What's new
By:
Filters
Christian Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Biblical References in Secular Movies

Mike

Mike

Member
As a Christian, does it bother you, do you appreciate or are you indifferent when secular movies or shows have Biblical or Christian references? Two examples that come to mind are "The Matrix" and "Lost". (I'm fans of both :thumbsup, but I'm not weighing in on the question yet)

The Matrix:

  • Zion - the ultimate destination
  • Neo Anderson - translates to "new or one" "son of man"
  • Nebuchadnezzar - name of the ship
  • Trinity - Neo's love interest/partner
Lost:

  • characters: Jacob, Esau, Christian Shepard, Aaron & others
  • two corpses named Adam and Eve
  • Key episode - "Psalm 23 - The Lord is my Shepard"
  • good vs. evil
Do you think it's good when the Bible and the Christian faith is used as a catalyst for a secular story in that it might peak curiosity of nonbelievers or do you see this as "using" our faith for entertainment dollars?
 
In a peculiar sort of way, it is sometimes beneficial.
It can be a catalyst to ask questions.
Such as, "Do you want to know what "Zion" REALLY is?"
 
I like it. It could make people want to know more about what the bible says about whatever it is that's been mentioned in the films.
 
It is okay to me for the most part. I just hate it when something is clearly fiction but since it mentions God or Jesus people think it is true. (Da Vinci Code, etc.)
 
I really loved the Matrix for the philosophical Christian-esque theme. Neo the "chosen one" who gives his life to save his people. The Matrix theme "the blue pill and the red pill" that allows you to see the world for what it really is. Seems like that happened to us when we received the "pill of the Holy Spirit" Hehehe. :D

You forgot the Will Smith movie "I am Legend" that had a poster "God still loves us" in the opening scene. As well as a poster in the video store that spoke about God, several references to butterflies, Will Smith plays a character who's blood cures mankind, he also sacrifices his life to save mankind. Minus the scary parts and the dog dying, I really enjoyed that movie for those reasons.

I once heard it said "God reaches out to us at whatever level we're at" and I have come to agree with that whole heartedly. How many people will only ever hear "God still loves you" from a horror movie? I think the way the Lord works is beautiful.

The only thing I hate! is in sci-fi type movies, where aliens rule the world and there is no God, heaven, hell etc. yet in those movies the Lord's name is taken in vain. Now that I despise!
 
I was a HUGE Lost fan, and I was an active member on the ABC Lost discussion board for years. The points I mentioned were but a few of the obvious things, but the whole storyline had people wondering if this was an analogy for Christ and His sacrifice. The producers admitted that they used the Bible as inspiration, but they are Jewish and from what I can tell, not very into their faith.

So, throughout the years, there was much discussion on the biblical references on the board. Most members probably ignored those threads, but the ones pertaining to faith were among the longest. With no active mods, it got ugly at times, but the contributing Christians overlooked the obnoxious posts and carried on some pretty intense discussions with honest nonbelievers. Some threads didn't have anything to do with the show (to the annoyance of some members :D) and dove deep into our Christian faith. I can say for some degree of certainty that there were members who came a long way from the place they were and were closer to the Truth than they might not have been. :thumbsup

If it's not done in an disrespectful way, I personally am happy to see biblical references and symbolism injected into a show. You never know what will peak someone's curiosity and have him/her cracking the Book just to look into them. :study
 
Precisely! I once asked the Lord to show me just how much he reaches out to mankind and I was AMAZED at what he revealed to me. There are Biblical/Jesus/Christian references EVERYWHERE. On the radio, TV, movies, magazines, billboards, etc.

I was once watching MTV at my aunt's house. It was a show called "Room Raiders" which is a pretty dumb show, but the basis of it is MTV sends a guy/gal to raid the rooms of 3 potential dates to see who they will take out on a date. Seems like a show targeted to the 13-24 market who probably get their news from Cosmo and 30 second MTV news bits right? Well, guess what I noticed hanging up in one guys bedroom?

Amazing huh? A cross and John 3:16 staring millions of people in the face. Millions of lost and wounded teenagers and young adults. The Lord simply calling to them to come to Him. I imagine heaven is going to have some pretty far out type of testimonies!
 
Fact is, in all sorts of ways the English language reflects the language of the Bible.

If something is difficult, it is said to be the cross we bear.

And so forth.
 
This is one of the reason why I tend to LOVE films etc made mainly abroad. I've yet to see them have any qualms or any major disrespect with God. Even if it's lip-service they still somehow manage to acknowledge him in a good way.

Here they NEVER mention him - if ever they do it's either to ridicule or in a curse.

Sadly it's mainly in cursing ... :sad ...
 
lamplady said:
This is one of the reason why I tend to LOVE films etc made mainly abroad. I've yet to see them have any qualms or any major disrespect with God. Even if it's lip-service they still somehow manage to acknowledge him in a good way.

Here they NEVER mention him - if ever they do it's either to ridicule or in a curse.

Sadly it's mainly in cursing ... :sad ...
Click to expand...

lamplady,

Yes the bad language in the media is a real shame.

I agree.
 
farouk said:
lamplady,

Yes the bad language in the media is a real shame.

I agree.
Click to expand...

:) ...

farouk said:
Fact is, in all sorts of ways the English language reflects the language of the Bible.

If something is difficult, it is said to be the cross we bear.

And so forth.
Click to expand...

Yes as much as some may not like it, both America and UK's entire culture is based on Christianity,so it's kind of not surprising it shows up in the entertainment industry ...
 
Ms lamplady:

YW.

Yes, exactly. They can't get away from the past, and from God, however hard they might try.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top