Movies

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Catholic : One Thread

Is there still a guide for Catholics as to what movies we are allowed to watch? Remember that? I forgot what they call that list, but it was a guide for us. I don't know who went to see the movie first to let us know if 'we' could see it or not.

The reason I ask is because my friend owns a video store and you would be quite surprised if you knew the videos the local 'priests' rent. In fact, she once commented to a priest about it, saying the movie was about the devil and very offensive to the Catholic faith. He just laughed and didn't think anything was wrong with it all.

We must let our own conscience be our guide - you know that saying, "Do as I say, not as I do."

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), May 13, 2002

Answers

Jmj

Hello, MaryLu,
In the early and middle decades of the 20th century, there was a Catholic service known as the "Legion of Decency," which put out film ratings that were published in diocesan newspapers. The LoD ratings were good, tough, and dependable. They saved countless millions from temptation and the commission of mortal sins (especially rejecting violence, illicit sexual images, and divorce/remarriage). If I recall correctly, they categories of film ratings were: Family ... Adults and adolescents ... Adults ... Adults, with reservations ... Objectionable ... and Condemned. Alas, the Legion of Decency died out.

Since the mid-1960s, there has been a movie ratings service sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB [formerly NCCB-USCC]). It is better than nothing, but I don't place much faith in its recommendations, because it has been run by laymen with a much-too-liberal moral code. It has voiced approval of many films that the Legion of Decency would have called Objectionable or Condemned. (For example, "Midnight Cowboy" was originally given an "X" rating by the motion picture industry, but the bishops' bureaucrats put the film on the top ten of the year.) Still, as I said, their service is better than nothing, because it gives thematic info and usually mentions what kind of immorality is visible. You can take a look at this USCCB information here.

God bless you.
John

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), May 13, 2002.


I find theDecent Films Guide to be pretty reliable and honest.

God Bless

-- Brian (sacerdos@hotpop.com), May 13, 2002.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ