USCCB Changes Rating on Brokeback Mountain to Morally Offensive

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WanderAimlessly

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USCCB Changes Rating on Brokeback Mountain to Morally Offensive
By John-Henry Westen

WASHINGTON, DC, December 16, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The United States Conference of Bishops Office for Film and Broadcasting has altered their rating for the homosexual propaganda film Brokeback Mountain after a story by LifeSiteNews.com pointed out that the office’s praise for the film was completely inappropriate. (see the LifeSiteNews.com story: [lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121503.html](http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/<a%20href=http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121503.html>http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121503.html) )

While the glowing review remains, the USCCB office’s rating for the film has been altered to the most severe rating - “O” for morally offensive from “L” which denotes that it is appropriate for a limited adult audience. Moreover, the author of the review of the film published on the USCCB’s news service Catholic News Service, Harry Forbes, has removed his name from the article, which is now listed as published “By Catholic News Service”.

See the new version here: Link
And the old version from Google’s cache here: Link

Full Story​

PF
 
Now people of sound mind and Christian conscience can steer clear of this movie that is an abomination to the Lord.

Praise be to God
 
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WanderAimlessly:
. Moreover, the author of the review of the film published on the USCCB’s news service Catholic News Service, Harry Forbes, has removed his name from the article, which is now listed as published “By Catholic News Service”.
PF
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I wonder why HARRY FORBES removed his name? Maybe he was the one taking the heat.
 
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joyfulmess:
Now people of sound mind and Christian conscience can steer clear of this movie that is an abomination to the Lord.

Praise be to God
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Um, I don’t want to sound harsh, here, but I don’t even have to read a newswpaper to know I won’t watch a movie in which two cowboys (or two cowgirls, for that matter) have sex in a tent out on the range. No one has to give me permission to know that this is sinful, perverse and unpleasant to contemplate. I’m speaking of the act, here, not the people.
We all know that this piece of trash is going to win every possible award Hollywood has to bestow.
I sincerely hope it grosses all of $10,000 dollars if it makes any money at all, though given the culture, I know better.
 
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Strider:
I sincerely hope it grosses all of $10,000 dollars if it makes any money at all, though given the culture, I know better.
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So far, it has made 1.7 million in 8 days according to Box Office Mojo. The only good thing about this movie is that it is in limited (69 screens) release.

PF
 
The politics and moral ambivalence of USCCB film reviewers is worth a look.

A list of links to reviews of current movies (including those listed below) may be found here: usccb.org/movies/

Reviews of the following films are revealing, as the descriptions of the films seem very positive, and are then followed by requisite descriptions of moral issues in the film that would seem to require a less than glowing review:

Brokeback Mountain Reviewed by Harry Forbes -begins: ““Brokeback Mountain” (Focus), the much publicized “gay cowboy love story” adapted from a New Yorker magazine piece by Pulitzer Prize-winner Annie Proulx, arrives at last…" It seems he was breathlessly awaiting this movie! His empathy for the characters appears to reveal an intimate familiarity with their issues, and he repeatedly uses the word “love” in describing the homosexual relationship and in expressing what we can learn from the film.
The film was originally given an “L”rating – but was changed on Friday, Dec 16, to an “O” rating (morally offensive). This film is offensive to Catholic teachings.

Constantine reviewed by **Harry Forbes **-You’d never know from his review how blasphemous this film actually is, as he mentions it only in passing. The theology is not only blasphemous, it’s also completely incompatable with reality, or even possibility. . This film is given an L rating—“limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling”.

The Family Stone Harry Forbes calls a the movie, which “contains contains some profanity and crude language, light sexual banter, partial nudity, a same-sex couple and their adopting a child, premarital situations, and drug references”, a “worthy and ultimately touching addition to that ever-popular genre, the Christmas movie”.) USCCB rating AIII – adults. Catholic redemptive qualtities – none)

Rent Another gay themed movie Harry Forbes was apparently dying to see: “But “Rent” (Revolution), concerning the lives and loves of New York’s East Village artists, is finally here after nearly 10 years”. He is extremely positive in his review of a film that “contains implied drug use, same-sex relationships, suggestive dancing and movement, some rough and crude language and an anti-establishment outlook…” and “overriding themes of love, …” closes the review) USCCB Rating “L”. – Another film which must receive the “O” rating as morally offensive.

continued…
 
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The Squid and the Whale Harry Forbes seemed to think this one was worthwhile, despite the fact that it “contains excessive profanity, rough and crude language, frank sexual talk and situations including two episodes of childhood/prepubescent masturbation, brief partial nudity, underage drinking and condom use, permissive parental behavior, and adultery” and it “will turn off many viewers” (implying that it’s those that are “turned off” that have a problem) USCCB Rating “L”. A disgrace any way you look at it. “O” (morally offensive) is the only rating for this one.

Over and over again, Harry Forbes, Director of the Film and Broadcasting division of the USCCB, paid by funds assessed by the USCCB on each diocese(your money) and by an annual nationwide special collection, strongly and positively recommends morally offensive films and dismisses all recommendations that we, as Catholics must not expose our eyes or ears or beings to sin unnecessarily. These films, among many others currently available in theaters, attempt to normalize sinful and dysfunctional behavior and anything but an “O” (morally offensive) rating for the great majority of them is an offense to the faith and to faithful Catholics. And that we are forced to pay for this public degradation of teachings of the faith by the USCCB is morally reprehensible.

Please call Msgr Maniscalco, Director of the Communications Dept of the USCCB in Washington, D.C., 202-541-3000 (request Communications Dept)(He is the person in charge of the Film and Broadcasting Department in NY (directed by Harry Forbes) and Bishop Skylstad, president of the USCCB, at his diocese in Washington (state of) at 509-358-7305 and respectfully request that Harry Forbes be removed from any position within any Catholic organization.

posted by Angel
(ps - most of this info was forwarded to me, I checked out the reviews on the USCCB and it, if not specifically precise, is, I believe, a fair synopsis.
 
There’s something scarry about HARRY
**I would like to know who hired Harry. **
**Is Harry even Catholic? **
**His reviews are a far cry from the Legion of Decency days. Is anyone at the USCCB even monitoring what this man is writing? **
It scares me that he had such a successful career at NBC, CBS and PBS. If this is what got him hired then we are all in big trouble.
What’s sad is there are probably Catholics out there who are easily swallowing what Harry is writing simply because it is the USCCB and we all know the USCCB would never lead us astray :whistle: .
 
I read the short story years ago, before I reverted to the Church. I can tell you that the story was pretty explicit and provocative and just downright sad. Of course these people’s lives were shattered by infidelity, illicit and disordered sex, and emotional upheaval - what else would you expect when people go against God’s law. This movie is getting some strong press for an Oscar contender - that’s so typical in a secular society.
 
It doesn’t matter to me. I will see it anyway. I like thinking for myself when it comes to deciding on a movie.
 
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Bella3502:
It doesn’t matter to me. I will see it anyway. I like thinking for myself when it comes to deciding on a movie.
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Dear Bella,
I think it would be a good idea if you read a good examination of conscience. To put yourself in front of that kind of trash (mortal and venial sin, abomination to God, financially supporting the degrading of the sacrament of marriage and the sacred marital act )- I’m pretty sure there’s a sin in there somewhere.

God help us,
Angel
 
It may be hard to accept, but what Angel says is true. In today’s world, even the least of people can claim to be their “own master” and exercise “freedoms”. But these freedoms lead to bondage that is subtle. Celebrate having the choice to see these things and choose not to.
 
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Bella3502:
It doesn’t matter to me. I will see it anyway. I like thinking for myself when it comes to deciding on a movie.
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Bella, a message from your Father;

“Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.” 2 Timothy 2:22
“For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous.” Psalm 1:6

Take this message to heart, you may think it’s ok but HE doesn’t want you to be a part of that sinful movie.
 
Almost all movies show people struggling with sin and bad decisions. I went to see Brokeback Mountain last night. I would hardly say that people will be flocking to the homosexual lifestyle after seeing it. These men suffer greatly because of their homosexuality and they really try to be “normal.” I found it to be touching and sad. There aren’t any explicit sex scenes. There is some male on male kissing though. They do show the breast of a wife once.

I would also not call this movie pro-gay propaganda. I think it shows a true slice of life.
 
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bapcathluth:
Almost all movies show people struggling with sin and bad decisions. I went to see Brokeback Mountain last night. I would hardly say that people will be flocking to the homosexual lifestyle after seeing it. These men suffer greatly because of their homosexuality and they really try to be “normal.” I found it to be touching and sad. There aren’t any explicit sex scenes. There is some male on male kissing though. They do show the breast of a wife once.

I would also not call this movie pro-gay propaganda. I think it shows a true slice of life.
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Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children. Ephesians 5:1

Were you acting as a child of God when you made the decision to go see this controversial movie? God clearly says that homosexuality is wrong.
 
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joyfulmess:
Were you acting as a child of God when you made the decision to go see this controversial movie? God clearly says that homosexuality is wrong.
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Each adult person still maintains the priviledge to choose for him/herself what sorts of entertainments to indulge in. Even though I believe that the advice of those recommending that persons not see this movie is for moral reasons and is motivated with good intentions and concern; resorting to sanctimony to express that message is morally suspect itself. Good will should not be contaminated by extremism. It loses its beneficial effect.
 
As I see it. I pray for the Lord to walk with me in all things that I do, if I were to go see this movie or any other objectionable form of entertainment, I feel I would be asking the Lord to do this activity with me. Thus I would not go to anything that I knew could be or would be offensive to GOD.

There is that pin and other stuff out that asks “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?” IMHO we should ask this of ourselves more often then we do.

God Bless
 
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