“BUT, I SAW IT ON TV”

“Joan of Arc” is a classic example of how a television program is able to get viewers to believe in something that just isn’t so. The program continually portrays Joan’s claim that God was leading her by means of the appearing of a saint Catherine. Since this was based upon a “true” story, such no doubt deepened the conviction of those who already believe in visions, and opened the door for many others.
But, we should not be so quick to believe something just because the TV said so. Did you see or hear about, the movie, “Noah’s Ark”? The reviews tore to shreds the director’s gross misrepresentation of what actually occurred. Another special feature was not exempt from the whims and discretion of the director’s desires. He said “this new Cleopatra differs from its predecessors (the 1917, 1934 and 1963 versions)….In the past Cleopatra has always been defined as a scheming, conniving woman. I think that’s a very old-fashioned notion. Our Cleopatra is….” and then goes on to explain how he had decided to present her. Is it not obvious then? Since there are no regulations to control them, directors can define and present true stories however they want. Thus, just because you saw saint Catherine appear to Joan on TV, don’t be so quick to accept it.
The truth of the matter is, even if the real Joan thought she saw this vision, she didn’t. God was not continuing to appear to her to lead her to do His will because neither Joan nor Catherine were Christians! Rather, both were members of the apostate group which fell away from the true church. No, there was no vision from God between these two.
Furthermore, if God (or His messengers) appeared to Joan (or any one else since the completion of the NT), then 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3, Jude 3 and many other such verses are lies! These passages of Scripture teach that God has given to man his finalized revelations in which we have everything we need for our lives and the working of His will. Thus, if God has to subsequently give another revelation to reveal His will, then the NT was not the final revelation, nor does it have everything God said it had. Thus, God (Who knows all), lied! (Titus 1:2).
So, who are you going to believe? God, or Joan and the TV?
Gary Henson