MovieChat Forums > The Exorcist (1973) Discussion > Hope and Faith in God.

Hope and Faith in God.

posted 7 years ago by [deleted]
19 replies | jump to latest

Fr. Karras and Fr. Merrin battle the demon. Both die as a result of this event. In the end, the question becomes, "did evil or good win." I've come to the conclusion that there is hope for good and that it comes in the form of Fr. Dyer. He guides Chris to Fr. Karras. He gives the last rights to Fr. Karras at the bottom of the steps. After the event, he meets Chris and Regan as a Shepard and he will continue to serve his congregation knowing the events of that situation. Fr. Dyer is Hope and Faith in God. What do you think?

[–] Cookie.L.A. (2117) 7 years ago

I think the question is, Why do some adults still believe in an invisible sky fairy no one can ever hear?

[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

^^^this^^^^

[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

For the simple reason of knowing that there is more than what is observed. Some personify it as God. Others view it as enlightenment. Some call it consciousness. Some consider it a culmination of the multiverse. Others think there is nothing because they believe only in what has been presented so far. In the end, it's all absurd because all positions assume they are correct without much if any evidence. The automatic response of one of these positions is that they others are wrong. That's why you call it a "sky fairy."

Now, I was talking themes in a story about the supernatural. Did you notice the themes or are you unable to understand them?

[–] Cookie.L.A. (2117) 7 years ago

<< For the simple reason of knowing that there is more than what is observed. >>

I think this is basically what causes a belief in the "spiritual" Unknown...or magic. Certain types are unsatisfied with, or afraid of, Earthly life as we know it. So they invest in a synopsis that includes some fantastic other place/order full of endless rewards and comfort and love.

I imagine this whole belief began with cave people being traumatized by thinking they would never see their dead loved ones again, or that their own existence would truly be over when they died. So they transfered that fear into an equation that says "Oh no, it's NOT over. Everything will be okay!"

However, I wouldn't use the word knowing to describe that process, exactly.

(And how is the concept of gods different from sky fairies?)
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[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

I don't think you're wrong from evolutionary point of view. It especially makes sense if you look at it from a "nothing out there" point of view.

The reason I brought "Sky Fairy" up is because it's used to degrade someone's belief as though it is not important. The reality is, it's so important that people talk about the existence of God regardless of what they do or do not believe. Some view that belief as dangerous and child like. Other's see it as truth. In the end, it reveals that human thought is diverse and interesting.

[–] Cookie.L.A. (2117) 7 years ago

<< it's so important that people talk about the existence of God regardless of what they do or do not believe..."Sky Fairy" [is] used to degrade someone's belief as though it is not important. >>

A problem with discussion is one can't get past the emotional element Believers have; it is subconsciously based in that emotional need to be assured they will see lost loved ones again, that they themselves will never actually die, etc. (Basically, what drove cave people to invent the concept of an Afterlife.)

You say discussion is important....that phrase ("sky fairies") sparks comparison and discussion. It parallels the belief in gods with the belief in magical fairies. There really is little difference in defining the two...and that is worthy of discussion.
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[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

I don't think I fully agree with you on reason of emotion for belief. It's true that some have that element of belief, but the logical assumption of believing in something creating the University is just as absurd as the belief that existence just happened. Also, it's equally as emotional to turn away from a belief because of another's behaviour. Most Atheists I know don't hate the idea of God so much as they dislike those who believe. Thats not everyone who doesn't believe, but a good portion do. Who could blame them when what they see is hipocritical to the beliefs the others claim. As for you statement of comparison, that didn't come until later and it was used to avoid the actual topic of discussion, "hope" personified in the film. Do you see "hope" personified in the film? There's no sky fairy in that question.

[–] Cookie.L.A. (2117) 7 years ago

Oh, I didn't see the film.

[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

They need a like button for this one.

[–] Cookie.L.A. (2117) 7 years ago

Just kidding...

[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

That was a good one. You got me laughing.

[–] Cookie.L.A. (2117) 7 years ago

I knew you would be like : o

Hahahahaha!
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[–] Cookie.L.A. (2117) 7 years ago

To answer your question, I don't think any character who survives the story has their outlook changed, except the mother, Chris. She didn't believe in magical powers existing before, and now she's seen these powers at work.

I don't imagine she'd have "hope" at the end, tho. Her child was saved but more died...so at best it would be a hope that a god would intercede at the end of a disaster and maybe minimize the body count.
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[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

That's fair. I kind of see Fr. Dyer in the same light. He seemed a little too Goofy at first, but he seemed to care more after giving the last rights. I'm reason the book now (Halloween season) and I'm impressed with how much detail they've gotten correct in the film. Good discussion.

[–] Cookie.L.A. (2117) 7 years ago

An interesting book was written about the very trouble-strewn making of the film. The set caught fire, crew members and their family died...there was reportedly a lot of upset. (Others have observed it was a very expensive production that employed thousands, so of course there were going to be mishaps and deaths.)

I think that behind-the-scenes drama convinced more people (the crew) there were Unseen Forces than the film itself did.
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[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

The Omen and Poltergeist had similar issues. Hapenstance or not, it's always interesting to listen to the cast and crew talk about their experiences.

[–] ShogunofYonkers (71429) 7 years ago

Faith in some higer being is pretty basic in most people
I dont dislike them for it...
I work in a pretty violent ghetto and most of the locals seem to have a faith to get them through...i honestly see it as a positive in many cases
I also have beliefs of my own but its all pretty personal stuff
No hate here towards believers tho

[–] Cookie.L.A. (2117) 7 years ago

<< Faith in some higer being is pretty basic in most people >>

I guess it depends on your community, the types of people you know, if your family were churchgoers or not...

I wouldn't say "most" people believe in a Higher Power, but that's just from my own experience. Maybe about 35% of the people I've known would say they believe in a god...the rest, No.

But I think it's more and more usual for people to be middle of the road agnostic, and just say "Who knows? Maybe, maybe not."
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[–] andreaahr (2332) 4 years ago

I don't know what you may believe in Cookie but, I have a TRUE story for you. My father passed away of cancer in the year 2015. On the day of his passing, the doctor's declared him deceased when he took his last breath. My mom wanted all of us to say goodbye to him and the doctors allowed it. I was the last person to say goodbye to him. It was literally 30 minutes after he was declared deceased (or a little bit more) when I went into his room to see him laying on his bed lying face up and wrapped in a thin blanket. I sat down in a chair and sat next to his bed. All of a sudden, his blanket rose upward in the air then fall back onto his body. I truly believed in that moment that God raised my dad up and lifted him up to heaven. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind about that. It was such an incredible moment for me to witness that and I felt so much better because I knew he was free of pain and in Heaven with God and is no longer suffering. That's how I was able to handle my father's passing so well. I believe in God and I know that I cannot visibly see Him but He shows His love through the kindness of people, though animals (as animals (our pets)) are gifts from God ( a pets love is indescribable), the beauty of the world with nature as God created so much beauty in the world and through our good spirited natures and kind hearts. You don't have to reply to me but, I do hope that someday, you will find God as we are all his creation. God loves you and believes in you. I hope you will come to believe in Him someday too....