Andrew B. Ratcliffe

Professor Brinkmeyer

English - 102

December 3, 1998

Depreciation of Christianity in Movies

Thesis statement: Over the past couple of decades movies have not only increasingly presented immoral views and values that Christians try to abstain from, but they continually depict believers in negative, unrealistic fashions that introduce false notions about Christians into the movie viewing society, hence the whole world.

I. Negative Values presented by today�s movies

II. Consistent negative portrayal of Christians in movies

III. False notions presented about Christians within movies

A. �Last Temptation of Christ� 1. Devaluation of Christianity 2. False representations of Christians a. Jesus Christ b. Mary Magdalene c. Lazarus

B. �The Apostle� 1. Positive declaration of God 2. Critics praise �The Apostle� - Sonny i. Temper ii. Violent rages, mugging iii. Lust

C. �Three Musketeers� D. �Shawshank Redemption E. �Agnes of God�

IV. Several different denominations and religions receive discrimination A. Jews B. Pentecostals C. Catholics

V. Possible reasons for false depictions of Christians

VII. Christians in movies and in real life do not compare

Depreciation of Christianity in Movies

Many ideas are delivered through the viewing of movies, which influence how people act and live their lives. Some people are certain that movies are directly related to the deviance within today�s society. Many individuals have reached the maturity level necessary to understand what is acceptable, ethical behavior. Unfortunately not everyone reaches the formal-operational stage. Therefore not every individual makes decisions based on ethics and the rights of others. They tend to think of themselves as the only entity deserving rewards, pleasure, and excitement. As a result, these particular individuals may consider a scene from within a movie to be an actual solution for usage in everyday life, good or bad. For instance, the movie �Money Train� has a scene where the ticket seller in a subway station gets dowsed with gasoline and burned to death while working within his ticket booth. Not long after the movie�s release there were numerous cases of this exact crime being reported in major cities in the United States, as reported on televised news. People witnessed the act on the screen and somehow felt the need to perform this hideous act on their own. Believe it or not, movies do influence our lives.

Movies not only affect our outlook on life, but they influence how we view certain sub-cultures within our society. Today�s movies are infested with false depictions of Christians. Obviously no one is perfect and even Christians are constantly committing sins. Instead of focusing on this evident conduct this essay will refer to more devious or criminal acts and the constant, unbalanced falsehoods presented about Christians. Some Christians do act as illustrated in movies, although there is a lack of balance. Rarely are they shown in a neutral, much less a positive manner (�Anti-Christian Bigotry� 40). In many movies today Christians are depicted as murderers in conjunction with God�s Holy Word and immoral individuals representing no values therefore not displaying true Christian beliefs. They are furthermore presented as individuals deserving no respect for their beliefs and opinions, when dealing with religious or secular affairs, as compared with believers of other faiths or in none at all. One description attesting to this exclaims, �Movies portray Christians as joyless, witless yahoos with clothes from K-mart and ideas from the National Inquirer� (�Hollywood Makes Room for Religion� 59). In the words of Michael Medved, a distinguished film critic, �Religious figures have been portrayed in demonic terms by Hollywood� (�The Box Office Word� 29). He also states that a Christian tends to be displayed as a �crook, mental case, and flagrant hypocrite� (�Hollywood�s Poison Factory� 79). Medved even notices that priests are depicted as �hypocrites or fools� (Mason 13). This is the situation that is being addressed within this thesis. Why are Christians portrayed as crooked or crazy (�Hollywood Makes Room for Religion� 59)? Christianity is constantly being trodden on in the movies produced in our day and age. Over the past couple of decades movies have not only increasingly presented immoral views and values that Christians try to abstain from, but they continually depict believers in negative, unrealistic fashions that introduce false notions about Christians into the movie viewing society, hence the whole world.

Movies are continually being produced that present a wide range of values and portrayals of certain individuals within our society. It is not difficult to unearth numerous examples of narrow-mindedness, dealing with Christians. Movies originally delivered strong morals, Christian ones at that, and provided top-notch entertainment for friends and family. A classic is �Going My Way� with the actor Bing Crosby. His priestly role displayed positive characteristics such as intelligence, kindness, and a strong faith. Another example of a worthy movie is �It�s A Wonderful Life.� First of all, it is a movie that the entire family can enjoy. Next, the religious figure is presented as such. The angel�s role is somewhat comical, yet not destructive. Unfortunately, movies appear to have taken a turn for the worse. Today, movies depict Christians as narrow-minded, psychotic, or even as murderers.

The �Last Temptation of Christ� is the first movie which will present how Christians are continually portrayed in false images. To begin with, the arrival of this movie illustrates how Christianity is viewed by our society. Protesters gathered from all regions to proclaim their opinion of the movie and its false depictions of Christians. Even with this explosion of protest the script was not revised to satisfy the movie viewers. Interestingly enough, several different films received an opposite reaction from producers. �White Fang,� released through Disney in 1990, was shown in theatres without the specific scene where a wolf viscously attacks an individual. Animal rights activists protested the truth that wolves usually are not viscous creatures. �Dark Wind� also removed several script ideas because a Hopi village found them to contain sacrilegious issues (�The Last Temptation of Hollywood� 26). These raise a serious question. Why is there a considerable amount of concern over anti-wolf issues, but not anti-Christ? Why did the �Last Temptation of Christ� not receive the consideration on controversial issues, as did other movies?

The �Last Temptation of Christ� has several questionable elements worked into its story. The first scene arriving in my mind is near the finale, the Crucifixion, when Christ supposedly fantasizes about having sex with Mary Magdalene. Second, we witness Jesus, as he appears to enjoy observing Mary Magdalene have sex with ten different men. Thirdly, Paul mentions that he does not believe in the resurrection. Fourth, Jesus himself assists the Romans in the crucifixion of an innocent Jewish victim. Finally, we note the scene where Lazarus is raised from the dead. Afterwards he proclaims about life and death, �I was a little surprised. There isn�t much difference,� (�The Last Temptation of Hollywood� 26). Many people recognized the material contained in the movie and boycotted it, as well as encouraged others to do the same. As a result, production costs were barely covered. Overall, there was an estimated loss of ten million dollars (26). It appears that this movie attempted to erase truths pertaining to Christian beliefs. It did not succeed, as was expected, as is common with other movies containing the same ideas and depictions.

These scenes from the movie are obviously false. The first example is definitely a false depiction of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Word of God, the Bible, forbids sexually impure thoughts. This is declared in the sixth commandment as found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. We also read in Matthew 5:28 that God forbids us to have sexually impure thoughts and desires. There are two evident wrongs committed in the next instance mentioned above about Mary. Mary is breaking the sixth commandment by not saving the gift of sex (Genesis 1:27,31) for one (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) marriage partner (Hebrews 13:4). Next, Jesus would not consider pondering on or witnessing such acts as we read in Philippians 4:8, which reads, �Whatever is true, noble, right�think about such things.� Jesus was and is perfect (Hebrews 7:28) and so would not break His Father�s law. Pertaining to the third example above, the Bible refutes the movie�s portrayal of Paul as we read in 1 Corinthians 15:20ff, Colossians 3:1ff, and Romans 1:4. Paul is the author of these books and not only believes in the Resurrection but teaches it as well. The next example mentioned above with Jesus is incorrect because He brings life, not death (John 3:17). Finally, in the story of Lazarus he never makes a comment comparing life and death (John 11). The film is taking the Bible out of context and adding to its story line of truth, which is against God�s command (Revelations 22:18-19). What explanation justifies these untruths about Christ and other biblical figures? Every Christian will understand how this movie has attacked everything that they believe in. The Holy Bible is the only real evidence needed to display the wrong ideas in this movie.

�The Apostle� is another film proving how Christians are downgraded in today�s films. Perhaps astonishment could properly describe the critics praise toward the movie. One gentleman proclaims that it was �morally uplifting� (Balmer 64). Rabey also states that ��The Apostle� shows grit and grace�it contains a positive affirmation of God, church, and evangelism� (57). These expressed attitudes prompt a yearning to see the movie. Perhaps it does achieve some quality within its script. The services present positive depictions, as noticed in the singing, testimonies, and possibly the preaching (64). He also confirms that it is a descent �portrayal of holiness faith in the South.�

Exploration deeper into �The Apostle� will conjure up opposite reactions than those listed above, as it did for me. The services with charismatic singing may present positive imagery, true. Let us concentrate more on the main character, Sonny, and his portrayal as a Pentecostal pastor on the screen. Sonny�s first impression may present an appearance of happiness, kindness, and a friendly smile (�A Preacher�). Constant self-disclosure reveals a man with a wild temper, marital problems, and later a womanizing habit. The man is �burdened with bad qualities� (Sterritt 12). His temper rages. Consequently he beats his wife�s lover to no end with a baseball bat. Sonny is obviously not leading the life he should. He should have forgiven the gentleman of his sins (Matthew 6:15), even though it may be hard to do. He definitely should not have taken the law into his own hands and exacted punishment on his wife�s lover. Murder is not a solution to use in life (Exodus 20, Genesis 9:6, Matthew 26:52). Afterwards he skips town. Already we notice how Sonny is becoming a �frail, flawed figure who battles pride, lust and a violent temper leading to murder and a dramatic fall from grace� (Rabey 57). Sonny tries to make a fresh start, but he fails horribly. A main reason is because of his womanizing, chasing after married women. Sonny�s character portrays negative attributes that are not common in real life. �His devoted faith cannot remove the burden of human weakness from his shoulders� (Sterritt 12). How many pastors in our society actually batter people with baseball bats and womanize every other second of their lives? No one can deny that the problem does not exist, but it is not as apparent, or common. The dilemma present is that many other movies present the same negative depictions as �The Apostle.� It may take time to think of a film depicting a Christian from a positive aspect.

�The Three Musketeers� also demonstrates the false illustration of religious figures in the film industry. The Cardinal is portrayed as a money-seeking murderer who will attempt any act necessary to achieve his desires. A beginning scene reveals his disrespect for the human life of other innocent individuals. A prisoner of the king desires reprieve for him and protection, or assistance, for his starving family. The Cardinal replies that he will help, in the name of God. The prisoner�s release was from that of life. The Cardinal smiles and sighs, �One less mouth to feed.� There are two complaints that may immediately arise pertaining to this particular scene. First, murder of innocent victims is obviously wrong as the Ten Commandments exclaim. Second, the church was not instituted to exact punishment. The civil government was instituted by God, as His servant, and is here to do us good as well as carry out punishment on wrongdoers (Romans 13:1-4). His entire character revolves around an attempt to assassinate the king. Especially as a minister of God the Cardinal should be acting for God�s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) rather than his own gain. One additional depiction is how he tries to seduce the queen. His lust, especially as a man of the cloth, is an unbearable sight. His seductive acts are repulsive and wrong (Matthew 5:28). As a man of God he should commit to the Lord�s ways (Psalm 37:5) and be a worthy, respectful leader (Romans 12:8). In real life the Cardinal did desire many riches and power. Unfortunately the movie really twists his character to produce a greedy, lustful, hypocrite who virtually has no respect for God. �Shawshank Redemption� delivers powerful messages. It preaches the hardships of existence within a prison. It reveals the need to conform if an inmate is to survive within the sub-culture. The movie also displays the warden�s deep belief in God. Unfortunately he himself is a murderer, in the name of God. My response is that it is not our responsibility to rid the world of wrongdoers. Only God is allowed to take �revenge� (Romans 12:19). Why do we witness continual occurrences of immoral actions in affiliation with God and His Word?

�Agnes of God� is my final addition displaying the depreciation of Christianity in movies. Several scenes transpire in the film that display immoral activities of Christians. One such act is when the nun gets pregnant. This particular element of the movie is disturbing, but unfortunately it has occurred within God�s church on earth. In Medieval times actions, such as promiscuous sex, were taking place within the church. Artifacts have been recovered proving this. Pertaining to the movie, the one scene that troubles my mind is when the nun is pouring out her fear and hatred towards the situation she is involved in. She expresses how she even hates God for what has happened to her. Finally, a psychiatrist is present who is encouraging every feeling the nun is revealing. She presses that it is okay to hate God. Why does that line need to be present in the movie? No matter what may happen to us, through God all things work for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). We should love God with all that is in us (Matthew 22:37, Deuteronomy 6:5). We also should not deny Christ and what He has accomplished for us (Jude 4). What are the producers trying to declare?

There are several Christian denominations along with other religions that receive this unnecessary discrimination. �Naked Tango� involves Jews who operate a �brutal bordello� right next to the synagogue. These individuals also forced women into slavery. Various Christian denominations are also discriminated against. Pentecostals receive their share in the movie �At Play in the Fields of the Lord.� Missionaries are running around in a rain forest attempting to perform whatever acts are necessary to destroy the lives of natives in the land. Finally, Catholics receive their share in �The Pope Must Die�, or as it was later remade as �The Pope Must Diet.� The Father is a womanizer, lusting after every nun. He also makes time to chow down on the communion wafers. Christians evidently are not the only victims in the movie industry.

It is difficult to determine why producers persist in providing movies with such drastic immoral views. One possible explanation is the fact that a majority of movie producers are not Christians, or religious at all for that matter. Carey, producer of �Oscar and Lucinda� is an atheist (Brown 135). The question still remains. Why create films presenting immoral, pessimistic, and non family-oriented images?

It is challenging to unearth a movie these days depicting Christians correctly and in a positive manner. Movies such as �The Bell�s of St. Mary� and �Rudy,� which both portray a commendable priest, are not easy to come across. Some movies may display improvement, but they are lacking the deep visual images we used to find in art. Dante�s Divine Comedy is a prime example of intellectual imagery. He forces the imagination to run wild by touching all of the senses. He describes in detail all of the torments of hell. When he refers to Paradise he is only allowed to speak of unimaginable glory and radiance. Today the impact of such deep imagery is not exercised because many people are visually illiterate (Schillaci 32). Reading is no longer an acceptable form of entertainment. The movies receive all of the attention. Our minds are not tested for their imaginative capabilities because the screen does it all for us. We let the screen do all of the talking. Unfortunately people are led to believe the many untruths conveyed in their numerous messages. A major distortion presented deals with the depreciation of Christianity in movies. A Hopi village is allowed to protest sacrilegious views and their voice is heard. Why are Christians, then, ignored? They are portrayed as fools, drunks, womanizers, and murderers. What type of message is that conveying to the world? Yes, some Christians do behave in that manner, as do other individuals in society. The majority however does not run around killing in God�s name. They are taught strong morals within the church and attempt to live according to them. Help spread the message of truth by word of mouth, not by what is falsely portrayed through today�s movie industry.

Works Cited

�A Preacher Whose Fire Transcends Stereotypes.� New York Times, Late Edition (East Coast). 17 Dec. 1997: CD-ROM. Link Library. Access. Oct. 1998.

�Anti-Christian Bigotry.� Christianity Today will get date: 40. Balmer, Randall. �Hollywood�s Renegade Apostle.� Christianity Today 6 April f1998: 64.

Concordia Self-Study Bible (New International Version). St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1986.

Mason, M.S. �Religious Themes Get Wider Play, More Nuanced Portrayal in Fall Shows.� Christian Science Monitor 14 Oct. 1997: 13+.

Maudlin, Michael G. �Hollywood vs. America.� Christianity Today 8 Mar. 1993 22.

Medved, Michael. �Hollywood Makes Room For Religion.� American Enterprise Mar/Apr 1995: 59.

---. �Hollywood�s Poison Factory: the Movies� Twisted Image.� USA Today Sep. 1993: 79.

---. �The Last Temptation of Hollywood.� Christianity Today 8 Mar. 1993: 26+.

---. �The Box Office Word: Give Culture Back To Silent Majority.� New Perspective Quarterly Spring 1995: 29.

Rabey, Steve. �The Apostle Shows Grit and Grace.� Christianity Today 12 Jan. 1998: 57.

Schillaci, Anthony. Movies and Morals. Notre Dame: Fides Publishers, Inc., 1968.

Sterritt, David. �Hollywood Explores Complex Issues of Faith.� Christian Science Monitor 14 Nov. 1997: 12.