www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall V is for Vicious, Vile and aVoid

My vote is "no".

Despite Logos-Teen's protestations to the contrary, the movie is clearly intended to paint religious people and leaders and anti-homosexual, persecuting a perfectly viable and beautiful lifestyle choice. Any religious figure in this film is portayed as a fanatic. The movie has a clear message, which should offend anyone with religious sensibilities. I was under the impression that it woud be more like 1984, which, like Nathan, is one of my favorite books. The book is intended to be a tirade against intolerance. Since it originates within a comic book, there is no room for a "middle view"...represented by those of us who love the sinner but hate the sin. You either want to accept and support the lifestyle or put black sacks on the heads of homosexuals and cause them to disappear in the middle of the night.

So no - its underlying message is precisely what the Great Fast is not about.

My only issue with Dan's comments was his (perhaps misunderstood on my part) demand that we forgoe movies altogether as part of a lenten discipline. My hope in sharing my initial review was to warn others to avoid this particular one, because I saw how clearly this film's message was contrary to the spirit of what we hold to as Christians, so in the interest of the fast, I would agree that it should be avoided.

Gordo

John Patrick,

I'm afraid that's about all the "review" I have in me, the post before your own, that is.

I guess the soundtrack was good enough.

I thought the plot was good, but I did think the directing left something to be desired. Those are two different things, of course.

And, as opposed to Gordo, whose views I respect, I believe the message of this film was a perfectly Christian one, if viewed in the right light.

Freedom of expression and speech should not be hated by Christians. Those sins that arise from people's exercising these God-given rights are deplorable, of course. Duh! We all know this, so let's move past the idea that supporting freedom of speech is supporting every kind of sin this side of Heaven. And if that is indeed what is being suggested, I'm shocked at the lack of thought that has gone into formulating such an opinion!

This could just as easily have been a movie about a totalitarian anti-Christian government, where dissenters such as those who belief in a right to life, the dignity of the human person, and the reality of sin are killed off, shut up, or cast out.

For those who are duped into thinking that movie de facto supports what we know to be wrong - well that to me is either intellectually dishonest or intellectually shallow.

Logos Teen

Why do we even CARE what Teen Logos have to say in anything...now that we all know that he thinks the Orthodox are schismatic...

SPDundas
Deaf Byzantine

Friends,

Knowing Gordo personally I'm rather surprise that he interpreted my comments in the way he did. For that matter I'm rather shocked that the canard of "free speech" means "holiness" is even offered here by anyone. I have no intention of seeing movies like the one Gordo described, at least not having been forewarned. Then I read praises for the movie as if going to a movie such as the one described will somehow make our theosis.

Don't try to make such a case here. It won't wash. Supporting a vulgar movie that attacks Christians is not anything that should be done by a Christian.

If you can do it...don't brag about it. Just do it.

CDL

My son is talking about going to see it too. I am telling him the same thing, but only so much I can say.

God is good and he lets us do as we desire. As I have experienced myself, things of this nature leave an imprint on your mind that is sometimes very hard to shake. The battle for the mind to turn ever more to our Creator is sidetracked when we allow messages such as this to penetrate our thought.

I prefer to turn my mind to the Our Father than vengence, but that is just me

SPDundas,

I, like you, offer my humble thoughts on this Forum.

To try and use the other members against me just because you don't agree with me that the Orthodox are schismatic is really, to put it nicely, cheap.

If I were on a Forum where most people thought like I do, I could use the same tactic against you, but never would.

Anyway, no harm done but please review your post and tell me if you think it is charitable.

Logos Teen

Oh, Logos Teen,

My post is VERY generous and charitable compared to what my thoughts are which I won't dare put on the post here...

SPDundas
Deaf Byzantine

Friends,

I don't know what the spat between Spundus and Logos Teen has to do with watching VILE movies but I wish to thank Rose2 and Pani Rose for their understanding of the issue at hand. I repeat, I don't see how watching such movies as the ones described in this thread helps us move toward God but I like cheap thrills like anyone else and if it makes me more holy then tell us how.

CDL

Well, back in the olden days when I was "Atheist Gal", I saw a REALLY vile movie called "Dogma". You may remember it as there was quite a bit of an outcry against it by Christians. So naturally, being an atheist and opposed to everything good and decent :rolleyes: , I immediately got my boyfriend at the time to take me to see it.

Long story short: at the movie's closing scene, I turned to my then-boyfriend and exclaimed, "Hey - um - wanna go to Mass with me tomorrow?"

Well, no, he didn't! And I didn't go then - it took a few more years. But I did go back, and fondly credit that vile, blasphemous movie "Dogma" for planting a little seed of doubt in my atheism.

So it might not make you holy, but who knows how God might use it for someone else?

And just a general comment about movies - if you really don't want people to see a movie, the worst thing you can do is publicly protest against it - trust me, I'm livin' proof!

SPDundas,

Please clear out your PM box so you can act childishly in private.

If you were looking to launch a personal attack on me you should've done it through PM in the first place. Thank goodness no one has agreed to play your petty little game. Let's leave it at that and contact me privately when you can.

Did your parents teach you nothing of manners whatever? My gosh!

Logos Teen

P.S. Dan, you are right. SPDundas' problems with me seem to have little to do with the subject of this thread, which I why I'm requesting SP contact me through PM.

I am not the Moderator here, but this thread is really disappointing....there have been more than a few sarcastic posts here.

Come on guys....I miss meat too, but let's not devour each other!

Love in Christ,
Alice

Alice,

Only a couple of post actually degenerated. Nevertheless, I'd be delighted if someone would tell me why watching such movies would make me more holy. Some seem eager to watch such crap. Well, tell us how it helped you. Theist Gal told us how it seems to have been instrumental in her conversion. But I'd like to know how it helps a Christian become holy.

CDL

I saw this movie last weekend with my boyfriend. While it appealed to my senses there were some things I wasn't too fond of. I didn't like how they blamed America for everything(a political jab?). I also thought it was cruel of V to use Evey(torture) to do what he wanted. Why did he have to use violence? The government was overbearing and oppressing and those people were stupid not to want freedom from that. The government reminded me of Nazi Germany.

-Katie g

Huh?!? Have I missed something about cheese?

Alice, who is feeling a bit hungry right now.

Just wanted to clarify that the "it" in my previous message was not this particular movie but another movie which Christians have also protested against.

It's not a big deal - and I'm only singling out your post as an example, CDL, nothing personal - but since tempers do seem to flair easily around here lately, perhaps we all just need to slow down a little and pay closer attention to what other people are saying, and think about what their reasons might be, before hitting that "add reply" button.

Also - getting back to the V for Vendetta movie - in case anyone's interested, the US Bishops website has posted its review, with some good parental cautions & info: