What are your thoughts on Films that are based on religion ?

Question

Like: Dogma, Passion of Christ, Bruce Almighty, Keeping the Faith, etc

Do you think some of them offend religious beliefs?

Answer 1

I am a fan of Dogma. While I have not liked another movie Kevin Smith has made, the satire in this particular movie just is so sharp it amuses me to watch it. I am quite certain there were folks very upset by this movie. It basically calls into question some of the basic tenets of belief, but it does so in a humorous manner that I found appealing.

I was raised Methodist, but now I do not claim any particular set of beliefs as being the 'end all, be all' of religion. One quote toward the middle of the movie brings the point home to me:

"He (Jesus/God) still digs humanity, but it bothers Him to see the **** that gets carried out in His name - wars, bigotry, televangelism. But especially the factioning of all the religions. He said humanity took a good idea and, like always, built a belief structure on it. " - Rufus

Answer 2

Personally, I feel that amost all films that are based on religion offend religious beliefs in their own way. Because of the written storyline, and the way the director chooses to make the film. Also, when a movie is released with a regligious genre to it, it evokes a lot of people to want to see it. I mean afterall - everyone is a critic, and look at the ticket sales to these types of movies - they are great - because everyone wants to form their own opinion. Look at Mel Gibson's - Passions of the Christ - it got a lot of bashing because of certain scenes not being depicted correctly, and the comedic fims, are looked at as a mockery of religion. I feel in some instances, some films do offend religious beliefs, but not mine. I'm quite amazed that a bunch of religous people are offended by the HARRY POTTER movies. I mean, come on - it's a make believe movie about a little boy - and that movie is getting based really bad by the religious folks. After all, Rowling got children to start reading again - and that is awesome, instead the religous community cannot embrace that, instead they would rather have the children watch "Ghandi" to death. It's just a no win situation, and it's sad that everything has to be Politically correct anymore, and no one can just enjoy a movie!

Answer 3

They all do, that is why people typically don't talk religion, you'll end up offending somebody. The real issue to me is whether the offense is intended. I am willing to believe that some film makers are just trying to make a film about religion and not make anyone mad, I think Bruce Almighty is a great example of this and I enjoyed it thoroughly, others seem made to give offense to the religious, I believe Dogma was one.

Answer 4

Some good, some bad. Loved Passion of the Christ and did not care for Bruce Almighty.

Answer 5

Hello,

Some like Ben Hur to the Ten Commandments and Jesus Of Nazereth are good. Others are critical or poke fun at religion.

That said when such movies come up, the less complaining and whining by the churches, the better. Like often said, bad publicity is better than no publicity. On the other side of the coin, interest is often sparked up. That Catholic office of Opus Dei (the work of God) had only about 300 active members in real life, stagnant for 40 years but after the Divinci Code they got over 15,000 inquires of interest and quite a few applications and msmbers in the US alone.

Cheers,

Michael

Answer 6

They seem to be a hell of a waste of film. People seem to pick a religion after study to find one that is the best, or they will ask a trusted person (like a father/mother), or they will just sort of pick one at random and then stick with despite the slings and arrows so the won't appear wrong of stupid. Have you ever noticed, for instance, all Mormon Elders (actually teenagers), all come from Mormon families. Same for Lighthouse people and so forth. That does not make them wrong, just predictable. Films on the topic seem to be reviewed in hushed voices right while playing. "Did you see that? It didn't happen that way at all." or "They almost got that right" And how would they know? They weren't there after all.

Answer 7

Well all but Passion of Christ is all good and it teaches something to all of us. Yeah but the Almighty series it's a really funny series but as long as they don't make fun of God(like if they flip off some holy statues, destroy holy buildings for fun) then that's really offending.

Answer 8

I think Bruce Almighty did for some people. I mean it was funny but i think it offended some people. Like how he used the powers for dumb unnecessary stuff.

Answer 9

I think that they only offend religious beliefs if you let them offend your beliefs and if you're that sensitive.


Personally, I think some of the them are stupid. Like the new one... Evan Almighty... I think it looks really stupid... but people like it... so not too many people can find it that offensive.

Answer 10

I love religious/Christian movies. Of the ones you mentioned I have only seen Passion of the Christ, which was an excellent movie. I havent seen or heard of the others you mentioned