Should we show a James Bond film?

[maw444]

As a part of our outreach mission, our church was planning to show a James Bond Film.

The idea was to show the film, and then to discuss it afterwards.

A member of our congregation is objecting, on the grounds that we are a holy people and the content not being Christian

What do people here think?

 

[Girder of Loins]

"But... But... James Bond movies are full of violence! And sexual themes! And a bunch of sins!!!!"

Apparently, someone in your congregation hasn't read the Old Testament...

 

[trentlogain2]

what's the purpose?

i wouldn't bother showing it,.

 

[MikeBigg]

Is there a message to discuss from the film? A bible truth or a moral aspect to bring out?

I'm not against it, but I'd want to know what you are hoping to discus.

Or would it be more like going to the movies with a group of friends and then talking about it in the bar after?

I have no trouble with it, but I can imagine some would.

 

[gideon123]

I'll give you a controversial reply.
But only if you understand that I am not tring to pick arguments with anyone.

If your goal is to bridge the gap between the church world and the normal world - then the idea of showing popular movies might be a pretty good one. A lot of people off the street could be surprised that you are showing James Bond. And if you talk about it afterwards ... that's the whole point. Just allow a free discussion. I would suggest that you get the latest Bond movie - if I recall there is minimal sexual content (a tiny bit) and a lot of action. Personally I think that Daniel Craig was by far the best "Bond" The early Bond movies have ridiculous dialog, lots of sexual content (usually immature), and varying qualities of plot ... skip those.

On the positive side ... I really wish that Daniel Craig was a Christian. Maybe he is - I don't know. At least he gets off his derriere, goes out into the world with some gusto, and actually DOES something. In comparison to him (his fictional character) the CHURCH is losing to the enemy because people are like church mice and barely get out the door of the sanctuary these days.

Controversial enough for you
HAHAHA!!!

BTW, if you do actually decide to show one of these movies - it might be a lot better to do it as part of a home Bible study. It could be a bit odd showing it in a real church facility.

Blessings, Gideon123

 

[savedbyhim01]

I would not do it for the sake of unity. I would also choose to use the Bible as the foundation for your discussion rather than a movie. Sure, you might get more people to come if you show a movie. But if we lose the authority and power of the Word and become more like the world to win the world, what are we winning them to?

I watch movies and have seen some of the latest Bond movies, but I wouldn't use them for evangelism purposes.

 

[maw444]

Thanks for the reply s.

for the sake of unity, I decided against showing James Bond. Funnily enough,m my fellow leader was about to phone me to tell me to cancel, when I phoned him!

I then decided to change tack - have a family film night. I thought I would show "Brave" - until a member pointed out to me that there was a witch - and we would be encouraging witchcraft.

Final choice, which seems to be ok with everyone - is "Nomo and Juliet" - we are doing this this weekend, so it will be interesting to see how it goes!!

 

[gideon123]

well ... first off - I suppose you decision really is for the best for your church. And furthermore, if my church was doing a similar event I'm prepared to bet they would arrive at EXACTLY the same decision.

Still ... I will offer these thoughts.

First, several commentators on this thread have criticized the Bond films because of their sexual content and violence. Certainly the old Bond shows had a lot of sex in them. But the most recent three movies are much more action-oriented, and have departed from a lot of the immature subject matter in the past. The latest James Bond is a more "serious" kind of individual. Also, to be quite candid. One of those movies, Casino Royale, showed Bond in love. Real love. And the big them of that show was "betrayal" ... which is a very good talking point for the church. As for the violence ... you can definitely argue that the movies espouse violence. But to me, at least, they are no more violent than any other major action-adventure show that comes out of the movie industry these days.

So what's the point?
Well ... I sometimes visit a site for Christian men who are invovled in outdoors activities. It's an online ministry. I have to tell you that the site is DEAD. The few people who go there are very nice people. But traffic is almost nonexistent and it's dead. Want an answer to a question? No problem. Ask one and come back in 6 months.

On the othe hand ... I also visit sites where "normal" (secular) men talk about things they like ... like guns and motorcycles. Those sites are hugely active. Guys are talking about mods to their motorcycles, where they rode, what gun they are buying, when they are going hunting - there is TONS of stuff going on.

So let's not kid ourselves about where the men ARE.
They are NOT in church ... and they've got no plans to ever be there!
Why???
Because it's a "boring", "irrelevant", and they keep showing movies like Nomo and Juliet ...

In no way am I trying to give a hard time to mawallace here.
This is a huge problem for the whole church.
It's been going on for a long time ... and has never been resolved.

blessings,
Gideonb123

 

[parsley]

The earlier Bond movies also objectified women.

I don't believe that churches should be crawling on their knees to appeal to outsiders. If someone seeks the life that God can bring to them, they know where to come. Draw them to God, not the building. If they're just attending church for the music and movies, then the church might no longer be God's temple. Offer what God offers us.

I am not saying movies aren't appropriate, but that it's important to decide what you really want to present to people about God and offer within His church. Some things might be more appropriate in home groups or field trips.

Are you also offering prayer groups, Bible studies, service projects, mission ventures... are people attending each others' weddings and funerals? Are parents involved in their childrens' activities?

If people only pick one night per week to spend at church, how are they spending it?

I might sound very nitpiky, but I get frustrated when I am going through a heavy life issue, and all that church friends want to talk about is what I'm wearing, or where they went shopping on Saturday. People need to take ownership of their faith, and learn how God can work through them even in the narthex or parking lot.

 

[Clay Vessel]

I agree with Parsley. I know this issue was already resolved and executed by the questioner, but it is something that came up in a church in our city just a few weeks ago and I'm sure that other pastors and church members face it.

The Bible college associated with this church needed to raise funds, so they had a fundraiser with a big band theme with swing dancing, an Elvis impersonation contest, and a comic as entertainment.

Personally, I think that the world is not interested in raising funds for a Bible college, so the people who are going to attend this fundraiser are going to be church people. Why would a God-seeking, Spirit-driven congregation want to use the things of the world to raise funds for the things of God? It makes no sense! We are to "come out from among them (the world) and be separate," says the Lord.

There are Christian movies being made now that have great messages and are well acted. Why wouldn't a church use those if they want to show a movie? I'm not against an auction, it's fairly benign, but let the house of God be a place where His presence is welcome and let's do things decently and in order to bring glory to Him.

 

[parsley]

the people who are going to attend this fundraiser are going to be church people. Why would a God-seeking, Spirit-driven congregation want to use the things of the world to raise funds for the things of God?

And that often happens with in-house outreach methods like movies, too -- the church people don't bring friends. Once in a while an outsider finds it a great opportunity to break in to the group, but it's a low percentage. And then we are wooing them to a church organization, not to God...so have we really accomplished our goals?

There are Christian movies being made now that have great messages and are well acted.

That's probably what our first response should have been. There's a massive grassroots movement in filmmaking now that digital video equipment has an inexpensive range. There are collections of shorts from competitions that can be shown and talked about.

Showing these films might give the message you/OP are hoping for -- showing nonbelievers that this is not their grandmother's church. Talking about newer Christian films will also inevitably end up in conversations about filmmaking itself, which could open up people's creative ideas.


This organization -- 168 Films -- holds regular competitions with Christian themes assigned. It has grown to be very connected with successful filmmakers.

168 Film - More Than an International Short Film Competition

 

[Clay Vessel]

Thanks for the link, Parsley.

 

[SayaOtonashi]

you can't plese everyone stop listening to people and pray to god for answer. I know you don't want to offend but if you give in then people think you are a pushover. For example animated movie on Moese to some Christians would be offends since it shows pagans. Go with god not what people think there people aren't god. Go for brave because the movie really doesn't even focus on witchcraft but a mother and daughter.Focus on the positive side on the movie

 

[Gunny]

In my humble opinion, the body of Christ (the church) does a better job at winning souls (preaching, teaching, praise and worship) when concerned with being God friendly (pleasing God) vs. operating seeker friendly (man pleasers).


In Christ, Gunny

 

[Clay Vessel]

I'm with you, Gunny!

 

[Fireinfolding]

As a part of our outreach mission, our church was planning to show a James Bond Film.

The idea was to show the film, and then to discuss it afterwards.

A member of our congregation is objecting, on the grounds that we are a holy people and the content not being Christian

What do people here think?

Sad part (to me) is that only a singular member raised an objection to an outreach for Jesus Christ with a James Bond movie.

 

[Clay Vessel]

That is sad to me, too! Praying for a spiritual renewal in our churches in America!!

 

[Gunny]

Praying for a spiritual renewal in our churches in America!!

Amen, Amen!!! There are definite powerful moves of God in the United states but it is my continual prayer for The Holy Spirit to have it's way throughout the body of Christ (church) in this country. There is so much powerful revival taking place in other countries where individuals thirst and hunger for Jesus, wanting true intamacy with Him.


In Christ, Gunny