Can Movies really change your faith?

[Moviefan2k4]

Man, you expressed everything in a way I couldn't do it. Really, I agree with you 100%.

Thanks for your support; I appreciate it.

 

[Ring Deacon]

Im have to agree with Moviefan on one thing. When you see enough of something it does deaden you to it. Just look at TV now, 10 - 15 years ago you didn't see the type of shows that are on now. The most sex you saw on TV was in soaps and even that was toned down to the point where you didn't see anything but a bare back. But now you can turn on any show and see as much skin as you would in a PG 13 movie. And the language that is used even on so called family shows has changed. As well as violence on TV. There is so much of all three on TV that we as a people have become used to (or deadened) too it. This isn't something that happened over night or all at once. But little by little, they have pushed what they can do on TV. Now it is like they may as well go all R rated on every show, because no-one would notice. So yes media can deaden you to what they are showing if you see enough of it.

That doesn't mean if you watch enough horror movies you'll become a murderer, but it does mean you will be indiferent to what you see, and not care about it.

It is funny how more people complain about a Christian movie telling you about God's love, then people complaining about movies about a guy with an axe chopping up teenage girls in their underwear. That to me means the Devil has won and has made us all blind to what is really going on.

See as a parent, I would much rather have my son see a movie with a married couple making love then movie with someone killing people. But then again it depends on the story, if it makes sense for the story for there to be sex or violence in some form then yes it can be in the movie. But do we really need the gore? Do we really need a movie telling a kid that your parents are wrong listen to us because we are right (GC does this)?

 

[Steve Rogers]

It's rather heartbreaking, to be honest, that so many people judge Christianity by the acts of so-called "followers", instead of basing their view on Christ Himself.

Folks don't need religion pumped into their heads...they need a relationship with God through Christ in their heart.

A person's resistance to the enemy is directly connected to their relationship with God. But like all relationships, they must grow.

If I understand this correctly, and I hope I do, all I can say is:

 

[Alina]

Thanks for your support; I appreciate it.

I really do feel the same; I'm just not good with words. And it's really hard just watching how I'm been taken for a fool, because I believe in God, by people who don't even know me. I want to thank you for speaking in the name of those like me.

 

[Alina]

Has less to do with "evil people" than the fact that most religious people of all creeds are judgmental, myopic and controlling.

You're talking about people of all beliefs and from all times. That's the human race, man. These are the people. We are like that. And no, you're not like that because of your faith, you are like that because you twist everything the way you like without thinking of the consequences. And then, others find so easy to blame everything on God and religion. It's so easy to blame everyone and everything but your own nature.

 

[Figs]

Heh, yeah. Equality sucks, amirite guys?


'Cause, its not like there are liberal Christians, or anything.

There are, but those people need to seriously read into things more. Being both Christian and Liberal you must have a number of views that would contradict each other.

Then again...that really all depends on if your a conservative or not.

 

[Downhere]

Man, you expressed everything in a way I couldn't do it. Really, I agree with you 100%.

Definitely agree. I know there are those who are often in conflict with Moviefan, but I always find his posts expressed in an intelligent and thoughtful manner and filled with a great deal of wisdom and knowledge.

 

[Steve Rogers]

Definitely agree. I know there are those who are often in conflict with Moviefan, but I always find his posts expressed in an intelligent and thoughtful manner and filled with a great deal of wisdom and knowledge.

Oh I know. I actually have this thing; I'm kind of fascinated by relegion and as a result I like to get into inteligent debates with Moviefan. But I know a lot of people on here that call him names and tell him he's stupid and crap like that. And Moviefan never stoops to their level. He takes a firm stance on what he believes, he stays away from the petty flamming, he is passionate about what he is saying and he communicates his points with inteligence and class; and eventhough we don't usually see eye to eye, that makes him okay in my book.

 

[Figs]

Oh I know. I actually have this thing; I'm kind of fascinated by relegion and as a result I like to get into inteligent debates with Moviefan. But I know a lot of people on here that call him names and tell him he's stupid and crap like that. And Moviefan never stoops to their level. He takes a firm stance on what he believes, he stays away from the petty flamming, he is passionate about what he is saying and he communicates his points with inteligence and class; and eventhough we don't usually see eye to eye, that makes him okay in my book.

It's just sad that more people can't keep decent, open minded, respectable debates like that.

It's funny and ignorant that there are a lot of fools out there that always label religious arguments "Taboo" or "Touchy subjects". It's possible to keep a civil debate/argument on religion without a bunch of flaming going on.

 

[Steve Rogers]

It's just sad that more people can't keep decent, open minded, respectable debates like that.

It's funny and ignorant that there are a lot of fools out there that always label religious arguments "Taboo" or "Touchy subjects". It's possible to keep a civil debate/argument on religion without a bunch of flaming going on.

Well, relegion can be taboo. What is it? Sex, politics and relegion are the three things you never discuss because you will always upset someone? Sex usually gives way to humor, but politics and relegion always, on this board at least, turns into name calling and broad generalizations. That's why I like this thread. None of that going on here. Here and the "What Makes a Film Dated" thread was another thread that went on and on back forth with different views and different opinions and not one "You're stupid, dumbass! You don't know what your are talking about because it is different than what I am saying." And I am getting really sick and tired of those threads.

Has the actual topic of this thread been beaten into the ground yet? My view is that if a piece of writing can change one's faith, why can't a movie? Discuss.

 

[Moviefan2k4]

First off, thanks to Downhere, Alina, and Steve for their kind words; it's a blessing.

Second, i think you have a point Steve. Unlike books, which leave the majority of their stories to the reader's imagination, films are much more visual, and as such their power to persuade is more prevalent. This isn't always a good thing, though, because some people can be deceived by the enemy (or their own foolishness), and led astray into dangerous waters.

What most people fail to realize is that Christians are fighting a daily war, and it's not against flesh and blood, but rather the powers of hell bombarding the planet and its citizens. Satan is very real, and there will be a time when he'll try and rule the world. But before that happens, we all have a choice: for God through Christ, or against Him completely. Movies are used by both sides to present both good and evil situations. If people stopped watching splatterfests or smut films, they'd no longer be produced, and the general morale of the audience would improve dramatically as a result.

Oh, and in my opinion, people avoid sexual discussions because they're either ashamed or scared; political because they're afraid of upsetting or offending anyone, and religion for the same reason. We need to get back on the ball and focus on the truth, rather than pursuing everything else.

 

[ChickenScratch]

I'm an atheist and a fan of Pullman too. Loved the books really.

Point is, I always was an atheist and there's nothing that can make me change my mind about that. So no, a movie could never change my belief system. I don't use the word faith because I by definition is belief without proof and I'm a person of hard fact and evidence.

I don't mind the religious sort though. Interesting people, my uncle's a priest and on my dad's side of the family is Hindu so I've been around religious people my whole life. What I don't like is being made to listen to sermons about my soul, I'm not gonna change because of a good talking to.

 

[Steve Rogers]

Point is, I always was an atheist and there's nothing that can make me change my mind about that. So no, a movie could never change my belief system. .

No disrespect intended, but don't you think that kind of thinking is dangerous? You've already made up your mind that you can't change your beliefs? Jesus, good thing the US population didn't think like that when it came to say, slavery.

 

[Moviefan2k4]

Just curious, Steve: do you find it dangerous for a Christian to say, "I am a follower of Jesus Christ, and nothing can change my mind about it"?

I still agree with Downhere's signature quote from C.S. Lewis, which states, "Atheists express their rage against God, although in their view He does not exist". If atheists truly have zero belief in Jesus, or the existence of God, then why do they become so angry towards those who do? It simply doesn't make any sense.

 

[ChickenScratch]

My reasons are based on logic and not faith. I don't believe in god or any other religious figure for my own reason. I don't ever think thinking is dangerous, that's how I came to my conclusions. You finding my line of thought offensive? Your views are yours and mine are mine, I don't think you are in a position to speak of my way of thinking as being dangerous.

I'm not even gonna comment on your slavery analogy.

 

[Steve Rogers]

Just curious, Steve: do you find it dangerous for a Christian to say, "I am a follower of Jesus Christ, and nothing can change my mind about it"?

Yes. Yes I do. I think it is dangerous to think that one's mind can not be changed about anything. If we all decided to never change our minds we'd still be living in the Dark Ages. Free thinking and being open to new ideas is what fuels progress.

 

[Steve Rogers]

My reasons are based on logic and not faith. I don't believe in god or any other religious figure for my own reason. I don't ever think thinking is dangerous, that's how I came to my conclusions. You finding my line of thought offensive? Your views are yours and mine are mine, I don't think you are in a position to speak of my way of thinking as being dangerous.

I'm not even gonna comment on your slavery analogy.

I never said I found them offensive. I was asking you if you think that kind of thinking is dangerous? I was also asking you if you've already made up your mind to the point where nothing can change your beliefs. I never projected any offense on you, so please, do not take any. I was simply trying to get a better understanding of where you are coming from.

 

[FrostBite]

That doesn't mean if you watch enough horror movies you'll become a murderer, but it does mean you will be indiferent to what you see, and not care about it.

It is funny how more people complain about a Christian movie telling you about God's love, then people complaining about movies about a guy with an axe chopping up teenage girls in their underwear. That to me means the Devil has won and has made us all blind to what is really going on.

See as a parent, I would much rather have my son see a movie with a married couple making love then movie with someone killing people. But then again it depends on the story, if it makes sense for the story for there to be sex or violence in some form then yes it can be in the movie. But do we really need the gore? Do we really need a movie telling a kid that your parents are wrong listen to us because we are right (GC does this)?

I agree with you... to a point. I've played some of the most violent videogames (Such as Manhunt which sturs tons of controversy), watched some of the most brutal movies... but still as of yet, am not desensitized.

I still squirm, I still turn my head and cringe... heck half the time in a horror movie I look away from the screen and stare at a chair as to not flinch like a little girl! But I enjoy a dark flick from time to time. (On the other hand, I love family friendly stuff too, weird right? I mean I am going to see I am Legend, and then in the next few days, Alvin and the Chipmunks...)

Though, I heard someone bring up the movie Saw, and while I do love the old slasher films of yesteryear (Freddy), Saw just had... no, freaking point to it's violence. It was a toture fest which left me feeling like "Did it really have to exist?"




On the other hand me and my Psychology teacher had a nice chat a few years back about violent images, story, gore and such. He clued me into the fact that we as a race are at one of our most peaceful points in existance. That people used to take BABIES to hangings, it was a family event to watch a murderer die.

Which tells me the devil has NOT won, it tells me that although we do like violence we as a people would best keep it confined to media, to make believe, to prostetics, than to actual commit or take part in these acts.

Sex on the other hand? Eh.. I feel like it should be left to adult material. If someone wants to watch a dirty movie or whatever... that's their business, but I don't want it carelessly thrown into a film for no apparent reason such as... 300, here is a movie about a revolution, but hey why not throw in a 4 minute softcore porn scene for good measure?

And when I know that kids have sat down and watched "Desperate Housewives" with their mothers it breaks my heart.

Although I am usually one to say, kids can handle more than we think (and they can) when it comes to violence and sex in media... I don't think sex should try to be plugged into EVERYTHING and it is most definately.

Edit: I don't know about GC telling kids not to listen to parents, but my mother always taught me to think for myself as she left some guidance on the side. I was always older than my years. Had I had listened to my father at all in my youth, I wouldn't have come out half as good as a person.

So if the movie encourages free thinking I am all for it, but how it approaches it I am not sure as I have yet to see it. I might disagree when I see how it's applied.

 

[FrostBite]

Yes. Yes I do. I think it is dangerous to think that one's mind can not be changed about anything. If we all decided to never change our minds we'd still be living in the Dark Ages. Free thinking and being open to new ideas is what fuels progress.

Just so you know, I all of a sudden like you. I have to agree with you on every point there.

 

[ChickenScratch]

I never said I found them offensive. I was asking you if you think that kind of thinking is dangerous? I was also asking you if you've already made up your mind to the point where nothing can change your beliefs. I never projected any offense on you, so please, do not take any. I was simply trying to get a better understanding of where you are coming from.

I'm all about free thinking and that's one of the reasons I do not choose religion. I did not say either that my mind can't be changed, if I'm given proof I'm compelled to change. Just like in any other matter I weigh fact and logic above, not feeling, faith or any other dreamed up thing. As the son of a scientist and economist and with a degree in journalism I'm by nature made to seek truth. My truth in the case of religion is I've not seen plausible proof.

 

[Steve Rogers]

I'm all about free thinking and that's one of the reasons I do not choose religion. I did not say either that my mind can't be changed, if I'm given proof I'm compelled to change. Just like in any other matter I weigh fact and logic above, not feeling, faith or any other dreamed up thing. As the son of a scientist and economist and with a degree in journalism I'm by nature made to seek truth. My truth in the case of religion is I've not seen plausible proof.

Well that all sounds completely different than what you said before. No, I agree with what you are saying here. Earlier you sounded if your mind could not, would not be changed. That's what I was commenting on. But what you have said here makes much more sense. See? I meant no disrespect. I was trying to understand what you meant.

 

[Steve Rogers]

Just so you know, I all of a sudden like you. I have to agree with you on every point there.

Thanks FrostBite. I like you too.

 

[Moviefan2k4]

I think it is dangerous to think that one's mind can't be changed about anything. If we all decided to never change our minds we'd still be living in the Dark Ages. Free thinking and being open to new ideas is what fuels progress.

This reminds me of something I've heard many times: "It doesn't matter what you believe, so long as your sincere." That statement is rife with deceit. One of many problems with the world is that no one believes in absolute truth anymore. Instead, everyone wants to redefine it for themselves, when God laid down a permanent standard to begin with. To best illustrate my point, allow me to use a rather simple example...the wind.

If you hold a feather upright in a windstorm, you notice that it moves, and yet you don't see the air currents moving the object. You see the effect, but not the source. Now, release the feather, and you see that it floats away. The effect is present, and yet the only evidence of the source is the result...you don't actually see the wind carrying it.

Now, when talking about Jesus, this is basically the same, only we're dealing in a spiritual sense. If a person has Christ in their life, then their actions will reflect His presence. They will become the evidence of a invisible source.

Let's say that in this illustration, God is the hand, and Christians are the feather. When a "windstorm" or calamity blows in their lives, they have Someone to depend on, because they know He's looking out for them. But for an unbeliever, they're like the released feather. The proverbial "wind" comes along, spinning them out of control because they have no foundation.

Jesus Himself used another comparison, in the parable of two men who built houses. One built his upon the sand, the other upon the rock. When the wind and waters came, the house on sand was destroyed, while the house on the rock stood firm. What He was saying is that God is the Almighty Rock for us to build our spiritual lives on, and if we refuse, then we are at the mercy of our circumstances.

 

[ChickenScratch]

No offense. As I said in my first entry in this thread, I've got no problem with people of all beliefs, every man has his answer to the question. But to the real meaning of the thread, if one's belief is changed by a movie then it was pretty belief anyway.

Oh, and what I do with my soul is my business not anyone else's.

 

[FrostBite]

This reminds me of something I've heard many times: "It doesn't matter what you believe, so long as your sincere." That statement is rife with deceit. One of many problems with the world is that no one believes in absolute truth anymore. Instead, everyone wants to redefine it for themselves, when God laid down a permanent standard to begin with. To best illustrate my point, allow me to use a rather simple example...the wind.

If you hold a feather upright in a windstorm, you notice that it moves, and yet you don't see the air currents moving the object. You see the effect, but not the source. Now, release the feather, and you see that it floats away. The effect is present, and yet the only evidence of the source is the result...you don't actually see the wind carrying it.

Now, when talking about Jesus, this is basically the same, only we're dealing in a spiritual sense. If a person has Christ in their life, then their actions will reflect His presence. They will become the evidence of a invisible source.

Let's say that in this illustration, God is the hand, and Christians are the feather. When a "windstorm" or calamity blows in their lives, they have Someone to depend on, because they know He's looking out for them. But for an unbeliever, they're like the released feather. The proverbial "wind" comes along, spinning them out of control because they have no foundation.

Jesus Himself used another comparison, in the parable of two men who built houses. One built his upon the sand, the other upon the rock. When the wind and waters came, the house on sand was destroyed, while the house on the rock stood firm. What He was saying is that God is the Almighty Rock for us to build our spiritual lives on, and if we refuse, then we are at the mercy of our circumstances.

I'll give you one thing, you've got a way with words, definately can elegantly strand them together.

I don't know if you mean that people whom don't have religion are out of control or not, but if you did, I know plenty of "Christian-Like" Athiests. Actually, they probably follow the word of the Lord better and are better people than me.

On the other hand, I've know some incredibly religious people who arn't very good people in the least. They claim to be but through their actions they show that they don't even follow the religion that they preach to others.

The point I try to bring here is, religions ARE a great thing, and God does support us just as the hand with the feather. BUT, that does not apply to each individual through my examples. (Not saying people don't need God, just saying those without, are not always out of control people.)

But in anycase that's just all IN MY OPINION (just pointing out cuz I don't want to offend anyone.)