As a believer, how far are you willing to go when it comes to the type of entertainment [movies, television shows, etc.] you, yourself, will indulge in?
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Your Line in the Sand Starts at: G, PG, PG-13, R, or X__?
- Thread starter righteousdude2
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SolaSaint
Well-Known Member
I admit I have a weakness for movies. I do watch violent movies that are rated R, I don't watch sexually R rated movies. I'm not sure about watching movies. Many Christians watch questionable things on the tube and probably many more read worse things than they watch. It all is a form of entertainment or escapism. I'm really not sure about where to draw the line on entertainment. I don't think it is all bad.
Well....
....I find myself agreeing with you SS...it is kind of censorship as the film goes by. Too often we don't know what evil lurks behind the next paragraph, commercial, or plot line twist. :thumbs:
....I find myself agreeing with you SS...it is kind of censorship as the film goes by. Too often we don't know what evil lurks behind the next paragraph, commercial, or plot line twist. :thumbs:
Sapper Woody
Well-Known Member
The problem with the rating system is that you do not know wht the movie is rated for. Obviously, G and PG are prretty safe bets. However, even in a PG13 rated movie, a topless woman can be shown if the proper conditions are met. (Think "Titanic".) When it comes to an R rating, you have to know the content. Is it R because of violence? For nudity? Luckily, with the internet, there is really no excuse for not knowing the content of a movie before seeing it.
Personally, when me and my wife are watching a movie, if there is a lot of cussing, she has to let me know. Because of the people and language i am around all day every day, I am so desensitized to cussing that I don't catch that they are cussing in the movie.
We generally don't watch movies that have the "F word" used often, as it makes my wife feel uncomfortable. Again, I am so desensitized that I don't even catch it. Other cussing though, we will watch. We know that watching and hearing a person cussing will not make us cuss, and it won't keep us from God. (Plus, the idea that some words are "bad" or "sin" because of societal norms is still amazing to me. This is one area where we let socieaty decide what is sin instead of the Bible. But that is a whole different discussion.)
When it comes to my girls, I don't allow them to watch anything with cussing in it. I do not view this as a double standard, as they are young enough to know the difference. If they hear it on TV, then they might repeat it out of innocence. I am not sure what I am going to do when they get older; I am still working that one out.
Personally, when me and my wife are watching a movie, if there is a lot of cussing, she has to let me know. Because of the people and language i am around all day every day, I am so desensitized to cussing that I don't catch that they are cussing in the movie.
We generally don't watch movies that have the "F word" used often, as it makes my wife feel uncomfortable. Again, I am so desensitized that I don't even catch it. Other cussing though, we will watch. We know that watching and hearing a person cussing will not make us cuss, and it won't keep us from God. (Plus, the idea that some words are "bad" or "sin" because of societal norms is still amazing to me. This is one area where we let socieaty decide what is sin instead of the Bible. But that is a whole different discussion.)
When it comes to my girls, I don't allow them to watch anything with cussing in it. I do not view this as a double standard, as they are young enough to know the difference. If they hear it on TV, then they might repeat it out of innocence. I am not sure what I am going to do when they get older; I am still working that one out.
DiamondLady
New Member
I don't draw a line at ratings, instead I ask myself if Jesus were sitting beside me, in the flesh, would I still be watching what's before me. If I can't answer yes then off it goes.
We use free review services (Screen It & Movies with Kids in Mind) to check out the movies before we see them.
The rating system is a terrible thing that lacks nuance and fails to account consistently for a lot of factors. Obviously I don't know anyone who openly goes to a NC-17 (I don't think they use X anymore) so I guess that would be the limit. There are a lot of good R movies.
The rating system is a terrible thing that lacks nuance and fails to account consistently for a lot of factors. Obviously I don't know anyone who openly goes to a NC-17 (I don't think they use X anymore) so I guess that would be the limit. There are a lot of good R movies.
I've watched a few rated "R" movie that I would probably watch again.
Frankly, because I never know if there is going to be something that offends me greatly (blasphemous cursing, naked women,.....), I always go to IMDB on-line. It will give you a parent guide that will give you the run down on EVERYTHING that could possibly offend anyone. It will tell you exactly how many curse words, sexual content, nudity, drinking, smoking, violent scenes, and much more.
There have been some PG-13 movies that I have avoided because of the parent guide and a relative few R that I went ahead and watched.
All you have to do is this. Say you want to watch the new Sherlock Holmes movie.
Just Google - "Sherlock Holmes Game of Shadows IMDB parent guide". It will take you right there.
I don't watch ANY movies anymore without doing this.
- Schindler's List
- Stranger Than Fiction
- The Patriot
- Gladiator
Frankly, because I never know if there is going to be something that offends me greatly (blasphemous cursing, naked women,.....), I always go to IMDB on-line. It will give you a parent guide that will give you the run down on EVERYTHING that could possibly offend anyone. It will tell you exactly how many curse words, sexual content, nudity, drinking, smoking, violent scenes, and much more.
There have been some PG-13 movies that I have avoided because of the parent guide and a relative few R that I went ahead and watched.
All you have to do is this. Say you want to watch the new Sherlock Holmes movie.
Just Google - "Sherlock Holmes Game of Shadows IMDB parent guide". It will take you right there.
I don't watch ANY movies anymore without doing this.
have to be careful in this, as the passion of the Christ was R rated, as was Schindlers List, and saving private Ryan, patton, but thought all 3 were worth the viewing...
Normally stop at Pg-13, but there have been some very good R monies, as listed above!
To me, it all depends upon the subject matter, and IF R is for sexual deals is a no go!
I responded PG-13 which is generally where I draw the line. However, I will occasionally watch R rated movies if, like Scarlett O. pointed out, the context of the movie and the characterization demands it. I would add "Saving Private Ryan" to her list.
One of my all-time favorite movies is "The Rookie" about a 38 year old high school baseball coach that tries out for the major leagues. It also happens to be a true story. It's rated 'G' and proves that you can make dramas without violence and swearing.
Another good resource for evaluating movies is www.pluggedin.com, Focus on the Family's review site. I will add though, that they seem to be slipping in their standards. Still, it's a good place to find out exactly what offensive items might be in a particular movie.
One of my all-time favorite movies is "The Rookie" about a 38 year old high school baseball coach that tries out for the major leagues. It also happens to be a true story. It's rated 'G' and proves that you can make dramas without violence and swearing.
Another good resource for evaluating movies is www.pluggedin.com, Focus on the Family's review site. I will add though, that they seem to be slipping in their standards. Still, it's a good place to find out exactly what offensive items might be in a particular movie.
Kids-in-mind.com is another good site to evaluate a movie.
I don't like to pay so much to go see a movie so I don't tend to go but PG-13 is a possibility if it is a good movie and even R if it is the right kind of movie. Most of the movies stink though. Even the G rated movies have such a humanist perspective and an environmental agenda that I skip them all together.
I don't like to pay so much to go see a movie so I don't tend to go but PG-13 is a possibility if it is a good movie and even R if it is the right kind of movie. Most of the movies stink though. Even the G rated movies have such a humanist perspective and an environmental agenda that I skip them all together.
OldRegular
Well-Known Member
I am not going to support financially or otherwise the abomination called Hollywood.
Basically, all of the above....and thank you Ann and ITL for the other site references....(We have always used IMDB). We do not have an "inherent" problem with violence (as an inherently evil thing to portray) in a justified war-flick for instance.
That being said....there are truly some G!!! movies I would NEVER allow my children to see, and some PG's I would never permit, because of the godless philosophy espoused:
G: Pocahontas, <---(Trees having souls, et. al.) The Lion King,<----(Circle of life is pure Hinduism) The Land Before Time <---(Evolution enthusiasts)
PG: I usually have few problems with most of them, except for the tacit endorsement of normative broken homes, and that the pro-tagonists are too often divorcees.
PG 13: "Mrs. Doubt-fire" ('nuff said) sheer poison....a celebration of cross-dressing and a Blatant endorsement of divorce. "Remember, kids, just because your parents don't love each other any more, that doesn't mean they don't love you..." <---anyone remember that Servant of Satan, Robin Williams disguised as an "angel of light" telling your children this??? as the innoffensive "Mrs. Doubtfire?" Devillry, absolute divorce-celebrating Devillry. <---anyone not know how I feel about this one?? LOL :laugh:
What I fear more than anything, is the false Philosophies which might be celebrated in a movie, especially in reference to my kids...
That being said....there are truly some G!!! movies I would NEVER allow my children to see, and some PG's I would never permit, because of the godless philosophy espoused:
G: Pocahontas, <---(Trees having souls, et. al.) The Lion King,<----(Circle of life is pure Hinduism) The Land Before Time <---(Evolution enthusiasts)
PG: I usually have few problems with most of them, except for the tacit endorsement of normative broken homes, and that the pro-tagonists are too often divorcees.
PG 13: "Mrs. Doubt-fire" ('nuff said) sheer poison....a celebration of cross-dressing and a Blatant endorsement of divorce. "Remember, kids, just because your parents don't love each other any more, that doesn't mean they don't love you..." <---anyone remember that Servant of Satan, Robin Williams disguised as an "angel of light" telling your children this??? as the innoffensive "Mrs. Doubtfire?" Devillry, absolute divorce-celebrating Devillry. <---anyone not know how I feel about this one?? LOL :laugh:
What I fear more than anything, is the false Philosophies which might be celebrated in a movie, especially in reference to my kids...
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saturneptune
New Member
We might have been to one movie in the last ten years, so I do not give the rating system much thought.
My own opinion is that there are certain movies that should be required viewing as part of a high school (definitely older classes) education in history.
A few are:
1. Schindler's List
2. Saving Private Ryan
3. The Band of Brothers HBO miniseries
Of course none of these rate a 'G' or 'PG'.
A few are:
1. Schindler's List
2. Saving Private Ryan
3. The Band of Brothers HBO miniseries
Of course none of these rate a 'G' or 'PG'.
SolaSaint
Well-Known Member
That is a very good guide to use. I totally agree.
LillyoftheValley
New Member
I would have a problem with my children watching at least 2 of these movies no matter what their age. Not because of violence or language, but nudity. That's the big "no, no" for me. I don't care if it's just a quick flash here or there, any is too much for me. It makes me uncomfortable even when I'm watching a movie by myself, let alone with my husband.
With that being said, I totally agree with DiamondLady!
saturneptune
New Member
As I said above, movies are very rare for us. I have to disagree with some of the posts. The graphic violence, heads rolling down the street, blood spurting out of a headless corpse, arms and legs flying, etc, is just as offensive as nudity.
menageriekeeper
Active Member
We watch quite a bit of movies (btw the new Sherlock Holmes is excellent, but don't ask me about the language. I'm another that is mostly desensitized to it). I can definately say that X and above are off the list, but othere than that, well each film is based on its own merit.
I'm with Scarlett on bathroom humor and Adam Sandler. I have better things to waste my time with. Gratutious violence is also on my off list. (though my husband loves horror films. :roll: I don't watch 'em. Nudity/immodesty in and of itself doesn't make the mark. Nudity/immodesty in a sexual connotation does. And I'm another that doesn't watch and doesn't want my kids watching the so-called "kid" movies. Some of them are just out there.
I'm with Scarlett on bathroom humor and Adam Sandler. I have better things to waste my time with. Gratutious violence is also on my off list. (though my husband loves horror films. :roll: I don't watch 'em. Nudity/immodesty in and of itself doesn't make the mark. Nudity/immodesty in a sexual connotation does. And I'm another that doesn't watch and doesn't want my kids watching the so-called "kid" movies. Some of them are just out there.
saturneptune
New Member
You express yourself very well. I do not have a huge experience with movies. One of the best movies I ever saw was "The Sound of Music." One of the ones I laughed hardest at was "Animal House." I think we saw the toned down version. My wife has to watch the "Wizard of Oz" every year, along with "White Christmas." Each to his or her own.We watch quite a bit of movies (btw the new Sherlock Holmes is excellent, but don't ask me about the language. I'm another that is mostly desensitized to it). I can definately say that X and above are off the list, but othere than that, well each film is based on its own merit.
I'm with Scarlett on bathroom humor and Adam Sandler. I have better things to waste my time with. Gratutious violence is also on my off list. (though my husband loves horror films. :roll: I don't watch 'em. Nudity/immodesty in and of itself doesn't make the mark. Nudity/immodesty in a sexual connotation does. And I'm another that doesn't watch and doesn't want my kids watching the so-called "kid" movies. Some of them are just out there.
I did like the Clint Eastwood movies that were westerns. As a kid, I watched all the James Bond movies. As far as what is and is not acceptable, that is why we have the Holy Spirit. I just do not have time to watch a lot of it, so the rating system is not a big deal. Inappropriate things are obvious.
Also, I will say this. I do not know why, but some TV shows like the Waltons and Little House on the Prairie are good family shows, but I can only take so much of them. After a while, listening to John Boy say goodnight granddad, good night Mary Ellen, good night mom makes one want to puke.