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WhiteDove
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Heck, I didn’t even watch the Passion. Aren’t I a weenie?
(i’ve read the book though)
(i’ve read the book though)
Should we let our 9 year old watch "The Passion of the Christ"?
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ridesawhitehors
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I wonder if there were any 9 year olds that witnessed the REAL passion of the Christ?
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Fitz
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I think 9 is a bit young to watch it, but I did let my son who is 14 see it in the theater. I went first with a church group, and then a few of us brought our 8th graders because they really thought they were old enough to see it. We had many discussions first before I decided to allow it. He was fine with it and he is glad that he saw it. Good luck with your decision.
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JMJ_Pinoy
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Brain
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is he able to diferentate what teh sugnifficance of teh movie is? whould he “get it”?
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matthew1624
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For a 9 year old she’s very familiar with scripture since we read the daily readings each night at the dinner table. However, my concern is that it is way too realistic. I remember my heart-beat racing while Jesus was in the praetorium (spelling ?) and at the scourging. My wife’s reason for allowing her to watch the movie is so that she’ll fully understand what Christ did for us, mainly because she has been acting up recently and her hopes is that this movie will set her straight (?). As I said in my original post, I’m not too sure about showing her this movie at this age. Perhaps watching Jesus of Nazareth will be enough for her. Thanks again for your valuable (name removed by moderator)ut.
God Bless…
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rlg94086
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Thank you for starting this thread. It lead to discussion with my 11yo daughter. She wants to see it. I asked if the bloodiness would bother her, and she doesn’t think so. Now, if I can just work on my squeamish 13yo and my wife…
God Bless,
Robert.
God Bless,
Robert.
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Island_Oak
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With the caveat that this is clearly a very individual parenting call, I would never consider letting either my 9 or 11 year old daughters see it (they both have asked). I was truly moved and awed by the film, but also terribly disturbed for several days. I had the benefit of an adult’s perspective, the presence, support and discussion opportunity with other adults in my faith sharing group and some appreciation ahead of time of the violence to which I would be exposed.
Another aspect of the film not often mentioned but particulary effective, was the lurking, haunting depiction of Satan stalking Christ throughout the film. It creeped me out for days afterwards. I think this aspect alone, much less the violence, would negatively affect my kids, who are never ordinarily exposed to such things.
Another aspect of the film not often mentioned but particulary effective, was the lurking, haunting depiction of Satan stalking Christ throughout the film. It creeped me out for days afterwards. I think this aspect alone, much less the violence, would negatively affect my kids, who are never ordinarily exposed to such things.
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Steve_Girone
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My wife and I let our 9 and 7 year old sons watch the DVD with us. We skipped certain scenes (scourging, Judas hanging, Crucifixion), but let them watch all else. They handled it just fine. I think they were mostly curious to know just how much Jesus suffered for us. My 7 year old said, “Jesus has to be the Son of God since no ordinary human could have handled all that.” How insightful. We read the bible each day to our kids, we pray the rosary together often, so our kids know their faith fairly well…I guess we erred on the side of using the movie as a valuable catechetical tool (but I was ready to STOP if I sensed it was too much, which it wasn’t). I would never make this call for another parent or child.
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sparkle
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Dearest Matthew1624:
Please do not let others influence you here. JUST BECAUSE you are a Christian and believe of course that Christ died on the Cross for us DOES NOT MEAN your children are ready to view such a graphic movie. NO, not by any means is your precious 9 yo ready to watch this. It’s not a movie for any child under 18, IMO. Nor do they NEED to watch such for their own sake.
PLEASE, save her violence, graphics, etc., no matter what the content until she/he turns 18. Our precious little ones only have 1 life, why hurry them along to grow up? Why do you think she should watch it NOW? She has her whole life to do such. It will only upset her.
I, IMO, think parents are completely NUTS who feel their child under 18 MUST watch this film. Why??? It’s only the parents ego here I’m afraid, or their desperation. THEY are no way ready for it.
AND, I very much feel and know it is just a lame excuse for a parent to say “it depends on the maturity of the child”, etc. IMO NO child has the maturity beyond their years. Let a child be a child. They have the whole future to grow up.
God Bless~~
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rlg94086
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Including yourself?
We are all just giving our opinions, and Matthew1624 is an adult who can decide what’s best.God Bless,
Robert.
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mommy
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Parents ego? my daughter has been asking to see this for the last year, she just turned 13 and during lent, I’m going to let her watch it. My 10 year old - nope not gonna see, it I know he’s not ready.
Your opinion that no child has a maturity beyond their years is way off. Some children aren’t as mature as their age, and some ARE beyond it. Honestly, I have one of each.
If children ask to watch it, the parents should consider many things. The parents know THEIR child the best. THis isn’t some friday the 13th slasher flick. This is a movie on CHRIST, and his sacrifice on the cross for us. If a child wants to see this - knowing it is brutal - to understand better , I commend them.
Is it for everyone? no. But that’s why God gave us parents, to make these decisions.
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Pace
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All of those who have chosen, either for themselves or for their children, to view this film must realize just that: That they are making a free choice to do so. Each is making a judgement that, yes, this is the authentic Christ.
Now, what if God were to disagree with that judgement? How would we react?
Now, what if God were to disagree with that judgement? How would we react?
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Pinklady
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No, no, and NO! It’s much too violent for a child that young. (All the violence might be the truth, but that doesn’t mean a child should see it.)
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sparkle
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Right. The Manson murders were a truth also, and something that really happened. Does that mean we should let our 9 year old watch it (because they’re so mature beyond their years)??? I think not.
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rlg94086
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That sounds really ominous.
We can never be sure it’s the *authentic *Christ - whether it’s Mel Gibson’s or Franco Zeffirelli’s. What you’re implying, if taken strictly, is that we shouldn’t view any movie about Jesus. Is this what you mean?
God Bless,
Robert.
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Shiann
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Exactly.
Bless you for so charitably pointing out that it IS the parent’s ultimate responsibility to discern whether their child(ren) is ready for the movie or not.
This tends to remind me of how Harry Potter discussions can often turn into a debate on parenting styles rather than just people tossing out opinions.
People are obviously very passionate about their philosophies regarding both of these subjects. But just as I would never presume to tell a parent they MUST allow their children free access either one, I would hope the same courtesies would be extended in the other direction.
I think a good summation of all the answers would be that MOST children are unequipped to handle the movie. The safe bet would be to refrain from showing it to them until they are older.
But condemnations for those parents who have successfully used the movie as a teaching tool, only serves to divide and cause hard feelings- both of which we are called to avoid as Catholics.
Peace
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Pace
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Robert,
I didn’t mean to imply that anyone should feel guilty. Only to remind that our choice is a free one, perhaps even more than free, considering the fact that we actually pay money to see it.
I could write about all of the reasons why I believe that The Passion is, and in turn causes us to be, inauthentic. But what I would rather do is to (once again) recommend the movie that I consider to be the true ‘incarnation’ of God into the the modern world (a modern world that is hiding within the Christ-less universe called cinema): Mulholland Drive .
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mommy
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The manson murders have nothing to do with this, with our Savoir and His sacrifice. Comparing what Charles Manson did to What Christ Did for us doesn’t work. Sorry.
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mommy
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Exactly, I feel a blanket statement either way is unfair.
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