Is it All Right to Parody Jesus?

[ahzmort]

WannaWitness, sounds like we're of the same thought then

hahaha... 'uncloned member of the human race', love it.


---------------- Now playing: Lightforce - Mystical Thieves via FoxyTunes

 

[WannaWitness]

WannaWitness, sounds like we're of the same thought then

hahaha... 'uncloned member of the human race', love it.


---------------- Now playing: Lightforce - Mystical Thieves via FoxyTunes

Thanks.

Of course, I realize my somewhat neutral opinions on a few issues comes with a price. I have my share of conservative, reasonably fundamentalist views on some things, but I'm not quite as strict in other things. So, while one person sees me as a preachy, legalistic Bible-thumper, another person will view me as "lukewarm" and not really caring about serving Christ to my fullest. This puts me in a bit of a dilemma, as extremists on both ends tend to repel me.

At least I know I'm not alone.

 

[MarkUncorked]

My first post here, so please excuse me if I've missed prior discussions in this regard. While I don't personally enjoy watching those type of parodies, I hope that we don't lose the right to create comedy in the United States. I believe these entertainers should have the right to do exactly that, we should be respectful of them even if they aren't always respectful to others (if we're being honest about it though, what comic could be?)

 

[Zoooma]

A parody of Christ offensive? Not very. Usually.

I've seen Jesus parodied on South Park, and I'm sure on other things, and it's not a big deal. Jesus IS a big deal, a HUGE deal, and if it's purely blatantly an anti-Christ/anti-Christian parody then that won't sit well with me. But so long as He's not portrayed in any seriously negative manner then it can be just fine. For goodness sakes, it's comedy. Lighten up and Laugh. And then walk away strong in your faith and it's not a problem.

Is such a parody good for the world? Probably not. But then there's a million things like that and 95% are more harmful than a harmless parody of Jesus.

Instead of putting pressure on people to never ever create a parody of Christ, why not make greater connections with American youth so they can not be negatively affected by such a thing. Like how there will always be poverty in the world, no matter what we do, there will always be people to make stuff that is or might be offensive to Christians. But the more Christians there are, the less demand there'll be and that's how it goes away.

 

[Diane_Windsor]

Not only is it "all right" to parody religion and religious figures, the US Constitution guarantees it:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Bill of Rights

When I self-identified myself as a Christian I found no offense at parodies of Jesus, the Church, etc. When I first saw Kevin Smith's Dogma and Monty Pyton's Life of Brian I laughed throughout the entire two films.

As a non-Christian I still find parody and satire funny. It has always been my firm belief that Jesus of Nazareth had a sense of humor, and would probably laugh throughout Dogma, Life of Brian, etc. as well.

 

[Diane_Windsor]

I have not heard of the show, but, IMHO, I think it is very wrong and offensive besides. I mean, why would you want to make fun of our dear Lord, He died for our sins!! Maybe it is OK to do that to others, but, the Lord, nooooo way, He is the almighty, the Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords.

Are they really parodying Jesus of Nazareth, or are they parodying your image of Jesus of Nazareth?

 

[Brak]

I think it's possible to parody Jesus in bad taste, and also to parody Jesus not in bad taste. It's not out of the ordinary to parody powerful people we love. I parodied my pastor once when I was in youth group--with my pastor out in the congregation watching. If nothing else, it puts Jesus on the hearts and minds of people whom otherwise He would have been the furthest thing from their minds.

I remember a MadTV episode, Terminator meets The Last Supper. Arnold goes back in time with an AK-47, and he hunts down Judas and blows him to pieces. And Jesus is like, "NOOOOO!!!! DON'T!!! HE'S SUPPOSED TO BETRAY ME SO I CAN DIE FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD!" So Jesus resurrects Judas. Then Arnold blows him up again. Then Jesus is like, "NOOOO!!! STOP KILLING JUDAS!! STOP IT!!"

 

[WannaWitness]

For a good parody of the way Christians sometimes have been known to act (which I don't feel was meant to be blasphemous in any way, shape, or form), I recommend an old sitcom called "Amen". Now I personally don't feel there was anything wrong with that, as it merely pokes fun of the flaws of church people (yes, there are things that all Christians, including myself, have to work on). The series ran some years ago (late '80s - early '90s) when I was a teenager, and the show didn't seem to be as popular as some of the other programs which were airing at that time, so I'm not sure whether they even have it on DVD. But if you do find it, it's definitely something to take a look at, although I do realize that there might be some here (those who have seen the program and was actually offended) who may disagree with me at this point. That's understandable, as I realize everyone is affected differently by a variety of things.

I mean, there is such a thing as going too far, but in my mind, "Amen" did not cross that line.

A few years ago, it was being aired on Sky Angel (when I had it). Fortunately, I was able to tape a few episodes before they stopped showing it.

 

[147]

To be fair all religious leaders get parodied, Muhammad does, Hindu gods do, Buddha does and Jesus Christ does..

All this is well and good, except that Muhammad doesn't. That seems to be the only thing taboo at this point.

I subscribe to the fact that if one thing's ok to joke about, it all is. It's when things become blasphemous that I have problems with. South Park tends to tow the line, but I don't feel they have crossed that line.

I haven't seen the main show in question, but I have seen enough of South Park to comment on it. I realize a lot of people can find it offensive, but I find a lot of what they talk about humorous, whether I fully agree or not. They're at least unafraid to put their own thoughts on subjects out there, while most people pussyfoot around being PC, and afraid to spark any debate.

Most of what they tend to touch on is ignorance, intolerance, and things being taken to polar extremes, which crosses into all walks of life.

However, I refrain from speaking on the other show in question, since I have never seen it, and therefore cannot give any reasonable response to it.

 

[Lakikos]

My son was watching this video on the web last night called 'Marty and Doug's New Religion'. Overall it's a stupid show about two guys that create a religion but the thing that bothered me is that they parody Jesus as some whiney loser. I know that the popular tv show 'South Park' has done this as well. Personally I find it pretty offensive and think that we should put pressure on these "entertainers" to stop doing this. Does anyone else agree?

I don't find anything wrong with it at all. Everyone gets a parody good or bad now adays. As long as you know its not true, who cares? =D

 

[William_0]

Everything is offensive to someone. Fortunately, that's why we have the first amendment so everyone can be offended equally.

 

[Diane_Windsor]

All this is well and good, except that Muhammad doesn't. That seems to be the only thing taboo at this point.

I guess you missed the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy

 

[147]

I guess you missed the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy

Um...no I didn't. That's why it's taboo, because everyone's scared to get their heads chopped off for it now.

 

[WannaWitness]

Everything is offensive to someone. Fortunately, that's why we have the first amendment so everyone can be offended equally.

I just think that people can be too touchy.

I mean, can you imagine something like "Little House on the Prairie" (one of the most wholesome programs on television) being offensive? Believe it or not, for the nitpicker, it can be. Sure, they never swear, they're a church-going family, they're always making reference to the Lord and Biblical topics, and they promote living right, pulling together through thick and thin, and helping their fellow man. The classic nitpicker would complain about goofy things like Charles' long hair, his somewhat tight pants, his pipe-smoking, and condoning his daughter Laura's rough-and-tumble, tomboyish personality... and I'm sure the list is endless when it comes to things a nitpicker can find in just about every program, no matter how tame it is.

Guess you can't make everybody happy.

 

[Zoooma]

The classic nitpicker would complain about goofy things...
Guess you can't make everybody happy.

So true.

A recall a Looney Tune or Merrie Melodie (cartoon from about 1950) where a tree is slathered with grease so an enemy can't climb up it. That totally offended me. The grease on the tree bark is harmful to that tree!!!! Not to mention how those characters are so often so mean to each other, committing all sorts of violent acts. Highly offensive and wrong for society.

 

[WannaWitness]

So true.

A recall a Looney Tune or Merrie Melodie (cartoon from about 1950) where a tree is slathered with grease so an enemy can't climb up it. That totally offended me. The grease on the tree bark is harmful to that tree!!!! Not to mention how those characters are so often so mean to each other, committing all sorts of violent acts. Highly offensive and wrong for society.

While we're at it, let's boycott some of those trashy products they advertise, like Morton Salt and Lucky Charms cereal. I mean, it's bad enough that you're eating unhealthy sodium and a bowl of sugary marshmallows. These ads contain propaganda that is contrary to Christian beliefs. Look at that Morton girl, flashing the world with her short skirt blowing in the breeze, and Lucky, a leprechaun straight from mythology and folklore (which Christians should have nothing to do with) singing that "magically delicious" jingle. Everyone knows Christians should have nothing to do with magic, therefore, should not be eating a "magical" breakfast cereal.

Sorry... I just couldn't resist doing a little good-natured nitpicking of my own.

Anyway, I didn't want to venture to far off topic, so.... carry on.

 

[pitseleh]

South Park has some offensive episodes. Some not. I try not to watch the ones I find offensive.

Family Guy on the other hand. Their stuff offends me terribly. It used to not get under my skin that much. Until I saw that episode where Peter made his own church and worshiped Fonzie from Happy Days as God. It was really messed up. Fonzie's not God. No matter how cool he is. I wonder what Henry Winkler thought of that episode.

The biggest offender ever though. In my opinion is Curb Your Enthusiasm. I despise that show. There's an episode where Larry David pees on a picture of Christ. DISGUSTING. It even made the news when it aired because of that. That's how I found out. I will never watch it.

Also, non TV wise there's some things that bother me as a parody and some not. Like, I saw this picture of the Last Supper once that someone had painted and instead of all the food on the table they just had one gigantic sub sandwich on it. For everyone to share. That did not offend me. I actually thought it was hilarious. Jesus having a sandwich isn't disrespectful IMO. But, there's some Last Supper parodies that were just crazy. Like 'Dogs at the Last Supper' seriously messed up.

 

[kittycat7]

From what I've seen of South Park they usually mock Christians more than Christ himself. This I don't have a problem with; all churches do have problems and sometimes South Park makes a good point. Which isn't to say that I haven't been offended by some of their content (religious or otherwise) but not enough to turn it off. However, I've only just starting watching South Park and usually avoid the episodes that look especially offensive.

Putting pressure on shows to avoid material that offends you is not a good idea. It just makes you look bad.