Should Christians watch R-rated movies?

[spurly]

Interesting question.
How does intellectual property become \"used\"?

So the question that needs to be answered is, when I buy a movie, what am I legally allowed to do with that video or DVD, and, more importantly, what should I be allowed to do with it?[/color]

You are allowed to watch it in your home only.  You can let someone borrow it, and they can watch it, as long as you don't profit from it.  You can also sell it, and when you do you also sell the rights that you bought with the movie.

[Jimbob]

You can also sell it, and when you do you also sell the rights that you bought with the movie.

Which means if you sell it, you must destroy your 'backup' copies if you made them.  It's illegal to buy, copy, and then sell the original and keep the copy.

[ollie]

Most movies made today should be rated SFB. \"Suitable For Bimbos\".  Perhaps SFHW would be OK, \"Suitabel For Half Wits\". A low opinion of motion pictures is mine. NSFC, Not Suitable For Christians. They take the mind experience where a Christian mind should not be.

ollie  :)

[tidbit]

Most movies made today should be rated SFB. \"Suitable For Bimbos\".  Perhaps SFHW would be OK, \"Suitabel For Half Wits\". A low opinion of motion pictures is mine. NSFC, Not Suitable For Christians. They take the mind experience where a Christian mind should not be.

ollie  :)

Saint Mark the Ascetic would agree with you.

[Bon Voyage]

jmg3rd





Group: Members
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Joined: Aug. 2004  Posted: April 20 2005,16:56  

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Quote (spurly @ April 19 2005,14:46)
You can also sell it, and when you do you also sell the rights that you bought with the movie.

Which means if you sell it, you must destroy your 'backup' copies if you made them.  It's illegal to buy, copy, and then sell the original and keep the copy.

For most DVD's, I believe it is illegal to make a backup copy, due to having to break encryption schemes to back the DVD up.

There are programs you can get to get past encryption, but I am pretty sure it is illegal.[/color]

[Jimbob]

That may be true of DVDs, I don't know, and don't do it.  I know with CDs you can legally make a copy, or put the mp3s on your computer.  But, I believe when you take that cd down to the 2nd hand store like alot of teens do, you have to delete the mp3s, and I doubt most are doing that.

[Jimbob]

I did some quick research.  It is still legal to make a backup of your DVD, but only if you own it, and then it must be destroyed.  You will, however, have to have decription software (also legal, though I would imagine this may change since it could be used to make illegal copies as well).

[Annie]

Someone I know, gets copies of movies that were illegally filmed by someone while they were in the theater.  The person is not a christian, so he doesn't care.  What does everyone think of that?  Should they be allowed to do that?

[ConnieLard]

Someone I know, gets copies of movies that were illegally filmed by someone while they were in the theater.  The person is not a christian, so he doesn't care.  What does everyone think of that?  Should they be allowed to do that?

No.  Why would someone do this?  I wouldn't think they would make that much money on such a project.  Must do it just to see if they can get away with it.

[Jimbob]

It's a multi-million (maybe billion) dollar black market in other parts of the world.  When I was in Russia you could pick up tapes of movies like that at the market for $2, and usually two days after they hit the US theatres (that's an incredibly efficient black market, huh?).  I once saw a tape there of Water World that was made from the pre-release version that didn't even have the music added yet!  

I hear the same problem exists in NYC.  A friend of mine said just this week that she thought she was buying a legit tape only to get home and have \"If you have obtained this tape, it is an illegal copy....please call 1-800....\" roll across the screen.

[slu-magoo]

I just caught this thread.  Sorry I'm so late to weigh in.

I don't pay much attention to film ratings.  My only real aversion in movies is violence/gore.  I'm not put off by sexuality or bad language, so those things don't bother me in the least.  But violence is a whole different story.

So, here's what I do.  Before I go see a movie that I think has the potential to be bloody/violent, I visit screenit.com.  Those guys do an excellent job.  For those of you concerned about sexuality/nudity, bad language, drug use, bad attitudes, etc., the people at screenit.com cover those things too.

Over the weekend, I saw a good action movie that was violent, but not gross.  It was PG-13, I think.

Back to the MPAA ratings -- I don't understand them.  I remember a movie I saw a couple of years ago called \"Changing Lanes\" with Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Affleck.  Other than one brief profane outburst in the movie, there was absolutely nothing offensive about the movie -- no violence, no sex, nothing.  Yet, the movie was rated R.  Terribly unjust, imo.

On the other hand, a few months ago, I saw \"Meet the Fockers,\" which offended some of the people I saw the movie with -- lots of profanity, sexual innuendos, etc.  Yet, it was PG-13.  

The system doesn't make much sense, imo.


Peace.

[spurly]

I got had on ebay about a year ago.  I bid on a set of 20 DVD's, not realizing that they were coming from Hong Kong.  When I got them, they were all bootleg copies and some of them didn't even play.

I learned my lesson well.  I can't stand supporting other countries and their illegal practices.

[boringoldguy]

Slu

I thought \"Meet the Fokkers\" was disgusting - but I shouldn't have gone.
The name alone was a giveaway that it would be what it was.

As to whether Christians should watch dirty movies,  I think it's only acceptable if we first form a committee and have regularly scheduled meetings where we watch them and then talk about having them banned so nobody else can see them.

[Miracle]

This is a good question.  Obviously, if a movie has earned an R-rating, it must have a lot of concerning content.  But lately, I have found that movie ratings don't always make a movie worse than others.  For instance...

My first R-Rated movie was Conspiracy Theory.  Well, my first R-movie that I saw willingly in theatres.  I can't understand exactly why it has an R-Rating, other than a few violent scenes.  Granted, the scenes are so disturbing you need to close your eyes if you're squeamish like I am.  But I have actually seen even worse scenes on television than in this film.

Then there are many PG/PG-13 movies that have blatant sexual content.  I have far more trouble with gratuitous sex scenes or sexual innuendo than I do with violence.  Violence isn't good, but the movies tend to pervert sex in our culture.  That's why I'd prefer to watch some R-rated movies over some PG/PG-13 movies... it depends largely on the content of the movie and what precisely makes up the movie.  It would be totally impossible to rule out everything over a G-rating, so I go by Christian commentaries and descriptions of movies first before I watch in most cases.  If it is full of bad language and sexual content, I try to avoid it, period.

So, in short, I guess that's my take on movie ratings.  I think the rating system would do a better job if they rated movies based on the type of content (as they do on TV) rather than with the older rating system.

Christina

[WileyClarkson]

I can't really give an good answer on this one.  We have rented R movies and been totally turned off by them and then we have rented R movies that were extremly good movies, except of one or two scenes.  \"Return to Cold Mountain\" was one of those really good movies.  They needed to tone down the sex scenes, but other than that, I found it to be one extremly fine movie.

The one thing that really turns me and my wife off is having to here alot of cussing in the show.  This type of language, especially the use of the \"f\" word and the \"g\" word are offensive to both of us and we usually quit watching the movie if we hear it more than one or two times in the first half of the movie.  It's amazing how many PG and R movies seem to just have to have an over abundance of bad language.  We both get our bellies full of that type of language working at a nuclear power plant in operations and security and to have to hear it repeatedly in a movie is quite disturbing.

A tastefully done sex scene does not bother either of us, but the key is \"tastefully\" done meaning that it leaves to the imagination and does not throw it in your face.

The movies with gore and violence are more disturbing than the less than tastefull sex scenes but not as disturbing as the language.  For me, I train ocassionally to movies of real life violence which includes fire arms and knife fighting and the results.  Seeing the real thing is much worse than seeing it in a movie because you know it is real and that someone is in tremendous pain or dead because of it.  I have also been an ambulance attendant and firefighter for a number of years, so I have \"seen it all\" in real life.

[julie3k]

To answer the original question...ya'll would probably be mortified at some of the stuff I watch!  There are definately things I feel convicted about that I don't want in my house, but I think it depends on the individual as to what they feel convicted about.

Once I know it's a sin, I'm accountable.  And yes there have been movies I have seen that I repent for watching later!  There have also been movies I have walked out of .... better believe it and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I agree with the ones that said the current rating system is not valid

[dthomp2406]

This is one I have struggled with and have flip-flopped on a lot in my life (sort of like John \"The Flipper\" Kerry).  Right now I come down on the side of no, Christians should not watch them because I can't see Christ wandering in to R-rated movies, sitting down with his popcorn, and enjoying the show.

What do you think? :eatingpopcorn:

I was wondering if I can use this quote in a paper that I am writing. It's about Christians and movies. In order to include what you have written I have to have your full name. I am asking if I can have your full name. It is alright if you will not give me your name. If you are willing, you can sent it to [link removed]. You can also ask me questions as well. Thanks


links are not allowed until you reach a post count of 20

[kittie]

I don't have any problem with seeing R rated movies. When I was 10 or 11, my best friend and I developed a major horror movie addiction and constantly rented or went to the theater to see scary movies, most of which were R. In eighth grade when my family started going to church, I was told by my youth minister that no Christian should see an R rated movie ever, even adults, and that people my age should see G and he would be wary about PG films! I never understood that. I lost interest in scary movies around that time anyway because they were getting too gory for me, but when I did watch R rated films they didn't get between me and my faith or anything. I watched "Brokeback Mountain" when I was 14 and it didn't change my belief that the Bible declares homosexuality a sin or anything, and I watched "The Exorcist" when I was probably 12 and it didn't make me a Satanist. I think some people are more easily influenced by what they see and might want to avoid R rated movies if that tempts them, but for most people I don't see the problem. Keep God in your heart and understand that things you see in fictional movies or books aren't real and I don't see the problem at all.

[chosenone]

As you go along with Jesus your tastes change. Also watching horror movies or similar is a bad idea. I have heard of people having to have deliverance after doing such things.You may think it doesnt do any harm but it opens the door to evil and needs to be avioded.
Why do you think that Paul warns us to be very careful what we see?. What goes in comes out, and can damage our spirits.

[fanuvmxpx]

Should Christians watch rated "R" life? We get that on the local news everyday.

[walker starr]

Its been years and years since I vivited a theatre.  However,I just want to say that a war movie,(any war) without profanity would not be realistic; phantast perhaps.  Sometimes,in a combat zone, even a pastor will curse.  Of course movies ae fictional.

[marc]

Should Christians watch really bad clean movies?  If not, then don't rent the recent version of "The Day the Earth Stood Still".

[Nevertheless]

Thanks for the heads up.  I like the old version.

[marc]

I grew up watching the old version at least once a year on TV.  This one is awful.  It manages to be slow, pointless, and pretentious all at once.

[Nevertheless]

Quite an achievement!

[fanuvmxpx]

I grew up watching the old version at least once a year on TV.  This one is awful.  It manages to be slow, pointless, and pretentious all at once.

That movie was horrible. Keanu Reeves: "I think I can stop it...." *Step, step, step*....roll credits. What?!

[zoonance]

I haven't read this thread but it wouldn't hurt to say it again.  The "Passion of the Christ" was R rated.   

[mike]

I haven't read this thread but it wouldn't hurt to say it again.  The "Passion of the Christ" was R rated.  

Yes. I liked the movie, but it was graphically violent. Randy Harris called it Jesus Christ, Chainsaw Massacre.

[gospel]

t used to be where you could go to a pg-13 movie and there may have been a little bad language but not much else.  There has been a couple movies that were pg-13 that I've walked out of, as well as R.  Sometimes you don't know why it gets that rating so you go and see something that should never even be in a movie. 

I agree some pg-13 movies are totally piggish directed primarily to the base emotions while some R movies are not that bad at all.

Some movie makers are of the mind that without an R young people will avoid it because they think PG-13 is kiddie stuff.

So to guarantee they get the teens in they throw in a gratuitous sex scene or 2 a lot of times right in the beginning, bingo they get their R rating a better chance to draw the teen and young adult crowd 

I say it depends on the movie. 

In general we try to avoid gratuitous violence, excessive pervasive language, pervasive nudity, excessive cleavage and scantily clad women.

Also I am very focused on determining the worldview being put forth in a movie for they are extremely powerful and subtle in that regard

For that reason I support movies like Juno and Bella
and
I don't support movies like Brokeback Mountain, Milk or anything else that promotes a homosexual agenda

If you wonder how we determine the sexual, language and violence content and which movie is which, we find the following sources very helpful

http://www.pluggedinonline.com/

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/

[lightshineon]

 The Passion Of the Christ, The Patriot, The Gladiator, and some violent documentaries I watch are R. I will not watch pure trash though.

[kristinaf]

My short answer is No.  Christians should not watch R-rated movies.  Think about why a movie is rated "R".  Restricted.  For Violence, Sexual Content, Language.  All three things are things that a Christian should be guarding his heart, his eyes, his ears against.

And I said to them, "Each of you, get rid of the vile images you have set your eyes on, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God."Ezekiel 20:7

Looking at any kind of "vile images" that we see when watching an R-rated movie...these images seep into our hearts, minds, and souls.  That is not a good thing.  We may find this influence in subtle ways in our lives, after watching such movies.  We may find ourselves swearing...we may find ourselves opening up the door to other vile things, we may cross the line and do something of vile nature.  And who, may I ask, uses "subtle" techniques and subtle ways?  Why, the devil of course.  He is behind the Violence, Sexual content, and Language of these type of movies. 

We cannot serve two masters...we either serve God or serve the devil.  So which one will you choose to serve today? 

(hint:  choose God)

[lightshineon]

My short answer is No.  Christians should not watch R-rated movies.  Think about why a movie is rated "R".  Restricted.  For Violence, Sexual Content, Language.  All three things are things that a Christian should be guarding his heart, his eyes, his ears against.

And I said to them, "Each of you, get rid of the vile images you have set your eyes on, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God."Ezekiel 20:7

Looking at any kind of "vile images" that we see when watching an R-rated movie...these images seep into our hearts, minds, and souls.  That is not a good thing.  We may find this influence in subtle ways in our lives, after watching such movies.  We may find ourselves swearing...we may find ourselves opening up the door to other vile things, we may cross the line and do something of vile nature.  And who, may I ask, uses "subtle" techniques and subtle ways?  Why, the devil of course.  He is behind the Violence, Sexual content, and Language of these type of movies. 

We cannot serve two masters...we either serve God or serve the devil.  So which one will you choose to serve today? 

(hint:  choose God)

The passion of the Christ, The Patriot, the Gladiator. Life was and is violent. These were three that show the way things were. Now, I am a picky movie watcher, as far as the Lords name in vain and such but, throwing I cam by Faith and with a clear conscience watch movies rated R such as these. Others no. Like Grand Tarino, and Bruce Willis stuff. No. It depends on the content. If it is not of faith it is sin.

[Bon Voyage]

My short answer is No.  Christians should not watch R-rated movies.  Think about why a movie is rated "R".  Restricted.  For Violence, Sexual Content, Language.  All three things are things that a Christian should be guarding his heart, his eyes, his ears against.

And I said to them, "Each of you, get rid of the vile images you have set your eyes on, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God."Ezekiel 20:7

Looking at any kind of "vile images" that we see when watching an R-rated movie...these images seep into our hearts, minds, and souls.  That is not a good thing.  We may find this influence in subtle ways in our lives, after watching such movies.  We may find ourselves swearing...we may find ourselves opening up the door to other vile things, we may cross the line and do something of vile nature.  And who, may I ask, uses "subtle" techniques and subtle ways?  Why, the devil of course.  He is behind the Violence, Sexual content, and Language of these type of movies.  

We cannot serve two masters...we either serve God or serve the devil.  So which one will you choose to serve today?  

(hint:  choose God)

The Bible itself would probably be rated beyond 'R.'

[the J Man]

It all depends on why a movie is "R" rated. Some movies are true storieswhich include drama and ungodly scenes, but they are reality of what happened. The passion of Christ, Schindler's List, are a couple of examples. It is not promoting anything bad, rather showing what happened. Wasn't the movie 'Glory" and "R" rated movies?

[lightshineon]

It all depends on why a movie is "R" rated. Some movies are true storieswhich include drama and ungodly scenes, but they are reality of what happened. The passion of Christ, Schindler's List, are a couple of examples. It is not promoting anything bad, rather showing what happened. Wasn't the movie 'Glory" and "R" rated movies?

Very good examples J, some documentaries on wars, and the Holocaust, are very graphic, I also agree about the Bible, and that is why the Passion of the  Christ was R rated. The Crucifixion was not pretty. I thought of that everytime i looked at one of my pretty jeweled crosses, after seeing that movie, and could not wear them for awhile. I love the Lord so much, I do not want to offend him with dirty movies. violence, that shows truth is OK. Saving Private Ryan bothers me, makes me nervous. Makes me want to touch my face something I do when anxious. I guess I think of my husband, and the scars many elderly men still bear.