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Think Carefully before seeing this dangerous (yes, dangerous) movie

posted 18 years ago by imdb-15682
46 replies | jump to latest

If you are considering seeing this movie, I implore you to get very grounded in scripture so that your thinking is not severely poisoned. This is not too strong a statement - please bear with me and seriously consider this critique before seeing or showing this movie to anyone.

I do think the movie was well-made, directed, acted, etc. but I was very disappointed and sorry I brought it home. There are some key reasons why.

Healing and raising the dead are, according to the commands to us in the Bible, supposed to be normal for the Christian church at large. The fact that the churches involved in the movie were so taken by them, and as well that they were totally attributed to an evil personage, is a sad but true commentary of the state of the church (and I do know that there are some who may read this that see miracles in your churches weekly - obviously not talking about you but you ARE a minority :).

The 2nd reason is that, for those Christians that are NOT aware of their authority in Christ (see Luke 9, 10, Matt 10, James 5 for examples), this movie has a high potential for making them think that anything of this nature must be of the devil. There weren't any examples of Christians correctly operating in these areas to bring any balance. That the very holy gifts that have been given us through the holy presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit were only represented as attributed to demonic activity is very close to blaspheming Him and His ministry.

Lastly, that the demons had such an upperhand over the saints (e.g. could restrain them at will) is a totally false representation of reality (again see the Luke references) and could bring extreme fear on the unlearned/immature in the truth.

Don't get me wrong, considering author Frank P.'s heart (we've read his original thrillers and his Dr. Cooper series, various articles as well as heard numerous interviews with him over the last 18 years) I'm sure these serious consequences were not his intention - indeed there are issues here he may not be aware of.

[–] MikeRinaldi 17 years ago

Jeff Hollis already responded to this post point by point, so I won't repeat him. But let me say that for anyone who gets their theology from a movie... EVERY movie is dangerous. They shouldn't watch movies if they allow their theology to be interpreted by entertainment instead of authoritative sources of doctrine.

[–] TheArt 17 years ago

What is TRULY dangerous is people who think that watching a film is dangerous! How tenuous is the faith of someone who can be shaken by a movie? How weak is a mind which can be "poisoned" so easily?

The most dangerous thing in the world is the 'true believer' who cannot tolerate anything - even a trivial work of fiction - which challenges their belief system.

[–] zkm-2 17 years ago

Please realize most people dont believe in god :) Or anything else hoovering around in the sky or "heaven" if you please.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] sjmhale 17 years ago

Hate to sound like I'm bashing you, but did you ever consider that saying that Christians are intolerant and judgemental is a very intolerant and judgemental thing to say? Christians aren't perfect, they're just forgiven by a God who is :)

[–] kroisos-1 17 years ago

I dont think this thread deserves any more rational explanation. I think the writer of this topic is obviously overly biased in his/her views because of his/her strong beliefs in whatever shurch he/she belongs to. Anyone with half a brain can see that. Any more rhetoric is simply a waste of breath.

[–] x_Captain_Obvious_x 17 years ago

It's a "fictional" movie based on a "fictional" book, not a "documentary". Nuke some popcorn, grab a blanket and your sweetie, curl up on the couch and watch it. That's it, no debate, no theological discussion, just watch and enjoy!

[–] Lougriffin 17 years ago

This is a dangerous movie. As I was pushing the ok button to activate the HBO on demand feature (the movie is free with an HBO subscription...I wouldn't pay for this) my thumb caught a cramp. Then I smoked alot of cigarrettes, I also ate unhealthy foods while viewing this very dangerous film. I think I may have even tripped as I was going to the restroom about midway through the film. This....this...this *movie* if that's what you want to call it, is a MONSTER!!!

[–] contentsunderpressure08 17 years ago

I wonder why it is that so many Christians keep arguing...? I am a Christian, and I live by my faith. But an IMDB message board isn't exactly a productive witness guys. Jesus told us not to look down upon or judge the unbeliever. Far too often, we as Christians, just assume we know what the unbeliever needs. We know nothing. So stop judging each other. The bickering and bellowing in this entire message board is a perfect example of why Christianity has become known as one of the most judgmental, biased, prejudiced faiths in history. And that's not they way we are called to be. So stop letting them get to you because then you retaliate and make a fool of yourself. Jesus is the way, I know it in my heart, you shouldn't have to have a complicated debate to prove that Jesus is real. And you certainly can't prove it for someone else. So relax. God will take care of those people, and I don't mean by sending them to hell and you become some glorious citizen of heaven, I mean He has plans stop messing around with them.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] Chainsofreason 17 years ago

the theame in this movie is pretty clear. Evil is bad and it is beaten. Why the bible thumpers want to slam it is beyond me. Most motivations from bible thumpers is lost on me.

Still I am not too crazy about this movie because it is so predictible. Still better than most though.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] half_a_face 17 years ago

"Still I am not too crazy about this movie because it is so predictible. Still better than most though."

You found it predictable? Wow. It had me wondering if wassisname was actually the second coming or not.

As a movie? Not too shabby all in all.

Anyway, Christianity, huh?

I don't think Christianity should ever be discussed on anything other than mano e mano (is that even the right saying?)

What I'm saying is that everytime Jesus is talked about on the internet or mass media, it ends like this thread. Christians carrying on like they know wvereything and everyone else getting upset 'cause the Christians are having that attitude.

If a Christian (even using that word leaves a bad taste in my mouth) is doing what they believe is right, then they are living the example and don't need to spit their beliefs at people. They don't need to carry on like chumps because they are secure in their own salvation and don't have to prove themselves.

And all that came from a Christian...

ME!!

[–] mikebourkefan 11 years ago

i only bought this because it was an EdwarFurlong movie out of the 5 dollar bin

Rob Zombie is one of the greatest movie directors today