental. And not in a good way.
Gratitude is a real thing. And if you actually live your life truly grateful for your blessings, you will live a good life. Whether you are a rich actor or a poor nun in India (mother Teresa). Gratitude is Gdly.
If you do good things to get things, you aren’t grateful but greedy. So your comment was a harsh non sequitur.
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