Please say it isn't true!!
Why is Sean Astin, whom some of us feel a Generation X affinity with, making one of these awful Christian movies? Please tell me he's not going to become the next Kirk Cameron!
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MovieChat Forums > Do You Believe? (2015) Discussion > Please say it isn't true!!
Maybe he'll become tolerant and open minded like you meta.
shareHaha, nice!
shareYou mean like your "god" who thinks that not believing in him/her/it is a crime worthy of eternal punishment and torture?
shareSince He created us I guess He can do whatever He wants with us. Who are we to question Him? But since He loves us enough to give us a way out of the punishment your speaking of I will continue to praise Him and pray for you. It's really quite simple.
shareYeah keep living with your head up your ass and keep having faith in a fairytale with nothing, not a single shred of evidence to support it!
If there against all reason and evidence is a god I hope it's one that none of the three Abrahamic religions worship. Would be so *beep* funny to see you all roast on spits in that hell you think you're avoiding.
So your own world view has made you superior in terms of compassion and decency, clearly.
If you had a real interest in anything other than ingratiating yourself with the "God is a joke, a fairy tale, etc." social group, you would've read everything you could on the matter from both sides (or all sides), since the question of God's existence has to be as important a question as there is for any person to answer. You would've read the best arguments from the God-believers, not the worst. So have you?
Here's one, for instance: The Language of God, by Francis Collins, who formerly directed the Human Genome Project and is now (I think) the NIH director.
So the people at his level are the kinds of idiots who live with their heads up their asses because they believe in a fairy tale, right? All of them except for you and people like you, yeah?
Again, Christians (and other God-believers) themselves are often at least partially responsible for the idea propagated among the semi-ignorant out there that belief in God is somehow _against_ reason and evidence. The version of God and Christianity set forth by many Christians is, unfortunately, exactly the straw-man version that people like you disregard and ridicule, and to the extent that's what you're doing, it's actually right that you're doing it. That version deserves the ridicule. But it doesn't end the question of whether that is the true version.
See, the thing is, whether God exists or whether Christianity is true has an objective existence of its own, and doesn't depend at all on what any single Christian or group of people who call themselves Christians say about it or believe about it. You might as well say that if somebody believes in the existence of Africa for all the wrong reasons (because he saw a fictional film set there, or he wants to believe in it because it sounds like such a beautiful place to go, or he likes the idea of going on a photo safari), the naivete or baselessness or wrongheadedness of his belief means that Africa actually doesn't exist.
Hi. Google "Arkdiscovery". You'll love it. My family knew that man personally. It's amazing findings about the Bible.
It's interesting who makes the calm, mature remarks, and who makes the hateful, snotty remarks. ;)
shareThat's the impossibly simplistic straw-man version of it, sure.
To be sure, it doesn't help that a lot of Christians themselves look at this way.
Excellent response, Kurtbrian!
shareSo you have a problem with someone making an uplifting movie? I thought he did a great job in the movie.
There are too many horror and movies that glorify violence just for the sake of it.
To peaseroberte: I like to think that these Christian movies are for estimated 1.5 million people (as of April 5, 2015) that saw "Do You Believe?" Christian haters are just Christian haters. We are not surprised by their hatred. They hated Jesus before they hated us. Nobody is forcing anyone to watch Christian trailers or movies. I know where all this hate is coming from and his mark is 666. I agree with you: I liked the guy (from Lords of the Rings) who played the Doctor in "Do You Believe?"- not his unbelieving character in the movie but how he played his role as an unbeliever, very convincing.
shareYou can't hate what never existed... well you can. But that would be like loving something that doesn't exist. crazy.
shareAgreed.
I am also tired of the notion/attitude that a movie has to have sex/nudity/violence for it to be considered good.
Anne Hathaway jokingly (??) expressed frustration about not getting nominated for an Oscar (for 'Love And Other Drugs', I think) for getting naked in a movie. You shouldn't have to drop your clothes to be taken seriously as an actor.
To Siobanphotogirl: I agree with you. I hate it when movies have women exposing themselves as cheap. If you look at the history of movies from the 1960's to the present: nudity and sex plays a big part in films. The public had no way to verbal their opinions about what they thought was moral or right in a film. Hollywood Studios knew what they were doing by selling porno-like films on the big screens. Hollywood is no better than a drug dealer selling drugs to anyone that would buy. As a result, our world is full with rapists, sex addicts (before they become rapist), child molesters, etc. I have done the research on the subject so, I know that sex and nudity is addictive. Why else would we have so many rapists in the world? Crime reports used to say that every 7 minutes a rape is being committed. I read that 33% of the world's children today are looking at porn on the Internet. So moms be careful what your child is looking at on their phones. Perhaps, there is a parental control feature on their cell phones to protect children from this harmful abuse. If not, call your phone provider to see what can protect your child or have the Internet block from their phones (We have AT&T, they block for free).
shareAmen, sister!
shareBobby_Jo, unfortunately some children can get access to the Internet from friends whose parents are not attentive to what their children are searching on the Internet/phones. Not all parents care. Thanks for a really good post. I am anxious to see this film!
shareTo Kariann1964, Your Welcome. You're absolutely correct. My sister-in-law let her kids watch sex at the Theaters when her and her husband would go see a Rated "R" movie. This was some years ago but I told her I was against my kids going to see a couple having sex. She tried to convince me, giving me different reasons but I stood my ground. Many parents think raising children is only feeding and clothing them but they are wrong; Parents must teach their children good-moral teachings. Most parents are so consumed by their spouses that there is no time for teaching their kids: manners (to say thank you, etc), respect for your elders (yes ma'am, yes sir, etc), politeness (be kind to everyone), and ethics (not to steal, etc). My mom taught us, I taught my kids, and I am hoping they teach their kids. Thanks again.
shareHave you seen this? It's very good.
Ran Gavrieli "Why I stopped watching porn." (TED presentation)
http://youtu.be/gRJ_QfP2mhU
He is correct. Porn infiltrates the mind. It takes away imagination, sensuality, and sensitivity. And, he says for HIMSELF, he found himself losing the ability to get an erection without the bizarre images, etc. That is, he lost his imagination for human bonding, love, connection and sensitivity. He also talks about how it turns the focus for little boys (who now have access) towards obsession with large penises and standards we as humans can't live up to so the little boys become frustrated and "aggressive."
It's a destructive cycle.
I have been criticizing movies on this site for some time for the ridiculous need for graphic sex....in mainstream movies. I get a lot of...."Lena is an uptight asexual prude..." (Lena is a moniker not my real name). It's truly amazing how the mainstream pornography bullies attack anyone who objects to the human desensitization that is bombarding us in cinema these days. Not only bombarding us, but is being celebrated as "brave art" out on a crusade to defeat the so called oppressive Bible pushers. It is nonsensical...It's got nothing to do with faith or the Bible...
But rather what Ran was talking about....the crops of young aggressive boys being created generation after generation and young girls willing to sell sex to get ahead in this world...
Galena
*Free speech opinion w/ pseudonym internet moniker w/o malice for debate and discussion🌈
Because it was an AMAZING movie. Loved it! Have you even seen the movie? If not your opinion doesn't qualify
shareI just watched the movie, and as a Christian, I feared that it'd be one of those movies that can't seem to show what it's like to be a Christian in the real world without forcing the religion onto its non-believing viewers.
After watching it, I was amazed at how real it felt, and how accurate it describes what it's like to be a Christian believer. Sure, you can't expect one movie to show what it's like for everyone everywhere to be a believer, but that wasn't expected. It did an awesome job, and I think this movie will leave the non-believers thinking. Not necessarily about what Christianity is all about, but also why some non-believers are so stuck on the "burden of proof"-concept that they so dearly need.
Many non-believers don't seem to get the whole point of believing, as Christians don't need proof to believe - so why should non-believers want to make the believers come up with proof? Just doesn't make sense to me.
The movie also shows well that believers and non-believers CAN co-exist without having to argue about it - as long as you realize that money isn't what is the most important in our lives. What IS important is the people you have around you, and which religious (or lack of) belief every person has shouldn't be so crucial that you can't get along.
He's not an A-lister. He chooses whatever he can get.
shareHey folks,
Why is it the boards on positive religious films like this one are always filled with threads ragging on the film for all kinds of off the wall reasons? Why is it so many of the negative posts on the threads are remarkable for the nasty content of posts as well as foul language? Why is that most of the positive threads are written without guttural language and without nastiness toward others?
I watched this film with my wife and daughter this night, and it was not a film I would have chosen to watch. My wife and daughter are believers and like many of these type films. I am not a believer as they and am not attracted to these films. In spite of my beliefs, however, I am not in any way compelled to write such nasty comments on these boards.
My wife is good to me and good for me, and it has been that way for over 50 years of marriage. So, when she comes home with a film like this, I sit down and watch it with her. Sometimes I like the film, and sometimes I do not, but that is true with any films we watch - even those I pick.
I suspect my wife silently prays the film will make me a believer, but she stopped telling me about it many, many years ago. I find a sense of comfort in her benign prayers for me, and I simply enjoy my time with her. Then again, sometimes the films are enjoyable, and that is icing on the cake.
Best wishes,
Dave Wile
Why is it the boards on positive religious films like this one are always filled with threads ragging on the film for all kinds of off the wall reasons?
Because atheists are essentially insecure. If they didn't believe in God, there would be no reason for them to even be here. Why would these 'champions of free speech' be concerned about what I watch?
Why is it so many of the negative posts on the threads are remarkable for the nasty content of posts as well as foul language?
Militant atheists have anger issues and a limited vocabulary. share
Hey Kurtbrian,
I would respectfully disagree with you in that you over generalize your descriptions of folks who do not believe as do you, and you are making the same stereotypical errors of those folks as which I was complaining they (also a stereotypical generalization) so often make. As I noted in my prior post, I am not a believer as is my wife, and while I certainly have certain insecurities about my life, I would not consider myself out of the norm for most of the folks (believers and non-believers) I know and care about.
"Because atheists are essentially insecure. If they didn't believe in God, there would be no reason for them to even be here. Why would these 'champions of free speech' be concerned about what I watch?"
I do not have to believe in God to enjoy the film, and I am here to see what other folks have taken from the film as well as note my positive comments on same. I do not mind being considered a "champion of free speech," but I do tend to make an attempt to keep my speech civil toward others.
"Militant atheists have anger issues and a limited vocabulary."
I do tend to agree with your statement, and that is part of my complaint about folks being civil to one another. I would, however, note that some "militant believers" can also be most uncivil when they are so quick to proclaim that all who disagree with their belief is bound for Hell or should be killed outright.
Again, please note this non-believer did like the film, and I rated it as a 7 out of 10.
Best wishes,
Dave Wile
Why is it the boards on positive religious films like this one are always filled with threads ragging on the film for all kinds of off the wall reasons?
It's not just in religious films boards. share
Hey IMDB_Vits,
You are absolutely correct. It seems the anonymity of the internet has encouraged so many folks to simply forget common civility, and they say things that most of us would not consider saying in person. It just seems they come out of the woodwork when it comes to films having anything to do with religion.
A Mormon related company produced three films based on World War II, all under the title of Soldiers and Saints, if I am correct. All three were low budget films, but they were good films with good stories and good acting. Some folks noted some errors in the film, and that is just fine, but there were so many others who repeatedly harped on the idea the films were Mormon propaganda, and that was just shameful as well as being wrong.
Best wishes,
Dave Wile
Hey David,
You are so right. The fact that people on the internet can make comments and remain anonymous has given rise to a culture of sniping and unkindness. But I also believe that it is a symptom of the times. As a culture we are becoming meaner, baser, and disrespectful.
About 15 years ago I watched an episode of Larry King, in which he interviewed Sid Cesar, Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner. The trio had all worked on the popular 50's TV show, "Your Show Of Shows". Larry King asked the question, "How is working in Hollywood in the 50's different than working there today?" All three unanimously stated that back in the 1950's people had more respect for each other than they do now.
Having memories of the 50's and 60's myself, I must agree that common decency and respect have been on a steady decline for decades, and hatred among all people and races is increasing, generally speaking.
As far as movies about religion or religious themes or characters, I believe that any topic is fair game for a movie. It's about the story and how it is delivered. I am not a Catholic or Protestant, but I have enjoyed movies that have these characters in them, and I respect the right of others to believe in God or reject the notion.
If we can't agree to disagree, then bad things become the next step. It is obvious that you are a good and decent man Dave, and as far being a believer or unbeliever, that should take care of itself for all of us "in due time."
Best wishes,
Clintessence
Hey Clint,
Thanks for the very kind words. For you and me, "in due time" is not very far away. I hope personal civility does not wither away with the older generation. I hope there are young folks who will carry it on, but when I see some of the things posted on Facebook and other social media, I have to worry about what we are becoming.
Best wishes,
Dave Wile
Hang on. It's wrong to accuse a movie of being propaganda when it isn't but, if it's, it deserves criticism. This movie is clearly propaganda.
shareHey IMDB_Vits,
With respect to you as a reasonable person, I agree with your first sentence, but disagree with your second sentence.
"Hang on. It's wrong to accuse a movie of being propaganda when it isn't but, if it's, it deserves criticism. This movie is clearly propaganda."
There is constructive criticism and there is subjective criticism based on some merits of a film, book, or whatever. I frequently criticize a film or book for one reason or another, and yet I may still think it was a good film or book.
I was born in the 1940s and spent all my life deeply affected by war in general and World War II in particular. The whole Nazi mindset is still a complete wonder to me. I simply cannot understand how a nation of human beings could accept so willingly the Nazi propaganda which we today accept as "nationalism."
From my junior high school days until this day, I cannot understand why we Americans accept what we have been programed to believe from the time we are small children. I do not like playing the National Anthem before virtually every social event, and I do not advocate the idea that we should serve our government. Governments should serve the people rather than the reverse.
Before you get the idea I am anti-American, I really am not. I am simply anti-nationalism - the whole idea of "my government right or wrong." I may not like the idea of standing for the National Anthem and facing the flag, but I fly the American flag in my front yard most days of the year. I also visit a few cemeteries where folks I have known are planted, and I salute the tombstone where each veteran is buried. I do care about my neighbors and fellow Americans, but I am not so big on the flag waving as a public spectacle. It reminds me too much of the Germans during the Nazi era, and that, to me, is propaganda.
In my opinion, this film was nothing like the propaganda I remember. Certainly it was a story meant to depict folks with religious beliefs, but it was nothing like the propaganda I remember from Nazi Germany. You can have a film about pirates with ghosts and whatever, but that does not make the film true, and it does not make it propaganda. To me it was an entertaining story, and remember, I am not a fellow traveler of the religious producers of same.
Best wishes,
Dave Wile
I said it's propaganda because these movies* tell the audience that: A) You can't be happy if you're not a Christian. B) All Atheists are jerks.
*I mean the whole genre, but specifically the ones produced by Flix Entertainment.
Hey IMDB_Vits,
I agree this film is targeted toward a religious based audience, and I do not have any problem with that. However, I think personal happiness does not require religion or a lack of religious belief. In fact, I would suspect both religious and non-religious folks all have happy as well as unhappy times in their lives. It is just part of life.
As far as all atheists being jerks, I am pretty sure atheists are not the only jerks around. You can find plenty of jerks in churches as well as ball games, school boards, and everywhere. For my own personal survival practice, I try to avoid the jerks wherever I can.
Based on what I have read that you posted, I am guessing you are a non-believer. Some of your comments may seem a little bit harsh to me, but you still seem to be a fairly reasonable person, and certainly not a jerk.
Best wishes,
Dave Wile
I am a believer. That's why these movies bother me so much: They give Christians a bad rep.
shareThat's why these movies bother me so much: They give Christians a bad rep.
Why would you care about your rep among the ungodly? Approved workmen are not ashamed. What the ungodly think of you means nothing.
God guarantees that the world will hate all godly people. If the world doesn't hate you, you are doing something wrong in God's eyes: that's God's promise to all who follow Him.
The only people among whom you should care about your rep are God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. And they will all be well-pleased with you if you obey God rather than the whims of mankind who hates God.
"Science creates fictions to explain facts" - Gilman share