Catholic Answers Forums - Popular Media

Looking for a good film about homosexuality

Batfink — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:59:53 GMT

We have a young adults film club in the parish (aged 18+). Gay marriage is a big issue in the UK at the moment so the deacon who runs the club asked me to look into a film which deals well with the issue of homosexuality.

We don't necessarily need an overtly Catholic film, but something that deals with the complementarity of men & women (and is not a soppy rom-com but actually has some substance to it since we have a discussion afterwards), or shows someone happily living chastely, or debates (in a balanced way) the difficulties of being homosexual and having faith.

Any other suggestions welcome. We generally need films which are of good quality and have issues which can be debated afterwards.

Thanks for any help :thumbsup:

Watching Ellen's show.

TheBreak — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:20:19 GMT

English is not my native language, I apologize for any misspellings.

I bet most of you know Ellen and he amazing great cool funny....etc show. I LOVE watching her show and it helped me a lot many times in the past. I'm asking this question so if you said no I would stop watching her, but I'm just wondering.

Does watching Ellen's show ( She a lesbian btw ) is against my Catholic faith ?

'Not that there's anything wrong with that'

bquinnan — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:43:27 GMT

Has anyone noticed a tendency in various self-help books to avoid the use of the terms "right" and "wrong," opting instead to use words like "unhealthy," "counterproductive" or maybe even "destructive"? This might seem like an attempt to appear non-judgmental, but I've often found these books to make bold claims like, "There is nothing morally wrong with ." As if, by writing a self-help book, shrink or psychologist gains the authority to overrule all of the world's religions on moral issues.

While I could see self-help-book writers wanting to avoid pigeonholing their audiences into one religious perspective, even atheists will generally claim to believe in some kind of morality.

I can't help but wonder if the attempt to detach psychological well-being from morality might be, well, unhealthy, counterproductive, or maybe even destructive.

Opinions on the character "HellBoy"

Nazarite — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:01:19 GMT

I have been struggling with my opinion on this character ever since seeing the films a while back. I have recently stumbled upon them again and i re watched them and i have to say they were not what i was expecting at all. Hellboy is described as a well-meaning demon whose who was summoned from Hell to Earth as an infant on December 23, 1944 by Nazi occultists. He was discovered by the Allied Forces; amongst them, Professor Trevor Bruttenholm, who formed the United States Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD). In time Hellboy grew to be a large, red-skinned demon with a tail, horns (which he files off, leaving behind the signature circular stumps on his forehead), cloven hooves for feet, and an oversized right hand made of stone. But Hellboy was raised a devout catholic by his adoptive father Professor Bruttenholm, Hellboy even carries his rosary with him at all times and tries to refrain from foul language and also rids the world of evil to save the unaware citizens. He also appears to have a big heart as an example of his acts of kindness saving a box of kittens from a monster and by his attempts to write a love letter to the girl of his dreams. In the film at a dramatic point of almost turning to the evil side he is tossed his rosary and is reminded who he is and what he chose to be, he then proceeds to rip the horns form his head and fight for good. There are tons of catholic/christian imagery in the films and the books as well, the thing is i see this as a story of redemption and showing no matter who you are you can repent of your sins and fight for good. But that said Hellboy is still...well "Hell"boy and he is a demon so i have been confused on this topic and whether i should continue to be a fan of the movies, books, and games or to refrain from it. I would be happy to hear your opinions!

A Catholic look at Everlast's "What it's like"

sidetrack — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:23:15 GMT

These are the lyrics and link to song "What it's like" by Everlast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPoEA43cqKc

"
We've all seen the man at the liquor store beggin' for your change
The hair on his face is dirty, dreadlocked and full of mange
He asked a man for what he could spare with shame in his eyes
"Get a job, you ****in' slob"'s all he replied

[CHORUS]
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to sing the blues
Then you really might know what it's like [4x]

Mary got pregnant from a kid named Tom who said he was in love
He said, "Don't worry about a thing, baby doll, I'm the man you've been dreamin' of."
But three months later he said he won't date her or return her call
And she sweared, "God damn if I find that man I'm cuttin' off his b---."
And then she heads for the clinic and she gets some static walkin' through the door.
They call her a killer, and they call her a sinner, and they call her a whore

[CHORUS]
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in her shoes
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to choose
Then you really might know what it's like [4x]

I've seen a rich man beg
I've seen a good man sin
I've seen a tough man cry

I've seen a loser win
And a sad man grin
I heard an honest man lie

I've seen the good side of bad
And the down side of up
And everything between

I licked the silver spoon
Drank from the golden cup
Smoked the finest green

I stroked the baddest dimes
At least a couple of times
Before I broke their heart

You know where it ends
Yo, it usually depends
On where you start

I knew this kid named Max
He used to get fat stacks
Out on the corner with drugs

He liked to hang out late
He liked to get s-- faced
And keep pace with thugs

Until late one night
There was a big gun fight
Max lost his head

He pulled out his Colt .45
Talked some s---
And wound up dead

And now his wife and his kids
Are caught in the midst
Of all of his pain

You know it comes that way
At least that's what they say
When you play the game

[CHORUS]
God forbid you ever had to wake up to hear the news
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to lose
Then you really might know what it's like [3x]
To have to lose... "

While the song was alright the part where it mentions a pregancy termination...made me feel non-plussed about whether I should like it `_` (and thanking God that the dingbat music industry has wormed it's way to put in the topic into songs lately..*chills* :( .

As far as I can tell it's not advocating such a deed but just stating that you shouldn't be so rash to start firing labels on ppl who don't that.To me that all it's seems to be doing.Describing the state of being in that position.

While a person who carries out such a thing voluntarily is technically a sinner..they need consolation and not frenzied anger and scorning like any other sinner,don't they '~' ?Just to say I don't know and haven't looked up where Erik Francis Schrody (the Everlast musician) stands on that issue.

What do you guys think?.Can I still like the song even with it's mention of that doing?.:blush::shrug:

League of Legends All-Star Game May 24th-26th

SurrenderAT20 — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:50:44 GMT

My impression is that not many people play LoL here ... but the All-Star game in Shanghai is coming up =]. The best players voted in from North America, Europe, China, Korea, and SE Asia will be competing for an extra spot for their region at the World Championships (i.e. send 3 teams from their region instead of 2).

Promo Vid / Article - http://na.lolesports.com/season3/all...ll-star-primer

Schedule - http://riot-web-static.s3.amazonaws....NAschedule.jpg
- times in PST
- NA vs. China on May 24th at 12am; cheer for da home team!!

VOD - http://www.reddit.com/r/LoLeventVoDs..._shangai_2013/

Should be fun times :D

She Is Catholic - Awesome YouTube channel.

jwinch2 — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:05:23 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/user/SheIsCatholic?feature=watch

This young lady has developed a youtube channel which is extremely good. She has a bunch of great videos which are funny and a bit quirky at times, but also which have a great message. I can see this being very beneficial for pre-teens and teenagers or even young adults, or the parents of the same.

She has finished making videos at this time as she has entered the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary Mother of the Eucharist, but perhaps she will return at a later date. After all the Dominicans are about preaching and teaching, so this apostolate would be right up their alley.

Regardless, please share with anyone you believe could be helped or might find it interesting.

+Pax

Geza Vermes

michaelmas — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:37:05 GMT

Good morning, I was searching on Amazon and this title came up and it interested me:

Christian Beginnings: From Nazareth to Nicaea by Geza Vermes

What are your thoughts on Geza Vermes? I am very interested in this era and want the best history of this time, is this author an acceptable resource?

thank you

Best Church App

sherriemelton52 — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:32:30 GMT

There are many useful apps for church workers that allow users to read the Bible on an iPhone device. Laudate is most comprehensive Catholic App, available in various languages. The app has features like Stations of the Cross, Saint of the Day, Catechism of The Catholic Church, Sacrament of Reconciliation apart from other prayers and in Latin, along withwith English translation.

Best book on Pier Geogio Frasatti?

Joey1976 — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:20:56 GMT

Can anyone give recommendations on the best book about him and his life? I know there are a few out there, just wanted some recommendations please. Thanks

How does one describe godly humor?

wumpiesmommy — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:16:48 GMT

Opinions? I tend to take everything too seriously for fear of offending the Lord. Opinions?

What exactly is a "private audience" with the Pope?

Ben Sinner — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:56:13 GMT

I mean I know it is self explanatory but how is the P.A set up? Is it an invitation to visit the Pope? Is it a request by the visitor?

Robert Pattison twilight star and catholic morality

Adamski — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:33:12 GMT

I saw a video on tv with Robert Pattison the lead in twilight saying the reason he took the lead in twilight is because as a practing catholic who is waiting until marriage the movie series character did the same thing.

Benedict XVI and Education

edwest2 — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:10:40 GMT

Here, Pope Emeritus Benedict points to the great rupture caused by a decision made in 1967.

http://www.ncregister.com/site/artic...and-education/

We must hear this message.

Peace,
Ed

"Bridging the Great Divide: Musings of a Post-liberal, Post-conservative Evangelical Catholic" - Fr. Robert Barron

Anthony V — Sun, 19 May 2013 22:58:08 GMT

Has anyone read this book? If so, what did you think of it?

Did Albert Pike Really Predict World War 1, World War 2 as well as a coming World War 3

SeanF1989 — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:58:59 GMT

http://www.threeworldwars.com/albert-pike2.htm

Is there any truth to this or is it just another conspiracy theory?

Would the Doctor be saved?

Sultan Of Swing — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:43:23 GMT

Was watching the Name of the Doctor yesterday. Great episode!

Anyway, was wondering; do you think the Doctor (from Doctor Who) would be saved by invincible ignorance if he was real? He has stated in his Tenth incarnation that he doesn't believe in any specific god but he did offer a prayer in his second incarnation to the god(s) of the Time Lords.

He has literally saved billions of people through his efforts throughout the universe. Could such a hero end up in Hell?

An argument against him being saved by invincible ignorance is that he is extremely intelligent. He would know the ins and outs of all faiths including Catholicism. But maybe he just doesn't quite understand it, perhaps?

This thread's just for fun, but was wondering what all your opinions would be on this.

Cannes: Uma Thurman Set to Star in Anita Bryant Pic

Maxirad — Sun, 19 May 2013 06:18:27 GMT

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...et-star-524006

Worst Science Fiction Movie

Bobby Jim — Sat, 18 May 2013 21:36:49 GMT

To parallel the current thread of Favorite Science Fiction Movie - what's your LEAST favorite? Preferably name one that is otherwise thought to be good - don't name "CHUD" or something like that that is obviously and inherently inept and crummy.

For me it's Blade Runner. Insufferably dull. I fell asleep. One of my friends who is a huge fan said it's because I saw the version with the voiceover. But I don't think it was the voiceover. I just thought it was kinda muddled and confusing.

"To the Wonder": A Reflection on Love

Kelly Wilson — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:11:51 GMT

Have any of you seen Terry Malick's latest film "To the Wonder".

Here is one of its trailers.

To the Wonder is a thought-provoking reflection which surrounds the search of persons for love. I didn't find it as strong a film as The Tree of Life (Malick's previous film) but there was plenty here to digest.

Here's one insight: Stating that �the one who loves less is the one who is stronger,� Fr. Quintana counsels Neil to struggle with his strength. A sort of perceived strength, after all, can inhibit love. Neil so struggles to let himself be loved that, on one occasion, Marina asks him �what are you afraid of?� My impression is that Neil, because he does not sufficiently struggle with his supposed strength, creates in Marina a sense that nothing she can do or be for him is of value. Jane, having experienced similar affective limitations in Neil, has separated herself from him and Marina too has motivation to search for love elsewhere. For much of To the Wonder, it is not apparent that Neil might be able to say, as Marina can, that �if you love me, there�s nothing else I need.�

There is something here that parallels the response of a person to God. Those "strong" or those perceiving in themselves a self-sufficiency have difficulty responding to God in contrast to those who are willing to recognize their own inadequacies and open themselves to experiencing his love nonetheless.

KW.

A more detailed reaction to To the Wonder, which I have written, can be found here.

Metropolitan Opera: Verdi's Rigoletto PBS 5/17 9:00PM EST

Dwyer — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:52:15 GMT

GP at the Met: Rigoletto

Quote:

About the Opera

Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening) makes his Met debut with a new production of Verdi�s Rigoletto.

The new staging moves the opera�s tragic events from a decadent 16th-century Italian court to the glitzy, depraved setting of the Las Vegas strip circa 1960, and airs on Great Performances at the Met Friday, May 17 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).

In New York, THIRTEEN will broadcast the opera at the same time with an encore showing Sunday, May 19 at 12:30 p.m.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episod...he-opera/1672/

Check Local Listings

WTTW PBS Chicago:

http://schedule.wttw.com/schedulenow.php

Just noticed this is on PBS tonight.

Don't dig the Met's modern setting for Rigoletto. :whacky:

If I want to see Las Vegas, I'd go there but fortunately I've never been there and never will.

But Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi is my favorite opera; it's very tuneful; it was the first opera I saw performed.

I prefer the Vienna State Opera film version Rigoletto from 1983 with Pavarotti as the seducing Duke of Mantua and Igvar Wixell as the Jester Rigoletto:

**********COMPLETE SPOILER ALERT!!!!*****************

Povero Rigoletto - Cortigiani vil razza dannata - Ingvar Wixell - Giuseppe Verdi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JULs5RoCEgM

**********COMPLETE SPOILER ALERT!!!!*****************

In case you missed tonight's Met performance:

Complete version of the Vienna State Opera film version Rigoletto from 1983 on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VeiZ2RiX4k

You'll need an English / Italian libretto:

http://www.murashev.com/opera/Rigole...talian_English

Quote:

Rigoletto is an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi. The Italian libretto was written by Francesco Maria Piave based on the play Le roi s'amuse by Victor Hugo (written in 1832).

It was first performed at La Fenice in Venice on 11 March 1851.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigoletto

If you have never seen an opera before, Verdi's Rigoletto is a great first opera to watch.

Ave Maria - A Music Video to Honor The Mother of God and the Holy Trinity

Etherealite — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:01:42 GMT

Hello! I am new to Catholic Answers forum, and I really wanted to share with you all the music video that I made to honor the Mother of God and the Holy Trinity!

Do you like it? I hope you enjoy! My favorite catholic prayer, sung at Holy Hill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K8s_LLJ29U

I need help on this one.

Guy355 — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:14:53 GMT

Hello. I have to ask something about catholic life... What does Catholic teaching say about video games such as Grand Theft Auto? Is it forbidden to play by Catholic law? :shrug:

Why do people like Wes Anderson and his films?

WildCatholic — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:43:26 GMT

First of all I don't want to defend any Wes Anderson fans. I appreciate his creativity, but honestly I've watched all his films except Rushmore and Bottle Rocket and to be honest I juts don't get his appeal. The only film I kind of liked was Moonrise Kingdom, but I've watched the Royal Tennanbaums and just couldn't get into it. Same with the Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. I just couldn't get into it. It seemed boring and pretentious. Also, why do people say they are so funny. I don't see much humor in them. Yes they are odd, and have strange situations, but I don't think I laughed even in moonrise kingdom except at one thing.
So can someone please explain?

Is it ok?

Thankatroop12 — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:46:16 GMT

Is it a sin to listen to a song that has a sexually explicit video if you don't watch it.

Visual Novels

suko — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:08:44 GMT

Hey guys, just wondering what some of your favorite visual novels are and if there are any that u are currently playing or want to play. For those that don't know what these are, they are basically digital novels in which the player, every once in a while, is given choices to make that effect the outcome of the story. It's like a "choose-your-own-adventure" story, but usually (or at least hopefully, lol) with beautiful music, visuals and sometimes voices to accompany the reading experience. Many animes are actually based on their visual novel counterpart like Clannad, Kanon, Fate/Stay Night, etc.

Some of my personal favorites are Ever 17, Phantom of Inferno, True Remembrance, May Sky, A Dream Of Summer.

I currently have 2 visual novels on my queue list (and will probably get to playing them this week): Brass Restoration & Angelic Sonata.

If you've never played thru a visual novel before and are interested in trying some out, there are a number of them out there that are Freeware, so they are legal to download. Listed below are just 2 of the most well-known sites (fyi, just be careful of the 18 and older games, as they may contain hentai/adult scenes and/or explicit language/themes):

Ren'Py Visual Novels
Insani Visual Novels

True Remembrance is one of the most popular free ones available, and I would recommend it as a good 1st visual novel if one has never played one before - I believe it take a few to several hours to get thru, depending on how fast u read. Here's a quick 2min video of the OP of the game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=owkDRurfJW4

Sci-fi novel "Hyperion" by Dan Simmons

Bobby Jim — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:55:02 GMT

So I just finished reading this book. Very dark and disturbing yet has a cliffhanger ending that forced me to buy the sequel to find out what happens.

Anyway, it was interesting. A lot of modern sci-fi takes kind of a dismissive or sneering tone toward religion. This guy does not come across as a believer, but at least shows some respect for the depth of thought and complexity inherent in Judaism and Catholicism.

I don't want to say too much, but the book is arranged in the style of "The Canterbury Tales", and one of the tales is told by a priest, and is quite harrowing and awful in the end, but I think says something about true religion vs twisted caricatures of religion that one sometimes encounters. In another of the tales he offers a take on the story of Abraham and Isaac and the sacrifice. I think in the end he still misses the point, but at least tries to dive a little bit below the surface and tries to get past the modern kneejerk reaction that God must be really awful to ask Abraham to sacrifice his son.

I'm curious if anyone else has read this, or anything else by this author - it's definitely not what I would call uplifting or edifying, really quite grim and yet I was surprised to find myself drawn in. Although please no spoilers, I haven't started reading "The Fall of Hyperion" yet.

I don't understand the appeal of Quentin Tarantino...

CompSciGuy — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:30:22 GMT

I recently saw one of his films, Django Unchained. It is the first and last Quentin Tarantino film I will ever watch. I was appalled and disgusted. It seems like the entire point of the movie is to introduce the audience to some very horrible antagonists, portray them doing very brutal and cruel things to people, buliding up the audience's hatred of them, and then at the end of the movie turning it around and showing these bad guys die a horrible, bloody and torturous death for the audience's entertainment and satisfaction. So aside from the plot being completely empty of anything substantial, the movie leaves the audience guilty of the sins of hatred, veangance, and bloodlust. Is there some facet of this movie that my feeble mind is failing to grasp, or is this a fair assessment?

Dan Brown on Colbert

Bobby Jim — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:17:56 GMT

Just saw tonight's Colbert Report, Dan Brown was the guest pushing his latest book. Colbert gave him a pretty good ribbing about his propositions about the church and the nature of Jesus. Brown didn't have a lot to say, seemed kind of awkward like he was trying to play cool but wasn't quite sure how to take the Colbert character's bluster. Pretty interesting.

David Bowie - The Next Day, and the day after

21faces — Wed, 15 May 2013 05:44:40 GMT

I noticed that there was already a thread on David Bowie's new music video- mostly about what Bill Donahue said about Bowie. I'm starting a new thread, because I don't care about what Bill Donahue says about anything (but most especially art, music, film, and religion). I am really only interested in the discussion and interpretation of the video itself.

(And if posting the video here is a violation of the forum's TOS or standards, then definitely just delete one or either or merge the thing.)

I am specifically interested in identifying some of the characters in the work: a priest walks into a bar (yuk yuk) called "The Decameron," as Bowie was apparently really into Medieval history/lit during the conception of this album.

I should also say right here, if you're the kind of person who can't handle anything but safe and aseptic music/video, then just exercise your God-given free will right now and do not click below:

THE NEXT DAY

But for those who are interested, I believe the figure walking in with Gary Oldman is St. Lucy. They sit at a table with Joan of Arc and another woman I can't identify. There are also two figures at the bar: an albino woman with pale hair, a veil, and what looks like a crown of flowers sitting next to a woman with long red hair. I couldn't know who either of these figures are, although I wonder if the red-haired woman is Mary Magdalene? There is also what appears to be a nun intently watching the band play, but whether she's just a nun or a specific figure I don't know. Also not sure what the deal is with Marion Cotillard's ring, or her gold tears and crown of black roses...

But I figure if there's a forum online uniquely suited to identifying references and figures in this video it would be this one. Ideas?

Need books, ASAP!

Deltadeliquent — Wed, 15 May 2013 02:19:57 GMT

I'm going to catch a plane tomorrow and need suggestions for books I can get on kindle to occupy me.
I'll take all suggestions for this " airplane book": easy to read, engaging story, will pass the time.
I've never read any of Andrew Greeley's fiction...anyone got a fave?
Thanks in advance.

Catholic Rock Group

MrsATurner — Wed, 15 May 2013 01:48:58 GMT

I wanted to let you guys know if you enjoy rock music to check out "The Thirsting" they are a Catholic rock group and they are awesome! One of the guitarists goes to my parish.

My song about Our Lady of Fatima

chema balderas — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:06:51 GMT

Hey guys, I wrote a song about Our Lady of Fatima. I put some great pictures to go along with the song. Please check it out. I hope you like. Comments would be great. Its on youtube. Here;s the link:

http://youtu.be/_E70ZmbNr0o

Please check it out.

Thanks again.

Pax Christi

Chema

Protests Target Disney

edwest2 — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:02:34 GMT

http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/25714.html

Peace,
Ed

What do you think of the knife song?

KingJohn — Mon, 13 May 2013 01:08:56 GMT

There, appearently, is a new game out. I am going to start praying.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=_t2bnp8aoXw