My mom piped up, saying that this catholic priest is telling the people at his church to not watch the movie because it has aesthetic themes.
At this point, I couldn't help but proclaim my disgust for this, declaring it church censorship.
My dad quickly entered the arena, comparing the movie to a poisonous food, saying something along the lines of, "isn't it his duty to stop you from hurting yourself?"
So I was wondering what you all think about it. Not necessarily the movie specifically, but the idea that a priest/pastor/pope/religious figure should tell people what to not watch/read, for fear of their "religious health."
I consider myself a Christian, but I'm of the opinion that people should be able to watch what they will--if the church is so worried about a movie/book turning people into atheists, it must have some good points, and I'd like to be able to see both sides of the argument, not forced into a religion by ignorance.
Oh, and I found this:
-Eric
7 comments:
"aesthetic"
Atheistic?
"religion by ignorance"
Or ignorance by religion?
You should be able to watch whatever you want. You're not Catholic so you really have no problem here. I don't think him trying to censor the movie is the real issue here.
Yeah, its been on the news on and off for a few weeks. I think the Catholic church telling people not to see it might actually make more people go see it.
Not being religious, I of course disagree with the idea that hearing an un-Christian argument could in any way "hurt" someone. People are so opposed to this movie not because it could convert adult Christians, but because they're afraid that young children will see it and believe it, making it harder for their parents and the church to raise them as Christians. It's the same thing they said before about the Harry Potter books/movies and others: that children can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality, so they're vunerable to being "brainwashed" with un-Christian ideas. Of course, the church isn't afraid to take advantage of this to indoctrinate children to be Christians in the first place. The basic issue really is whetherit is right for parents and the church to control what their children are brought up to believe (religiously speaking) and I don't think it is. Children should see every side of the argument and not make any comitment until they're old enough to understand the issues and decide for themselves.
Yes, I think that people should be able to watch whatever they want to. If you truly believe in God (or whatever you believe in), then some movie is not going to change that. Often, being challenged strengthens one's faith in the end.
As to John's point about whether it is right for parents and the church to control what the children believe...I think it's fine for the parents to raise their child in a certain religion. The child always has a choice (even if they have to wait until they're 18). I know in my religion (Baptist) you don't accept God until you're ready and they make sure that you truly want to do it.
..yay for my longest comment ever...
Here here to what John said.
Christians have no problem with the children being so impressionable when it's Christian ideas they're feeding them. When a contrary idea comes along though, it's "in the child's best interest" to shield them from it.
So....
I think its alright for a parent to decide whats best for their child. I see it as the parents duty and responsibility to raise their child to their standards. As for making their own decisions, it is every bit of the child's right once they come of age. If a child was to have no idea of where they came from how are they to make decisions for themselves?
As for the catholic church, it is their duty to say what they do or do not approve of. Whether their parishioners choose to heed their advice or not is their decision. In the end it is always their decision.
Of Christians taking "advantage" of children's minds...
What negative things would Christian parents involve their children in? Of course drugs, alcohol and prostitution. While their are atypical situations, for the most part there are no great negatives to being raised a Christian in my eyes. Though, you're probably right that the movie has no great "anti-christian" values. I just feel that the Catholic church is doing what they believe is right, can you tell me....is that unforgivable?
I saw the movie today and i didnt have a problem with it. In fact, i wouldnt have even thought about it as having been related to the church at all if i hadnt heard about it on the news already. There is no way that any kid would have made the connection between the movie and any athiestic ideas that parents might want to "sheild" their kids from. I havent read the books, but from what ive heard they are a bit more direct in talking about atheistic ideas, the movie however did nothing to relate the "magisterium" to the church. It was just a fantasy story involving entirely made up elements about magical dust and crap. it was actually a pretty good movie and i dont see what the huge deal is with it
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