Was this a sin?

[ShaunH]

Today my 12-year-old cousin asked me to take her and her friend to the video store to rent some movies, so I agreed to do it. I let them choose their movies, and at the checkout, the woman asked to see the ID of someone 16 years or older, so I showed her my driver’s liscence (I am 16). I did not see the ratings of these movies, but at least one of them must have been rated R. Was this a sin? I am feeling a little guilty now…

 

[nsper7]

Today my 12-year-old cousin asked me to take her and her friend to the video store to rent some movies, so I agreed to do it. I let them choose their movies, and at the checkout, the woman asked to see the ID of someone 16 years or older, so I showed her my driver’s liscence (I am 16). I did not see the ratings of these movies, but at least one of them must have been rated R. Was this a sin? I am feeling a little guilty now…

Well, I assume that was your real ID and the person asked to see someone’s ID that was over 16, so you merely fulfilled their request. Now, the question is would your cousin’s parents mind them watching R-rated movies (also, they might have asked for ID, not because of the rating of the movies, but because of some liability or store policy issues, I don’t know)? If so, and you knew this, it could be sinful because you are going against their parent’s wishes. If their parents don’t care, then I don’t see the sin issue.

Remember, movie ratings are not a matter of law (the MPAA is not a government agency, but merely a way of [self-]policing by the film industry), but more of store and movie theater policies.

 

[purplesunshine]

At Blockbuster they ID you not only if you rent an “R” but also to verify you’re the one checking out the movie (accountability system). Remember they’re letting you walk out the door with a piece of merchandise worth upwards of $25 (w/all the fancy scratch coatings its more) for only $4 or $5.

In fact, I’m surprised they rented to a 16yo. Most places won’t. Usually its 18. So they probably weren’t R.

But in the future, it’d be prudent to ask what movies you’re renting.

 

[ShaunH]

Thank you for your responses. Yes, I am almost positive that my cousin’s parents (my aunt and uncle) would allow her to watch those movies. So, since this was the case, it was not a sin?

 

[ShaunH]

Any other thoughts? I still have a slight uneasy feeling about this, and I’m not sure why.

 

[nkbeth]

Any other thoughts? I still have a slight uneasy feeling about this, and I’m not sure why.

Did you feel guilty for letting your cousin get an R rated movie - regardless of what the video store or his/her parents might say? 12 year old children shouldn’t be watching R rated movies, no matter what anyone says.

Next time you could check the child’s videos more carefully, and suggest that he/she get different videos if some were rated R. You could ask Blockbuster if they really allowed a 16 year old to rent a R rather movie, or if the real minimum age was 18.

But I’m not sure you should force the child to choose different video(s) if you knew her/his parents would protest. The parents are really responsible. However, you could respectfully explain your opinion to the parents.

If you do feel uneasy go ahead and confess what you did in confession, saying you aren’t sure it was a sin. You won’t need to feel guilty afterwards!

 

[06convert]

There probably isn’t much you can do now. But in the future it’s a good idea to set good example to others.

For instance if my 13 year old sister comes over and wants to watch something I find offensive, it’s not happening. If she goes home and does it, it’s not really my problem. I might mention to my mom about the trash she is watching, but there isn’t much I can do besides to keep it clean in my presense.

 

[BillP]

12 year old children shouldn’t be watching R rated movies, no matter what anyone says.

Horse puckey!

There are any number of R-rated Movies I would allow, or even encourage, a 12 year old to see:

Saving Private Ryan
Passion of the Christ
Das Boot
Schindler’s List

So I guess I would say:

People shouldn’t try to parent other peoples kids no matter what anyone says…

 

[nkbeth]

12 year old children shouldn’t be watching R rated movies, no matter what anyone says.

There are any number of R-rated Movies I would allow, or even encourage, a 12 year old to see:

Saving Private Ryan
Passion of the Christ
Das Boot
Schindler’s List

I was wrong in speaking so absolutely. I should have said that as a general rule 12 year olds shouldn’t be watching R rated movies. I agree that seeing the Passion of the Christ (usually with the parents along) could do many 12 year olds good. I don’t know about the other movies you mentioned. But I agree it is up to the parents.

People shouldn’t try to parent other peoples kids no matter what anyone says…

I didn’t say to complain to the parents as though they were bad parents. I mainly meant letting them know the movies were R rated. They would have to decide after that. But a mature discussion (between adults) on this serious matter wouldn’t always mean anyone was trying to parent anyone else’s kids - would it?

 

[BillP]

I was wrong in speaking so absolutely. I should have said that as a general rule 12 year olds shouldn’t be watching R rated movies. I agree that seeing the Passion of the Christ (usually with the parents along) could do many 12 year olds good. I don’t know about the other movies you mentioned. But I agree it is up to the parents.

That was the point I was trying so clumsily to make

I didn’t say to complain to the parents as though they were bad parents. I mainly meant letting them know the movies were R rated. They would have to decide after that. But a mature discussion (between adults) on this serious matter wouldn’t always mean anyone was trying to parent anyone else’s kids - would it?

No, and in retrospect, I probably should have phrased it better.

 

[AdriannaJean]

I wouldn’t worry about it. For it to be a sin you must know it’s a sin before you sin. Since you are asking, now, if it’s a sin it can’t be because you obviously didn’t know at the time.

You’re all good