Worried that I'm a bad person

[EtainSkirata]

So last night I was feeling anxious, and just wanted to watch a show or a movie where I wasn't going to sit there and overthink things. So I put on Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol, because I love the series and I love action movies in general.

Except, a few minutes into the movie, I remembered that Tom Cruise is a scientologist. Which obviously doesn't sit well with me, but usually I separate the movie from whatever an actor does in their personal life.

But, being anxious about it, I didn't enjoy the movie as much, and afterwards I did a bunch of googling about the issue... And now I feel like if I watch Tom Cruise movies, or even own them for my family to watch, I'm a bad person.

I DON'T support Scientology, obviously. And I feel like if I were to scrutinize every actor of every movie I enjoy, I would find problematic things about everyone. And I think that's just not practical.

This feels like a case of OCD attacking something I enjoy, buuuut I also feel it has elements of truth to it...

 

[Hopeful37]

What I tend to do is remember it's just a just a movie and doesn't impact on me and my decisions as a person. Sometimes I just take off the movie and put on another.

I was watching a silly romantic comedy the other day and the girls were singing some ridiculous rude song about sex which triggered my intrusive thoughts...off course I switched it off. I don't want to watch it again. I dont need too.

I think the Media put out there sometimes is just slowly warping our minds subtly to accept certain things as the norm which never should be the norm.

 

[chevyontheriver]

So last night I was feeling anxious, and just wanted to watch a show or a movie where I wasn't going to sit there and overthink things. So I put on Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol, because I love the series and I love action movies in general.

Except, a few minutes into the movie, I remembered that Tom Cruise is a scientologist. Which obviously doesn't sit well with me, but usually I separate the movie from whatever an actor does in their personal life.

But, being anxious about it, I didn't enjoy the movie as much, and afterwards I did a bunch of googling about the issue... And now I feel like if I watch Tom Cruise movies, or even own them for my family to watch, I'm a bad person.

I DON'T support Scientology, obviously. And I feel like if I were to scrutinize every actor of every movie I enjoy, I would find problematic things about everyone. And I think that's just not practical.

This feels like a case of OCD attacking something I enjoy, buuuut I also feel it has elements of truth to it...

We're all bad people. The good news is that we can be redeemed in Christ. Don't waste time worrying about being a bad person. That's a given. Be thankful that you are loved by God even so.

The Mission Impossible movies are just entertainment. If you are worried about it though, check out the initial TV series. They guy who played Phelps was a Christian in real life.

 

[Michie]

This might make you feel better.

These movies were not made to teach, edify or persuade. Far from it. But as God brought me from Islam to the Catholic Church, they unexpectedly became tools of his providence.

A Convert’s Testimony on the Power of Film

 

[Tolworth John]

, being anxious about it, I didn't enjoy the movie as much, and afterwards I did a bunch of googling about the issue... And now I feel like if I watch Tom Cruise movies, or even own them for my family to watch, I'm a bad person.

Put it in context.
Most actors, writers, artists, in fact most of the people who serve you are not Christian and have views about Jesus you would find offensive.

So long as these actors, etc are not promoting there non Christian views you can watch there work, read there books, buy there products.

Please take a look at the article 25 tips for succeeding in your OCD treatment, it contains some helpful and practical advice for coping with anxieties as well as OCD, it is found in the international OCD foundation.