Friday, October 19, 2007

Christians & Movies

Two incorrect (and yet extremely common) views regarding Christians viewing "secular" films:

a. It doesn't matter what you see (i.e. your relationship with Christ doesn't influence your decision to view or not to view it)

or

b. A movie's moral quality is determined by the rating (i.e. PG, PG-13, R, etc...).

While I think the ratings are helpful in guidance, sometimes it seems that Christians promote clean rated films with an overall message that glorifies sin. Which would you rather watch: a film that is rated R (due to violence & cussing, etc...) but has an overall message of redemption and value, or a film that is rated PG, but has an overall message of presenting sin in positive light?

Screenwriter Barbara Nicolosi recently stated:

"[A] film should also be judged according to its message. What does the movie want you to believe? Is what it's telling you the truth or a lie? If the latter, then it's a bad film, no matter how good the technique may be."

1 comment:

William said...

I agree completely with Nicolsi. I've seen many a "critically acclaimed" film only to be infuriated by its moral message or world view.

Movies like "Million Dollar Baby", "The Barbarian Invasions", and "The Sea Inside" really devalue the sanctity of life.

Other films like "The Last King of Scotland" impose their own "moral barometer" to justify characters and their actions.

Check out the book "Reel Spirituality"