Attended a screening, but couldn't even make it to the end... - Do You Believe? (2015) Discussion

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] 9 years ago

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Why bother to see the movie, if you're so sure you like it "just fine?"

Because Christians who enjoy Christian films want to see it.

Why are "actual" Christians the only ones who will like this, according to you?

Because every pro-Christian film on IMDb is overrun with atheists that are complaining about pro-Christian films. Couldn't the atheists go to see pro-Atheist films, and comment on those chat boards?

No one else but it's intended audience will appreciate this, not even for unrelated non-secular reasons (such as the acting, the writing, the story, etc.?)

Show me any atheists that enjoyed a pro-Christian film (such as the company that makes these films) and I will be shocked.

Why do you think someone is "stupid" and "ignorant" for walking out of a movie they weren't enjoying, for the reasons they stated?

With the internet and IMDb, you should have a pretty good idea which films are good and which ones aren't. Anyone who walked into the film and claimed they had no idea there's a pro-Christian message is a liar, and they're acting like they have an agenda.

Perhaps unlike most people who trash a film w/o seeing it, they saw it for personal or professional reasons? Or simply out of curiosity?

A number of us Christians that use IMDb feel that atheists come to this site to stage chat protests, because they bad mouth God and religion. On top of predictably hating pro-Christian films.

Maybe they were seeking God? And God chose not to reveal herself to them, got a problem with that?

No Westsa, they're militant atheists here to attack.

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[–] Uvtha 9 years ago

Show me any atheists that enjoyed a pro-Christian film (such as the company that makes these films) and I will be shocked.

Are we talking about christpolitation films like this company makes... or ANY christiany movies? I'm an atheist, and I love plenty of movies that feature christian themes/concepts or about biblical events. Ben Hur for example is a great movie. Lots of classic christmas films as well, like the Bishop's Wife, and just in general classic films. I like them because they are good movies, the ideology isn't important.

I mean, you have to conceed that pro christian films can be crappy, and that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't like them either.

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

[quote]Ben Hur for example is a great movie. Lots of classic christmas films as wellquote]

Ben Hur was a classic Hollywood epic adventure purely intended to teach history and not solicit.

The people who made 'God Is Not Dead' are Christians that make films FOR Christians. The intent was purely to teach Christians to stand up for their convictions and keep the faith.

Lets not make those comparisons. ^

There is no logical reason for any atheist to have seen 'God Is Not Dead", and completely insane if the same atheists go to see 'Do You Beleive'. Obviously if you don't believe those people are on the board to protest religion in general as we see with any film that is strongly endorsing religion.

Why can't atheists simply go to see atheist films? Keep things honest and quite harassing Christians.

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[–] goodhumordude 9 years ago

For the record, I AM a Christian... but just because I'm a Christian doesn't mean I have to blindly support projects that lack quality production, good acting and compelling storytelling.

"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here, it's the war room!"

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

'Gods Not Dead' wasn't any where near that bad. I think you're being overly dramatic. And I have to wait for 'Do You Believe' to be shown in my city March 20th.

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[–] JC_gives_u_hope 9 years ago

For the record, I AM a Christian..by goodhumordude

To goodhumordude: What do you mean you are a Christian? What is a Christian? Is a Christian someone who knows of God? Someone who believes in God? Someone who believes in Jesus? Someone who believes in God and Jesus?

Jesus says: Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matthew 7:23

Consequently, the above means that only God's chosen ones will see the Kingdom of Heaven. For God chose us before the creation of the world. Ephesians 1:4

God "will repay each person according to what they have done." Romans 2:6

Consequently, the above is saying: each person will receive from God, according to what they have done.

You can tell a Christian by the love they show to others. If you walk pass a tree that has oranges on its branches; you know that it is a orange tree. In the same way, you can tell a person if he is a Christian, by the love he or she shows his brother or sister. That is why we should encourage one another because God commands us to. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

A Christian should read his or her Bible because God speaks to us through the Word, giving us instruction.

"But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it--not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it--they will be blessed in what they do." James 1:25

That is why we encourage the writers and producers of this movie because they are Christians - brothers in Christ and therefore, we should ENCOURAGE their films because that is what God would want us to do.
" But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17

Yes, it's difficult to be a Christian or a follower of Christ Jesus but if it were easy then, everyone would be a Christian but not everyone is. Hope this helps.

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[–] kevinmc-962-490522 9 years ago

Why do you focus on all the quotes about how hard it is to be a Christian, and yet you never mention the one commandment Jesus says is the most important: to love God with everything you have and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Loving others as Christ loved us is also the final instruction he gives the disciples in John before the passion. It's clearly the central teaching of Christ, and yet too often we Christians are too focused on whether or not we're "truly Christians".

Well, I hate to tell you this, but unless you're righting for equality for all people, you're not doing the loving your neighbor as yourself. Focus on what Christ taught, because clearly Christ thought that was the most important stuff we needed to hear.

If we want to claim to be Christians, we have to function out of love and empathy. No condemning other self-avowed Christians because they're not "Christian enough" in your eyes. No condemning someone for being gay, being a criminal, being an illegal immigrant, or anything else. We are meant to see the humanity in everyone because God created them.

It's sad that the secular world is beating us in empathy and compassion for others.

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[–] Uvtha 9 years ago

I disagree about Ben-Hur, but it's not important, there are plenty of good movies based on or heavily featuring christian beliefs, especially older ones.

My general point was a movie can do the things you claim, and STILL be a bad movie, or it can do the things you claim and be a GOOD movie. It all just depends on how much effort was put into the work.

Why can't atheists simply go to see atheist films? Keep things honest and quite harassing Christians.

I never had any interest in harassing anyone, but I can only speak for myself. I was just passing by while looking up Sean Astin. As for atheists watching "atheist films", really I think exposing oneself to ideas you either disagree with or are unfamiliar with is perfectly healthy. Can help avoid pointless tension between people to try and understand where someone is coming from, can it not?

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

Can help avoid pointless tension between people to try and understand where someone is coming from, can it not?

Those of us who are Christians get hassled on every Christian film discussion board for every Christian film on IMDb. Many of us wonder why there can't be a positive discussion among Christians without the atheists telling us how stupid and primitive we are.

I don't understand why an atheist would want to watch a Christian film in the first place if they think it's all bs. There's no logic to that at all. This isn't Harry Potter. Billions of people in this world are people of faith.

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[–] Uvtha 9 years ago

I don't understand why an atheist would want to watch a Christian film in the first place if they think it's all bs. There's no logic to that at all. This isn't Harry Potter. Billions of people in this world are people of faith.

Well, seems pretty clear why. People like to make fun of things. Many atheists and many religious people (many people in general) are very self righteous and derisive toward groups they feel are they opposition, so they would probably want to watch a religious movie to make fun of it. The logic of it is pretty simple, whether you find it silly or not, which I happen to.

And of course while the theoretical enjoyment anyone gets out of a film is completely subjective you CAN present reasonable arguments about comparative quality in concept and execution, and honestly I think much of the criticism (of the non vitriolic sort) leveled at these kind of films is fairly accurate. They are taking advantage of baseless and generally I would say harmful attitudes in the religious like Transformers takes advantage of peoples love of cars and explosions without putting any effort into making an actually compelling or well crafted film.

That's fine though, not everything has to be Citizen Kane.

Those of us who are Christians get hassled on every Christian film discussion board for every Christian film on IMDb. Many of us wonder why there can't be a positive discussion among Christians without the atheists telling us how stupid and primitive we are.

Don't engage with jerks. They will get bored and leave. But really you are probably going to find this kind of thing on general public forums. Maybe try a christian Reddit?

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

Don't engage with jerks. They will get bored and leave. But really you are probably going to find this kind of thing on general public forums. Maybe try a christian Reddit?

It's not likely that I'll flee any IMDb chat boards in tears. But my point was in response as to why these arguments occur at all with this subject. I really don't understand why an atheist would spend ten bucks or less to see a Christian film. It's not a comedy, and with so many good comedies available...why invest in DYB?

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[–] Uvtha 9 years ago

Like I said, self righteousness. People also enjoy being infuriated. As evidenced by these forums.

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

They have a right to be infuriated when a Christian film comes under attack by people who were never intended to be the target audience. Maybe the self righteous haters should go elsewhere if they're unhappy?

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[–] Uvtha 9 years ago

A) Anyone obviously has the "right" to get infuriated at or over anything/anyone. That doesn't mean its always either justified or wise to do so.

B) Again, films are not "for" a supposed target audience, or explicitly anyone else. Once you release a film it's available for public consumption. So people who expend their time/money to see it to earnestly enjoy it, to ironically enjoy it, to rile themselves up, or simply to critique it's technical, social or artistic merits as a film, are equally justified in doing so, regardless of what anyone thinks of their motivation.
Also, I am 100% certain that the filmmakers EXPECTED non Christians to come to this movie just to mock it or get debate "ammo". A sold ticket is a sold ticket.
Exactly why I would advise people who disagree with movies like this one to just ignore it, otherwise you only help legitimize a cause you disagree with.
It's the same reason I urge people to not engage in debates (especially public ones) over evolution. It's not just pointless, it's actually counter productive.

C) I don't think the "haters" are unhappy. I think they enjoy expressing their personally held notions of superiority and similarly I think their targets enjoy feeling victimized, as it supports a commonly publicized narrative, thus validating their choice to align themselves as they have.
Both come away with a sense of indignation that they quite clearly find satisfying. Otherwise, why engage in such pointless bickerfests?

Trolls come here, and other similar places (and the reverse scenario) looking for food, and they find it in abundance, and so they cycle continues, both sides reveling in their specific brand of self righteous dudgeon.

Best/only defense is don't be offended, don't get infuriated, don't engage. Or like I say, visit a discussion site with user/democratic moderation, or any other site where ones opinions will never be challenged.

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

Again, films are not "for" a supposed target audience, or explicitly anyone else. Once you release a film it's available for public consumption. So people

Wrong. This film, and 'Gods Not Dead', were made by Christians - for Christians. The Twilight films were made for teen girls as the primary target audience. Transformer films for pre-teen boys. Romantic comedies are called chick flicks. These are examples of target groups where the most money is made by the production companies that make these films for the target audience. I'm very sorry to have to tell you this: but the people that produce these films couldn't care less what YOU think, or whether you hate their product. The public consumption argument is purely going on in your imagination. You can't stop these production companies from making tens of millions no matter how much protesting you do here. lol

Also, I am 100% certain that the filmmakers EXPECTED non Christians to come to this movie

I've met guys that make these kinds of films and they snicker at guys like you. Sure they like spending your money if you're stupid enough to buy a ticket to see their film, but they don't count on you as a happy customer, or coming back for more if you disliked their other films. And if you go to another one of their films and keep giving them money, you become the butt end of their office jokes. That's the reality.

I don't think the "haters" are unhappy.

I've had a lot of atheists lash out at me for defending my faith, which is the intent behind this companies films. They weren't venting curse words of joy. The atheists I had discussions with were seriously angry. They wanted their money back, they thought I was an ahole for defending films they hated, and they blamed religion for all the bad things that happen in the world.

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[–] Uvtha 9 years ago

Wrong. This film, and 'Gods Not Dead', were made by Christians - for Christians. The Twilight films were made for teen girls as the primary target audience. Transformer films for pre-teen boys. Romantic comedies are called chick flicks. These are examples of target groups where the most money is made by the production companies that make these films for the target audience.

That's may be who they are appealing to, but anyone can go to any movie they want, for any reason they want, and no reason is more valid than the next. Once it's out there every person who sees it will take something different away from it, and its entirety possible that despite feeling positive or negative the take away will not be what the film makers had in mind. That's just how art works. When you release it, it's no longer JUST yours. Someone could be in the "target audience" and hate it because they feel pandered to, or because they simply think it was a poorly made film. On the other hand someone who is not in the "target audience" could go see it and have a wonderful time and love viewing it ironically. It's up to the individual how they receive the piece.

For example, as a thirty something male, I happen to love a lot of "chick flicks". "A Brief Encounter" is in my top 5 favorite movies of all time, as in my opinion it's one of the best movies I've ever seen, despite being a romance movie.

And as an atheist I happen to love a lot of movies about religion, or heavily featuring religious themes, again, because they were good flicks.

I know you pooh-poohed this already but I don't get why when you are trying to make the point that it's the faith angle people are having issues with. I think thats surely the case for some people... but clearly not all.

I'm very sorry to have to tell you this: but the people that produce these films couldn't care less what YOU think, or whether you hate their product. The public consumption argument is purely going on in your imagination. You can't stop these production companies from making tens of millions no matter how much protesting you do here. lol

Well, I haven't made a single protest, so that's ok by me. I didn't say or even imply they should stop making movies, because I really couldn't care less. I didn't come here to bash this movie, or the people who earnestly enjoy it, nor have I told anyone how they should watch this movie, or what they should take away from it. I think I've been perfectly civil. :/

I've met guys that make these kinds of films and they snicker at guys like you. Sure they like spending your money if you're stupid enough to buy a ticket to see their film, but they don't count on you as a happy customer, or coming back for more if you disliked their other films. And if you go to another one of their films and keep giving them money, you become the butt end of their office jokes. That's the reality.

They laugh at people who despite their own opinions don't bash their movies, and go out of their way to try and have a reasonable and respectful conversation with their self identifying fans? Seems like an odd thing to snicker at. :P

I mean are you just posting reactively? I only ask because, since you just basically repeated what I wrote, to the point that I wonder if you actually read all of my post before responding.
I think we are in agreement here that going to a movie made by someone who's worldview you not only don't posses but one to which you consider yourself in diametric opposition, would be a foolish thing to do. While I am an atheist, I don't care about religion very much, if at all. It's certainly none of my business if others do. I wouldn't see these movies simply because they really don't seem very well made, and the way the subject is being presented seems silly to me.
The only reason I even posted here was because I thought it was an interesting argument that because this is a niche movie made for a niche audience that it's somehow above unbiased criticism on a film making level. I only came to this page at all because I was wondering what Sean Astin was up to, having not heard much from him since LOTR, and this movie was on the list. Heh.

"I've had a lot of atheists lash out at me for defending my faith, which is the intent behind this companies films. They weren't venting curse words of joy. The atheists I had discussions with were seriously angry. They wanted their money back, they thought I was an ahole for defending films they hated, and they blamed religion for all the bad things that happen in the world."

I really don't think your need to defend your faith, as it's not in jeopardy. You don't owe your detractors anything, and if someone lashes out at you as you say, its clearly unfounded, so just turn the other cheek, and find someone to talk to who isn't being a jerk. I've known plenty of atheists who like to poke fun at religion and get a kick out of watching movies like this, but they would never be mean to someone about it, because, while they may have strong biases they aren't mean people.

It's just people tolling on the web who are like that, and like I say man, the only solution for trolls is to ignore them. WWJD, etc, etc...

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

That's may be who they are appealing to, but anyone can go to any movie they want, for any reason they want, and no reason is more valid than the next.

I don't think anyone on this board challenged the legality of attending films. You need to calm down. If an atheist or agnostic was stupid enough to pay money to see this film, and whine about it afterwards...that's really pathetic.

Someone could be in the "target audience" and hate it because they feel pandered to, or because they simply think it was a poorly made film. On the other hand someone who is not in the "target audience" could go see it and have a wonderful

Way ahead of you. I already know by name which [alleged]Christians had big problems with this film, and I already chatted with them on the 'God's Not Dead' chat board and other pro-Christian boards. I have yet to meet a non-Christian who liked any of the films this company specializes in making, so your claim has yet to materialize.

For example, as a thirty something male, I happen to love a lot of "chick flicks". "A Brief Encounter" is in my top 5 favorite movies of all time, as in my opinion it's one of the best movies I've ever seen, despite being a romance movie.

I love the chick flicks too. But the reason we call them that term is because a sizable percentage of guys do not like chick flicks. That's an actual consumer fact.

I know you pooh-poohed this already but I don't get why when you are trying to make the point that it's the faith angle people are having issues with. I think thats surely the case for some people... but clearly not all.

Check out the voter percentages for 'God's Not Dead'. A huge percentage of people (Christians) gave it a 10 and a huge percentage of atheists gave it a 1. All the atheists I chatted with, (and it might be two dozen) hated Gods Not Dead. The percentages will be the same for Do You Believe.

While I am an atheist, I don't care about religion very much, if at all. It's certainly none of my business if others do. I wouldn't see

You haven't typed anything that's different than what the other atheists have already typed here, and on the chat board for 'Gods Not Dead'.

I really don't think your need to defend your faith, as it's not in jeopardy.

I'm not defending my faith, I'm giving the atheists a taste of their own medicine and inviting them to leave the Christians alone on this chat board since this is a Christian film, and atheists need not defecate here. It's like spraying ants or roaches.

OK...lets make the comparisons here.

I'm pro-Christian, the producers and their company are pro-Christian, the films they make are pro-Christian, and they make tens of millions from a pro-Christian audience.

Do you see why you're out of place here?

Let me see if I understand you. You know how to use IMDb before seeing a film. You should have known that "Gods Not Dead' was not liked by people who aren't pro-Christian, and yet you went to see 'Do You Believe' anyway, even though the trailer clearly presented a pro-Christian theme? You do realize why I'm questioning your intellect, right?

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[–] Uvtha 9 years ago

Way ahead of you. I already know by name which [alleged]Christians had big problems with this film, and I already chatted with them on the 'God's Not Dead' chat board and other pro-Christian boards. I have yet to meet a non-Christian who liked any of the films this company specializes in making, so your claim has yet to materialize.

I don't really think it's fair to just imply that because they disagree with you they aren't Christians. There are several Christians in my life, and none of them have interest in these kinds of movies. Surely it can't be so unbelievable that a Christian would not like this kind of movie.

I really didn't like Religulous for example. One doesn't always automatically have the same ideas or tastes that someone of the same faith (or lack there of) does.

I love the chick flicks too. But the reason we call them that term is because a sizable percentage of guys do not like chick flicks. That's an actual consumer fact.

Yes, but that just shows that anyone can enjoy (or not enjoy but see) a film, even if they aren't in the target audience. It's up to the individual.

Check out the voter percentages for 'God's Not Dead'. A huge percentage of people (Christians) gave it a 10 and a huge percentage of atheists gave it a 1. All the atheists I chatted with, (and it might be two dozen) hated Gods Not Dead. The percentages will be the same for Do You Believe.

Just because a lot of people behave one way doesn't mean everyone does. It's fine if they hate it, that's not even the point. The point I was t tying to make was you could not like , OR even LIKE the film regardless of it's religious message. That is all I have ever been saying on this topic.
Not all atheists 100% despise any movie with religious content. It's not true with me, and I know others that it is not true for. But, when you present them as boogeymen as GnD did, then, yeah, you will probably get a lot of back lash. Just like a movie that bashed religious people would get back lash from the religious.

You haven't typed anything that's different than what the other atheists have already typed here, and on the chat board for 'Gods Not Dead'.

What have I even said about this movie? I don't care about it. It doesn't upset me, I don't think people who like it are bad or stupid, I don't want it taken out of theaters, I don't care if they make 100 more. More power to them. If THAT is the same thing you are hearing from other atheists, I don't see what your problem could possibly be.

I didn't come here to talk about the movie. I didn't post in this thread because of the movie, only because of a comment you made about how this movie should be viewed, which I thought was interesting.

I'm not defending my faith, I'm giving the atheists a taste of their own medicine and inviting them to leave the Christians alone on this chat board since this is a Christian film, and atheists need not defecate here. It's like spraying ants or roaches.

I was just responding to your comment "I've had a lot of atheists lash out at me for defending my faith."

OK...lets make the comparisons here.

I'm pro-Christian, the producers and their company are pro-Christian, the films they make are pro-Christian, and they make tens of millions from a pro-Christian audience.

Do you see why you're out of place here?

Nope. I'm not even commenting on the film, a point I've been trying in vain (apparently) to make for days now.

Let me see if I understand you. You know how to use IMDb before seeing a film. You should have known that "Gods Not Dead' was not liked by people who aren't pro-Christian, and yet you went to see 'Do You Believe' anyway, even though the trailer clearly presented a pro-Christian theme? You do realize why I'm questioning your intellect, right?

No, you don't understand me. I did not see GnD or this movie, nor do I plan to. Nor have I even said anything bad about them. You clearly aren't even reading my posts.

Really though, who is the one being rude here? More over WHY are you being rude here? I haven't been hostile with you in the slightest.

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[–] 9 years ago

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[–] mball1297 9 years ago

Wrong. This film, and 'Gods Not Dead', were made by Christians - for Christians.

Yes, this is the problem. I don't understand defending them this way. Basically you're saying "it's OK for them to be bad because they pander to the target audience that includes me".

Here's the thing. I'm an atheist, but I don't like movies/books/shows that pander to atheists. I don't like something just because it tries to reinforce my beliefs. I will dislike it more if it completely ignores focusing on quality to do that pandering, even if it's for atheists.

God's Not Dead is a great example. If a film came out with Westboro Baptist Church-like Christians representing all Christians and atheists who were perfect and awesome in every way in a story that reinforced severely flawed arguments in favor of atheism or atheistic philosophies, I'd dislike it because it would be stupid, even if it "supported my side".

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[–] radicalcon 9 years ago

KurtBrian14: EVERYONE who sees a movie is entitled to an opinion about it, regardless of the subject matter! Movies are "intended" for anyone willing to watch them - period. Whether it's a studio blockbuster or an indy film, the filmmakers will take anyone's money who buys a ticket. GoodHumorDude started this thread because he wanted to post his opinions about DYB. He wasn't "attacking" the film -- if anything, that is a kneejerk reaction Christians always have when someone doesn't like a faith-based film. I'm a Christian & also a writer & like any movie lover, I know the difference between a good movie & a bad one. If you just want to send a message, then get on Twitter or rent a billboard, but don't make a movie. Making a film worth seeing requires elements that too many Christian writers & directors seem to ignore because their primary concern is promoting their faith. They don't bother to study screenwriting & story structure (& no, they don't need to attend film school to do that). Making a good movie requires a good, tight script that tells an interesting, coherent story. You can't just throw a bunch of scenes together that have nothing in common beyond the theme of 'faith'. A good movie requires compelling, multifaceted characters who are believable & dialogue that reflects how thinking individuals talk. You can't tell a good story with one-note characters spouting sermon-speak. Even an Oscar-winning actor can't make hackneyed lines compelling. And a good film needs decent production values, meaning it was shot with professional equipment in good-looking locations. From the clip I saw, the production values for DYB were good enough.

Too many Christians don't want to accept the fact that a faith-based film has to get all the elements of good filmmaking right & meet the same standards that secular films meet in order to be worth seeing. Then they accuse anyone who dislikes their movie of being an atheist when that has nothing to do with anything.

Movies are like pizza. If your pastor opens a pizza shop but doesn't know how to make a good sauce, gets the dough wrong & uses cheap mozzarella, his pizza will be crap. Doesn't matter how good a sermon he delivers when he brings it to your table, it will still be a bad pizza.

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

oo many Christians don't want to accept the fact that a faith-based film has to get all the elements of good filmmaking right & meet the same standards that secular films meet in order to be worth seeing.

Only if the producers are interested in winning awards, and the people that produce these films couldn't care less about award recognition from Hollywood. It's all about:

educating Christians about defending the faith,

maintaining faith,

and earning plenty of money to make the next film.

No one except you cares about "good film making", which is a relative term since the people that enjoyed 'God's Not Dead' will like this film just as well.

No one cares what professional or want-a-be critics think regarding these films.

aking a film worth seeing requires elements that too many Christian writers & directors seem to ignore because their primary concern is promoting their faith.

wow...you're clueless. lol

In some ways, Christian films and pornos share one thing in common. It's all about keeping the target audience and making money. No one cares about Oscars.

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[–] radicalcon 9 years ago

KurtBrian: Did I say anything about winning Oscars? NO! So don't put words in my mouth to try & deflect attention away from an argument you have no legit rebuttal for. There are good movies & crappy ones, regardless of the thematic content. The most recent User Review of DYB by saiham_kayes is thorough & thoughtful. It also makes it clear that a faith-based message is no substitute for a well-written story.

If you're so brainwashed that you will claim to like a movie you haven't even seen yet, that's sad. But you do NOT get to claim that "actual Christians will like DYB just fine" simply because YOU do! Nobody voted YOU the national representative for the opinions of all Christians on ANYTHING! I'm a Christian who plans to skip DYB & see PASS THE LIGHT instead.

But if you really think movies like DYB are only for a "Christian audience", why are you even here on a secular film board? Why not discuss the movie on a Christian site? Instead, you come here whining & complaining because everyone else doesn't share your opinions about a film they feel was badly made? This is America, Dude -- EVERYONE Is Entitled To Their Own Opinion. And it doesn't make someone an atheist just because they disagree with you.

If Christian filmmakers only care about a Christian audience, why do they bother with theatrical releases? If all that matters is getting other Christians to pay to see their movie so they can turn a profit, they can go straight to DVD or offer paid streaming online rather then going to all the trouble of booking theaters. NEWSFLASH: Nobody makes a movie just to burn money & kill time. Christians have egos the same as everyone else. And anyone who goes to the trouble of writing & shooting a film wants it to be seen by as many people as possible. That includes the folks behind DYB.

You say the opinions of non-Christians don't matter to the filmmakers, but YOU clearly care what the rest of the world thinks about faith-based films, otherwise you wouldn't be here ragging on folks who don't share your opinion. But if the audience for a movie doesn't extend beyond the church parking lot, the filmmakers will do better by charging folks to watch it in the church basement. Myopic people like you should stick to Christian websites, since you can't tolerate opinions that differ from yours.

And BTW, that hostility you exhibit over something as small as a movie does more to turn folks away from Christ than a hundred crappy faith-based films ever could. It's very telling how "Christians" like you rarely exhibit a Christ-like attitude outside of church.

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[–] Uvtha 9 years ago

Also, I would imagine if you were making a film in honor of your faith you SHOULD be shooting to win the oscars with it, even if that's an unrealistic goal. You should be making the best film you possibly can.

The better a movie is and the wider the appeal then the more people go and see and and are exposed to the message of the religion.

Of course they are free to make any kind of movie they want, but as you point out, anyone is free to criticize said movie as well.

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

lso, I would imagine if you were making a film in honor of your faith you SHOULD be shooting to win the oscars with it, even if that's an unrealistic goal. You should be making the best film you possibly can

From my perspective, I enjoyed the film. You're the one with all the negative issues. Get it?

The better a movie is and the wider the appeal then the more people go and see and and are exposed to the message of the religion.

Only according to YOUR personal opinion. Again...lots of Christians will like this film just fine. Films don't have to be all things to all people. That would be politics that you're thinking of.

anyone is free to criticize said movie as well.

Is it a little criticism? Or an atheist protest that we see on the chat boards for all pro-Christian films? I personally believe that atheists come to these IMDb boards to protest religion. It's kind of like the the sit-in protests back in the 1960's.

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[–] Uvtha 9 years ago

From my perspective, I enjoyed the film. You're the one with all the negative issues. Get it?

You're the one being combative here man, I wasn't even responding to you with this post. I'm not being negative, I really haven't said much about the film at all, other than it's not for me.

Only according to YOUR personal opinion. Again...lots of Christians will like this film just fine. Films don't have to be all things to all people. That would be politics that you're thinking of.

Yes, thats why I said "I would imagine" in the beginning of that post. I am sure tons of christians love these movies, I never even implied that they wouldn't. I also pretty clearly said films are NOT all things to all people in response to you saying this movie was just for it's target audience, which of course it isn't. It's for anyone who wants to watch it.

Is it a little criticism? Or an atheist protest that we see on the chat boards for all pro-Christian films? I personally believe that atheists come to these IMDb boards to protest religion. It's kind of like the the sit-in protests back in the 1960's.

I don't speak for other people, only myself. I don't attack anyone. I have no interest in doing so. Like I said, I would just ignore those people, and chat with people who are not being rude to you.

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

I'm not being negative, I really haven't said much about the film at all, other than it's not for me.

LOL Yeah, I think we got the "it's not for me' part many comments ago.

I also pretty clearly said films are NOT all things to all people in response to you saying this movie was just for it's target audience, which of course it isn't. It's for anyone who wants to watch it.

And that's why these films make tens of millions?

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[–] Uvtha 9 years ago

"LOL Yeah, I think we got the "it's not for me' part many comments ago. "

How is that negative? I have been up front that this isn't a movie I am interested in and I was purposefully trying to be respectful toward those like yourself who are interested in it. That's not being negative.

And that's why these films make tens of millions?

I don't think you got what I was trying to say... but I was just me trying to put what I've been saying from the start in other words, so probably not worth delving into again.

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

God's Not Dead made over $60 million, and Do you Believe should do nicely. Just get over it. So what if a noteworthy percentage of Christians liked it. Maybe you could find a nice atheist film that's more to your liking?

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[–] Uvtha 9 years ago

I was never "under" it, so no need to get over it. I really don't care if this movie makes a billion dollars. More power to them. :)

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

Did I say anything about winning Oscars? NO! So don't put words in my mouth to try & deflect attention away from an argument you have no legit rebuttal for. There are good movies & crappy ones,

I'm well aware that you made no mention of Oscars, Captain Obvious. My point was that even I know that this company doesn't make perfect films. I enjoy their films, but these are films that aren't perfect. Get it? I was attempting to be honest and you hosed me anyway.

The most recent User Review of DYB by saiham_kayes is thorough & thoughtful. It also makes it clear that a faith-based message is no substitute for a well-written story.

LOL I haven't even seen the film yet, and I'm positive I'll never agree with your buddy. Again...none of films are award winners, but if it's anything remotely like 'Gods Not Dead', then I'm sure I'll enjoy it. I like the Hallmark channel movies as well, so are you sure that YOU'RE watching the right films that are best suited for your tastes? Because I'm thinking that you should have known better to begin with.

But if you really think movies like DYB are only for a "Christian audience", why are you even here on a secular film board?

This film was made by Christians - for Christians. The discussion board goes with the film's page, so you're just here to start a pointless argument with Christians.

If Christian filmmakers only care about a Christian audience, why do they bother with theatrical releases? If all that matters is getting other Christians to pay to see their movie so they can turn a profit, they can go straight to DVD or offer paid streaming online rather then going to all the trouble of booking theaters. NEWSFLASH: Nobody makes a movie just to burn money & kill time. Christians have egos the same as everyone else.

Your comment is totally irrational. And since 'God's Not Dead' made over $60 million, I think these people know what they're doing, and you don't know what you're talking about. lol

It's very telling how "Christians" like you rarely exhibit a Christ-like attitude outside of church.

This proves you've never read my comments in the past so I'll repost: I believe in the existence of God, but never claimed to be a good Christian or the Pope. You're excused from the board now.

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[–] radicalcon 9 years ago

KURTBAIN, YOU don't get to excuse me from anywhere! Save that patronizing crap for your wife & kids & whoever answers to you in life. I've been here since 2003 & I'LL CONTINUE TO BE HERE as long as I like. Get used to it or put me on ignore.

And don't try hiding behind the "I'm just a flawed sinner who believes in God" trope to excuse your rudeness, which has been pointed out by other folks on these threads. If your ignorance is because you were raised by people who never taught you to engage in polite conversation, then grow up & learn some manners! Adults can disagree without being disagreeable.

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

The film was just released this March. Your involvement with IMDb since 2003 is wonderful, but you sound very unhappy with this film. Now that we know you're unhappy with this film, will you be a long term resident on this board explaining how you hate this film, over and over again every day? lol

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[–] megaruda 9 years ago

I think you make people angry because of your lack of logic, a bunch of random ad hominems and whining about suffering discrimination while christians have the most privileges while discriminating the most. So Calm down. I am sure there are plenty of other topics on the message board where you can chat, the reason I clicked on this is because I check on upcoming films every once in a while, the actors that are in, or how a movie did at the box office, no one regardless of their religion is hiding waiting for you to post something and hate on your religion for Christ sake!

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

Let me get this straight mega. I like these films and you think I'm weird for doing so. I'm a satisfied customer, and you're here to complain. Complain over and over again daily. And you accuse me of lacking logic?

OK, so you haters hate the film.

I got it.

So now that we got your vote, will you be coming back daily to tell us what we already know regarding your opinion of this film?

lol

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[–] megaruda 9 years ago

When in the world did I ever say you were weird for liking this film, you are paranoid, thats why I tell you to calm down, and I was trying to explain to you something you ask, people are angry at you because you are so defensive that you offend people for no reason, you put words in their sentences that they didnt even write. I will give you a point, there is something called freedom of speech, and in the internet is kinda out of control, which makes it ok for you to complain over and over again about people complaining over and over again. Some of the people you accused of atheism were even christian, you remind me of that woman from The Mist lol.

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[–] kurtbrian14 9 years ago

which makes it ok for you to complain over and over again about people complaining over and over again

I'll take that as a yes, you'll be a permanent resident on this board, whining about the film regularly.

people are angry at you

Atheists are angry at me, and they're trolls - not people.

something called freedom of speech,

Then comes the legal argument, where no legal dipute was hallucinated.

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[–] 9 years ago

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[–] MisterKorman 9 years ago

Show me any atheists that enjoyed a pro-Christian film (such as the company that makes these films) and I will be shocked.

My Analytical Physics teacher from ages ago, who was an atheist, loves Jesus Christ Superstar.

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[–] MissAnnThrope 9 years ago

Show me any atheists that enjoyed a pro-Christian film (such as the company that makes these films) and I will be shocked.

Off the top of my head, these are Christian and faith themed films I've enjoyed and some I've loved.

Godspell
Jesus Christ, Superstar
The Bishop's Wife
The Rapture
Frailty
The Visitation
The Seventh Seal
Wings of Desire
Song of Bernadette
Saved!
The Apostle
The Exorcist
Jesus of Montreal

As a matter of fact, the only one I can think of produced by a Christian film company that I enjoyed was the very silly, "Brother White."

I'm not even going to get into the movies I love that are allegories or the entire horror genre of God vs. Satan.

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[–] malike-1 9 years ago

I am a Christian. Two of my closest friends are card carrying atheists, just like the ones who troll Christian forums or threads about Christian movies. While traveling with one of my buddies our airplane had trouble with the right engine. He spent the entire begging God to let him live. He did, he's still a card carrying atheist. Atheists mock God all the time, and the people who believe, and the first thing they do in a real crisis is pray to God to help them. Oh, the irony.

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[–] kevinmc-962-490522 9 years ago

Is this movie as problematic as God's Not Dead?

"God's Not Dead" was a film with some decent moments, even if the premise of the film itself is incredibly unrealistic and absurd. My biggest problem with the movie, however, is how it demonized everyone who wasn't Christian or in the process of becoming Christian. All non-Christians in this film are bad, except for those reading the Bible who eventually become Christian. The only Muslim character who doesn't convert is shown dragging his now Christian daughter out of the house.

I have no problem with a Christian film wanting to show the grace and peace offered to them by their faith, but do they have to do it in a way that demonizes everyone else? I'm planning on showing this at one of the churches I serve, but want to make sure we have discussion afterward so that people don't walk away thinking ill of non-Christians, since that's clearly God is Not Dead's view. Does this movie have a similar viewpoint?

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[–] JC_gives_u_hope 9 years ago

To Kurtbrian14: have you been to the "War Room" movie page? Lots of people bashing another Now Playing theater Christian film. Please leave a comment when you have time, thanks: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3832914/?ref_=nv_sr_1

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[–] dtducharme-1 9 years ago

Typically Christian? As opposed to typically morally perverted? Ghoulish? Violent or a combination of all these? WOW!

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[–] tindog 9 years ago

Not "grant it" - "granted"

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[–] 9 years ago

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