Introducing...Rev. Stephen Milton, filmmaker and Minister
Rev. Stephen Milton
Why read me?
There are lots of religious writers out there who like to tell people what to think, bringing in heavy duty morality. I’m not one of those. Instead, I am a former documentary film maker who thinks the world is an amazing place. I used to make science and history documentaries for The Discovery Channel and National Geographic television. When I look outside, I see a world of wonders. My faith and my gut tells me that God makes all of this possible, every second. When I read scripture, I hear that same God trying to wake up us greedy stupid humans to become who were created to be - loving, creative, beautiful, unpredictable creatures destined to travel to the stars.
So what’s this sub stack going to be about?
Since I am a visual kind of person, being from the film world, I care about visual representations of Christianity. I am fascinated by how people use images to fill in the blanks of what isn’t explained in scripture, and to express what is there. So, whenever I try to explore what’s going on in the Bible, I find images to go with it. So expect to see a lot of art and visuals dedicated to expressing the deeper meanings of Bible stories.
Why bother with the Bible at all, isn’t it utterly passé?
Our culture tells us these stories are simply the ravings of superstitious people from long ago. That’s just the enlightenment trying to diss the competition and justify ignoring the soul. Scripture is always about who we are and who we could be if we got in touch with our deeper levels of being. Are you more than a meat skin robot? Good, then scripture has something to say to you. But, due to centuries of judgmental interpretations and the scientific revolution, it is very hard to hear what scripture is saying. I can help with that. In this sub stack, I will be exploring what faith means to modern, thinking people. I’ll do that with a lot of art, and with ancient ways of reading scripture which they don’t teach much in seminary anymore. I do not read the Bible literally, but I do take it seriously as a source of wisdom and spiritual guidance.
Social Justice is what faith looks like in action
I am also committed to applying this call to love and compassion to the modern world. I frequently participate in protests to protect the rights of the marginalized, and people of different sexualities, genders and race. If you are a racist evangelical, you’re probably going to find this substack upsetting ( although it could be really good for you).
What kinds of posts will you get by subscribing?
You’re in for a great ride. I post regularly, with long series about faith, art and modern life. I’ll be starting with a series about the meaning of Lent ( February 2024), which will appear daily, except on Sundays, until Easter. I’ll also post the odd sermon ( more often if people ask for them), and whatever letters I write the governments. I hope you find this useful. Peace.
