Films Taking God's Name in Vain

[clarkpm2]

Is it a sin to watch a film knowing that one of the characters will take the Name of God in vain or say a blasphemy?

I heard a homily on the Internet from a traditional priest in good standing with the Church who said it was a sin to watch ANY movie that disrespects the Name of God. Hit me like a brick between the eyes.

So wouldn’t that make the entire USCCB film office, the Decent Films website (which is featured on Catholic Answers Live from time to time), and even the Vatican’s list of Greatest Films in error since they approve films which disrespect the Name of God or use His name in a way that isn’t in worship or instruction?

Has anybody heard of this school of thought?

 

[sedonaman]

Is it a sin to watch a film knowing that one of the characters will take the Name of God in vain or say a blasphemy?

I heard a homily on the Internet from a traditional priest in good standing with the Church who said it was a sin to watch ANY movie that disrespects the Name of God. Hit me like a brick between the eyes.

So wouldn’t that make the entire USCCB film office, the Decent Films website (which is featured on Catholic Answers Live from time to time), and even the Vatican’s list of Greatest Films in error since they approve films which disrespect the Name of God or use His name in a way that isn’t in worship or instruction?

Has anybody heard of this school of thought?

No, but it makes sense. I avoid this by watching only movies that pre-date such “free” speech. If caught unawares, either during a movie or in real life, I mentally say a short prayer: “Blessed be the name of God.”

 

[St_Francis]

I think it is horrible that taking the Name of our Lord in vain is sociaaly acceptable while mere vulgarities are considered a reason to upgrade the rating… altho this has been going on for a really long time (I was upset to see it in the book The Maltese Falcon), I’m still upset about it

 

[clarkpm2]

But is this priest correct in saying that it is a SIN to watch films that take God’s Name in vain? Because something is imperfect, must it be thrown out?

An actor using God’s Name in an irreverent way isn’t going to temp me to do likewise. And watching a film doesn’t automatically mean you support EVERYTHING that is done in it.

 

[Gods_Peace]

But is this priest correct in saying that it is a SIN to watch films that take God’s Name in vain? Because something is imperfect, must it be thrown out?

An actor using God’s Name in an irreverent way isn’t going to temp me to do likewise. And watching a film doesn’t automatically mean you support EVERYTHING that is done in it.

Humans will always try to justify their sin, Just like Adam tried to blame Eve for giving him the fruit of the tree of wisdom.

 

[clarkpm2]

Humans will always try to justify their sin, Just like Adam tried to blame Eve for giving him the fruit of the tree of wisdom.

I don’t think this has anything to do with the topic. Are you saying this is a sin or isn’t it?

 

[Neildown]

I don’t think its inherently a sin to watch a film that contains profanity - it depends largely on context and on the purpose of the film, as well as the reason for your watching it and what you get out of it - and more importantly, how the film will influence you overall and those who are watching it with you.

It must be remembered that one of the things Catholics are best at is separating bad from good.

A large reason why we have such deep roots everywhere is due to the fact that we have preserved every culture we’ve come across, taking the bad stuff out and putting good stuff in. Why can’t we do the same thing with movies? Obviously, you can’t literally change the movie itself, but you have a brain. Use it. Just because you see something offensive on-screen doesn’t mean you can’t twist it backwards for a positive effect.

 

[livingwordunity]

In secular pop culture, the only time people aren’t offended by using God’s name is when it’s in vain or as profanity.

 

[underacloud]

I think context is important. Who is blaspheming? Is it the protagonist, the main character who is supposed to represent virtue? Or is it the antagonist, who is representing vice?

It is acting, so not everything that would be considered sinful need be problematic. Murder is a sin, but there’s nothing morally wrong in watching murder mysteries. Violence is deplorable, but some stories involve violence in their plots (Christ’s passion is particularly violent and many movies have been made about it). We don’t avoid movies simply because sins are portrayed; we need to consider the context and the inherent message.

 

[Newbie2]

I think context is important. Who is blaspheming? Is it the protagonist, the main character who is supposed to represent virtue? Or is it the antagonist, who is representing vice?

It is acting, so not everything that would be considered sinful need be problematic. Murder is a sin, but there’s nothing morally wrong in watching murder mysteries. Violence is deplorable, but some stories involve violence in their plots (Christ’s passion is particularly violent and many movies have been made about it). We don’t avoid movies simply because sins are portrayed; we need to consider the context and the inherent message.

Good point. It’s like sex in movies; if it’s gratuitous, then perhaps it is sinful if one is watching with the express purpose of hearing or seeing sinful behavior.

I do have to laugh when they bleep out four letter words but allow “God damn” or “Jesus Christ” to be thrown around onscreen. Laugh because of the irony, that is.

 

[Neildown]

I do have to laugh when they bleep out four letter words but allow “God damn” or “Jesus Christ” to be thrown around onscreen. Laugh because of the irony, that is.

Same. Christians are a large reason why vulgar language is censored, yet the only words not censored are those that are most offensive to Christians.

 

[RedDuke50]

Yeah, I don’t like to hear His Name in vain in movies either. But I am not sure if it would be a sin or not to watch them. Sedonaman, I like the idea of saying “Blessed be the Name of God”. I should start that, too.