D
Debora123
Guest
One would think so…
- Status
L
latin_rite
Guest
How does this person know this artist is in purgatory?
Are they psychic?
M
mexilad
Guest
I think acting, like most other things, is not inherently sinful. It all depnds on how you do it. I believe Blessed Pope John Paul The Great had been an actor prior to entering the priesthood.
G
George_Stegmeir
Guest
None of the respondants have given a historical base for modern theater, which was founded by the Jesuits as part of the Counter Reformation in the mid 1500’s.
Shortly after the founding of the Jesuit order, they realized that they had to do something beside preaching to reach the majority of people in Europe who were illiterate. So, they invented the religious play and not only wrote them, but actually performed in them. These were the beginning of what are known today as Passion Plays.
These religious plays caused a sensation throughout Europe, to the extent that by the 3rd quarter of the 16th Century (1575-1600) professional secular theaters were well established in England France, and the German States.
It was not long after that, that music was added to the plays and Opera was inventer…
And all of this because of the Society of Jesus!
Shortly after the founding of the Jesuit order, they realized that they had to do something beside preaching to reach the majority of people in Europe who were illiterate. So, they invented the religious play and not only wrote them, but actually performed in them. These were the beginning of what are known today as Passion Plays.
These religious plays caused a sensation throughout Europe, to the extent that by the 3rd quarter of the 16th Century (1575-1600) professional secular theaters were well established in England France, and the German States.
It was not long after that, that music was added to the plays and Opera was inventer…
And all of this because of the Society of Jesus!
R
Richard320
Guest
That’s true! I just read that in his biography.
I don’t see how Jim Caviezel portraying Jesus in The Passion of the Christ could be construed as sinful by any means.
That being said, it would probably be hard, if not virtually impossible, to become tainted in that business. But the acting itself is not sinful.
H
Holly3278
Guest
I don’t think that acting is a sinful profession. However, if one is acting out a part that is particularly evil such as acting out the part of an abortionist or something, I would hesitate to volunteer for such a part or even to get paid for such a part. That said, isn’t there a saint who was an actor before he was converted to Catholicism?
L
LegoGE1947
Guest
Blessed John Paul 2 was an actor before he became a priest.
A
apfal
Guest
That was my immediate question too. I mean, presumably it’s a reference to some private revelation, but I’ve learned to be quite skeptical of quotes from private revelations seen on forums and similar sites, given that multiple times (including here on CAF) I’ve seen things attributed to the Fatima revelations which, on looking into it, proved not to be. If it seems credible, look it up and see if a) the quote is actually from the source it’s claimed to be and b) if it’s an approved private revelation.
And even if the artist in purgatory thing is true that doesn’t mean that it is necessarily applicable to one’s particular situation, either!
(I’m not, by any means, saying that the people who post these are dishonest – even the quotes which are in fact incorrect – I’m sure they do it in good faith; but incorrect information that gets picked up in even one reliable-looking source can continue to circulate pretty much forever, as people believe what they read and repeat it elsewhere. It happens in the sciences too.)
A
apfal
Guest
A-ha! I Googled “artist in purgatory immodest painting”, and the source for the story seems to be a book called Purgatory Explained by Fr. F. X. Schouppe. It collects a LOT of these stories, and it doesn’t seem to be cited to some well-known, approved private revelation - it’s said to be from a Father Rossignoli who wrote a book titled Merveilles du Purgatoire (sadly, in French, so I can’t tell where HE got it from…).
A
Abba
Guest
I read about this story and it was not in the books you mention. I am trying to remember here. I am not sure if it was in Butler’s Lives of the Saints…My mind goes to Spain some centuries back, medieval ages or earlier…The man became a famous painter and rich and he was living up his life. Then, I forget what inspired him, but, he decided to return to the Church and with much faith. He asked a priest for advice and I think the priest (and if I recall correctly) adviced him to destroy the lustful paintings which if this is the case - he did. The man became a changed man, he gave all his money to the poor etc… and he may have even become a monk. Loved by everyone. However, after he died he appeared to a monk (?) and told him that he was in hell or purgatory because of a lustful painting that mislead many to sin.
I will try to recall if indeed it is in Butler’s Lives of the Saints and try to find it.
Regarding being an actor, my first thought was that John Paul the Great was an actor. It’s a tough field due to the bad influences. You can go with the best of intentions but because you need to negotiate and sell yourself and your personality and do politicking - it tough to maintain your integrity etc… It often happens just like coco2 has shared. That’s tragic. It’s tough to survice in an atmosphere of temptation and bad influences. You need to ask yourself if you can handle it and not be persuaded. It’s tough, but do able. Charlston Heston married a virgin and was faithful to his wife all his life and if I am not mistaken Paul Newman did the same.
Hollywood is greatly influential and it would be nice if more faithfuls were actors, directors etc…and more movies promoting christianity were made but there will be a lot of temptation and the spirit of the field is not good. I would definately talk to a priest. You may want to contact some Catholic actors directly and get their (name removed by moderator)ut. Start a Catholic Actors organization and support one another, etc… maybe contact EWTN and try to speak with some of the actors that due some of their programming (like the ones that put together some of the Lent presentations).
You are in my prayers.
P
Portrait
Guest
Dear LegoGE1947,
Cordial greetings and a very good day.
That fact that the young BJPII was an actor prior to becoming a priest is of no relevance to the present discussion, dear friend. Him being a Thespian in his younger days hardly gives tacit approval of the contemporary world of acting with all its many morally offensive elements.
It surely admits of no doubt that the acting world with which he was familiar is poles apart from the modern acting world of present day Hollywood. Even the world of amateur dramatics differs greatly in nature to the world of amateur dramatics back in his young days. At least in the good old days there was some sense of decorum, which those involved in the dramatic arts observed, even if they did not profess religion. Nowadays, the whole milieu of the acting world is anything but decent and respectful. On the contrary, my dear friend, it is a grossly indecent and disrespectful and thus highly toxic as regards virtue. Film producers/directors are continually pushing the envelope and consequently the qaulity and content of film and theatre productions has accordingly declined drastically in recent decades.
Quite frankly I seriously question, that were he alive today as a young chap, BJPII would have considered acting as a possible profession. Moreover, I would say that, in view of the prevalent morally reprehensible atmosphere of Hollywood, young Catholic men and women ought to give very serious thought indeed before embarking on an acting career. This has nothing whatsoever to do with being overly prissy or adopting a ‘Purtitan’ mindset, but rather of asking if an acting career nowadays is really congenial to our most holy religion. Questions that need to asked and answered are: Can there really be contact without contamination?; can I really be spiritually strong enough to resist the many temptations with which Hollywood is now rife?; can I really be certain that my life will not be demoralized by the continual interaction with some jolly unsavoury and worldly people?; will I feel very isolated among such godless and hedonistic people who have a radically different world-view to myself? These, I would suggest, are some crucial questions for the potential actor. Moreover, they should be asked with St. Paul’s words constantly before one’s mind: “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals” (I Cor. 15: 33). Many pure and tender souls have defected from the faith and lost their virtue by mixing with profane and immoral men on a regular basis.
"Can a man carry fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Or can he walk upon hot coals and his feet not be scorched? (Prov. 6: 27,28).
God bless
Warmest good wishes,
Portrait
Pax
H
heaintheavy
Guest
Don’t give it up if you love it!
Films and theatre can inspire and teach people! Acting is an art!
S
septimine
Guest
I suppose it depends on the role. I don’t see a problem if what you play in is something more or less decent and perhaps it could be uplifting for some. I don’t know that you could be a major movie star (you’d be shocked at how many come from Porn) but I don’t see anything wrong with “Hello Dolly” or “Fiddler on the Roof” or other such shows. I don’t even see much wrong in playing a lawyer on TV, so long as you get to be selective on what kinds of arguments you make. It’s not the profession, it’s the roles.
V
ValPal
Guest
FWIW, my family (spouse and kids) is involved in acting (part time), and we’re all Catholic. I manage everything, and am selective about the roles. I don’t accept anything blatantly offensive. There are many roles out there that are neutral or positive in terms of morality. As a current example, the family is audition for roles in a spot that places women in a positive light.
I’ve also met some actors that are Christian and let everyone know. In fact, there is a stunningly beautiful woman I meet at an acting seminar last year that is overtly Christian. It is right out there on her website. She a SAG actor and has done lots of stunt double work for major actors.
There is always some uncertainty though. Most actors don’t really know what the final reel will look like, except for some featured actors that are used throughout the entire project.
I’ve also met some actors that are Christian and let everyone know. In fact, there is a stunningly beautiful woman I meet at an acting seminar last year that is overtly Christian. It is right out there on her website. She a SAG actor and has done lots of stunt double work for major actors.
There is always some uncertainty though. Most actors don’t really know what the final reel will look like, except for some featured actors that are used throughout the entire project.
C
chicago
Guest
Is acting is in your soul, then you should develop the talent as a way of praising God in response to who He made you to be.
Naturally, HOW you go about developing a respectable way of living out the vocation is important.
Naturally, HOW you go about developing a respectable way of living out the vocation is important.
L
LegoGE1947
Guest
Being a fan of Turner Classic Movie Channel on tv, I can readily see what you mean! Movies from the 30s, 40s, and even 50s are worlds different from what movies are today. Thank you for your time and your thoughts on the profession of theatrics.
- Status