Violence and Language in “The Book of Eli”
Denzel Washington, one of Hollywood’s most successful and highly respected figures, stars in The Book of Eli, the story of a man of faith on a mission to protect the last copy of the Bible. America has suffered a catastrophic destruction and civilization and law have disappeared. Described as “a warrior by necessity,” Eli seeks peace. But if the book he carries, the hope for the future, is challenged, he will protect it fiercely. He’s a man who does what he must to survive and continue on his mission.
The film is rated R and contains graphic violence and language, causing many who are Christians to wonder why a man with such public faith would take a role in a film that contains what many Christians consider objectionable content. Ever since screening the film last month, I’ve often pondered that question and others related to it.
What’s a Christian To Do?
Setting aside the violence and language, the story of a man protecting the Bible makes anyone watching consider what they would protect with their life. What is worth living and dying for?
Screenwriter Gary Whitta wrote the film because of his fascination with questions like these, questions of faith. “I always like the movie [I write] to be about something. For me the big question of faith and believing in something larger than yourself is fascinating.
”
The idea of belief in something greater than yourself is the most powerful force in the universe. That’s something that can be turned for incredible good or incredible destruction. [It's] an intellectual battle about the preservation of knowledge and sustaining this book that tells us an incredible amount.
“Whether you believe in it or not, the Bible is who we are. It’s been a cornerstone of civilization for 2000 years, and the battle over that ideology, I thought, is a really interesting one.”
Support Films about Faith
Personally, I want to support filmmakers who explore questions of faith in their films. For me, choosing to see this film is casting a vote for Hollywood filmmakers to keep making films about faith. It is telling them I will buy tickets to films they create about topics I’m interested in.
Will I always agree with their conclusions and their methods? No, but what I do agree with, and get excited about, is Hollywood filmmakers who spend time researching the Bible to make a film. Whitta said he spent a lot of time going through the Bible to find passages Eli could quote at appropriate moments, and that Denzel Washington came to script meetings with his Bible.
Good Battling Evil
The Book of Eli is without question a violent movie. It combines martial arts scenes with Western-flavored shoot-outs, complete with Gatling guns and surface missiles. Almost every conceivable weapon is used in a battle between good and evil, for in the grand scheme of this movie, that is the overarching theme.
For many of us, that raises the question of when violence is acceptable. If I look to the Bible, I see an Old Testament filled with violence as the nation of Israel fights to establish itself and protect itself from its enemies. There are several recorded occasions when God told a king to completely wipe out the opposing enemy.
Chapter 11 of the book of 2 Samuel, which records David’s infidelity with Bathsheba, begins with this statement, “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war,…” And before that, the nation of Israel celebrated David’s victories when they sang “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” (1 Samuel 18:7)
Of course, one can argue that is history from the Old Testament, and we are living under the grace of the New Testament and the instruction of Jesus. He instructs us to turn the other cheek and not to resist an evil person when they strike us on the cheek (Matthew 5:39).
The Violence of Eli
When Eli commits violence, he does so from a defensive position. He’s defending himself, the book he carries, or helpless people. There is one instance where he steps into a situation from which there is no possible escape other than violence, but he is not the one instigating the fight.
Could Eli accomplish his mission without resorting to violence? I don’t know. The world he inhabits is vastly different than the one we live in. His options are extremely limited, and he is facing incredible odds just to survive. In his world, people are killed over water, clothing and shelter, the basic necessities of life.
There is no central civilization, and very few people even remember what the world was like before disaster struck. It’s a primitive place inhabited by primitive people, and the niceties and trappings of society have been stripped away to reveal man at his worst.
The Language of Eli
For most Christians, language is a distinctive of the faith, an outward sign of an inward commitment. Foul language is not something that’s heard in church or in most conversations between Christians. Even more abhorrent is the use of profanity, taking the Lord’s name in vain.
To Christians, and those who judge them, language can be a hallmark. But to the person who is not a Christian, language is a reflection of the culture. What does the culture say is acceptable? What are other people around them saying? What do they hear, what do they use?
Regardless of whether we deem it right or wrong, the culture around us uses foul language and profanity, and it will be reflected in the entertainment the culture produces. There aren’t any curse words heard in movies that can’t be heard in the hallways of our schools, on the streets of our cities, in songs heard on the radio and in programs on the television.
The question I ask myself about the language is how people inhabiting a world without any laws or semblance of civilization would speak? Because Eli is protecting the only remaining copy of the Bible, no one is reading or living by it, therefore man’s knowledge of God and his ways is practically non-existent, and the language, and the film in general, reflects that condition.
This film is rated R for violence and language, and is not appropriate for children.
Alcon Entertainment’s action adventure film The Book of Eli is a Warner Bros. Pictures release. All photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. (second photo by David Lee)
[...] religious moviegoers pause. Angela Walker, director of producer relations for ChristianCinema.com, wrote that she pondered the movie’s objectionable content for a month after seeing an advance [...]
January 13th, 2010 at 8:53 am
You say:
Because Eli is protecting the only remaining copy of the Bible, no one is reading or living by it, therefore man’s knowledge of God and his ways is practically non-existent, and the language, and the film in general, reflects that condition.
Sounds reasonable. But with that kind of reasoning, why do you follow up by saying:
This film is rated R for violence and language, and is not appropriate for children.
Don’t our children live in this “real” world, too?
January 14th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Our children do live in this real world, and some live where they see this type of violence every day. It’s up to parents to make their own decisions about when they voluntarily expose their kids to it (beyond what’s on TV, etc.).
However, I have a 9-year-old nephew, and I wouldn’t take him to see it. If he sees it on the street, or on television, it’s one thing. Do I need to take him to an event that will magnify it on the screen? No. But that’s my choice, my decision. You may feel differently, and if so, more power to you.
January 15th, 2010 at 10:37 am
That’s my point exactly. I totally agree with you Angela. I don’t have any children, but if I did I wouldn’t take them to see it. And my point is that if children shouldn’t see it, then I as person trying to follow Christ’s example, shouldn’t permit myself to see it. I hear enough of that stuff in the real world without paying to hear it in the theater.
January 15th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Why do people get so caught up in rules and what they think is right. Plan and simple, its a movie, a form of entertainment that just happens to have a message. If you would watch a movie like paranormal activity which on the flip side pits evil against good in which evil wins. You should have no problem with the content in the book of Eli.
Yes the movie is violent, but so is the bible, and so is every video game and cartoon on the market. That is why when we expose our children to things we DISCUSS WHAT THEY HAVE READ OR SEEN to give them understanding, to differentiate entertainment from purpose. Ultimately it is up to you to choose what you magnify on the screen, your words and what you choose to talk about will live longer than what they’ve seen. But for people with an abundance of ignorance you need not expose children to anything
January 16th, 2010 at 11:01 am
I saw the movie this evening and was really entertained. The language of the lost was really gross but such are the streets. I was surprised often and amazed at the storyline in a lot of parts. We really need more movies where faith is’nt just a punch line but a walk of honor and calling. Thanks Denzel for a very good performance.
January 16th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Donnel!! Thank you!! about time someone with some brains speaks up. The problem with our christian americans still dont get the big picture. the rules that people focus too so much are in fact part of the problem, lets think back who followed the rules more than the Pharisees. educate unbiasely, every thing you hide from a child they will rebel 10 fold when they get out the front door and see what the real world is like. youve never heard of the “pastors kid” term used? Thats a perfect example of what happens when kids get have too much cencorship. honestly i feel organized religion is the problem, forget the churches and the people and become completely focuses on the bible and God, let people go on their own journey of growth and learn on their own, even if its the hard way. They say that you cannot be the best possible person until you hit rock bottom.There comes a time in your life when “it can’t get any worse than this” actually comes true. At that moment- realize that there is only one way to go from there: UP. The thing with hitting rock bottom is this: You can only go up from there- things can only get better. The worse has come and is now staring you point blank in the face.It is when you find yourself alone, standing at the worst point in your life, when you realize that only YOU and God can change your circumstances. Your family and friends can only do so much – and are probably already exhausted from trying to bring you up. At your greatest despair is when the most action is required of you. It’s either now or never – and you know it. Let go of how you got here or why – forgive those that might have contributed to your fall. Focus on God and start climbing.
January 17th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Maybe a better point is, who is the film aimed at, and why? This movie is very thought-provoking and in some instances, perhaps, prophetic. Maybe the first intention wasn’t for a Christian audience?
January 17th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
If you allow your childen to look at looney tunes, with all the violence with sammy sam and the coyote blowing up stuff and tom and jerry rippin out each other’s hair you can let your kids look at eli!! Jeeesh sometimes believers can be so holy they are no earthly good. You pick and choose what is convient. Now Im not saying let a 9-10 year old look at this movie but 14 on up is reasonable. If you allow them to see any Marvel movie that has been made on the BIG Screen the last 10 years they can go see ELI jeesh. Gimme a break!!
January 18th, 2010 at 8:50 am
I was going to take a girl out on a date to see this movie. We are both Christians. And she is a little squeamish, and doesn’t handle things like dismemberment well. How violent is this movie really? Is it just going to be a lot of fighting, or will there be torture and severing of limbs/heads?
Have i made the wrong choice in asking her to see this with me?
January 18th, 2010 at 9:14 am
Before actually seeing the movie I was expecting more “language” than what was truly in it. The movie is post apocalyptic (destruction of the world) and it was set up in the movie possibly realistic or not that people blamed God for what happened to them and the world. In act of vengeance upon God it was said that they set out personally to destroy every remaining copy of the Bible, thus setting up the mission for Eli to protect and deliver the Bible to the “safe” place. All of this to say that the movie is strongly faith based to more than I expected it to be.
Letting smaller children under the age of 13 see it probably not the best of ideas at the early stages of their life, that is why we Blu-ray/DVDs.
I believe as Christians today when watching any sort of “real” world, “faith” based movie we should try to peel back the layers of what the message is. Is the message about foul language? No. Is it about Violence? No. Its about not giving up, its not giving in to the world that persecute us for the hope that is in us.
I seems that our society today may have a false perception of how Biblical times really were. It was full of violence, language, adultery, fornication, etc. Why do you think God was so disappointed and had civilization wiped out?
We live in the best of Biblical times. We need to take more time digging deeper into matters of faith based movies or even secular for that matter, rather than just skimming the surface. I would rather watch a movie that had real world elements to it and see a man/women brave those elements and show their faith and commitment to God. This instill in me a sense of strength to face the world of sin, rather than just a shoot’em up action movie, even though they are fun and it doesn’t affect my Christianity, its all a story. If we have a problem with this as Christian society well we need to do 1 of 2 things.
1. Don’t see the movie (duh)
2. teach our children what is real and what is not.
Our children are going to see violence and hear foul language regardless of how much we try to shelter them. It is our job as Christians, parents, etc is to take advantage of those teaching opportunities and live a Christ like example. If we bring up our children in the Lord when they are older they will not stray from those teachings.
If we are not using violence (different than self-defense) and using foul language our children will see that and Lord willing do the same.
The Book of Eli ROCKS! \m/ and I will be adding it to the collection.
January 18th, 2010 at 10:17 am
We talk so much and are so concerned about pollution of our environment. But there is a worse pollution more deadly – pollution of the mind and spirit.
I am one of those “pastors kids” and I definitely have sinned,
but I definitely did not rebel 10 fold on everything that my parents tried to shield and protect (not hide) me from. I know what the real world is and it’s not pretty. I think entertainment should be an escape from reality and not just more of what I have to face on a daily basis.
Physical pollutants damage the environment but the pollution of the mind destroys individuals, relationships and communities.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23)
We absorb information through our senses. If we pollute our mind with evil we stop doing what is good and right in God’s eyes. There’s plenty of opportunities to instruct our chilren about the evil in this world without creating a movie full of it to do so. Using the ideas discussed on here, we could easily come to the conclusion that pornography is okay. Where do we draw the line. A polluted mind accepts that doing evil is acceptable!
Pollution of the mind and spirit like this will eventually lead to declining moral standards, lack of respect for authority, acceptance of evil as being good and on and on. We tolerate all this because if we don’t we are condemned as opposing free speech and infringing on the rights of others.
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
The key word in the section above is “think.” You can’t change the way others think but you can seek out and stand up for what is right in your own life by changing the way you think. What you set your mind on determines who you are and how you behave. And maybe, just maybe, by your example someone else may see the need to change, too. Actions do truly speak louder than words.
January 18th, 2010 at 11:00 am
Buchy, I so appreciate what you offered here. To William, the foul language in the flick would offend me if I were your date. Whenever I have a question as to what the film I am thinking about contains and would it be suitable for such and such, I go to http://www.pluggedin.com and there I can check out every part of the film before I rent or go to the theater. Also, for those who would like to watch films at home but don’t often because the content may be unsuitable for the whole family, may I recommend clearplay.com where YOU get to watch any film with the level of language, violence, sensuality, etc. that you determine. Our family can finally sit together for any movie. And to Donel, no entertainment is JUST entertainment. Everything we see, hear, or read affects us in our mind and what we do with it is up to each. But don’t buy the lie that it doesn’t affect you. Don’t buy the lies….
January 18th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Thank you Mary and Buchy…man..i am so frustrated at how blind some christians have become….and then we wonder why we have so many problems in this society..much of the church is becoming just like the world…it’s one thing to be in the office and hearing cursing..the “f bomb” the Lord’s name taken in vain etc..it’s another to condone this for entertainment purposes…. I read the review on Plugged In online..in this movie the Lord’s name is taken in vain there are more than a dozen f bombs…scantily clad women….okay..and we say we love Jesus?? Give me a break….oh yeah..sure as long as it doesn’t cost you anything…like trashy t.v. shows and entertainment..God help us…
January 19th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Thank you Mary and Wendy.
January 20th, 2010 at 10:21 am
i think depending on your childs age they should be able to see it. atleast 13 and up because language is in almost all video games that thirteen year olds play.
January 23rd, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Buchy, Mary, Wendy, I respect your opinions and though I may not know you, I love you. Regardless, to an extent, I disagree. While I do not condone the violence or the language in the movie, I found it very inspiring.
First off, as someone mentioned before, the Bible (multiple times) depicts scenes of brutal, gory violence, and course language. Yet, it is still our Holy Bible is it not? I’m not saying that the Bible is just a form of entertainment but that stuff is in there. I think the true issue is of maturity. We should be able to surround ourselves with much worse and still be unaffected. We are told to do two things, love God and love people. Now, a part of loving people is reaching out to them no matter how lost they are. Lets say I felt lead to minister in the ghetto, obviously it would take the spiritual maturity to surround myself with all of the language, sex, and violence. Point is, it depicts the real world. Why should we hide from it. It should not affect us anyway.
The movie never supports the use of language, sex, or violence. In fact, in a roundabout way it shows that it is wrong. Eli never once “strays from the path.” While he is tempted over and over again, he restrains himself. The Bible itself uses the sex, language, and violence to show us that it is indeed wrong.
On another note, I see this movie being very productive. If “The Book Of Eli” were a lovey dovy, in your face, give me a hug, movie with the same concept it just wouldn’t be seen outside of the Christian community. In just over a week the film has grossed $38,437,553. At worst case scenario thinking everyone saw it at a non matinée time at about ten dollars a ticket (slightly above the average), about 3,847,755 people have seen it. To some it may have just been another action flick. Those people probably left no different than they came in. No more evil, no less. Yet, just think.. If this movie left just one person thinking about God, if it only brought one person to ask that Christian guy at work who is always bugging him a question that could spark a whole new life, would it not be worth it? I bet it left MORE than one person wondering what it’s all about. You see, this movie isn’t for Christians. We don’t need something to bring us to God, we already know him. But this isn’t about us.
We get way to caught up in protecting ourselves that we forget that it’s not about us, it’s about finding others in the dark with the light that we are given. We’re to afraid to jump out there and do something with our light though. If God gives us a tool, aren’t we the fools for not using it?
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Elijah..thanks for your input..here is where i am at….there was a time in this country where it was unacceptable for a couple to sleep in the same bed on t.v…now we are an anything goes society..i see it seeping into the church…you talk about violence and course language in the bible..to my knowledge there are no “f bombs” or other things of that nature…plus there are no actual pictures of women dressed in very revealing clothing in it either.i would let my child read the bible..i would not let my child watch this movie..and either will the movie theaters..i am not saying be lovey dovey..hugs and kisses..i am saying clean it up!!! I had a very radical born again experience and used to cuss like a sailor..after i had my encounter with God someone would use a curse word like the f bomb and it felt like someone hit me in the stomach…same thing happened to my husband when he got saved..i have heard countless other testimonies of the same..the Holy Spirit is grieved by these things…shouldn’t we be?? How much “realism” are we going to allow to tell the story? What’s next? There is incest in the bible and the homosexual sexual acts in sodom and gomorrah…. should this be shown on the big screen to show realism also??.when will we draw the line in this country?..guess what…we won’t…it’s going to get worse and the church is getting sucked right in……compromise, comprise, compromise…..i am sick and tired of the church thinking we have to become just like the world to win the world..we win people to Jesus by the Power of the Holy Spirit…not this trash…
January 24th, 2010 at 7:40 am
The so called “F Bomb” came around the 15th century and then began to circulate back into our language around the 60’s. Of course it wasn’t used in the Bible. That’s like saying that there weren’t porn magazines in the Bible. It just wasn’t around back then. I’m sure that if it were, though, It would have been used. There are worst curses in the Bible than the “F Bomb.”
Also, never did I condone the movie for children. I would never let my children watch it. But, if my kid did somehow get a hold of it and watch it, I would use it as a tool to teach him what what is acceptable and what is not. What is right, and what is wrong.
Focusing in the language and violence in this movie is like focusing on it in real life. If you read the bible and only focused on how bad the language and violence was and didn’t pay attention to the good God does, you would be missing the point completely. The truth is, those are the people we are trying to change in this all stakes battle between heaven and hell. I say we use the tools at hand to win it!
Yes, there are things such as homosexuality and incest, and yeah, If it can be used to show society that it is wrong, of course! It’s like being afraid of the air. How are you going to change anything if you’re too afraid to step out of your front door. The truth is that it’s out there. There’s no reason to hide it. Also, you can’t categorize sin. ALL sins are equally despised by God. Murder doesn’t make God love you any less than lieing. (though he wouldn’t love you any less anyway)
We don’t have to compromise and I completely respect that it offends you. But if it offends you, just don’t see it. We have this tool to reach people that we may have never been able to reach before. I’m not saying that we have to agree with it, but lets not deny that it can potentially change lives!
January 24th, 2010 at 9:00 am
Elijah stated: “This isn’t for Christians”.
My point exactly. ChristianCinema.com states they are a place to find Christian films. So why advertise this film? I come to this site to find Christian Films because I want clean entertainment. And no matter how you try to present it, you’ve all agreed that what’s portrayed in the movie is wrong.
January 24th, 2010 at 11:13 am
Buchy, I understand where you are coming from and that makes sence. It really does. But from what I’ve seen, this blog isn’t devoted to advertising clean christion movies only. I saw an article or two on avatar and some other secular stuff. From what I’ve seen, it looks like the blog is based off of the concept of Christianity, movies, and how they coincide together. I didn’t read this article as an advertisement, I read it as an exploration of our beliefs pushing their way into a modern movie.
January 24th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
my point too, Buchy..what led me to this site is that our youth group’s WORSHIP LEADER is posting on facebook that everyone needs to go see this movie…I found this page out of my frustration in what i see happening in our churches…the compromise..the gossip..the backbiting…much(not all) of the american church has lost it’s power..I believe the compromise is a big part of the reason why we don’t see as many miracles as there are in other countries…much (again not all) of the church in America is mostly powerless anymore….the divorce rate in the church is the same is in the world etc. and i am frustrated to see it…I have seen the church use “seeker sensitive” material to try and reach people..i think it’s a stench in God’s nostrils when we try harder to make people confortable rather than God comfortable…using our tools to try to win people instead of being so full of the Holy Spirit that we just walk in a room and people are convicted of sin..just coming to an altar and saying a quick prayer does not a christian make.okay..i’ll get off my soapbox now..need to take my daughter to soccer…
January 24th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
I saw this movie Friday night and found it quite profound. Would I say it’s an uplifting flick suitable for family entertainment? No. Do I think there is truth in it that the world needs to see/hear? Yes. While the movie is violet, the filming of the movie is done in grayscale (thankfully) so there isn’t a lot of blood, guts and gore. This grayscale production is symbolic of a world apart from God’s righteousnes. As to the “f-bomb”, the people who said it were as vile as the word. Good! While there is much to say about the symbolic nature of the movie, the ending was the most profound.
I don’t want to disclose the ending, but I found it interesting that it was the Bible that was banned by the supposed powers that be and not the other two books with which it shared space. The Bible does have the power to affect people’s lives. This message was not lost on me and I pray this movie inspires its viewers to read the Bible. It is powerful and the Holy Spirit will speak for himself to those who read it.
Finally, as to whether or not it’s suitable for children; what difference does it make? If you’re debating on whether or not to take your children to an R rated movie you probably have bigger problems. This movie is not intended for young children. Honestly, if you explained the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in it’s true detail, it’s not suitable for children either. There is such a thing as discretion so use it, please.
January 24th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Buchy, hey! I do quite agree with what you are saying, as a Christian parent, I would not bring my child to this movie, it was too violent. I do love a good post-apocalypic movie though, so I saw it, and did enjoy it. It was just a movie
I’m not going to go around slicing arms off, or tell my pastor that we need to start putting Bibles in underground vaults.
However — With that said; I do not believe this movie was created for the Christian viewers. It was made for people who are lost, looking for direction. It attracted them in with an intriguing story, blood and guts (which for some reaosn the population enjoys), and this post-apocalypic theme which is big right now. It attracted them in, and spelled out a Godly message that would linger long after they left the finger. That is why I applaud the creators of this film.
Lets face it, the only people who go see most Christian films are, well, Christians. They delivered a blockbuster movie with, in todays society, a taboo subject matter. Without all the blood and guts and things to spice it up for the lost, it would have never made the big screen. It would have gone straight to DVD and never been seen.
Just my 2c, for what it’s worth.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:58 am
And to the other posts near the bottom… While I can see what you’re saying, delivering any kind of understandable message regarding faith, to millions of people, no matter the package it’s wrapped in, is a success. It’s more than you or I will ever do on our own. End of story. It’s not trying to make the people happy rather than God, it’s telling people about God who otherwise wouldn’t ever care.
January 25th, 2010 at 3:04 am
i respect your comment but disagree with you Spencer…it is arrogant to think that we in and of ourselves are able to win anyone to Christ..we can’t…only the Holy Spirit can give someone a born again experience…He may use us as His voice, but not by some reasoning through an inappropriate movie..it is His work..not ours…and i completely disagree that it does not matter what “package” you use….the end does NOT justify the means…if it did..at what point do you draw the line???? We in the church try to justify compromise because someone came to the altar..it is just not right.. there is no substitute for the anointing..the bible says it is the anointing that breaks the yoke..we have settled for cheap substitutes and have traded our inheritance for a pot of stew..
January 25th, 2010 at 11:30 am
I felt like my last sentence in my previous post was not a sufficient explanation of what i was trying to get across..(the anointing breaking the yoke) so i have copy pasted an article that explains in further detail about how it’s the Holy Spirit that brings salvation to the unbeliever…
The work of the Spirit in regeneration is a divine miracle which is the result of His forthputting of supernatural power. It is quickening of a spiritual corpse; it is the bringing of a dead soul to life. The sinner himself can no more accomplish it by an act of his own will than he can create a universe. This miracle of grace is spoken of in Scripture as “the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.” (Eph. 1:19, 29) “The same power which was put forth to raise Christ from the dead is put forth in regeneration . . . Christ’s resurrection is the exemplary pattern of our spiritual resurrection, according to which, as the Spirit wrought in Him, so He works in us a work conformed to His resurrection. As the resurrection of Christ was the great declaration of His being the Son of God, so in regeneration of our being the sons of God, being the evidence of our adoption, and also the first discovery of our election. As Christ’s resurrection is the first step to His eternal kingdom and glory, so regeneration is the first open introduction to all the blessings of that state of grace into which the child of God is now introduced.” (S.E. Pierce)
January 25th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
In a 03.20.05 Time Magazine Poll 53 percent of respondents said that they think the FCC should place stricter controls on broadcast-channel shows depicting sex and violence. 68 percent believe the entertainment industry has lost touch with viewers’ moral standards. 66 percent said there is too much violence on open-air TV, 58 percent said too much cursing and 50 percent said there is too much sexual content on TV. 49 percent say FCC regulation should be extended to cover basic cable.
http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101050328/photoessay/poll2.html
January 25th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
The thing is, after watching this movie with a friend, he inquired to me several questions about God and faith, and what it means to follow Christ. He’s never asked me anything like that before, in fact he’s always been against religion. I’m sorry, but you can disect the technicalities of it however you would like, but in my eyes, anything that makes a non-believer question their spiritual direction in todays world is a good thing.
I didn’t say anything about giving someone a born again experience, or having their heart be filled with the love of Christ. Come on, you know that’s not what I meant. This movie just gets people thinking in a society that is spiritually empty. Further action past that is in the power of each viewer; but the movie just gets people thinking…. And I do not think that’s a bad thing.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
I have read your posts and i must say that I like the way you think, Spencer! Your reasoning has given me an idea..i am going to tattoo one of my butt cheeks “Got” and then the other “Jesus?” and i am going to moon people at various places…it’s shocking…and it will make people think!
January 25th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Spencer – I’d enjoy having a conversation with you. Some of the other people posting their comments? Not so much. I have been a Christian for 40 years and have a solid, continually growing relationship with Jesus Christ. I read some of these posts and am grateful the writers were not the spies of Israel. They’d have surely perished because they wouldn’t have set foot in the house of Rahab the harlot. Her faith was counted to her for righteousness. Do you ever wonder when she turned her last trick?
January 25th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
well Kirk…I am an ex stripper and ex prostitute ex drug user ex bulimic…so you’ve got me all wrong..i was also involved in witchcraft..i served satan and served him well until God got ahold of me 17 years ago…because i served the devil so well..i am well aware of his lies…if you think you can let the enemy into your home through inappropriate media, music, entertainment and movies and not be affected by it..you are sorely mistaken…i am well aware of the many doors satan uses to get into your home, your family etc. ….the devil is real and if one thinks that they can warm their feet by his fire and not get burned they are sorely mistaken.
January 25th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Wendy – I’m sorry to have upset you. You were actually not one of the writers I was referring to. You, in fact, are having a real conversation with Spencer (and others) so I’m a little surprised you thought I was referring to you. Your position is well-stated and I absolutely respect it. I was involved in homosexuality (as a backslidden, self-centered Christian) and have been set free from that lifestyle and desire. However, I know I must steer clear of any situation that would put that temptation in front of me. I know Satan is roaming to and fro, seeking to devour. So, believe me, I really do get it. Thanks for sharing some of your background with me/us. I guess I’m just don’t understand all the concern since the Book of Eli does not in any way glorify sin and wickedness. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Those people who are committed to their sin are shown to be miserable, depraved beings. Unlike many Hollywood flicks, sin is shown for what it is – death.
January 25th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Jay, as long as you promise to post pics haha.
Kirk, it’s good to know others think along the same lines that I do.
Wendy, we may disagree about the semantics of the issue, but the real bottom line is simple; We all strive to serve God, some in different ways than others. Without the blood of Jesus none of us are saved, and we all have sin in our lives. We live in it each and every day, no matter how hard we try not to. Thank God for His mercy!
Not exactly pertaining to this conversation, but there’s a really great book I read recently called Crazy Love; it is all about the phenomenon of the “lukewarm” Christian, which has saturated many churches around the world. It is a very challenging read which questions our direction as followers of Christ.
In the end of this topic though, really it was just a movie. There’s lots of them, some good, some bad— I wouldn’t want my son to see it until he is older, just like I wouldn’t let him watch “300″ or any other adult film. But I do praise the directors and writers of this film for confronting a taboo subject matter in todays religiously dead society. Not many have the courage to do so… but we could say they had faith.
I do not believe that seeing a film is warming ones feet by the devil’s fire… It’s all about the context in which we do things. Then again, I’m not perfect, but I do the best I can.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
i am assuming you are joking Jay..i don’t think it’s funny at all…boy we sure are losing our fear of the Lord aren’t we? sad part is this is probably the direction we are heading……i have no more comments..
January 26th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
The Book of Eli uses the Bible, in hopes of extracting money from the pockets of Christians who have generally rejected Hollywood and its Anti-Christian movies. It reflects the humanist view that the Bible is just another important, historical book that should be printed and SHELVED, not the sacred Word of God to be read, studied, shared, preached and followed. Worse, the movie says that the Bible is used to manipulate and enslave people. That’s not my experience, but then I’m not a pinhead.
The movie demonstrates the Progressive view of humanity as being brutish, ignorant and worthless; you now, like those little “people who cling to their guns and religion,” versus the elites who are intelligent, sophisticated, peaceful, and separated from the great unwashed on an impenetrable island.
The “hero” walks for 30 years across 3000 miles of the USA, at a rate of 100 miles per YEAR? That isn’t illogical; that’s just stupid. The hero reads the Bible but never follows its teachings. So, the point of reading it is . . ., what? The movie implies that the hero, because he is “faithful” to God, after a fashion, is somehow miraculously protected, right up the minute he isn’t, which leads the viewer to doubt God’s faithfulness to his servant. Great Christian message, there!
Hilariously, the villain obtains, not a machine gun (logical), but a Gatling gun, like they are lying around, readily available after the Apocalypse. (I confess, I laughed out loud for several long minutes when it showed up on the screen.)
This movie is graphic, bloody and Un-Christian. It earns every bit of its “R” rating. But mostly, it is stupid, which reflects what the director thinks of his viewers.
Keep your money in your pocket. Or, better yet, share it with someone less fortunate, something the hero of the movie confesses he probably should have done more of, since that is the ONLY message of the Bible. Really? I could have sworn there was just a tad more to the story than just “do more for others than you do for yourself,” something about salvation and guy named Jesus, . . .
January 31st, 2010 at 4:28 pm
So I take it you didn’t like the movie, Kathleen?
February 1st, 2010 at 2:31 pm
i’m baaaaack…had to post a couple of links…kinda shares where i am at regarding the church and compromise…
the first one is Carter Conlon in NYC the Sunday after the 9/11 tragedy….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A6lWl_XzKA
the second is a compalation of preachers…very good…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqALdkTArqs&feature=rela
the last one is a call to Anguish by David Wilkerson…have a hanky… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGMG_PVaJoI
February 1st, 2010 at 2:44 pm
oops..the second link was wrong here is the right one….really good….(i accidentally sent a link about Obama..played backwards saying “thank you satan” oopsie…lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzyGrcCv-fk&NR=1
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:38 am
Interesting comments, everyone. I came to this site because I was curious about christians’ opinions of this movie. My girlfriend and I saw this movie last night. We consider ourselves ‘agnostic’, although I grew up attending church. I have to say we were both moved by the character of Eli and his mission. The villain, Carnegie, represents the culmination of american pop cynicism concerning christianity. Eli, the hero, puts christianity’s best foot forward in a way that is rarely seen. Despite the outrageous violence, Eli is humble and speaks of his beliefs without the ostentatious idolatry of words that turns many away. There’s a certain magic to the brief moment when he prays over dinner with an uncomprehending girl in Carnegie’s town, in fact she doesn’t even know what a Bible is. She in turn later prays with someone else, although she doesn’t seem to comprehend anything about the relevance of what she is doing other than primal heart of it: a communion with others in something much greater than our self-serving notions. This could have only been accomplished in a movie filled with ugliness and profanity. THIS is the way to win converts, if you care about that sort of thing. No, you should not take your kids to this movie, or your christian date. Perhaps YOU shouldn’t even go. But you should take notice.
February 17th, 2010 at 12:27 am
Kevin,
You’ve expressed very eloquently exactly why it is we do what we do.
Thank you – and I appreciate your open heart.
February 18th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
By the time the credits rolled, I was haunted with the real message of this movie: The Bible is not for USE — we must BECOME our Bible. I believe the controversy over violence and language is a tool of the enemy to keep people from witnessing what could become a life-changing experience. Granted, “The Book of Eli” is not for young children; however, if your teen plays video games rated T with your knowledge, they will benefit more from seeing this movie than from playing X-Box, etc.
This movie is an unexpected gem, given enormous disservice by its marketing program and, especially, trailers. My husband and I were reluctant to view it,as the trailer portrayed the Bible as the antagonist for violence. However, friends in Christian ministry recommended it strongly as a conversation starter about faith! When it lingered at the theater for 3 weeks, we capitulated to watch it. Our rationale was that “slashers” splash through in a weekend — this movie must present some exceptional value to stay on the marquee’.
I am a 55 year old grandma who became very glad that I witnessed this movie event. Yes, there’s violence and strong language — actually far LESS than I had steeled my for. My Christian sister advised me to see it, but close my eyes at the loud parts, because the rest was so worthwhile; in fact, I’ve seen far more violence and heard stronger language in, say, Braveheart. “The Book of Eli” is far more than a blood and guts slasher, it is a worthwhile movie with Christian values at heart.
February 19th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
I have read all the above with interest. Certainly as wide a range of reactions as there are Christian walks. I have been walking with the Lord for 30 years and have observed much about Christianity during that time – we all think we are right! I am currently getting ready to produce a movie on the Apostle Paul/ Saul of Tarsus. For those of you who think violence is only in the Old Testament – read up folks. Paul was whipped and beaten with rods numerous times and stoned. Will I show some of that violence in my movie? – you bet! It was the price Saul/Paul paid in the flesh to listen to the Lord and walk out His plan. If you are naive enough to think that you will not suffer violence for the gospel in the coming years – you need to read the book of Revelation. Who are we to decide if the Book of Eli is “appropriate” for Christians to see? Why doesn’t everyone just spend some time with the Lord and ask if He wants them to view the Movie. Maybe there is nothing in it for you. Don’t go. Maybe God has a message for you in that Movie that is life changing. – you won’t know until you ask HIM. We always get in trouble when we put God in the box of our limited and finite minds. Remember we look through a glass darkly – HE is the only one who knows the plan for our lives and what He desires accomplish and yes, even through THE BOOK OF ELI.
February 20th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
We could go on for ages backward and forward presenting our views on this topic. The bible says “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” That means that it is very serious and should not be taken lightly. We are the protectors of our souls, and we control the doorway to our minds. We are also our “brother’s keeper so it is necessary to warn of impending danger.” We are required to walk “circumspectly and not as fools.”
I strongly agree that the church has been infected by the world and that needs to change. Judgement begins in the house of the Lord. God is in the process of dealing with His church. There are people all over the world who are awakening to the present state of the Body of Christ and God is initiating it.
I am of the opinion that God will use whatever He has at His disposal and He is not limited to the confines of a church building or a particular denomination or culture, creed or tradition. God is all powerful and He will get the job done however necessary. If we do not glorify God He will raise up stones. If the church will not take it’s rightful place in society and purify herself and then warn the world then God will raise up the base things. What I have observed over the years is that purpose is more important than our plans or practice.God will empower any situation for His Glory if He so chooses.
However, God cannot sin neither does He promote or condone it. Wickedness is all around us but in the midst of it let us keep ourselves pure. I agree that we must watch what we hear and see and at times these can be repulsive. We need to bring truth to a dying world despite the facts. Let us not dwell on the facts and lose sight of the truth. What is portrayed in the movie is reality as seen by the producers but it is not truth as we know it.
Can we all look inwardly and search our hearts. If we are not condemned by our hearts and we have a clear conscience then let us proceed on this walk with our precious Saviour whether we decide to watch the movie or not. This discussion proves how complex we are as humans and God has made provision for this complexity.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:37 am
I just want to say that if there were truly no copies of the Bible or any religious text, then it does not matter. The Bible is not for it’s own sake. It is for our sake and even if we cannot recall each item word for word, we can surely learn and put forward the message.
Also, material things are every where and we live a life treasuring material things. Let us put down that material thing (the physical book called the Bible) and go out and do more for others than for ourselves (live the Spirit of the Bible) for surely a book is just a guide.
What use is the Bible if we do not follow or implement the guidance that was written there for us. Let it not be an item of sentiment, or something to put in a protected shelving, let’s make sure it resides in our hearts and we live it.
Then you will see how fast ‘copies’ can be made.
Colin B Maharaj
April 11th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
I watched the movie last night. It had a few gruesome scenes but nothing I haven’t seen before. I wouldn’t let my daughter watch those parts.
Altogther the central message was exciting and entertaining! I loved watching Denzel keeping the faith, while blind! That was what amazed me most is God kept him out of trouble that whole 30 years and he was blind! We forget a lot of the time what God can do and if we just have faith and believe he will work His miracles through us. I wish there were more big time movies like this. Amen
July 6th, 2010 at 9:03 am
I have not watched the film yet, but my 17-year-old daughter has and she recommends it. At gut level, it doesn’t sit well with me to watch violence-filled movies, and yet, upon reading several of the comments posted here, I understand there is a certain witnessing value to the central character. Will I watch it? Probably soon. Would I let grammar-school-age children watch? No! But, since my troupe is aged 22 – 17 they get to decide for themselves most of the time. I provided plenty of Christian and faith-oriented films through their childhood and teen years for them to get a feeling for godly movies and themes, so when my daughter saw the movie she recognized the centrality of the Bible and its teaching amidst all the violence, profanity and chaos portrayed in it. I’d say that’s an accomplishment on both sides.
July 18th, 2010 at 11:42 am
After reading nearly all of the comments posted here, I still believe one thing was not mentioned enough.
For those who say that while this movie has a good message but is too violent or vulgar, who do you think this movie was dirrected to? If your faith is already deep, and you don’t want to see a movie such as this then do not. For some though, we have lost our way, but watching a movie filled with only the “good news” is simply not enough.
I won’t lie, no longer do I worship a god, my faith was broken long ago. By being brought up on the bible too literally, I grew to reject it. But its sometimes in movies like this that I stop and think of how I live my life, the meaning is deep, it struck home to me, namely when he says what he’s learned from it “Do more for others than you do for yourself.”
And while do not expect this movie to change my life, its those simple words that remind me of how I should live my life, religion or not.
If you critize how the message was delivered in the movie then it was not meant for you, but I beg you to remember, people of other religions see this movie as well, and even those who no longer have religion, they all take the same message from it. This movie is for those who want a deeper meaning without listening to one religious group preeching to the choir all throughout. This movie has a good meaning plain and simple, and if it touches even one person alive in a positive way, then it has done what it was meant to do.
July 20th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
“B Neot”
I gotta hand it to you, you got the message loud and clear. And you’re right the message overpowers all of the violence and for the young adults and adults out there, you SHOULD watch this and try to understand the meaning.
July 21st, 2010 at 3:49 pm
You all need to grow up! Seriously I hate when Christians in their own self righteousness try to look so holy. I am a Christian and a pastor’s kid. When I saw this movie I was marveled to know that Hollywood is researching the Bible to make movies. No matter the outcome of their movies we should continue to pray that they will learn more about God through their research! Second watch the movie upon your conviction, and continue to pray. Also pray b4 you comment on this post. After all comments I can see the devil doesn’t like this movie. Pray and be positive! There are many lost sheep out there!
July 21st, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Hi, Cosmo. Troll, much?
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:17 pm