‘Twilight’: A Spiritually Confused Reminder For Christian Parents
by Ted BaehrThis past weekend, over 12 million people voted with their entertainment dollars to see “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.” Several million were no doubt church-going teenagers and young adults..” Several million were no doubt church-going teenagers and young adults.
“New Moon” is a spiritually confused, dangerous work.
On the one hand, it metaphorically asks the question, “How can I overcome my sinful nature and save my soul?” Thus, the “good” vampires in the movie are constantly trying to overcome their lust for human blood, often succeeding but sometimes failing. On the other hand, the movie’s heroine decides she wants to risk the possibility of losing her soul by becoming a vampire so that she can be with the vampire she loves.
Jesus Christ is very clear about the real spiritual dangers in this second message when He asks His disciples in Mark 8:36, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”
The average American citizen today, however (especially the nation’s young people), is biblically illiterate. They do not take seriously the theological teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles in the New Testament documents.
Numerous polls have confirmed that about 76% of Americans consider themselves to be Christian. Recently, however, USA Today noted that 70% of Americans were unable to name the Ten Commandments. In fact, another recent survey found that Americans were more familiar with the ingredients of a Big Mac hamburger than they were the Ten Commandments, including the command, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).
Also, according to a survey this past spring by the Barna Research Group, only 9% of Americans have a biblical worldview where they said they have made a personal to commitment to Jesus Christ that is important in their life today and that they are certain that they will go to Heaven after they die only because they confessed their sins and accepted Christ as their savior.
Faced with such spiritual confusion and biblical illiteracy, is it any wonder that “New Moon” almost broke the record for an opening weekend at the box office in the U.S. and Canada? almost broke the record for an opening weekend at the box office in the U.S. and Canada?
The Christian Life
We live in a culture where physical health and getting government handouts are a higher priority than spiritual vitality and theological knowledge.
The Christian life, however, is about living for Jesus Christ and abiding in Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. If Jesus is Lord of your life, He is Lord of your entertainment choices. When you pay for evil movies, you tell God, “You’re not the Lord of me. I’ll do whatever I want.”
The consequence of ignoring God when selecting entertainment is that you push God away. When you push God away, He’s not as close as you’d like when you want Him to be.
Jesus Christ paid the price to restore your relationship to God. You do not earn this relationship by obedience, but you do nurture it. God draws closer to those who draw close to Him.
When you buy tickets to spiritually confused and biblically illiterate witchcraft and vampire movies, or nasty sex comedies, you are NOT drawing closer to God. You are pulling away. You do damage to the most important relationship in your life. God BLESSES those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. When you don’t care about righteousness, you miss out on the best that God has for you and your life.
You may think, “Oh, it’s not a big thing. “New Moon” is just a dumb movie.”
There is no little thing with God, however. To label anything as something God doesn’t care about is to miss the depth of His love for you. He cares about you from the food you eat to the person you marry, from the movies you watch to the career you chose. He wants the BEST for you. You get the best of God by nurturing a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Social Consequences
Our society is made up of people inspired to engage in righteousness or sin. The more who hunger for righteousness, the more honesty, integrity, courtesy, kindness and compassion you will see in the culture. The more people who hunger and thirst for sex, drugs, self-gratification, money, and fame, the nastier your community will be. Rapists, pedophiles, thieves, and murderers are not living by the divine power of God or His Word, the Bible.
Today, the media defines what’s fashionable, and your vote at the box office has a profound impact on what the media will provide in the future. Buy tickets to bad movies and you’ll see more bad movies made. Buy tickets to wholesome movies and you’ll see more wholesome movies made.
The impact of this weekend on the entertainment industry will be profound.
“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” produced the third largest opening weekend in history. Had the churchgoers who bought tickets gone to see “The Blind Side” instead, the message the studios got would have been RADICALLY different. While “The Blind Side” did well, it will not be what defines the box office this weekend.
The Church – in particular parents and youth ministers – needs to understand the importance of media wisdom. The choices that Christian youths make not only impact their walk with God, they CHANGE THE WORLD.
If everyone who considers himself Christian made wise media choices, America would change. The media would be redeemed. We could export to the world movies that glorify God and minister to hurting people. Instead millions of churchgoers vote for more hell on earth with their box office dollars and their television remote.
The best source of information on how to teach your family or students how to be media wise is “The Culture-Wise Family” I co-wrote with Pat Boone.
Cultural Collapse
The United States and Western Europe are on the edge of cultural collapse, brought about, to a large degree, by the mass media of entertainment, along with the public schools and other institutions of mass cultural destruction.
According to Cornell University, nine out of 10 children abandon the values of their parents. According to USA Today, 83% of the youth leave the church, and 80% of the parents are very worried about their children and the mass media of entertainment’s influence on them. A new study of 16- to 29-year-olds by the Barna Research Group shows that America’s youths are growing more resistant and skeptical to Christianity than were people of the same age a decade ago. Thus, currently only 16% of young non-Christians said they have a “good impression” of Christianity and only 3% have a favorable view of evangelicals, compared to 25% of young non-Christians viewing evangelicals in the Baby Boomer generation.
Many Christian parents are concerned about the influence of media violence on their children, but many of those who are concerned don’t know what to do about the problem. The good news is that there are effective ways to teach your children to be media-wise.
Five Pillars of Media Wisdom
As the director of the TV Center at City University of New York, we helped develop some of the first media literacy courses in the late 1970s. Since then, years of research have produced a very clear understanding of the best way to teach media literacy. Specifically, there are five pillars of media wisdom that will help build the culture-wise family.
Pillar 1: Understand the influence of the media on your children. In the wake of the Columbine High School massacre, CBS President Leslie Moonves put it quite bluntly: “Anyone who thinks the media has nothing to do with this is an idiot.” The major medical associations have concluded that there is absolutely no doubt that those who are heavy viewers of violence demonstrate increased acceptance of aggressive attitudes and aggressive behavior. Of course, media is only one part of the problem – a problem that could be summed up with the sage biblical injunction, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Cor. 15:33). As the results of thousands of studies on youth violence prove, watching media violence causes violence among children. Bad company corrupts good character – whether that bad company is gangs, peer pressure or violent movies, video games and television programs.
Pillar 2: Ascertain your children’s susceptibility at each stage of cognitive development. Not only do children see the media differently at each stage of development, but also different children are susceptible to different stimuli. As the research of the National Institute of Mental Health revealed many years ago, some children want to copy media violence, some are susceptible to other media influences, some become afraid, and many become desensitized. Just as an alcoholic would be inordinately tempted by a beer commercial, so certain types of media may tempt or influence your child at his or her specific stage of development.
Pillar 3: Teach your children how the media communicates its message. Just as children spend the first 14 years of their lives learning grammar with respect to the written word, they also need to be taught the grammar of twenty-first-century mass media so that they can think critically about the messages being programmed for them.
Pillar 4: Help your children know the fundamentals of Christian faith. Children need to be taught the fundamentals of Christian faith so that they can apply their beliefs and moral values to the culture and to the mass media of entertainment. Of course, parents typically have an easier time than teachers with this pillar because they can freely discuss their personal beliefs. Yet, even so, it is interesting to note that cultural and media literacy and values education are two of the fastest growing areas in the academic community – a trend most likely due to the fact that educators are beginning to realize that something is amiss.
Pillar 5: Help your children learn how to ask the right questions. When children know the right questions to ask, they can arrive at the right answers to the problems presented by the mass media of entertainment. For instance, if the hero in the movie your child is watching wins by murdering and mutilating his victims, will your children be able to question this hero’s behavior, no matter how likable that character may be?
Educating the Heart
Theodore Roosevelt said, if we educate a man’s mind but not his heart, we will get an educated barbarian. Cultural and media wisdom involves educating the heart so that it will make the right decisions.
So, how can you protect the eyes of innocence of your children and grandchildren? How can you redeem the culture?
• Teach your family to be CULTURE-WISE.
• Become informed – visit www.movieguide.org daily.
• Spend your entertainment dollars wisely.
• Support the Christian Film & Television Commission®.
Don’t vote for spiritual confusion and cultural collapse. Vote with God and Jesus Christ. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Media Wisdom, and the fear of the Lord is to shun evil and overcome evil with good (Proverbs 8:13 and Romans 12:21).
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211 Comments
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Big Hollywood, Michael Chavez and DNC DUDES, Mr. Pink. Mr. Pink said: ‘Twilight’: A Spiritually Confused Reminder For Christian Parents http://tinyurl.com/yzqa25u [...]
The End Is Nigh
really? for a fantasy novel? do we really need to remind our teenagers every time they read/watch a fantasy/sci-fi story that it is a FANTASY?
Okay then, remind them.
OMG, it's DANGEROUS!!
Chill out, dude. It actually suggests humans have souls – at least millions of tweenybopper twihards have now encountered that idea and maybe even debated it over cheese fries at lunch with their friends.
This is a wonderful important article for me personally. So I'm e-mailing it to all my Show-biz friends. Who are like yours truly always in a quandary about what projects to get involved in. Thank you so much Mr Ted . Your kind of an Angel in your way or rather… In His Way. Thanks Again.
I would like to point out that nowhere in this piece did Mr. Baehr say that a child should be raised in a Christian environment. He did suggest, and I fully second, the wisdom of creating an appreciation for the philosophy of Christianity. Without knowledge of the basic tenents of good vs. evil, the "gray area" one encounters so often in life gets pretty wide.
You're an idiot.
I hate that Big Hollywood is turning into Focus on the Family.
I for one appreciate this article and am going to show it to my daughter. She does not like the relationship between Bella and Edward. On the one hand, I am of the view that this too shall pass as yet another pop culture phenomenon with nominal side effects…on the other hand, I do think there are some salient points to be made about the kinds of messages this story is sending out. Let's just say I am rather skeptical of Twilights 'Christian' message. As a Christian myself, I do not think the most important things to be said of a spiritual search for God can be made through a young teen who is obsessed over a supernatural creature and has an unhealthy descent into depression because the relationship doesnt work out. The fact that the author is Mormon does not automatically label it a good story, any more than saying that the owner of a questionable enterprise is a hard-core church goer and therefore above reproach. I keep thinking : is this the best that can be done?
So thank you – I had been wondering why my own feelings about the subject matter were coming up but I couldnt define them very well.
Either you are liberal anti-christian troll, or you SERIOUSLY need to attend some sunday school.
I'm Roman. That's all you need to know. You may call them "Christian", but I don't care about your Sunday school fairytales.
Right on!
Please, let's lay off the one or two psuedo-friendlies out there and remember that these people AREN'T CHRISTIANS. You can't expect them to acknowledge what they don't believe in, but when they get pretty close, let's give em kudos and ENCOURAGE them the rest of the way.
oh for heaven's sake… ever heard of "love conquers all" ? obviously, this movie is not intended for balding, bespectacled, old guys with 'christian persecution' issues. it's a teen-crush vampire fantasy, not a treatise on the decline and fall of civilization. lighten up, grampa !
Number one, it's fiction. It's not a new philosophy. It's not a new religion to compete with Christianity. It is in fact authored by a devout Mormon woman that was trying to give young girls a relatively clean alternative to much of the sex laden crap that passes for literature these days. This just goes to show, no good deed goes unpunished. The author is attacked from the left because her books are too goody goody, and she's attacked from guys like this because, well, I haven't quite figured that out yet. Just what is this guys' beef? There's a danger here in confirming the left's stereotype of Christians as a group that's terrified that someone, somewhere, may be having fun.
"The only CHRISTIAN commandment is to love your enemies."
Yeah, lets just ignore that whole "No one comes to the Father but through me" worship of Jesus stuff. You know, the reason the religion exists in the first place. You're not a Roman. You're a troll. Get thee under the bridge, Huffington Post reader.
Tacit-us – love your enemy certainly is not the only Christian command. However, you sound so filled with hate – "I despise you, I despise you, I despise you" – it sounds like you must have a lot of "enemies" to love.
"No one comes to the Father but through me". GJohn, late, rewritten, imperial dogma. I'm more of a GMark kinda guy.
I'm a huge fan of Twilight and a Christian.
I read the books and watch the movies for fun.
That's all the series is. Fluffy fun.
I can't help but laugh at people who start analyzing and dissecting it.
Lemme see, we've got an anti-Catholic Protestant, and anti-Jew, anti-Protestant Catholic, and now there's me — anti-Both youse guys. You're wasting your lives debating which version of a fairy tale is true.
These people AREN'T REAL! (You are talking about the characters in the book, aren't you?)
There is Biblical authority for Dobson's work. Turn to II Confabulations, Verses 9-12:
"And he toiled not in the vineyards, nor labored he in the fields; and though he knew not his ass from a HOLE IN THE EARTH, yeah, verily; and though he couldst not find his own ass with both hands, praise Whatever, he prospered might-eh-lehhhhhhh, for he could talk that SHITE-tuh….."
LOL – That was the best comment here! Way to go.
God told him to hate Jews and Protestants. No, really, He did.
I, too, have plenty of problems with Twilight, for the philosophical reasons already mentioned, and because I just think it's crap overall. However, I don't think it's quite as bad as what's being suggested here. You could certainly take it in that direction, of course, but considering the author considers herself a devout Mormon, I think she's only guilty of writing an extremely shallow set of books.
My wife and daughter went to see it. I could care less it looks damn boring. My wife said that just about all the people there were woman. Obviously a chick flick. As far as religion it is simple. Either it is true or not. If it is true the asshats that trash it and live corrupt lives will rot in hell. If it is not well they will be dead and rot like the rest of us someday. I believe in God but could care less what others do.
How can the OT be "crap"? The NT quotes or refers to the OT more than 2000 times. Jesus Himself referred to Noah, Moses, Daniel and David. And if I may quote Luke 24:27 – "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. "
1. The book and movies are fiction
2. So, every other movie in Hollywood is okay to watch? Just not the one written by a Mormon (yeah, I looked it up in Wikipedia because I thought, I would a fundamentalist bigot go to such lengths to cry about this movie when there are so many movies with much worse themes out there? why would he do this? why does he sit back and watch all the adultery and fornication in movies and on tv and not write an article about ALL of that? but has the time to write about this movie–ah, because a mormon wrote it.
3. As a Baptist (and yes I have mormon friends, and yes I talk to them) I actually thought this movie was fiction and appreciate the fact that no one was sleeping around and the vulgarity was kept to a minimum. why couldn't you write about that?
4. you must be a very miserable person
Great article! I think a big danger is to brush things off as 'oh, it's harmless', when really everything we feed into our minds and hearts has an effect. It may be small, but it is cumulative. We must always be on our guard. Nothing paranoid about that…it's just the way it is for now:
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12
While I don't disagree with the tone of the article I don't thing you should use statistics verifying bad Theology to prove your point.
"…only 9% of Americans have a biblical worldview where they said they have made a personal to commitment to Jesus Christ that is important in their life today and that they are certain that they will go to Heaven after they die only because they confessed their sins and accepted Christ as their savior. "
One doesn't have to accept Christ as their Savior to be saved. One has to be baptized and believe. Get over your egos people, Christ does the work. He first comes to us and saves us.
I saw this movie with my niece and actually enjoyed it. We should have dragged her brother Diego along so he could see how cool guys can treat girls with respect too. That's what this movie showed — cool guys treating girls with the utmost of respect. No premarital sex, no fooling around, not so much as a kiss. That's why I give this movie the thumbs up.
twilight is stupid, jesus christ is stupid, therefore this article is doubly stupid.
Hey, I have to call you out on this one.
There's no reason to call the poor woman a Moron.
Oh, sorry, you said Mormon. Never mind…
LOL — Superior comment. Thanks very much.
Nonononononono. I mean the author, or, more generally, the handful of people turning out harmless, even vaguely moral material for mass consumption.
There is nothing wrong, per se, with a story of struggle across cultural lines in the name of love. And if a writer wants to couch it in a popular meme that's ok. But when our culture slides into the entertainment arena of blindly accepting anything BUT time honored principles – principles that many believe our country to be founded upon – then "guys like" us will speak up and expect to be heard.
Same reason there's a whole sea change in the political landscape. Enough people have had enough crap thrown in their faces, and it's time to subject some common sense on the whole situation. People like this writer see the problem is not just this or that, but a whole lot of things, and we need to start realizing how one thing in our society impacts everything else.
As a fan of Big Hollywood, I was surprised to read this article. No one could disagree with the fact that movies have played a big role in contributing to the ever increased coarsening of our culture. However, for heaven's sake……the Twilight series is way down on this list. First, Meyers is a great story teller, if not a good enough writer for the literary crowd. She connects with girls/womens feelings of that first teenage love and the angst that accompanies it. The characters may be unreal, but the qualities they present are positive…….who doesn't want a love that cares deeply, respects you, treats you with kindness and who's first concern is your happiness and security. Compared to the violence, sex, language and general overall crudeness of some films, Twilight might deal in fantasy, but you don't cringe in your seat when you are viewing it. Perhaps the fantasy is so much more appealing because the world we live in has deteriorated into such a mess.
The kids who think Jesus is stupid are the future child molesters, child murderers, child porn producters, rapists, drug dealers, Madolfs, violent gang bangers, pot rots behind the wheel, other drugged stupefied drivers, terrorists, doowops who thiink 'No God here.'.
doowop, do child molesters agree with you?
guest, he wrote what was important to him. You must be a control freak.
Besides raw political power invested in an emperor, the movies are the closest thing Man has come up with where he can be God.
The movie maker can create the universe, create its population by fiat ex nihilo, write its laws or lack thereof and remove all consequence.
The best we had before was a good story around a fire, then a book or a stage play. Not that effective.
Now we have 3-D high def virtual reality. All of our senses and emotions are touched. All the people are beautiful. Sin and its consequences does not exist because there is no law in that universe. Without law there is no sin.
We think we are so modern, but we are simply practicing the first sin: wanting to be as God.
HumanPersonJr, do sex slave owners think as you do? You know, people who don't live to honor God.
Hey, doowop, (or is it d-g sh-t wop?) that absolutely brilliant comment of yours must have taken you all of roughly 60 minutes to formulate, since it probably took your brain that long to ascend from the depths of whatever oozing slimepit it habituates itself in. It truly amazes me that there are still cretins like you sucking oxygen out of the atmosphere while you tool on through life uttering moral imbecilities like "jesus christ is stupid." And is Squiggy one of your t.v. heroes? I'll bet you spend all of your downtime while not being a Paul Blart clone at the mall watching all his shows. Gee, well THAT might explain why you don't know that JESUS CHRIST is the savior of around 4 BILLION PEOPLE on this planet. And "twilight" MAY be stupid, but YOUR comment re jesus christ and twilight, well now, THAT'S what i would REALLY call ST-O-O-O-PID. Shades of FORREST GUMP! Anyway, GOD BLESS ALL—–MARKRITE
el_polacko, ever heard of the God honoring idea of respecting elders? Do child porn producers like your self-centered, 'look at the cool stuff I wrote', attitude?
I'm still trying to decide how I feel about this post. I'm not a censorship kind of gal, and that may not be what is being suggested here, but it seems awfully close to wanting to put "Twilight" into the same kind of anti-Christian category some people put Harry Potter because of the fantasy elements. I like fantasy, though I pretty much think "Twilight" is angst ridden crap. (Sorry "Twilight" fans, I just don't like it). But saying that "Twilight" fits into an "evil" is a bit much to me. The message went astray for me at that point and the post seemed to move into the zealotry category. Just my 2 cents.
I generally agree. I find heavy violence far more objectionable than teen angst.
XYZ, I like how Big Hollywood has the freedom to allow writers it chooses to have, including your worthless comment.
What an incredibly funny joke…. wait… you're an idiot. Never mind…
if not they're stupid too.
If I recall correctly, Jesus specifically referenced the Ten Commandments as God's laws. Someone more scholarly with the bible than I am might remember the exact passage. I believe it's one of the times when someone asks him how they get to Heaven. I'm sorry I can't provide the exact quote.
So, yes, the Ten Commandments did appear in the New Testament. Jesus was not only a Jew, but even in his death he extended his love and forgiveness to the Jews. Those who put together the Holy Bible chose to include the Old Testament. If you don't trust them then how can you trust the books they chose to include in the New Testament?
But then, your rant doesn't come off Christian to me at all, so I have to agree with those who think you're anti-Christian. Sorry.
I don't really agree with this post on several points. I don't like Twilight, but I understand why teens and women do. I don't like the messages it conveys. I said it before on the other Twilight thread and I just think it's very important to keep abreast of the pop culture your kids are being exposed to. So you know where they've picked up certain behaviors and you can help guide them, like parents are supposed to do.
Most of all, I think it's important for people to give their kids a strong foundation in faith, so it's not in danger because of some fantasy story.
I was reading a Nancy Drew book tonight with my daughter and the author was talking up the New Deal as having been key in ending the Great Depression. I think that kind of BS is at least as dangerous as the literary fantasy genre.
You win for the most ignorant statement I have ever seen on this site or any other.
Perhaps if you yourself weren't so biblically illiterate you'd know that Jesus was a Jew who upheld (and then fulfilled the prophecies of) the Old Testament.
Ain't it! I have read some idiocy on the internet but I honestly don't think I've seen anything quite so ridiculous, ignorant and insulting! Truly unbelievable.
I'd bet money you've never read the bible all the way through. And if you have, you fail at reading comprehension!
And you're a person who doesn't have the intellectual capacity to have a discussion or debate on a topic, so the only thing you can do is resort to silly name calling.
And you are illiterate, since you do not know how to write sentences with proper punctuation.
“New Moon” is a spiritually confused, dangerous work."
My goodness! Dangerous work? Really??? I can't believe you and I are on the same team.
Your Comment is the BEST. Haha nice. and you're reply to Wyse was brill…
At least he used the proper spelling of "you're" in this instance. One can find a faint amusement in seeing a drive-by troll leave "Your and idiot!" or "It's you're stupidity!" or similar in their droppings.
If Jesus is Lord of your life, He is Lord of your entertainment choices.
Hahah — priceless!
Here's a news flash: the whole world is growing more skeptical toward Christianity — at least your brand of it. Your particular religion isn't the only way to teach children morals, and it's offensive for you to suggest otherwise.
And finally, what in the world is this post doing on this blog? Credibility going down…
By the way, nothing can "push God away" — you are the one with no faith if you really believe you have to jump through worldly hoops to be with God.
So true! I've never understood why trolls consistently demonstrate such atrocious spelling and grammar skills.
I've only read the first book and haven't seen the movies. But this is my take on it as well.
In fact, I'd say I"m more offended by the poor writing than I am by the content! How does writing of this level even get published?!
1. It's fiction? NO KIDDING?!
2. Nowhere does this article mention the religious views of the author, therefore your accusations of bigotry have no basis.
3. Good for you for realizing it was fiction! I'd love for you to show me where the author of the article (or any of the people commenting) have said or even implied that this is a true story.
4. You must be an illiterate person, judging from the fact you do not know how to capitalize proper nouns and the first word of a sentence. Nor do you seem to realize that the ending of a sentence needs punctuation as well.
Ignorant comment, as you can see by my response.
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Ted, you've made some very important points, but along with many of the other commenters here, I need to throw in a few cents of my own.
1) I was raised Episcopalian, but haven't attended church regularly for quite some time. Nevertheless, my moral upbringing has prevented me from shrugging off religion as easily as much of my generation has (I'm 25). I have not rejected God or Christ, and the internal struggle – the Christian "jihad," if you will – has been a component of my waking life for about 9 years and counting. I suppose you could call me one of those "confused Christians," if you'll allow the phrase.
2) I appreciate your point regarding Jesus as the Lord of our entertainment, but I must say that it is far too broad. Where shall the line be drawn? At what point do the literal teachings of the Bible end and our individual consciences begin? I can cite numerous works of entertainment that are religiously/spiritually ambiguous – not in the sense that they're "sketchy," but that we take from them what we bring to them. We are not mindless drones that take everything we see or hear literally. We each have our own moral foundations, and a book, movie, or record will not necessarily change that. We can appreciate art for many reasons.
3) As a diehard heavy metal fan, I'm more than aware of all the negative stereotypes associated with the genre – satanic, godless, decadent, evil, corrupt, etc. In a certain, superficial sense, they're partially correct. But try this on for size. On December 8, 2004, guitartist Dimebag Darrell (of Pantera/Damageplan) was shot to death during a live performance by a paranoid schizophrenic gunman. In the midst of the melee, three other men were killed trying to save lives and to stop the madness. Their names were Jeffery Thompson (band bodyguard), Nathan Bray (audience member), and Erin Halk (venue security). Were they "evil" simply because they associated with "evil" music? I'm reminded of another important passage: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13.
I appreciate what you're trying to say, but please remember that – forgive the expression – the Lord works in mysterious ways, especially through us, His children. "Spiritual confusion," as you put it, does not always lead to hedonism and godlessnes. It sometimes results in an even stronger faith and love for the Lord and one's neighbor. For the record, I'm not a Twilight fan. I liked the first novel, hated the film, and lost interest thereafter. So forgive the digression of sorts. I just thought this was the appropriate time to comment on such a heavy and important matter.
Ted, you have seemed to open up a hornets nest of Pharisees?
What can I say – this is about as nonsensical an article as I've ever seen.
I'm sorry, I disagree. I am a Christian, but I know the difference between fantasy and reality and work hard to see my children do too. I have explained to them that movies like The Blob, Them, Frankenstein and Dracula, AND the Twilight saga are all fantasy. I don't think Nosferatu, produced in the twenties is 'dangerous' nor do I agree with your assessment of this one. What is dangerous is for parents to be so uninvolved with their children as to not be able to explain the MANY things that there are in this world that are fake and make believe. That would include our President at this time. I don't need Hollywood or the NYT to tell me what is dangerous for my children or myself. I just need both to do their jobs. Hollywood should entertain me, and shut the hell up about everything else, and the NYT should report (not create or opinionate) the news. Leave the rest to me to explain and decide.
Mark before you say something is bad theology maybe you should take a closer look at your own theology. First off please try to find where in the bible it says you have to be baptised to be saved. You won't find it. Though it is an important step in a Christian life baptism isn't a means of salvation. Unless you are referring to baptism into the name of Jesus which means to hear about Jesus and believe or accept that he is your savior.
Secondly when you believe what is it you believe? Do you believe the following. "By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures", this is found in Paul's 1rst letter to the Corithians. This is the only way according to the bible. John 3:16-18says "16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." Many people know verse 16 but it is sad that more people don't know verse 18. If this isn't enough to convince you then please read Matthew 7:21-27 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt%...
The basis for your article is completely false. Bella SAYS she is willing to give up her soul because she doesn't believe it's an issue–she 100% believes that vampires have souls and that the Cullens are not damned. Edward is the one she is trying to convince. But she doesn't believe it. SO BACK OFF!
Oh, so sorry, revered and wise Mo, arbiter of the validity of all comments…
I know it hurts you that my comment was so original. You'll measure up one of these days, but not in any meaningful way.
I can't speak for all the other sex slave owners, only for myself. But I can tell you that there is one reason and one reason only as to why people reject religion. It has nothing to do with the realities or any weakness in the religion's logic or history. It is exactly as you said: We atheists want one thing only, the freedom and ability to become sex slave owners.
Actually, the authoress is a Mormon. There was an interesting article in Touchstone Magazine's latest article that drew parallels between the story arc of Twilight and Mormon theology.
The author is a Mormon, the nuttiest kind of Christian!
Could you be thinking of Luke 10:26-28? Jesus asks a lawyer how he reads the law. The lawyer says, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” vs 27 This goes back to Deuteronomy 6 and is also a summary of the 10 Commandments: Commandments 1-4 are about our relationship to God, 5-10 are about our relationship to each other.
What a waste of money to go see this trash. You know if I had gobs of money I would go back and make good and interesting films. Everything today is full of the F word and taking God's name in vain. And someone gets paid to write this crap? Go back and watch some real movies like the Asphalt Jungle, DOA, Out of the Past, Charlie Varrick with Walter Matthau, Missing with Jack Lemmon, The Killing, Ronin, The French Connection, any one of Humphrey Bogart's movies. Even my son hasn't heard of most of these movies. What a loss to the culture that kids have no interest in good entertainment and would rather engage their attention in B.S. You see this is how the liberal zombies in Hollywood structure things. And now our youth is held captive to crap.
I was once asked to write for Movieguide. I was told that they didn't really care what I thought about the artistic merits of the films I was to review. There were 2 things that were most important.
1. LITERALLY COUNT THE SWEAR WORDS and list every "objectionable behavior in detail." Not just objectionable as in to watch, but if it would be objectionable to DO in real life.
2. View EVERY STATEMENT OR ACTION IN THE MOVIE THOUGHT A FUNDAMENTALIST PROTESTANT PHILOSOPHICAL basis.
These reviews are appropriate to be included in a strict Baptist church's Sunday bulletin, and will be considered too narrow for even half the people there. That's about it.
By the way, these people rated Harry Potter as "EVIL" not just worrisome, but EVIL.
http://www.movieguide.org/articles/1/411
Ted Baehr "Protect your Children from Harry Potter Occultism." In this article they talk about how they only gave "The Half Blood Prince" a minus 2 INSTEAD OF THEIR LOWEST MORAL RATING OF -4 WHICH THEY HAD GIVEN EVERY OTHER HARRY POTTER MOVIE.
They are so wrapped up in the words "witch" and "wizard" that they can't see the books evolved into an outright Christian allegory– or, they have a lot of fundraising letters to fundamentalists out there, and can raise more money with the hysteria.
Yeah, just saw 2012. It's all over anyway.
The author of the Big Hollywood blog is Ted Baehr. And I don't know (not do I presume to judge) his Christian qualifications. The author of the Twilight series is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And I am not going to judge her either.
(And by the way, I am a nuttiest kind of Christian, too. Whew! Am I glad YOU aren't my eternal judge.)
"Don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill. For most assuredly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.
-JC
Very well said. I read a great book a few years back called "Hollywood Worldviews" by Brian Godawa which opened my eyes regarding the messages Hollyweird relays in their movies. It's so important to understand that movies, TV, music and even the MSM are the main conveyors of our culture, whether we like it or not. We must be discerning about the prevalent worldview in our pop culture as well as have a firm foundation for our own worldview and be able to debate it convincingly. "Wise as serpents, harmless as doves."
And you're so right about the New Deal ending the Depression nonsense. What it did was turn the Depression into the Great Depression. It was WWII that finally ended it.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
I said that – that she was Mormon.
God is unity of creation, if you believed in God, you would care profoundly for what other people do, because all people are a part of you.
Im with you on what you say – I can see the point of what the author is saying, but I am not one of those people who will say fantasy is bad. I wish fantasy were treated more as how Tolkien and Lewis thought it should be treated. Their own particular viewpoints are what made their own works (true literary works with excellent writing and punctuation) classics. Ive just been a bit perturbed by people saying Twilight has a Christian message and I appreciate that there is someone who is giving the "cons" side of the argument. Compared to Tolkien and Lewis, Twilight's "Christian" messages don't stand up very well.
"…I have mormon friends, and yes I talk to them…"
Standing on a street corner and yelling at people to repent when they walk past you does not make them your friends.
Calling everything stupid does not make one appear bright.
I'm not a LDS, but I consider them thusly: 50% of non-Mormons think that Mormons are nutty, and the other 50% think they're too square. The law of averages suggests that most Mormons are soundly in the middle, which is a pretty good place to be.
Although, it never hurts to be a little TOO square.
…….who doesn't want a love that cares deeply, respects you, treats you with kindness and who's first concern is your happiness and security…
Isn't that President Obama's job?
Though I've never read the books or seen either of the films, my gullible nature insists that the Twilight series is more inane than insidious.
My problem was that, on who's authority is it decided that Twilight is an evil movie that I shouldnt see?
I should take the word of Ted Behar, or who? I'll make that decision myself. And if it is an evil movie, than I'll do what I am doing with the Obama administration: I'll use it to explain what evil is, and why it is evil. Turn it into a learning moment.
If you hold it up to the mirror and read it backward, you will find the satanic messages.
1. You are going to hell.
2. You are going to burn for all eternity
3. There is no Heavy Metal music in Hell. Just Madonna songs.
WTF?
"Everything today is full of the F word and taking God's name in vain."
I understand what you are saying, but have you even seen or read Twilight? There are a lot of problems that can be found with it, but these examples are not among them. As has been said, this series was written by a Mormon who doesn't like those things either.
Thank you.
To be fair, the author did bring up WWII as the other element, but I don't think any honest comment about the New Deal should say it was a good thing. It was ultimately a disastrous thing for the economy and kids are being taught the opposite. Not only in fiction, but in school. It's codified. Needs to be reversed.
Another way I disagree with this columnist's conclusions is with interpretation of text. I know some girls will emulate the behaviors in the story — obsession, putting themselves in danger, lying to your parents … a lot — but many also will not. That's why I say people should just be aware of what their kids are reading so they can help them get perspective and guide them away from harmful behaviors of characters they might emulate. But each kid is going to interpret the text individually so predicting is inexact at best.
Still, I can't see the teenagers of today getting much from the Christian undertones of CS Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia". Not when there's sexy Prince Caspian to squee over. LOL.
Thank you Ethan Edwards for showing exactly where By Dr. Ted Baehr, Publisher comes from. The guy is a preacher more than a movie critic. Why he has vested so much interest in attacking Twilight vs. so many other movies is two fold. First and foremost, if you read his first installment on the movie, is that the writer is Mormon. For evangelical Christians like him the only people more evil than Mormons are Atheists. Second, its because the movies and books are popular fantasy and for Christians of his kind the more imagination that is used the more wicked the product. Throw in popularity and it becomes an abomination.
As for the article itself, not even a fourth of it was about Twilight. There was one paragraph that talked about the movie's theme as he saw it. The rest was a Christian sermon mixed in with political watch phrases to try and hide the actual missionary intent. He should have written "Twilight is evil, Jesus Saves, and Movies are for Atheists" and it would have been a much better written diatribe.
Well said, exactly my reaction to the post. Parents have the power. They and they alone are the most influential thing in a child's life. If kids are given a good foundation, they will be able to handle whatever they encounter in this big, beautiful world. If Mr. Baehr is that worried about the Twilight series, what on earth does he think about the internet?!
Bless your heart, lighten up.
Desscorp – the main motivation for the Twilight series had to be money – which is fine.
doowop – whether you believe Jesus is the Son of God, Savior of the World, etc , historians agree Jesus was one of the most profound philosophers and influential person to ever live, as an example: Jesus championed, among other things, women's rights. You are showing your lack of education.
I've never seen such ignorant, hateful comments. Does being a pastor now disqualify an American from exercising his right to free speech?
Trying reading the Bible, at least as the great literary and historical document it is known to be, before commenting on what it says.
And even most conservative Evangelical Christians would consider him over the top. He comes from a place that 20 years ago considered going to the movies at ALL a sin, it was only acceptable to watch them on TV later! So, for this hardcore fundamentalist sliver of Christendom, if you can be warned about every little thing that wouldn't have made it past the 1955 TV censor– and even some things that WOULD have– you can make a decision about going to the movies.
Of course, if one made a literal translation to film of the Book of Genesis, Ted Beahr would be appalled by th rampant immorality and perversion depicted in the silver screen.
You don't believe in God?
Man that's a shocker.
Like all religious Atheists, you too think you are original.
You are no different than the sex worshipping Pagans from the Old Testament who had sex under their fertility Goddess Baal.
Denial of God, has ALWAYS been the same. Nietzsche denied God, so that he could elevate the power of man. Darwin (who at the end of his life renounced God) Admitted that his work was just an extension of Malthusian philosophies.
You combine all those "intellectual" thinkers and you get the product of the twentieth century. When man makes himself God, he becomes the destroyer of worlds simply for the purpose of; "Their different from us", "They believe in Capitalism, God, Self-reliance and individualism".
It's not uncommon for Atheists to put an enormous burden of guilt and proof on the deistic/religious. But the burden of guilt lies on Atheist shoulders. For it was the Godless liberal who declared that the state must become God, and make sure that the poor and huddled masses are taken care of…
in one way or another.
The other side of that is the ENORMOUS burden of proof required to be an atheist. But, they deny God and replace it with some other religion.
"Does being a pastor now disqualify an American from exercising his right to free speech? "
No, but it doesn't disqualify them from criticism of the speech. This is especially the case when his comments are inappropriate to the purpose of the venue the words are printed. Leave the preaching to the podium Mr. Baehr, and I am usually sympathetic to religion in the public sphere.
As an agnostic, I have no problem with religious leaders/people giving their opinions about movies and books they think their flock may not benefit from, short of "banning" it, of course. The Catholic Church came out against this movie as well, and although Pope John Paul didn't have a problem with Harry Potter, apparently the Roman Fuhrer does. For those that are devout, it may be important that someone give them a heads up, especially as parents, its hard to keep up with all the stuff the media bombards our kids with.
A thoughtful and reasonable person will read this article, watch the movie with their daughter, perhaps pick up the book and at least peruse it and then decide whether or not they think it's appropriate. In fact, Catholicism often teaches making a decision based on your conscience after a thorough going over with your family, the subject matter, a priest and God.
If you think there's nothing harmful, then go for it. If you do, take whatever action is appropriate for your child.
I think that's all this is about – just to show another opinion of the movie. Read it and decide for yourself. Kind of like Fox News – they report, you decide.
Personally I see nothing generally wrong with the messages in these books, but I have read them all, so if in the future, my daughters wanted to read it, I would already know if it's appropriate or not.
So let's not all get our panties in a bunch. The article is the opinion of one man. If you want to refute his analysis, then do so with facts and don't just jump to conclusions that he's just a grumpy old Bible thumping man.
My two cents: I haven't read the novels because I'm nowhere close to the demographic.
If the films are anything like their novels, I want no part of The Twilight Saga. Bella is….clueless. A moron. And what's with the blinking five milllion times in a scene?! Sparkling vampires?! Where's Blade or Buffy when you need them? Ugh! And a close-knit vampire family that should have doctorate degrees…..are in HIGH SCHOOL?!?!
PS: the ONLY redeeming quality of "Twilight" is that the Cullens enjoy baseball. It's just too bad that they're in Seattle Mariners territory. They need to be fans of a real team.
My problem was that, on who's authority is it decided that Twilight is an evil movie that I shouldnt see?
I think that's my main problem too. The minute someone starts denouncing something, calling it "evil," without substantiating it with facts, I can't really come to any conclusion other than rolling my eyes. "Twilight" ranks very low on my "evil" meter.
Oh, please forgive my second-helping of another post, but I just remembered the Josh Hartnett-vampire flick, "30 Days of Night." I don't do horror at all, and had a chance to see this because of the free-weekend of Starz. Knowing this film was a horror movie, I watched only the last 30 minutes. (Ha! "30 Days" in 30 minutes)
The ending was so bittersweet! I didn't know the storyline at all and was sobbing at the end.
A bit gory for my tastes but I loved it! I had to buy it on DVD.
I understand, but I have a more urgent question: Are you gonna rent one of my sex slaves, or are you just gonna stand beat your gums all day? If you're not gonna rent one, just move along, please. You're costing me money.
Seriously, though…
I have no way of knowing if there's a God. I haven't seen evidence of One, but that isn't conclusive proof of Its non-existence, in my mind.
What I do know is this: There is no sacred text yet uncovered which works for its intended purpose, that is, the salvation/redemption of humans on earth. This includes the Holy Bible, the Koran and all other books posing as the one true sacred text. They cannot be relied upon. They are shot through with problems. They are false. Now that, as opposed to whether God exists, is a question to which anyone can know the answer.
He's got plenty of right to his opinion, and he's good at fundraising from the faithful. It's just WAY too narrow to be featured on this site. Too narrow for your average Baptist, even.
I agree that the literary level is low. Nonetheless and however innocently, the author is misguiding clueless youths. "Love (meaning Sexual Attraction) Conquers All" is hardly a maxim for a moral or useful life.
In my opinion… "Christians" who laugh at other believers who analyze and dissect things such as vampire movies / literature (where vampyric powers are often satanic in origin) indicate to me they are a immature Christian at best, more likely not a Christian at all. At a minimum, this writer's words should give a Christian pause.
This is a tempest in a teapot, brought about by a columnist who is clearly attempting to hitch a ride on a popular phenomenon for his own promotional purposes. To suggest that a flash-in-the-pan piece of celluloid twaddle is somehow responsible for society's collapse is absurd. Modern Christianity, at least as promulgated by Baehr, has much bigger problems than that. The slow death of Christianity certainly isn't caused by movies like this, but it may well be reflected in them. Baehr seems to have confused cause with effect.
And Christian parents wonder why their children rebel? This piece is a load of drivel that reads far more into something that is there. Leave teenagers alone and let them watch a film.
i didn't call everything stupid. just twilight, jesus christ, and this article.
I completely agree with you, but she's not the first and she won't be the last author to do so.
mark mark mark. the widely accepted figure of christians is 33% of the world population, or about 2.5 billion people. you may say, 'that's still a lot'. to which i would say 'yes it is a lot, mark, but it's 1.5 BILLION shy of your figure.' but the real kicker is that 66% of the world thinks you're either blasphemous or stupid. i personally think you're stupid…like twilight and jesus.
Ted, you are a moron. I read the first 5 or 6 paragraphs and you make mention of the commandants that christians should follow, specifically the one about not murdering your fellow man. Why don't you write about the murderous occupation our government has been engaged in for the past 8 years instead of bubblegum fluff like twilight. Oh wait, given this website and its likely affiliation with neocon idiocy, you're probably all in favor of bombing arabs. It's ridiculous that nonsense like this passes for journalism, why don't you reevaluate your life and try to write against things that are anti-christian in real life instead the land of make-believe. Fool.
Sorry if I SPOIL anything for anyone: At least the characters don't practice pre-marital sex…yes, they wait. That has got to mean something right? Hopefully, if young girls walk away with anything from these movies it is that!
I have to wonder why Baehr has now written two articles informing us of the evils of the Twilight series. Is New Moon really the most dangerous, evil, corrupting movie out there?
Prove him wrong you anti-Christian bigot.
Stella, are future criminals filling their minds with the same public mockery of Christianity as you enjoy today?
It is 'offensive' for others to write about what they believe? What religion helped to make you a control freak?
I'm not Mormon, but I'm square!
There's no such thing as a vampire. or a soul, for that matter.
There are future criminals in all walks of life, Christian and non-Christian. Being Christian doesn't make you a good, moral person. In fact, if Christianity could prevent crime, we would have had a crime-free Dark Ages, Middle Ages and Renaissance.
And I don't mock Christianity — I mock the ridiculousness of people such as this writer who haven't the first clue about what Jesus's message actually was. Poor Jesus was just shouting into the wind as far as stupid humans understanding his message. Nope, they had to construct some egomaniacal set of lies and petty control around his image, while ignoring everything he had to say– Jesus as Lord of Your Entertainment Choices. Do you even know what Jesus did, what he was in his time? Hint: had nothing to do with entertainment choices. Makes me nauseous that I have to talk about these things.
Aren't the pillars he listed and the beginning of the article enough? Seems to me he pounded that in at every step. Did you read the entire post?
The new control freak message: 'it's just way too narrow'.
Are atheists 'way too narrow' also?
Ted writes what is important to him. No public respect for Ted from a 'Baptist'?
I like the post.
If your kid goes to see the movie, you can use it as a way to talk about temptation, permanent consequences, transience, the presence of evil and how to guard against it.
The five pillars are very instructive.
But
this " The Christian life, however, is about living for Jesus Christ and abiding in Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. If Jesus is Lord of your life, He is Lord of your entertainment choices. When you pay for evil movies, you tell God, “You’re not the Lord of me. I’ll do whatever I want.”" might be a bit over the top. There are a world of choices out there. Shall we say that eating a big mac is moving us further from Christ because we are not honoring our temple? Or do we teach our children perspective and the importance to guard their spirituality?
What I find fascinating about this article is the number of various interpretations it has generated in the comments. Well, not so much fascinating as expected. In a culture that values radical individualism, the five pillars suggested by the author are little more than a typical, Protestant, Western mindset. Even pillar 4 is subject to such dissection. After all, what are the fundamentals of the Christian faith? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know there is the "everybody knows" version, but is that really Christianity?
Though I agree with the author that the vast, vast majority of pop culture is definitely not aimed at glorifying God, what discernment is there in an amorphous, individually driven faith that one slaps the label Christian on simply because it holds certain tenants? And, without discernment, how is one to truly see the dangers various elements of modern culture contain?
I understand the author's lament regarding Biblical "literacy," but the problem is that simply being able to quote, or even know about a quote, from the Bible isn't literacy. Heck, the first great heresy, Arianism, was championed by individuals who could quote Scripture (before it was "officially" recognized as Scripture, so to speak), backwards and forwards. The myth of sola scriptura is as dangerous, spiritually speaking, if not more so, than the ridiculous "Twilight" series.
That 76% citation the author makes in regard to those who call themselves Christian? Those same polls find that the vast majority of that 76% don't think that Christ is the sole path to salvation. Though exactly what that means, theologically speaking, is something best left to another discussion, the idea that Christ is, in fact, unique, is an essential aspect of Christianity. Clearly, most people who self-identify as Christians don't believe this. That is a natural result of "faith is simply an individual choice of what you believe" mentality that is part and parcel of Western culture.
the sinner,
Patrick
Personally, I think some grownups have a hard time distinguishing between fantasy and reality. There are groups of adults that meet together that try to use what they learned from "Harry Potter" to make "real magic" in their lives. I think it's rather silly, but they try to change their lot in life because they believe in the power of "Harry Potter", instead of believing in the powers of self-detemination and hard work.
Also, look at all those people in Arizona that died in that sweat lodge. They paid up to ten grand each, but it seems that they listened more to the fantastic promises of a self-help guru than their own reasoning.
I am not equating "Twilight" with either of these situations, I just wanted to say that it seems that for many people, whether adults or children, the line between reality and fantasy is getting blurrier and blurrier for them. I think it is prudent to remind people that some fantasies are not helpful to a person's life.
I would also like to add that, yeas, 1 Corinthians 15:33 is great advice, so is 1 Corinthians 5:9-13. Just something to keep in mind.
the sinner,
Patrick
Thanks Dr. Baehr! I almost made the mistake of eating a bowl of Honey-Nut Cheerios but I just realized they do nothing to promote the message of Christ! Phew coulda been a disaster.
Did you honestly just call someone a "dog shit wop", then end your comment with "GOD BLESS ALL"? Personally I think Jesus Christ would not approve of your tone. I'll pray for you.
Really, I was raised an atheist and I am no more immoral than anyone else. As long as people and kids no the difference between right and wrong than who cares what movies they see. I saw R movies as a teenager all the time and I never once felt afterword like killing someone or engaging in a immoral act. That high horse your on, get off it.
Well, I would argue that from a Christian perspective, your behaviors may be no more right or wrong in a legalistic sense. As an atheist, there is no such thing as morality. Morality necessarily depends on absolutes. Without some sort of higher power outside of man, there are no absolutes (in the sense of right and wrong). Thus, you can be ethical, as in conforming to the prevailing mores of any particular society at any given time. However, within the mindset you embrace, there is no such thing as morality.
the sinner,
Patrick
This guy is weird. He gets mad that someone becomes a fantasy character in a movie. Despite the good morals of the movie
First of all, God bless you for your patience with some of these people.
Just wanted to say the Bible never purports to be about the redemption of humans on Earth, per se. I can say for myself it's been a huge turnaround and for plenty of others.
The idea IS to make people turn to doing good, but each instance of doing good is 100% their choice, the reward coming afterwards.
With you 100% there, E.P.
Sounds like the author needs a plankectomy.
Thank you for your kindness. As for the Bible, I would like nothing more than to believe again, and believe totally.
The reason I say that: The best people I know are Christians. One of the heroes of my entire life was a Baptist minister during my teen years. So, sure, I would like to re-join them (I was once a Christian), but I cannot bring myself to believe again.
You seem very much like my Christian friends. Some of them are so wonderful, they just cause me to sit back and marvel at times. I could cite you example after example, too, of the way these people, my Christian friends, live their beliefs.
Thank you again for the reply.
I believe you are mistaking atheism with nihilism. One can still have morals and values. Morals and values are all man made. And religion is just a step above philosophy in the sense that instead of putting all responsibility on the self you are putting it in the hands of a higher power.
Take Baehr with a truckload of salt – the fuzzy-wuzzy act is covering up a bitterly narrow human being: He's also once rated a Chinese fantasy/action flick on his movieguide naughty-list. The transgression? Being set in medieval China, the characters practiced Buddhism
"Is New Moon really the most dangerous, evil, corrupting movie out there?"
No, but it's the most popular – and thus the most effective at drawing traffic to his ridiculous organizations.
If amovie is going to throw your kid off years of what you taught them,….either you did a crap job or the kid doesn't care to believe it.
Harry Potter is a full out Christian allegory by the last book, you illiterate dolt. Even Focus on the Family finally admitted that. And they didn't ask me to write for them because I'm anti-Christian. i'm just anti-idiot.
Because they're not quite as smart as they think they are.
Or should I have written that as "their" not as smart?
Hee! Well done.
Amen. I'm getting a little tired of BIG HOLLYWOOD obsessing over Twilight.
Why bother coming to a conclusion regarding something you know nothing about????
Totally agree. Funny how some people, when trying to make a point, ignore the facts that discredit that point.
If your son hasn't heard of these movies, I'd say it's your fault, Daddy-O.
I agree with you. My daughter started reading these books a few years ago, and because I am a MOM first and foremost, I perused them too. We saw the movies, too, and enjoy them together along with my younger daughter (ages 20 and 11). Huge interest in the story b/c the actor who plays Jacob went to high school with my older daughter and son.
For crying out loud, people need to make informed decisions! Very nice post, Lady Krystyna!
How can you say Bella is clueless .. a moron .. when you haven't read the books or seen the movies?
You must be amazing in your ability to make moral judgments on what others say and not on your own personal knowledge, combined with your own ethics and morals.
Go Away!!!
The statistics in this article cannot be counted on. The first warning sign is that they came from USA Today. Not a publication known for using statistics in any reasonable sense. (In point of fact, very few legacy media outlets can handle freshmen algebra let alone statistics.)
With that out of the way, one good point this article makes in a round about sense, is that Christians don't choose wisely with their money. In a broader sense, they don't seem to choose wisely at all. (Note when I say "Christian" I'm directing my comments at the American Protestant.) Full disclosure here: I don't really consider myself terribly religious. I also don't drink, sleep around, or party incessantly. Meeting decent people is also extraordinarily hard in this country (or at least on the West Coast.) So occasionally I'll hit a church in the usually lost cause of meeting a decent person. The last group of Christians I encountered showed up for sunday afternoon services with hangovers. (Apparently it was someone's birthday the night before. I guess that made it OK.) They would regularly see films I wouldn't touch and take part in activities I wouldn't even consider doing. I'm not saying that to suggest I'm better, but if Christians expect some sort of respect they had at least -attempt- to appear like they are following God. As it stands I have a very hard time stomaching the blatant hypocrisy I've encountered. Oddly enough there's a Bible quote that addresses that. (Now this is rich, I'm quoting the Bible!
)
I grabbed this from on online source so no guarantees. (I remember the verse being prettier but I can't keep up with all the wonky bible versions.) Revelation 3:15-16 "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."
That seems rather specific to me but again, I'm not really religious so I'll let the real Christians handle that one. (Assuming some exist. I don't think I've encountered one yet.)
Enough? Of what? From his post I differentiate a preference for teaching discerning habits every parent wants to pass on to their children over letting the media influence our youth as a group. I don't think anybody really wants to let a group mind control type thing to take over. Do we?
The author of the vampire movie is a moron, opps a mormon?
Remember that mormans teach that satan and jesus are brothers…
do you want satan's brother as your saviour?
Yes I am a chaplain with a Bible degree and most so-called christians can not even name ten books in the Bible…and have never read the Bible, but they know actors names of movies. so sad.
The youngtards have a problem (especially in today's libtard society) distinguishing fantasy and reality. Parents today are simply lazy and pay no attention to their children….they would rather have the libtards raise them. Christian parents should be teaching their children to simply live IN this world…and not to be OF this world….that their goal should be to strive in life to be in Jesus' world. But part of being in youth is also to be self-centered…..and not God-centered….and this deviant liberal society makes true Christian parenting extremely difficult. The best answer…..pray on it…..the answer will come to light.
Why, does making you related to a loser make you a loser?
Apparently Big Hollywood thought it was appropriate to the venue. This is a site that explores the effect of Hollywood on our culture. Seems like the perfect place, although I don't agree with all the statements in the article. If you are going to limit where a Christian can publish his views on culture, etc., you are restricting Christians free speech.
I find you interesting – HumanPersonJr. I don't think you believe your post, it's all about getting an angry reaction from a Christian. I notice that you capitalize "He" when referring to God. Good for you! I'm sure that's just what you wanted to hear!
I was only kidding in that particular post, because I can't imagine any God worthy of the name would instruct us to hate others in groups. However, I'm sure that Tacit-us, the poster to whom I referred, would openly say God told him to hate (or despise) Jews and Protestants. So, the comment was, in a way, sarcastic, but grounded in truth, as revealed to Tacit-us.
I capitalize all references to God in deference to my Christian friends. I'm lucky to have them, because they exemplify, in my view, the best of Christianity. They are truly wonderful people, finest kind. And I'll never forget that one of the heroes of my life was a Baptist minister, during my teen years. He and his wife were unbelievably kind, forbearing and generous. (As to the God who inspired these people, I'm not sure whether He even exists, and I am convinced that the Holy Bible is mostly false.)
It was good of you to reply. I hope Christmas and New Year are the brightest ever, for you and the ones you love.
Yeah, except his last article pointed out that she was a Mormon in the first sentence. He was called out for that in boards following that piece. Context applies. And thanks for being the spelling/punctuation/syntax police – what in the world would we ever do without you? I'm sure everyone is enrolling in night school as I write this in order to please you.
And God loves them just the same. Seems so unfair, doesn't it?
Movies are the closest to playing God? You've never been on a set, right? Closest to playing dog, more like.
A movie maker answers to dozens, if not hundreds. God, nobody else.
MARK, You need to read your Bible again. Baptism does not save you. Your belief that Jesus is the Son of God and he died and rose again does. Baptism is just the outward expression of what happened to you on the inside. Case in point, the thief on the cross. He was not baptised but Jesus said he would go to heaven.
Have not seen the movies, do not care too. My daughters have not expressed interest in seeing them either. They do not like vampires and things like that.
It's not my infinite wisdom, it's his. And if it could be told in a sentence or two on an internet comment board, he wouldn't have needed to come here. If you're that interested, find out for yourself.
Well, that's where you and I differ. By definition, morals are NOT man-made. They are absolutes – right and wrong. Values are more like mores – they shift with cultures and places in history. So, I think maybe we have a different definition issue.
Also, philosophy doesn't necessarily put responsibility on the self – it, too, attempts to explain absolutes, it just, in modern times, anyway, attempts to place responsibility in the hands of impersonal forces and not God.
And, I'd argue, the idea that "religion" puts responsibility in the hands of a higher power and not on the self is wrong. Dead wrong. At least, in the case of Christianity. The key element in the faith, as far as personal involvement goes, is all about personal responsibility.
the sinner,
Patrick
I completely agree with you. It's all for fun. I don't truly believe in Vampires, and everyone who watches it should know that there is NO such thing as vampires, or boys that turn into werewolves for that matter. Anyone who watches the movies, or reads the books who truly thinks there are such things as these, they are not mature enough to even be reading them. Come on. I watch them and have read the books, and i love them! No big deal. People overanazlyze things. Lack of nothing better to do I guess. We have a Muslim as our president that's tearing America apart. Focus on that.
I think you have a good point. Most people on this site are probably at the very least, middle of the road good Christians and not all 100% "devout" or "literal" about the Bible. I mean, I would hazard a guess that most Americans think Hollywood turns out a lot of crap that should be avoided like the plague, but also that it turns out stuff that is decent enough and entertaining if not 100% "wholesome". I mean, if someone wants to live 100% wholesome, more power to them, but I don't like the feeling that they want everyone else to do it as well and that they will go to great lengths to make it so. It's for ME and MY family to decide, no one else's. Information is great and important, but then I DECIDE.
Good post!
I don't see how it's "control freak". Read my response below – most of us are middle of the road but decent folk, whether Christian or not. The article was a little beyond preachy and while he has every right to be, it seems this is not the venue for it, as you can tell by the first page of responses, most of them thought it was too preachy. I mean, BH can still post them, but then they can expect to get a slapex for the effort if the "audience" is not receptive to it. It's called the "free market" – if we don't like it, we don't buy it. Deal with it.
You have a great point here. All the 'New-Age'-y nonsense is getting out of hand. It's like no one ever reads the part in the horoscope section that says it is 'for entertainment purposes only' It is really sick, and I admit that when I see people confusing worldly 'spirituality' with actual spiritual faith in God, it truly depresses me.
You are certainly allowed to think of me as a hoot. Over the years, quite a few people have expressed similar opinions. (I have some killer song parodies I perform with guitar.)
I am honored and touched that you would tell me of the terrible loss to you and your family. I can't imagine, I simply can't imagine…
I agree with you about happy, productive lives. We owe it to ourselves, to the memories of those we've lost, and to the living. I also share your gladness in my closeness to so many loving Christian people. It's really quite something. Lots of people ask me if I turned away from Christianity because of hypocritical or otherwise negative Christians I've known. I have to say that's absolutely not the case (even though I've known some doozies, LOL).
Thank you for your kind thoughts and concern. I'll bet you're just as awesome as you sound.
This article is for Christians. If one states one is a Christian then they have acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord of our Lives. This is due to we have been humbled in Understanding how much of a Sinner we are … Sin is described as one who rebells against God's Standard of Righteousness the Law/10 Commandments. Jesus tried to get us to see we are live by the Spirit and not the letter of the law. In Mattew Chapter 5 he shows us that if we even look with lust we have committed Adultery/Fornication and if we hate someone, we have Murder on our Hearts. Basically, what this is stating is we are to be careful in what we accept as entertainment no matter what excuse we use. If Jesus / God's Teachings / Scripture states we are to not have anything to do with it, then calling it Fiction or any other excuse does not allow us to rebell against Christs Teachings.
Stella, What was Jesus saying then? Please enlighten us with your infinite wisdom.
Heb 10:25-31 States if one willingly sins, then their salvation is null and void, like it never happened. Jesus Discected life throughout Scripture, and showed that as a Christian we are to do this also. We are to Examine our Christian walk, and if it is not walking with Christs Teachings, then we are not walking with Christ. Your statement shows that you probably do not read your Bible to see if what is said here is Biblical or Not.
If one states one is a Christian then they have acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord of our Lives. This is due to we have been humbled in Understanding how much of a Sinner we are … Sin is described as one who rebells against God's Standard of Righteousness the Law/10 Commandments. Jesus tried to get us to see we are live by the Spirit and not the letter of the law. In Mattew Chapter 5 he shows us that if we even look with lust we have committed Adultery/Fornication and if we hate someone, we have Murder on our Hearts. Basically, what this is stating is we are to be careful in what we accept as entertainment no matter what excuse we use. If Jesus / God's Teachings / Scripture states we are to not have anything to do with it, then calling it Fiction or any other excuse does not allow us to rebell against Christs Teachings.
If one is truly a Christian they become a new Creature (same body, but different person) but is a slow process. A Christian does not walk a sinless life, in other words they do not sin via rebelling against the teachings of Christ on purpose/willingly. John states that Jesus is the Word of God, that means Jesus is the Word of God … Jesus life is the whole Bible. Vampires/Witches/etc are all demonic. Calling them Fiction just to make it acceptable to do, is not found in scripture.
I am sorry if I was unclear, but I do not think it warrants being snotty.
By enough I was referring to his talking about raising a child in a christian environment in both the beginning of the post and in the pillars (probably more than that, but at least those two). So to recap in a different way – I was responding to you comment where you said the author did not say that a child should be raised in a Christian environment. I responded that there were at least 2 times he did discuss it and that I thought 2 was enough to make his point.
Sorry you had to get so mad.
Years ago, I read Movieguide's review of Mary Poppins. They only gave the film two stars because of its "fantasy" and "magic" elements which they thought might be dangerous for children, who might not understand that it wasn't real and take it seriously. Mary Poppins was the first movie I remember being taken to see in the theater when it was re-released when I was 4, and I never believed any of it was real. Perhaps there are children who need to be talked to about the difference between fantasy and reality, but I think most kids are able to figure it out for themselves.
I respect Baehr as a Christian gentleman, but I take his reviews with more than a grain of salt.
I thought that was your take on Tacit-us, a very sad person.
Oh yes, those crazy Baptists – that's my denomination. I'm glad you've had real examples of loving Christians in your life since we all, especially us hot-headed Irishmen, fall way short of Christ's example.
As for God's existence – yes, a loving God exists and loves each of us. The Bible is His word to us.
At times I've doubted those things. I was amazed by the absolute faith of my 3rd daughter. Victoria would ask if she was going to heaven before me. I would laugh and say I was going first. Then she would cry and say she wanted to go before I did because she would miss me too much! She told me on the Wednesday before Good Friday that she would never see her best friend, Vicky-Victoria, again – she didn't know why, but she knew she wouldn't – she thought she was going away somewhere. I told her she got such silly little ideas. She asked me to tell her the 23rd Psalm that night, so I recited it to her and her 3 sisters. The Thursday night before Good Friday, she asked her dad what heaven was like and who she would see there. She was killed Good Friday morning right in front of her sisters and I. She was 3 1/2. Did I understand? Do I understand? NO! However, looking back, my husband and I truly believe that God had prepared Victoria. Victoria was preparing us – not intentionally -, but as we look back at her life and the things she said, we believe those things were said to comfort us after she was gone. She had no fear. She knew where she was going. Funny that things we consider a bother are often a blessing in disguise. Victoria was so attached to me that, as my husband said, she and I had probably only been apart about a total of 5 days her whole life! I may sound like some crazy mystic, not at all! Strange that my faith would be strengthened by the love and faith of my 3 year old daughter. Shouldn't it be the other way around? I know Victoria is in heaven, waiting for me.
Please don't think I'm a miserable person – not at all! It has been 18 years now, impossible, and I miss her everyday! Of course, I'm very sad at times and the holidays are always hard, but I have a wonderful husband.I have four wonderful daughters – I had another daughter. I have many other blessings. Most of all, Victoria was so full of joy and love it would break her heart for us to live miserable, sad lives. It would dishonor Victoria's memory and life if we didn't live happy, productive lives.
If I might suggest 2 books:
Josh McDowell's "Evidence that Demands a Verdict"
McDowell's "Answers to Tough Questions"
Sorry to go on and on.
I think you're a hoot! Am I allowed to say that?
Best wishes to you and yours.
If one states one is a Christian then they have acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord of our Lives. This is due to we have been humbled in Understanding how much of a Sinner we are … Sin is described as one who rebells against God's Standard of Righteousness the Law/10 Commandments. Jesus tried to get us to see we are live by the Spirit and not the letter of the law. In Mattew Chapter 5 he shows us that if we even look with lust we have committed Adultery/Fornication and if we hate someone, we have Murder on our Hearts. Basically, what this is stating is we are to be careful in what we accept as entertainment no matter what excuse we use. If Jesus / God's Teachings / Scripture states we are to not have anything to do with it, then calling it Fiction or any other excuse does not allow us to rebell against Christs Teachings.
Haha … you must be within a mile or so of me! Big Hollywood ~ Small World!
oops! I forgot. He is doing such a great job at it.
Hey, moron – self-defense is NOT murder. And no, none of us "likes" bombing "arabs". We like going after Islamofascist terrorists who would just as soon cut off your head as give you the time of day . . .even if you give them sympathy. That just means they'll kill you last. You are probably someone who abhors war and the death penalty, but has no problem with abortion.
Fool.
Huckabee, is that you? Maybe you should release some more felons so they can continue to kill.
How Christian of you.
AMEN! While it is important to regulate what your children watch, etc., getting your panties in a bunch over a movie that otherwise has values (like NOT having pre-marital sex) is just ridiculous.
But also ridiculous is getting panties in a bunch over this guy's article. Until otherwise noted, this is still a free country. We can read this article and still watch it and still let our children watch it (or read it) and quite frankly, it's between YOU and GOD, not YOU and the author or the Pope or anyone else.
I may be an agnostic, but my belief is that if there is a God then he or she is going to be the one doing the judging in the end. So I live the best life I can and always strive to do better, but I know that I am fallible and that likely God is forgiving if your heart is at the very least in the right place. If God wanted us to be perfect, he would have just made angels and not bothered with creating humans.
Well, HumanPersonJr, I feel as though I've made a friend. I'm going to watch BH for your posts to see what mischief (as well as thoughtful comments) you're up to. Are you going to take over Mo's job as the revered one?
Get some of your parodies up on you tube.
skat
I am not sure what conclusion you are referring to. 1) Movies have had an influence in coarsening our culture 2) Romantic fantasy is not evil, but appeals to women of all ages. But when my girls were young, we had a favorite saying after seeing a movie "Only in the movies" But fortunately dreams do come true sometimes.
I'm guessing you have heart, skat. I'd bet on it, if I were a betting human person, junior grade.
Y'know, those with heart are sometimes at a disadvantage, because the heartless seem to grow more numerous as the years go by. Still, they're not going to dictate my way of living and I won't let them crush the love from me with their piggishness.
I taught my kids to be kind and wise, knowing that they would come across some really low individuals. What else can you do? I didn't want them so wary as to be robbed of the joy, just to make them more ready for the pain.
Why'd I start rambling? Back to the point, I'm not sure I could fill Mo's gigantic sneakers. I'll try to get around to posting some parodies on youtube. And I'll watch for your superior thoughts in these pages. I'd be honored to be your friend. Thank you again, thank you.
I apologize, Wanda. Nothing I wrote had anger, snottiness or any ill feeling as an intent. I claim that I was just \”Debating Intensely\”. It's a similar situation I have when I write emails to friends. My style of interpersonal communication can appear to be a little too … emotional? But I want you to know that I'm just a friend who gets a little loud once in a while.
And I'm not going to get into backing up my point at this juncture. Unless you need clarification from me.
It's people like you that have me thanking GOD my future isn't in your hands.
Fluffy fun will NOT determine YOUR destiny "Christian". Being Christ like will. Now would Christ be watching and endorsing this garbage?
The sad thing is that whatever your belief, Jesus died to give you that right. And one day you will EAT your words.
Apology gratefully accepted.
you have every right to express your opinion, I hope your ready for your consequence
The Bible says
King James Bible
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. Psalm 101:31
So we are given free will to choose – to be obedient or be rebellious – that i n the bible is defined as witchcraft (sin)
Choose this day life or death – Choose this day whom you will serve – There are only two – so each person is either serving the devil or the Lord Jesus Christ, there are only two places to spend eternity – Heaven or Hell –
Its each persons choice –
God bless you
The bible says the devil comes as an angel of light – he deceives many, millions!! Something may look good, and feel good but inside at the core its pure evil – then he has you once you fall into his trap. Twilight, Harry Potter – everyone says its innocent and exciting – that is exactly what the devil designed it to do, to appeal to you, to draw you to him and draw you away from the Lord. Its not worth falling for his innocent schemes – we need more watchmen – watchmen are to warn others of the coming evil -
What was wrong with Eve eating the innocent, beautiful fruit in the garden of Eden? Picture a beautiful fruit tree, looks good, what would it hurt to eat just one? What happened after she rebelled against God and did things her way? There are consequences to everything we do – beware of things that appear innocent on the outside but inside its evil – that is how the devil works –
If in doubt, ask God about it – dont ask other people, he will tell you – the bible says if you lack wisdom, ask and he will give it to you, then you will know the truth and truth will set you free!!
[...] that she doesn’t care about her soul, and will gladly give it up to be her vampire boyfriend. Ted Baehr notes that the movie turns the question, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet [...]
[...] 8:36, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” Read the rest of the article [...]
amazing that this is so important.
i mean what about narnia? it is also fiction. or have you ever seen a horse or a tree which is talking? it's about the story behind it, like friendship, love, having arguments, to take decissions and so on. not about the vampires. and what about 'lord of the rings' ? so many christian people love it but it's also fiction, is it? as i said, it's about the story behind it. and for me this sounds like: "if you're going to watch twilight (or newmoon) you're a really bad person and even a worser christian! you're going to hell! you disappointed jesus…" now what I mean?
that's all stupid…
i think there are a lot of more important things/films to discuss about..
anyway god bless you all!
"GJohn, late, rewritten, imperial dogma. I'm more of a GMark kinda guy."
Picking and choosing is the essence of dishonesty. Good job on manufacturing your own fake "truth."
Lovely hate speech. If you weren't such a self-ignorant bigot you'd be ashamed of yourself.
[...] religionist and a bunch of Emergent heretics. A bunch of morons more like it! These films are spiritual confusing for sure! Why they even teach such confusing and postmodern Emergent ideas as: people have souls, [...]
Dobson is the bigot in this lovely little triangle, unless you're volunteering to accept that title along with him. To boot, he was born so lazy that he "toiled not in the vineyards, nor labored he in the fields…"
Now, your affection for the little (and by little, I mean "little") charlatan? Do you also talk that shite-tuh for money? Are you also too lazy to work? Are you also an admirer of the fellow bigot to Dobson, the Right Reverend Ass-Sitter Falwell?
Do you believe that Pat Robertson sent the hurricane back out to sea? Do you believe AIDS is God's way of punishing people for sex acts which He finds objectionable?
Since you're here, I might as well give you my favorite Bible verse that proscribes them there homer-sexshuls (I can hear you saying it now) from all that there perverted stuff: "Remove the mote from your own beam before you eye your brother…"
HALLELUJAH!!! GLORY!!! Long live Dobson and Falwell. (Oops, too late for Falwell)
lol
have you ever seen those crazy people on the street talking to themselves? that's you when you pray at night to have all your selfish desires fulfilled – just babbling to yourself.
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