My Opinion on The Avengers
Wed May 16, 12 2:17 pm
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. Romans 12: 19
Ok, I know everyone has been talking about the new The Avengers film, and yes I also know that it has great CGI computer graphics, and it's made over 1 billion worldwide, but hey that doesn’t make it good. The Bible verse at the top and the title should tell you something right off. Now I know. Well, they're “fighting the good fight” -of what Justice? Well, there each willing to lay down their life for their friends, and the public. - well, that's good and all, but let actually look at the content for a minute. First of all, it;s very violent. What was once the standard for R rated films, is now the norm for PG 13 film such as this one. We see people get punched, kicked, thrown, bashed, smashed, clunked, clinked, pounded, kneed, stabbed, shot, and vaporized. We see explosions, things blow to bits, and even a guy get run all the way trough with the blood rushing out. Read Matthew 5: 38- 39 says“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. “ Exodus 20:13- “You shall not Murder” Matthew 26: 52-54 “Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” Let's start off with the bad guy. Now “no shock here”.. right? “he suppose to be evil.” He not only personifies Satan, meanwhile making everyone bow to him, just as the devil tempted Jesus during his time on earth. In fact his benefactor makes a clear reference to Luke 10: 18 clearly referring to our villain as the devil himself. He also makes a clear reference to Luke 8:1 implying it to his evil kingdom- much deferment then the one Jesus actually spoke of in Luke 8:1. This is just on top of him being “a bad guy” at the core. What was shocking was the heroes. We have Thor, an ancient Norse god, who is referred to as a god in the film, breaking the first commandment, a guy who's anger turns him into a powerful green monster. He also tries to commit suicide, which we all know is wrong. Psalms 37:8 says “ Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself it tends only to evil. “ We have a guy who parades around thinking he's uncle sam. And we have a Billionaire playboy who dresses in a red metal suite. The “Heroes” use quite the selection of vile language such as 5 or 6 “h---” and “d—n” and a few “a--”, “p--”, “B—ch”, and B—tard” Not to mention all the times they thoughtlessly throw around the name of the LORD like a rag doll. Also breaking the third commandment. Christians I think we should take offense. What if some took your name and dragged it trough the mud a few times. Used your name as a put down. I think not. Our Hero's also lie and mislead, breaking the ninth commandment. A Quip is also made of at the expense of adoption. I find that offensive, because I was adopted and I think all who were adopted should take offense, if they love their family. A reference is made to a character being on weed. Drugs destroy lives, God's precious creation, and Visual references are made to other false religions. This Trash I have just described, is the topical action film today. Are us Christians so shallow these days that we will watch something as trashy as this? Why do people sacrifice there morals, and defy and disobey their God , The one who MADE them for just two hours of entertainment? Is our faith so meaningless? In John 14:15 it says “ If you love me you will keep my commandments” . The sad thing is to most this type of thing is morally acceptable. I challenge you to think, Would Jesus watch this?
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I haven't seen it, but I'm curious whether you've seen it or not?
Have you read The Hunger Games? What is your opinion of that book?
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Johan,
Wed May 16, 12 3:19 pm
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Rodger, did you watch this movie?
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Well, personally, I don't have a problem with any of the stuff you oulined. And I think you over reacted to the adoption quip (if indeed you've even seen the movie).
Or was this a joke?
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You know, I have as much problem with movies that gloss over the humanity of the characters as the movies that really dig in the depths of human depravity. One thing I really appreciated about the Avengers is that they portrayed their heroes as real human people, using the talents they've been given to defend a nation in danger.
I also like the example of Ezekiel 33:6 -
"But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand." The movie is about defense, not vengeance. Failing to warn/defend is the same as aiding/abetting the enemy. Maybe it would have gone to vengeance in the event that defense failed, but that's beside the point.
Now to the heroes:
Take Thor. He is a god. Emphasis on lower case god. By no means does he set himself up as something to worship. Now, Loki does, and that is portrayed as wrong. However, the movie gives a clear message that Thor is not the ultimate ruler of the universe. He is referred to as a god but is portrayed as more of an angel, IMO, than a god.
The Hulk is a man well aware of the changes that have happened to his body since an experimental failure. He has deliberately removed himself from places where he is likely to become angry and trigger the transformation to a destructive monster. Furthermore, did you not catch his comment? "I'm always angry. That's my secret." His suicide, and his anger, are not portrayed as positive, until his anger is directed in the right place. His emotional problems are not intended to be heroic, but rather the way he deals with them and upholds right.
Captain America doesn't run around playing Uncle Sam. He uses a recognized symbol as a means of effective leadership, and uses his own skills to transform that leadership into a stalwart defense against evil.
You're not supposed to consider Stark's morals as right. IF you think that's how it's portrayed, I'm sorry, you're clueless. What is shown is his ultimate decision to do the right thing and protect the lives of many.
Language - yeah, it's not ideal. If you want a clean movie, though, that was one of the cleanest modern movies that gets produced.
The movie in toto is about a collection of individuals who are not a cohesive group. They are not perfect people. Each one of them has growth that needs to happen. They can't work well together. Through the movie, each of them learns lessons and teamwork.
So, thank you for ignorantly trashing a film that upholds a lot of core values that you don't see in many films, as well as providing a clear right and wrong. I also think your accusation against Christians who watched the Avengers is unfounded - it's not shallow, it's not rebellious, and it's not trashy. I do think Jesus would watch the Avengers, probably with a large group of friends, and then have an edifying discussion.
Good grief. Have you watched Lord of the Rings, even?
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Yankee,
Wed May 16, 12 3:43 pm
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I think Jesus would watch this honestly. I would love to hear His thoughts on it. He constantly took the stories and lore of the day and drew deep and outstanding applications to Christianity. You discount the very things that I think make the movie great - The fact that we are *all* in a fight against sin and satan, and if we try and go it alone (as all of the AvenGers were accustomed to) satan can play our weaknesses and destroy us. If we join as a team and work together much can be accomplished. The Hulk is a wonderful example of submission to a higher calling and cause. The huge green monster is a great example of what is inside all of us. Mr. Banner had "The other guy" under control, and even learned to use his strength for the greater good. As for violence, have you read the Bible? The stories of great wars, murder, adultery, there is some great depravity there, yet is that evil to read? Jesus himself became angry at the moneychanges in His Fathers house and threw them out. I am sorry that the adoption quote hurt you - but I want to make you aware that its very possible that your very blog entry was offensive to anyone who has struggled with suicidal tendencies and thoughts. There are so many people who do. It's not a pretty thing, but it happens - and even in Christian communities. You're right it's a sin, but isn't judging your brothers and sisters in Christ a sin as well? Isn't God supposed to be the judge? Hope this helps you expand your frame of reference a little. Blessings.
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That is really rich.
Do you not believe in fighting against evil? Just stop fighting temptation why don't you, and let God avenge you. Heaven forbid you oppose evil! Let your daughter be kidnapped and give them your wife too. Way to handle the responsibility!
Capt. isn't a thing like Uncle Sam.
Drugs also save lives.
The adoption bit wasn't even about adoption. And it was *hilarious*. I wouldn't be offended in the least.
Murder and killing are NOT the same.
Just because something that isn't right happens in a movie, doesn't mean the movie is bad. Or in a book, that the story is bad. For example, Forrest Gump. There are parts of that movie I have to skip, but there is only one greater love story(guess), and the two are remarkably similar.
P.S. The movie takes place In The Marvel Universe. Not ours. It's imagination, not reality, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.
Eh...sorry if I came down a little hard, but this blog post honestly struck me as very wrong.
The only thing that struck me wrong about the movie was Director Fury lying about the Capt America trading cards. It was pointless and offensive to imply that you need to use trading cards because dying fighting for a cause wasn't enough of a "push." They didn't need the trading cards.
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I was gonna say something, but these guys above just about covered it.
Life isn't peachy keen; there are problems and ugliness. Stories like the Avengers can give us an angle in understanding how to work through it and deal with it, even get us thinking about Who we do owe our talents and gifts to.
If you did watch it and didn't like it, that's fine. But I would say think a bit more before making a judgment call on the first appearance of things.
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Boon,
Wed May 16, 12 8:06 pm
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I would just like to point out that in the blog post prior to this one, you used video from The Passion of the Christ. I have heard that the violence in that movie is quite intense. Just saying.
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