Watch or don't watch movies
| Posted On: 12/19/08 07:20:00 PM |
Age 42, TX |
I was addressing two things. First the point that we shouldn't watch movies with sexual immorality. There's plenty of that in the Bible and some of it is explicit (Ezekiel 16:25, Gen 34)... so does that mean I shouldn't read my Bible? I think the point is more how is it handled (as in the case of scripture). The second part of that point is that Christians typically freak out over the sexual stuff but don't have any problems with violence, greed, and a host of other things that we should be concerned about in movies. My second point was that author of the article said that if you read and liked the books that you weren't a Christian and I think that also is unscriptural - hence my reference to I Corinthians.
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Mainstream Christian
| Posted On: 12/15/08 04:15:18 PM |
Age 32, IN |
Dabbling in the occult will never strengthen your witness (Eph 5:11). I understand your point, but Christians should be very distinct from the rest of the culture . . .not blend in and look exactly like it! Praising and supporting a film that deals with the occult is dangerous for the lost and the "saved".
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Seven reasons to shun this vampire tale
| Posted On: 12/14/08 08:48:34 PM |
Age 50, TX |
Seven reasons to shun this vampire tale
www.crossroad.to/articles2/08/twilight.htm
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Agree
| Posted On: 12/13/08 01:46:05 AM |
Age 28, FL |
Does anyone in their right mind believe in vampires or werewolves? I cannot believe we're actually slinging mud over something that doesn't exist. It's pure fiction, which is the point. Like many ignorant, close-minded Christians Ms. Schlueter doubtless finds no value in any books beyond the Bible, listens to no songs but hymns, reads no publications but tracks, and certainly would never set foot into an art museum--all those naked statues, dart-filled soldiers, and bucolic scenes glorifying the earth. Christians as a whole have abandoned the arts or think "art" is horribly written Christian romance or made-for-TV quality movies like "Fireproof" or "Facing the Giants." Apparently no one required her to read "Dracula" in high school.
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Re: Mainstream Christian?
| Posted On: 12/11/08 07:27:11 PM |
Age 18, OR |
If you were asking in relation to what I posted below, then this is what I meant:
Someone who strives to live his life in a moral way based upon biblical principles while not alienating the rest of the world. The movie reviews are a big blessing to people like this because then they have a way of deciding if a movie is worth seeing or not. MOST Christians out there (especially college age) have friends that are not Christians who invite them to go see movies like this all the time.
And I think that these are the types of Christians that are going to do the most good when it comes to being a witness to other people. Being dogmatic and slamming a movie because you "think" that there is amoral content in the film doesn't win respect. Obviously there is a line that all Christians must not cross but this movie doesn't come close to it.
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Narnia and oppinions?
| Posted On: 12/11/08 03:45:12 PM |
Age 31, TX |
I do understand wanting to filter what your children see. But throwing Narnia away b/c it may be based on other religions? If someone had not told you that would you have come to that conclusion on your own after seeing the film? And what if someone told you the exact opposite? If you had been told that the very same movie was solely a Biblical metaphor would that make the same movie okay? I don't think most children would get the religious implications anyway. It might me metaphorical but it is still fiction.
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the twilight "update"- a MOVIE review
| Posted On: 12/11/08 03:32:35 PM |
Age 31, TX |
My comment to your update is that FOTF did what a movie review should do which is, as you stated, "analyzes this cinematic swill and its relative merits and demerits"-that is the job of a movie reviewer. If you want a social or spiritual commentary on the film then THAT would be where you warn of it's content being unsuitable for Christian viewers. I think their review was more than reasonable.
It's like Christians that praise Christian films based solely on content. You can have wonderful, uplifting content in a film with terrible production value, badly written (albeit well intentioned) scripts and inadequate acting. Christians sometimes do not understand the difference between content and quality. If Christian filmmakers could stop leaving quality filmmakers to the secular world then perhaps their films would be seen by audiences outside of Christian circles and the world might have greater opportunity for films with more approvable content.
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is fiction wrong? what about Narnia?
| Posted On: 12/11/08 10:22:09 AM |
Age 29, TX |
I don't have a problem with fiction such as Toy Story. Bible Man is a little violent for my taste, but I'm not going to bash it. Fiction does not equal lies, but a fictional movie can certainly present lies such as "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause" or "Polar Express" that push the boundaries of mere fiction to teach lies to children. However, there is a great difference between a fictional story such as talking toys or super heroes then other issues that are based in satanic religion or sin. Twilight is certainly based on satanic religion (read how the author came up with the stories, from apparent spirit contact with "Edward.") It is also not without sin elements. The Narnia series is ALSO based on other religions which is why when we were given the whole BBC DVD series and the book series my husband threw them out! I really like Narnia but he is right, the pagan religious themes have no place in "Christian" literature. Our children should not be looking to them for "spiritual truth" or comparing them as many are with Twilight to Christ/the church/ect.
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looking forward to Christ's return
| Posted On: 12/11/08 08:28:14 AM |
Age 50, NE |
Yes, I too believe that God's word is being revealed before our very eyes, in the end even the elect will be deceived, and they shall call good evil and evil good....
Come Lord Jesus!
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Ridiculous?
| Posted On: 12/10/08 03:09:43 PM |
Age 39, TN |
To be fair to Ingrid Schlueter, I think she has been outspoken about the so-called "Christian fiction" that is on the shelves. This is the first article I have read on the subject of Twilight. I was already very concerned about this as I have heard from several college students who are raving about a vampire and how wonderful he is and how they would love to marry someone like him because he's not your "normal" vampire. My question is why would Christian young women be interested in watching a vampire movie? Why would they be interested in reading a vampire book? I get facebook comments from young ladies who are very caught up in this movement. I guess I'm too old to understand. Thanks Ingrid. I'm in agreement with you.
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Mainstream Christian?
| Posted On: 12/10/08 01:03:24 PM |
Age 32, IN |
What is a "Mainstream Christian"?
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"Plugged In is no "Truth Project"
| Posted On: 12/10/08 12:54:46 PM |
Age 32, IN |
I recently just completed a phone conversation with a representative from "Plugged-In". The one question that I really wanted the answer to was this; Does "Plugged-In" adhere and subscribe to the same values, morlas, ethics - biblical worldview , that Focus on the Family has worked so long and hard for over the years? I was assured that the answer to that question was yes - BUT, how can the same organization that is calling for a return to a biblical worldview (THE TRUTH PROJECT) write a review for families/children reagrding the movie without ever giving a warning? Isn't the Truth Project, which I am a part of, diabolically oppose any subject matter that would deal with the occult? Would Dr. Dobson, Dr. Tackett, or Dr. Daly take their children/grandchildren to see this movie? And, then proceed with a family roundtable discussion about the "positive family aspects" of the film? I think that answer would be a resounding NO! This movie sensationalizes the occult - how does a Christian family come away from this film or the books with anything but confusion and a distorted worldview. This type of film and relevant culture discussion is exactly what the Truth Project is trying to combat. Steven Issac, the author of the review, acted irresponsibly when posting this review. Go and listen to Eric Barger, Brannon Howse, Ingrid Schlueter, and Jan Markell to get some more perspective.
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Should Christians watch sexually immoral movies?
| Posted On: 12/10/08 08:23:01 AM |
Age 60, TX |
If you are replying to me, I was not addressing the issue of whether the people are or are not Christians to begin with. I was disagreeing that sexual immorality in movies is a Romans 14:2-4 issue.
Addressing your criticism, there is a huge difference between nude sex scenes in movies on one hand and a character afflicted with the sin of greed and pride on the other. What is it you are trying to defend? Do you think it is a good thing for Christians to pay good money to go see movies with sexual immorality? If so, why? How are Christians benefited by that? Are they spiritually edified by it? Does it strengthen their walk with Christ to watch immoral sex scenes in a movie? Please explain how it is good for a Christian to watch such filth. And if you say it does not spiritually harm them, I would greatly disagree with that. Sure it does. Nothing is spiritually neutral. It's discouraging that so many Christians do not understand this concept. Would Christ or the Apostle Paul enjoy watching a movie that contained sexual immorality? Are movies so important that we are willing to watch the sexual immorality in them? Why are movies so important?
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ridiculous
| Posted On: 12/09/08 10:59:32 PM |
Age 25, TX |
What is it with so many Christians attacking every single thing that does not follow in with their worldview? I don't believe in vampires, I don't believe in werewolves, and yet, I find redeeming things with Meyer's works. Rarely do we see a character in a novel written for teenagers who strives to live a moral life, even when the character himself is not living? Edward Cullen may be a vampire, but drinks only the blood of animals. He may be a vampire, but he refuses to do anything sexual with Bella until they wed in the forth book. And even then, nothing is explicit. I would much rather find my teenage cousins reading the Twilight saga than reading Gossip Girl, or the hideous books available in the Christian book market. You want to complain about bad books - complain about those that are poorly written, poorly edited, those that should not have been published for their sheer disregard for the English language. Complain about how your children aren't getting a proper education because they're being taught by parents whose sole educational experience was their own. Complain about how the CWN wants you to brainwash your children into following their worldview and not allow your children to think for themselves. Oh, right, sorry. Thinking for oneself is a sin. Sheesh.
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Is a little thought too much to ask?
| Posted On: 12/09/08 10:33:46 PM |
Age 25, IL |
Yes, we should be wary of associating with anything involving VAMPIRES--you know, because vampires are TOTALLY REAL and an ACTUAL THREAT.
I mean, WHAT? I thought the book was stupid and the movie was stupider, but neither matches the idiocy of this article.
You should avoid ANYTHING that doesn't exactly match your narrow little worldview? Better not walk outside, then! While you're at it, disconnect your phones and your TVs, 'cause dontcha know, your kids could talk to heretics or watch programs with bad language!
Actually, yes, go ahead and remove yourselves from the world. Please. Enjoy your circle-jerk, and leave the rest of us in peace.
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Typical christian response
| Posted On: 12/09/08 09:10:10 PM |
Age 18, OR |
After reading Mrs. Schlueter's article and 20 or so comments, I felt that I had to respond.
First, it seems that Mrs. Schlueter is amazed by the fact that Plugged in Online (which by the way is a website aimed at HELPING mainstream Christians...) would actually praise a movie such as twilight. My question is, ARE there actually moral themes in Twilight as plugged in wrote in their review? Yup. Nothing in their review is either untrue or inherently unbiblical. In fact, I get the feeling that either Mrs. Schlueter decided to stop reading the article or just skipped over the end. The entire last section of the review is dedicated to why the movie isn't really worth going to see. None the less, I appreciate the fact that PIO is at least trying to help out parents with kids that are begging to go see the movie. Plugged in, to you I would like to say bravo for giving Christians a resource of PIO's magnitude. I personally use your website to look up EVERY movie that I go see.
Now the second part of Mrs. Schlueters article talked about the powers that the "vampires" possess. With that logic I could say that the movie Sky High is "wicked" because the characters have powers. And also, no offense, but you took Deuteronomy 18:9-12 out of context. That verse is talking about men and women who uses demonic means to practice witchcraft. Twilight is just a figment of a Woman's imagination, and correct me if I am wrong but does she say where the vampires get there abilities from? Is it the devil? No. Why can't you accept twilight for what it is...a fantasy book turned into a movie. It isn't anti God, it isn't even promoting the use of witchcraft. And if anyone is wondering...I am not a twilight fan, nor have I read the books.
Mrs. Schlueter, and the posters below me, please wake up and smell the coffee. I would like to humbly suggest that your legalistic attitude is what is giving Christians a bad name. I guess this is the root of my problem with the article. You are attacking an organization that has done and will do more good then you or I will ever do for the christian community. Of course we are to be "different" from the world but that doesn't mean we need to nitpick.
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Focus on the Family Praises "Vampire"
| Posted On: 12/09/08 08:01:58 PM |
Age 65, OR |
Could this be an example of Scriptural proof that "in the last days even the elect will be deceived". Never forget that from Genesis to Matthew to Revelation the evil work of Satan is through "subtle deception".
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The Spirit of Truth
| Posted On: 12/09/08 07:27:11 PM |
Age 56, LA |
Whenever I saw the movie "Twilight" advertised as non violent, and clean, and saw the pictures of the 2 people, I researched to find out the theme of the movie. I smelled a rat. When I read that there was a vampire in it, the Spirit of Truth, which God has given us said to my spirit, "Bad." I realized that the enemy was using the clean issue to attract in order to pollute with his demonic characters, which is his M.O.-"appearing as an angel of light." But, what surprises me is where is the discernment that the Lord gives his own to lead and guide and direct our paths? As for FOTF, since I haven't really followed them for a long time now, I am assuming that they ended up at this place little by little, like the frog being cooked in the water, and they can't even see clearly anymore. Sad thing about compromise-it robs you of your discernment over time (or spiritual vision) and you lose your way. I prayed for Bro. Dobson this morning that God would restore him.
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Twilight
| Posted On: 12/09/08 04:19:39 PM |
Age 58, CO |
Thank you for this important challenge to the Christian
community.
I respect Caryl's analysis, since she grew up in
India and has first hand experience observing
the destruction of the occult.
Keep shining the light!!!
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re: what to tell my teens
| Posted On: 12/09/08 03:57:41 PM |
Age 29, TX |
Just have them read how the author came to write the stories. She had vivid dreams of the characters. "Scaringly, Meyer's fictional character Edward took on the "terrifying" form of "real" spirit when it leapt from the pages of her saga and communicated with her in a dream. She says she had an additional dream after Twilight was finished when her vampire character Edward came to visit and speak to her. The Edward who visited her in the night told her she'd got it all wrong because he DID drink human blood, and could not "live" on ONLY animal blood as she wrote in the story. She said, “We had this conversation and he was terrifying.” http://carylmatrisciana.com/x2/content/view/81/1/
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