Dear Parishioners:
Often on my day off, after I play at golf [chosen purposefully], I take in a movie. Last week I went to see "Contact", a movie about aliens making a move to get in touch with the human race.
The premise was intriguing, and since I like science fiction I thought it would be a hoot to see. It had a good actress in the lead and I was ready for a treat. Well, it turned out to be more a Holloweenish trick than treat.
I don't know about you, but I am getting very tired of the movies portraying religious people as buffoons and/or mindless zealots. This is exactly what happens in "Contact".
The priest in the movie would make Don Knotts look like "brave heart". He is given foolish lines delivered in a stupid way. "Contact" makes every Bible believer look like a blind, cult-ridden, mind-controlled idiot. The only serious religious person is in bed with the protagonist ten minutes after meeting her. Guess what? He just happens to be an ex-seminarian who couldn't take the celibacy bit. Surprise, Surprise.
The screen writers miss just about every opportunity to have a sincere discussion of philosophy or religion. There were several times the script could have made some interesting points. In one scene, the two are talking about how to prove the existence of God and one character begins an interesting topic of how one can prove love. It gets one line and then moves on to another topic. What a shame.
The message from the aliens is meant to be filled with hope and goodness, so you guessed it. Some nasty government types cover it up. Surprise, Surprise.
I would not recommend this movie for anyone. The Office for Film and Broadcasting of the Bishops rates this movie A-II [morally unobjectionable for Adults]. I realize my review is very different than theirs but it is not the first and most probably not the last time I will disagree.
Many will not stand up for this nonsense. We will raise cain about the portrayal of other religions, but will often remain silent about the injustice done to ourselves. ABC (owned by Disney) has scheduled a new fall t.v. show called, "Nothing Sacred" is described by Entertainment Weekly as an "irreverent priest (Father Ray) who questions the existence of God, feels lust in his heart, and touches people's souls." The ABC information packet states in part, "He's been cursed with a God-given gift for touching people's souls. If only Ray could find God to soothe 'his' soul".
Give me a break. This kind of stuff is the reason why I am boycotting Disney. You can bet pennies to dollars that no show about Rabbi Ray, or Shaman Ray will ever be produced. This includes Disney's "George of the Jungle" (I'm amazed it is not "George of the Rain Forest"). I invite all of you to join me in this boycott.
This may seem like a small thing, but small things add up. A small leak in the dyke will lead to others. Hoping it will go away only brings about more of the same. It is time we stood up against the mockery of our Catholic faith and religion in general. After all, this is God's business.
Fr. Bill
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