Depictions of God in Film
Use the following article as a reference for today's reading:
"Images of God in the Movies"
Link: https://www.unomaha.edu/jrf/greeleya.htm
Watch the following video clips:
Traditional representation:
More Contemporary representations:
Thought and Reflection:
To what degree might the depiction, or attempt to depict, deity in film be a form of idolatry? Or is this question false on its face value?
Think about the statement from Andree Bazin's article, "The Gods of Film: Representing God and Jesus at the Movies," which refers to older/traditional films (such as the clip from the “Ten Commandments”):
These films invest a large portion of their cultural and financial capital in ‘getting it right,’ to a certain level of biblical accuracy. The attempt is one of verisimilitude, correctness, and approaching the real. They were made to be film epics, showing the grand narrative of a Judeo-Christian past. And in popular culture they are accorded a certain level of iconic power and symbolic cultural capital by virtue of their subject and their careful approach to it. Rather than being seen as idolatrous or controversial, these films thus accrete a level of cultural and devotional clout…
How have depictions of deity changed from earlier films such as “The Ten Commandments” to more contemporary films such as “Bruce Almighty”? How do you feel about this?
How would you address the issue of iconic and cultural power and capital to more contemporary depictions, such as those found in “Oh, God” and “Bruce Almighty” (or “Evan Almighty”)? Do the contemporary films reflect a shifting lack of cultural deference for deity? Or do they make God and religion more accessible and acceptable to the general public at large?
Think of an interesting statement regarding “The Passion of Christ,” by the Pope, who allegedly gave the film his approval:
Even more dramatically, because the movie is accepted in these terms
and sanctioned by the Pope, it thus becomes to some extent a new sacred text
with a certain level of legitimacy and authority.
Or, do you agree with the subsequent statement, by Bazin:
God’s unalterable holiness has become sullied by its connection with humanity. Once it becomes connected to human nature the possibility of perfect holiness is diminished?
Bazin raises an interesting issue regarding recent films that depict “God.” They depict a “God” being who oversees man, but they do not make reference to Jesus Christ, nor to some type of Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost.
Why do you think religious themes, including the depiction of deity, remain popular film devices or story themes?
According to this article, what are the characteristics generally used to depict deity in film?
o Humanized characteristics (jealousy, concern with power and position)
o Unapproachable (no room for personal relationships)
o Demands obedience (demanding)
o Very similar to the “God of the Hebrew Bible”
o Jesus as more accessible and vulnerable
o A humorous side?
o Alanis Morisette as “God” in the film “Dogma”
o In need of human assistance?
o Flawed, human, mundate
o A funny, old man?
o Irreverent
o Sexualized
What do you think of the following statement:
This sort of irreverent depiction of celestial and infernal beings is quite common in contemporary movies. This is not so much a desecration of God’s holy nature, but a bringing it down to earth, an incarnation of sorts. God and his heavenly creatures are still holy, but are so in a much more human manner. In these instances humans are not elevated to a celestial plane by association with celestial beings, but rather celestial beings are diminished through contact with humanity.
Later, the author (Bazin) notes:
Yet this humanizing of God, a type of Christian incarnation, goes in the opposite direction of Christ. In other words, God becomes more human than Christ. God shows humor, weakness, irritations, desire, while Christ is not allowed to demonstrate any of these human characteristics.
An equally interesting comment to consider on page 97:
Film, in essence, can act as a form of transubstantiation that features a man-made act to bring viewers in touch with the body of Christ. It accomplishes this feat because of the perceptual registers upon which it functions.
Note that our list allows for some interesting gender, age, and ethnic possibilities. Consider the statement:
The danger of monotheism (although it has always been difficult to claim Christianity as truly monotheistic) is that humans invest God with our own weaknesses and then use him to justify their actions. Comedic and liberal depictions of God can be seen as a form of liberation theology through which minority groups break down the social and ideological restrictions and limitations imposed by a hegemonic divinity.
Bazin also provides a discussion that looks at the depictions of Satan, in contrast to God. How do these depictions reflect contemporary cultures thoughts on power, sin, and relationships? Use the example of “Bedazzled.” Which depictions (God vs. Satan) concern you the most?
We always come back to this question when we talk about media effects. Do the media push the cultural agenda or do they simply reflect what is already happening in society?
Before you respond too quickly, think about this last statement:
[Contemporary media has moved much faster than churches to facilitate spirituality and religious expression in a changing American society. Hoover cites several factors affecting people’s religious expression in America today, including a decline in institutional authority, the rise of personal autonomy in beliefs/seeking/questing and media functioning as a ‘marketplace of religious symbols, then, televangelism and religious broadcasting more generally remain significant elements of the landscape’ providing a symbolic catalog which determines possible personal belief selections. Stewart seems to be saying that more Americans get their churchin’ from the mass media than from any other source. If this is true, the God with which these folks are establishing a personal relationship is a much more human and humorous God than the Hebrew Bible would indicate.
I personally don’t mind the different way God is portrayed in film (unless it’s disrespectful). Because from my point of view we each have a unique relationship with God. Seeing the variety of ways people interact with God in films just shows me that he is personal to each of us. Now I know God doesn’t really talk to us through the radio, but it gives me a different way to think about God. I personally enjoy looking at religion and God through others eyes or experiences. To me it helps me to better understand who he is generally.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I feel people are going too far when they think these representations are more realistic than the scriptures. Sure film and pictures bring Christ and God to life before our eyes, but that isn’t what is important. God has never been one to work through images, he works with each of us personally. So if we get caught up viewing God in films, then I feel we lose a bit of our personal relationship with him. Instead of learning for ourselves our personal relationship with God we rely on the media to do it for us. We never learn how God talks to us individually.
People are always coming up with different interpretations of God. It takes a person their whole life just to come to know God in a real, spiritual way. God is an all-powerful, ubiquitous being who controls everything in the universe. Since someone of that deity is impossible to comprehend, I think it is only natural for people to try and depict God with images they are familiar with. Placing God in a normal social setting with normal human traits is natural to do because that is all we know that is the only way we can understand him. Also, everyone has a different relationship with God and respond to Him differently.
ReplyDeleteMovies give God human emotions and humor which I like because it makes God more approachable. In some ways, by making God appeal as a normal human being, people will believe that God really isn't that far out of reach and that since He knows everything about us maybe we should learn a bit about Him. Seeing God interact with humans on a regular basis could show people that having God involved in everyday life isn't hard and necessary to reach a higher potential. This insight could incline more people to seek out religion and start to practice it in their daily lives. So ultimately I think that the more publicity God gets the more interested people will become in Him and so they will start to find out things on their own. When people have questions they are bound to be answered with will draw people spiritually closer to God.
I think in many cases, media has the power to push a cultural agenda, and the superstitious, government-mistrusting, "stick-it-to-the-man" side of me thinks this power is used more often that I know. However, I don't think it's always used in a manipulatory or negative way. Nowadays, people want to read drama, they want dirty details about people in the spotlight, so that's what the media gives us. The interesting thing is it's up to the media which dirty details they want to share. The same is true with evangelism. People were wanting some light hearted religious entertainment, so the media chose to do that by created different characters for God that were light-hearted, seen as regular folk, and sometimes even silly. In my opinion this did not have a negative effect on society because it opened our eyes as to all of the possible interpretations of God. I think at this time, most religious people had a very traditional view of God, because it was based off of what they knew from the Bible. Having media interpretations of Him allowed people to "use their imaginations" and reasoning to imagine how God is. While I don't think God is quite like the people portrayed in the films, I also believe that God can be perceived differently by different people, so opening the public's mind to the idea of a God that seems a little more human was a way to make him more relevant to our every day lives, a way to make it more personal that he really is watching us, that he knows everything about us, and that he can do anything. While I understand the criticisms that this seems to make God humanly and therefore not a supremely perfect being, I think it was an unspoken understanding that God wasn't really Morgan Freeman, or any old guy on the streets, but that this was a way to interpret Him to make Him something we can understand a little better with our mortal perspective. I personally am glad that God has had a lot of different portrayals in the media because it promotes the principle of faith. We each have to decide what we believe in and go off of faith because we are probably not really going to know exactly what God is like while we are in this life.
ReplyDeleteI am kind of conflicted on this idea of depictions of God in film. On one hand, I think I am much more comfortable with God in the “Ten Commandments” film because he reminds of the cartoon films I would watch before church when I was little. On the other hand, sometimes I enjoy watching more contemporary films where God seems more humanized and real.
ReplyDeleteI think overall though, I have a hard time watching any movie with God being depicted though, because I am so use to seeing God in videos in the temple, and the visitor center. The God I picture looks and talks like the God in those videos. For example, when you read a book you have this certain idea of what the character should look like, and talk like. When a movie comes out, and the character is depicted in a different light than you imagined, you don’t really relate with the character anymore. In the Bruce Almighty clip, God looks and acts much different than I imagine he would. He doesn’t look like very “holy,” like I am use to, and he is portrayed as humorous and more vulnerable and accessible.
I really liked the following statement from the reading; contemporary films are “not so much a desecration of God’s holy nature, but a bringing it down to earth, an incarnation of sorts. God and his heavenly creatures are still holy, but are so in a much more human manner.” I like the idea of God being more human because it makes it much easier for me to relate to him—he no longer becomes this being that seems impossible for me to become like someday. However, I do like to think that God is perfect, so when I see him depicted as flawed or irreverent, it makes me feel uncomfortable, because that is just not what I am use to.
Overall, I think that filmmakers have an extremely difficult task when they try to depict God in movies. I think that everyone has a different perception of what God looks like and acts like, so it is hard to characterize him in just one manner. In our day and age, I don’t think anyone truly knows what God looks like, so we are all interested when a filmmaker does depict Him in human form—and that’s why I think the depiction of deity remains popular in films.
The tone of depictions of deity has certainly gone from relatively strict and authoritative to loose and relatable. There are cultural reasons for this, one of those being transparency. I know that companies now are much more transparent in their sharing of information and logistics now than they were many years ago. Perhaps, the shift in the perspective of God is riding the trend of transparency, and is working to make things more understandable for people. In the scriptures there any many times when God teaches His people in a way that they would understand, such as when God spoke in parables. We sometimes struggle to understand those parables because they include language and references to things we are not too familiar with, but for the people in that time period would be crystal clear. In the same way, we often depict God in a certain way that fits us for our time period, which is not necessarily a bad thing, just another way to look at it.
ReplyDeleteWhile those depictions are sometimes exaggerated in movies or TV shows, I know that the LDS church emphasizes the sacred nature of God and Jesus Christ, often sticking more with the tone as seen in “The Ten Commandments” than “Bruce Almighty.” The brethren emphasize this tone as well in general conference talks, but also find ways to help us understand His way of working with us through stories, illustrations, and testimony.
I think that religious themes and even the depiction of God remain popular because although we do not know exactly what God looks like we do have earthly parents who we have formed relationships with. We have a sense of what God is to us through that earthy relationship, so we can easily relate to the idea of having another Father, just one that is Perfect. We also have stereotypes of who/what God is, and it is interesting for us to see that dynamic on screen/with visuals.
Studies have shown that 65% of people are visual learners. Thus, film creates a level of understanding that words can seldom achieve for many people. Having had powerful experiences with LDS Mormon Messages, Bible Videos and other films, I agree that film makes Christ and His teachings more real and personal to me. However, I also think that there is danger in watching film and believing that what is being depicted is the only correct portrayal. There is no perfect way to depict God or Jesus Christ through film because they don’t get in front of the camera. Therefore, any representation will be imperfect. Nevertheless, these portrayals help us relate better to God and Jesus Christ. Some would argue that bringing God down to a human level diminishes Him. I would argue that there is a fine line between having a close relationship with Him and still fearing and worshipping Him as He commands.
ReplyDeleteSomething that I thought was interesting about these popular depictions of God (as well as the way He is depicted in Joan of Arcadia), is that they propagate the idea that God doesn’t necessarily have a body and can appear however He pleases, as is shown by the variety of portrayals. Many believe that God can appear in the way that makes the most sense to us. LDS hat on, this is not a positive thing since it dilutes the truth that God has a glorified body of flesh and bones. To me, the fact that God has such a body makes Him even more relatable. It helps me understand that, in some way, He is like me and I am like Him. And I believe that while God may have a physical body, He does speak to us in the ways that we best understand.
Ultimately, I think that the way individuals interpret and respond to the media’s portrayals of God depend on their personal beliefs and understanding of Him.
I think there is some truth to the statement that movies can bring a "more ‘realistic’ way to experience the sacrifice of Christ than just reading the Bible or going to church." Movies, if properly portrayed, can often reach more audiences than just text or audio alone. It seems the Church believes it does; if it were not so they probably wouldn't be spending so many Church resources on the Bible videos, Meet the Mormons and other multimedia church productions. Although the most "realistic" way to experience the Savior is through communication with him, movies can paint a better picture of what life was like in the time of Christ. Be honest with yourself -- when you read the New Testament, don't you picture the events and characters in the way they are depicted in the movies?
ReplyDeleteBut not all movies are created equal -- nor do they all paint a favorable depiction of diety. But for the most part I agree with Andrew Greeley when he says "we are, on the whole, optimists, and the images of God in the movies support such optimism."
Perhaps one reason why God is often portrayed in the movies as a women is because the most God-like people in their own lives have been women -- like a mother or spouse. This is also seen in the movie "Truly, Madly, Deeply" where "Jamie's ghost cares for and nurtures Nina" and "like a mother's love for a maturing child, [God] loves Nina and wants to be with her." There also seems to be a trend where God appears in a form that is most relate-able and understandable to the protagonist. This happens in the movie "Oh, God!" where "God tells Jerry, he could have appeared in any other form ("even a woman"). He chose this form because it is a form that Jerry can understand."
Although God is depicted in so many ways, I find that the media often gets the most important things right. I would have to agree that "God's mercy is stronger than his justice. So too it would seem with the God of the movies."
Since there isn't one religion that encompasses all people, there will obviously never be one representation of God that everyone agrees on. Even within a religion, almost every person's idea of who God is and what He's like is still probably different because of their varying backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge. Therefore, in my opinion, it's perfectly fine for God to be shown in a variety of ways in film without being disrespectful.
ReplyDeleteBased on my own idea of who God is as a member of the Church, I think that in each of the clips we watched, at least one true aspect of who Heavenly Father is was conveyed in a way that helps the audience have a better understanding of Him. Because of that, I don't think there's harm in depicting Him the way that modern movies do since they're at least attempting to show Him in the way that they best understand.
Though I appreciate movies like "The 10 Commandments" that do their research and show God in the way that the Bible describes Him, I think that for non-religious people, modern movies do a good job at portraying God in a way that people who aren't familiar with the Bible can relate to better even if the portrayal isn't as formal and accurate according to scripture. This isn't offensive to me at all because modern depictions might even encourage people to reach out to Heavenly Father to discover if He's really as kind, understanding, and humorous as He seems on the screen.
Typically when you think of God in a movie scene we don’t see him. He speaks to the characters in a loud, deep voice (like in The Ten Commandments). People are afraid. They’re usually in a one-on-one conversation and it’s an intense conversation. They know he has power over everything and if they disobey him they’ll receive the ‘wrath of God’. Overall, people generally portray God as all knowing and all-powerful.
ReplyDeleteIn the Noah and the Lord clip, Bruce Almighty and Oh God!, God is having a casual conversation with the main character. It seems like any other person talking. They’re not really taken seriously and God seems like he has a sense of humor. Now, if I wasn’t a member of the LDS church and had a belief in God but no idea what he might be like, I’d probably be confused by all the depictions of Him in film. There are so many different options and for all we know none of them are accurate. However, as a member I can imagine Him being all powerful and all knowing yet kind and gentle with us since we are His children. I think the only reason people are scared of Him is when they do something wrong or against what they know to be right.
In response to the Bazin quote, I think it’s accurate that film portrays God in a way that we can fully understand the concept and conversations with God, just like the way film realistically brings books to life. It is the best way to imagine talking to Him, but I don’t know that any of the movies made have a true realistic idea of what it would be like to converse with Him.
After watching the first clip of “The Ten Commandments,” I was somewhat surprised to see God without really seeing him in the flesh, hearing his stern voice being very commanding rather than friendly. In stark contrast, over the years, the depiction of God has dramatically changed into something more friendly, kind, and merciful. I feel like this is a progression in religious media. I believe that the contemporary deity portrayed in media is much more relatable. In the “Images of God in Movies” article, Andrew Greely commented on how the modern portrayal of God plays to the optimism of American emotions. He said, “God in the movies is someone who supports and sustains American optimism,” and I fully agree with this. People don’t want to be reprimanded or punished, they want to be encouraged. When people are watching film especially, they are watching it for a good time and often for escape. When people are “escaping” from real life, they don’t want to be reminded of their sins or their short comings. When contemporary deity characters that we see in films today are created by directors, writers, and producers, those people understand this important concept. Rather than making a movie unenjoyable with a stern and justice-seeking deity, they create a relatable, fun-loving deity with a merciful heart.
ReplyDeleteContemporary depictions of God are much more relatable and accessible to the general public. Even if people are agnostic or atheist, they can still laugh and enjoy God as depicted in “Bruce Almighty” or “Oh, God” because that character is humorous and emotionally captivating.
Previously in our class, we talked about the televangelist shift of a previously more God-centered broadcast to a more contemporary broad personal reflection broadcast. I believe this shift has been influenced by the shift from traditional depictions of God to the contemporary depictions of God in film. Both of these shifts create a greater accessibility to a much wider audience and bring in more revenue for the creators of the media whether it be televangelists or film creators. I believe this shift is also causing a shift in how people create relationships with God. I don’t believe film has changed my relationship with God personally but as a whole, I agree that there is a shift. People may view God, the real God rather than the media deity, as more of a friend, a merciful kindhearted individual. As the “Images of God in Film” article stated, “God's mercy is stronger than his justice” and I believe that is why people find God appealing.
Additionally, it is interesting to compare traditional versus contemporary depictions of God in the media in comparison with depictions of God in the Old and New Testament. At least from my interpretation, in the Old Testament, God is more focused in justice, making sinners suffer for their actions. This depiction of God is somewhat similar to the “Traditional” depiction of God we saw in “The Ten Commandments” clip.
I find it interesting that movies that directly reflect a religious message (or are obviously meant to be religious) depict God in the same way that the Old Testament does. Which, in my opinion, is harsh and even unrealistic even though it may be coming from scripture. Even to me, the God in the Ten Commandments (which I grew up watching as a child) comes across as very hard and scary. I don't like to think that God is that way. For that reason, when God is depicted as more human like in Bruce Almighty, I tend to relate more. All of a sudden, God is someone I want to talk to and that I want to trust in. Although, the article mentioned a movie called "All That Jazz" where God is depicted as a woman who has sexual inclinations towards an earthly man and that I find wrong. That doesn't humanize God, that demeans him. So, I think there is a fine line.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion though, movies and what is popular in the media is only a reflection of the society in which it is made. I think there are a lot of factors that play into how God is seen in the movies and the "media" itself shouldn't be responsible for all of it. If we didn't want to see God in a relatable way then the media wouldn't paint him as such. They do that so they can make money... simple as that.
Obviously, I think God is best portrayed in his true character in Mormon media (i.e. mormon messages and bible videos) but that's because we have a more full and complete understanding of his nature. Most people do not have this kind of understanding, they are only showing what society wants them to show. I think the issue of God and religion in the media is more complicated than we might want it to be and there aren't many simple answers. Either way, if God is portrayed as being powerful but kind, strong but merciful, and doing good to all man, I think it is still sending a positive message.
I think there are two types of characteristics for God in media: relatable and unattainable. Unattainable and intimidating was a common theme seen in movies years ago. I think there could have been a slight undertone of idolatry here. In movies that depicted this kind of God, they considered him more holy and sacred. It was more of a worship and obey mentality. He was depicted as unapproachable, but was given more reverence. The relatable God is one that you seen in today’s media. I think this reflects the feelings of religion among people. We want something that doesn’t hold us accountable and that is not offensive. Today’s modern God is just that—very relatable. Both types of Gods have one thing in common: it is broad, with little description of Christ and the Holy Spirit. I think that’s the issue that I run into with God in the media. Because if it’s true that people are basing their religious beliefs off of TV, then they are missing a ton of doctrine. People just need to realize that TV God does not equate to actual God. That’s the only issue.
ReplyDeleteTaking my religious hat off, though, I see the value in the way people portray God in the media today. In movies such as “Bruce Almighty” I feel comfortable with a God like that. I guess if you feel comfortable, you wouldn’t mind learning a bit more about Him. That’s the positive side of God in the media, I think. If I wasn’t deeply religious, I think watching something like “Bruce Almighty” would spark my interest. Going back to one of the questions, I really do think media reflects the ideas of our culture. Like I mentioned before, people want generalized doctrine. This is how God is portrayed because it’s what people are comfortable with. Overall, I think it’s the media has done a good job depicting God in a world where we find less and less religious people. I think the fact that people (like the nones) are interested in such movies proves that there’s some merit yet in producing movies with generalized depictions of God.
Like I have said in a previous blog, everyone has a different view of religion and spirituality. Because of this it causes people tend to become offended when portrayals of religion is not in accordance with their personal understanding and views. As we study the media and religion, it is important to remember to be open-minded. It is not productive, but rather arrogant to analyze religion in media through just our own spiritual eyes and become easily offended if it is not what we believe. We should seek to understand what other people's spiritual and religious experiences are. As we do this I believe that we will learn and grow in our personal religious journey.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, it is not offensive to me at all when deity is depicted in a way other than what I believe. I take this as an opportunity to learn more about the character of God and what God is to other people.
Ultimately a movie studio’s entire job is to sell tickets and make money. Often in that quest, there are many “non-fictions” that get skewed or a “based on a true story” depiction can get very stretched. I’ve noticed that the same trend carries over when movies about God are created. However, this isn’t always a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteI don’t believe that the intent of most movies and cinema productions are to present God in a bad light, but often to bring actual human religious perception to light and demonstrate the feelings that humans have about religion. I think about the Bruce Almighty movie clip that shows God having a never-ending file cabinet of our deeds (a popular perception of many people). This can make God more human and approachable by the general public. Using humor, satire, and alternate perspectives can give general curiosity to those not initially interested in religion.
One thing that I do worry about is how many of these movies that focus on God can become pseudo scripture for many people. The quote from Bazin about “The Passion of the Christ” really made this point as he said
"Even more dramatically, because the movie is accepted in these terms and sanctioned by the Pope, it thus becomes to some extent a new sacred text with a certain level of legitimacy and authority.” If global religious leaders are putting their stamp of approval on media portrayals of God and his life/ministry, they can’t be surprised when the general masses no longer look to church leadership for answers, but to Hollywood.
How can you “get it just right” with something you cannot see? The question of our film history’s cultural reverence towards God is kind of an interesting one. In earlier depictions, he was portrayed in the more traditional sense, with the classic beard and booming voice. But the question is, were those depictions any more correct than the ones we see now where God can look like anyone? The answer is likely no. Whether or not this is idolatry or general carelessness in the representation of God is debatable. I think if you were to look at the strict definition of idolatry as a ‘false God’ and ask a more conservative and literal determination, than any film, be it old or new, would likely be in conflict with this idea of idolatry. However, there is a desire to relate the idea of God. The more contemporary depictions of him try to break the mold and go for something closely relatable. We are commanded not to worship false idols, but perhaps making a film with a human actor trying to portray God is not a matter of worship, but simply an attempt to strengthen a relationship with him by making the best effort to understand him in some way that speaks to people. I don’t really mind how God is represented visually, as his outward looks and demeanor ought to be relatable to an audience. My only interest in the accuracy of God’s portrayal is in seeing him act consistently with canonical representations in scripture.
ReplyDeleteI think our fascination with depicting God in film is much the same as our overall interest in God. We are, as a species, curious and full of thought and thus intrigued by a power greater than our own. There are a lot of questions inherent to existence, morality and meaning, and the depictions of God in fiction really come to represent our concern over these matters. Whenever we see God in film, it’s usually in close relation to a character who is stuck at a moral dilemma, or faced with a pressing question or decision. By weaving in God’s involvement in that scenario, the character is either given a deus ex machina style through line to profound truth, or, more importantly is faced with the problem of going with their old modes of thinking or accepting something way beyond their knowledge that they can’t verify with any fact and therefore must compromise their once-important views for something akin to faith. Whether the message of the fiction is correct, the inclusion of God is a rhetorical appeal to relate an idea or a hope with something that holds inherent social value to viewers. In whatever way God is depicted in a contemporary film, the same rhetorical motive is present. The views of this God are to be taken as filmmakers decision on what current views of morality should reflect, after all, these views are endorsed by the highest authority.
Although I am a HUGE believer in the power of movies, graphics, and teaching through forms of art- especially cinema, I also believe that they are able to influence because they take from something greater than themselves. They “Steal like an artist” from a higher source or inspiration. In the case of “the Passion of Christ,” Mel Gibson, and others drew from the incredible storys in the Bible, and put their own interpretation and feel on them. While I was able to reap a lot of truth and amazing principles from this movie, I also found myself coming back to the word itself, to gain other perspectives and individualized messages (always varying, despite being the same verses) for me.
ReplyDeleteIn Noah and God, Bruce Almighty, and the Ten commandments (one of my favorites growing up), and especially in the scene, “what does god need with a spaceship?” God is portrayed perhaps in the common Old Testament perception, as the mysterious yet just God of wrath. (the deep, voice coming from the bush, commanding Moses to take off his shoes in the presence of the bush) This may seem to many in our modern day, a bit to fable-like, and I can imagine many non-religious folk seeing these as merely entertainment. However, I also believe that whether they see it as entertainment or not, whatever we see and experience, is what molds our ideas and thoughts. For many, this may cause a belief that God is unapproachable.
Then, in the film “Oh, God” there is taken another perspective- that of the messenger- the classic preacher that seems crazy to others, but as the protagonist, the audience knows to be good. Nevertheless, in all of the example portrayals, God is portrayed as a man just like everyone else- with anger, weaknesses/impatience, (fallen state), but with huge superpowers- particularly omniscience. Although this may make God seem more human and relatable, it simultaneously shows God as unapproachable in his ultimate power and desire for vengeance in our fallen state.
I personally feel we can learn from many depictions of God, and I honestly find none of them offensive. I personally believe that what we know about God is purposefully limited doctrinally so that we can find out his nature on our own through communication with him.
ReplyDeleteExploring interaction with God visually in the movies can help us see from a different perspective, since even in our own religion we tend to stick to very conservative representations.
Especially taking the LDS hat off, people who have little experience with prayer or little knowledge of who God could probably benefit from the viewing of these types of movies. I imagine they might even consider interacting with him if they took some time to think about what they are watching.
I conclusion, I think despite inevitable inaccuracies, the more the media depicts god, the more people will search for him on their own, which can only yield a Net positive for society as a whole.
From the depictions like "The Ten Commandments" to movies like "Bruce Almighty," the latter has definitely portrayed deity with less cultural difference. Although, film makers have humanized deity in a way that is very relatable. In a way, this has brought more comfortable opportunities for people to accept God. I don't agree with Bazin that once God is humanized then all type of holiness is diminished. I feel like people can come closer to God by understanding Him by ways they know best. In terms of whether or not it is idolatrous, all films would fit in the terms that deity depicted are only representations.
ReplyDeleteReligious themes remain popular in film devices because religion has an immense impact on people. Religion has shaped who we are. It has been there from the start of time. Deity an religion will always be spark some sort of interest because its been such a crucial part of our existence and upbringing. We are surrounded by it, in its many different forms.
It was interesting to read what Bazin wrote about how God is more humanized than Christ. I guess I never noticed this before but now looking back it seems to reign true. I fee like in most films though God is depicted more than Christ. I feel like Christ is depicted those ways because when we talk about Christ we normally talk about His Atonement in a serious manner. To me, Christ and God in any film should be portrayed in a reverent manner.
I think that God is portrayed many ways in movies to relate with us in different ways. When we re-read our patriarchal blessings, we continue to get different thoughts and ideas out of it even though we are reading the same blessing. I think that in a way, God is the same. We all may have the same God, but he answers our prayers differently and personally know what we each need. We each have a very unique personal relationship with him because of his ability to relate to all of his children.
ReplyDeleteGod may not look the same in all the movies, but he acts the same. In movies he is always the highest form of power. He can do anything. In our LDS faith when we draw pictures of Christ, they aren't all the same. Just because people portray him in different ways doesn't mean he isn't the same person. It's the same in the movies. God acts the same way, he just looks different.
The word that stood out the most to me in the readings was "irreverent". It interested me how God was portrayed in so many different ways, but I felt like the biggest word to describe it would be "irreverent". We believe in God being our loving Heavenly Father who has an understanding of all. God is portrayed in movies in a more casual light sometimes. I don't know how God actually should be portrayed or if the temple videos are a fully accurate view of God, but I do know that no film could display the sincere traits that God has. I wonder if God sees these videos and laughs at how we portray Him. You would think for how religious we all claim to be that we would have a stronger sense of God and who he is in our lives.
ReplyDeleteI think that Hollywood is getting more and more creative in how they portray God. We see God at different ages, in varying races, and through abnormal settings. From "Star Trek" to "Exodus", God changes form constantly. It is clear that Hollywood does not know how to portray God consistently. I think that God's unique characteristics and traits are what truly defines him at the end of the day.
We all have our own personal relationships with God and the role he plays in our lives. So, the fact that there are so many different depictions of God on television isn't really that surprising. I probably see God completely different than a lot of people in this world. I think people see God in a way that makes them most comfortable with him. If someone is offended by the portrayal of God on certain television shows, I'm guessing it is because it makes them uncomfortable and not how they would picture God to be.
ReplyDeleteThe God that was portrayed in the The Ten Commandments was never actually shown. It was just his voice. While, in movies like Bruce Almighty, he was an actually guy, just hanging out with the main character. The Ten Commandments didn't stray from any biblical narrative. More modern portrayals stray quite a bit. They give God personality, a body, humor, etc. They humanize God.
The modern portrayals of God have changed so much, but so have a lot of modern practices of religion. It reflects the way that society is moving right now. People are doing things the way that they want to do things, regardless of traditional structure.
In his writing, Bazin argues that the more human the portrayal of God is, the less accurate it is. I disagree, particularly when he claims that “God becomes more human than Christ.” That may be true, but I don’t think it’s an unfair treatment of classical conceptions of God and Christ. If anything, it should be seen as a positive that people are being exposed to a more human portrayal of God. Just because He’s omnipotent doesn’t mean He doesn’t have a sense of humor or a desire to relate with people on a personal level. He may not appear to us in the form of Morgan Freeman or talk to us through a radio, but He doesn’t necessarily need to be portrayed as an incomparably powerful being.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s interesting to note, however, that portrayals of God were not always taken so lightly. Take, for instance, the fact that in Muslim culture, recreating God’s image is not permitted in any art form, whether it be movies or paintings or photographs. That’s a very conservative practice in light of how much God is portrayed in media in Christian societies. Looking back at film history, playing with portrayals of God wasn’t a concern of classical Hollywood – some of the greatest films from the silent film era are recreations of biblical stories, but they stick pretty strictly to traditional Hebrew portrayals of God. I think it’s progressive, and also freeing, to see God on screen incarnated as a everyday man, a woman, or a child. For some I think it really helps the concept of God as a person be more accessible and familiar. Unless the portrayal is outwardly offensive, I think modern interpretations of God in film are a good thing.
I think Bazins points are very interesting. Its so true how we see God humanized in film. I feel like people don’t understand the power of our heavenly father and the role he plays in out life. We know he’s pretty important and has infinite power, but what does that really mean. I know when I start thinking about eternity I get really panicky and start to think if anything is even worth it because this moment is so little in the grand scheme of things. So we make light of this knowledge because its too much to handle. Sometimes when we take things too seriously we can’t feel a real connection. By making God more of a friendly figure its easier to find your own relationship.
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