Tweet

Comments (2)

 1 of 4

A few weeks ago, our weekly newsletter cited a recent study about the movie-viewing habits of "religious" Americans, noting that when it comes to watching R-rated films, there isn't much difference between the religious and nonreligious. Interestingly, the same study noted that self-described "conservative" religious people are much more likely to watch violent R-rated movies than "liberal" religious folk.

That newsletter also asked for readers' thoughts on R-rated movies, including what criteria, if any, you might use in making your choices. We also asked if any particular R-rated movies had affected you powerfully in any particular way. (Not surprisingly, many readers cited The Passion of The Christ in answer to that question.)

We received a huge e-mail response, and we're sharing a number of those replies below:

Sonja Stanford: "For the most part my husband and I avoid R-rated movies. The general criteria we use is, if the R rating is due to an accurate reflection of a historical event, we might watch it. Therefore, we saw Saving Private Ryan and Schindler's List."

Judy Eckert: "I would watch an R-rated movie without the swearing and the sex. That is why we wait till they come to regular TV two years later without the 'stuff'!"

Fia Kilbourn: "I do not tolerate movies with nudity. What saddens me is the number of my Christian friends who think nothing of nudity in movies. It just seems so hypocritical to me to believe that God created everyone equal, and yet they attend movies whose nudity content turn women into mere objects."

B. Kelley: "As a general rule, I won't see R-rated movies. I'm a very visual person, so I am very careful about what I watch, especially violence and sexual content. I figure the story isn't worth the violence and/or sex (and language) that I have to sit through."

Richard Underwood: "Conservatives might be more open to seeing R pictures precisely because they (me included) are confident enough in their faith to know they can be exposed to improper scenes without endangering their souls. Those less confident should avoid such scenes. For example, there was a time when I had to avoid magazines and movies with high sexual content because I found them fascinating. Now, due presumably to old age and decrepitude as much as virtue, I find them no temptation at all."

Renee Altson: "I'm not surprised that conservatives were more into violence. The primary difference between liberals and conservatives in movie going (and in much of culture) is that liberals don't like violence, and conservatives don't like sex. As a liberal, I avoid violence but have no problem with nonviolent sex in the movies."

Sherrie Gumienny:"Braveheart was rated R because of the violence, yet it ranks among my favorites. Its message of extraordinary courage in the face of hopeless odds is incredibly inspiring. The love story of Wallace and his wife is one of the most beautifully depicted in any film. Even the slight nudity of the wedding night is not the least bit gratuitous, but almost holy in its reverent portrayal of the physical union of marriage. Braveheart, though certainly not for children, is an R movie that Christians should view, as its theme of personal sacrifice for the sake of others' freedom is a most timely message. Other 'worthwhile' R-rated movies would include The Passion of The Christ, Schindler's List, and Saving Private Ryan. How could such films be watered down to earn them PG-13 ratings? No, such films must remain R, and mature Christians should not shy away from them. They're tough to take, but important to see."

Susan Stotesbery: "My husband and I watch some R-rated movies, either on DVD at home using our Clearplay DVD player (blocking all the content we want blocked—violence, profanity, and sexual content) with our 10-year-old girl, or occasionally at the movies if there is a bigger message, artistic merit and redeeming quality to the movie."

Chris Turner: "I am pretty conservative in my theology. But when it comes to expression, I depart with most of my church companions, as they are so afraid of their God-given imagination. I maintain our imagination is the gateway to reality. God made it and uses it all the time. I believe movies should be rated on age-appropriate themes rather than just the legalistic list of language, sex and violence. These three 'deadly sins' are all over the Bible and to depict them is natural—unless the artist is doing it to titillate, not inform the story. I look at R movies before I allow my kids to see them. Some of these have a lot to say and are less offensive than a PG-13 with unlimited violence. And I always discuss the movies with them, especially if it happens to have a theme that is more demanding. We hold it up to God's truth to see what sticks. I think I'm raising a discerning child that will think for themselves, not afraid to look at issues and the world, always in the context of redemption and our role here."

next page... |  1 of 4 | last page