Vatican calling for Boycott of Da Vinci Code

[lynie]

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Can respect be demanded?

To respect something means to hold it in high regard, hold the people and ideas as worthy of our love and admiration--we reserve it for what we value. Is there is a "right to respect"?

Are Catholics owed respect regardless of whether otheres feel their beliefs are true or false? Many do respect the Catholic Church. Others do not....“Christianity is the most ridiculous, the most absurd and bloody religion that has ever infected the world." Voltaire

Respect can only be granted willingly, where we judge it to be due, not demanded. Our Founding Fathers created a system that protects each individual's rights, including the right to express his ideas regardless of their popularity or whom they offend.

Catholics can voice their displeasure, filmmakers can present a controversial story that millions will pay to see. Each can criticize the other and peacefully walk away.

http://newsbyus.com/more.php?id=3551_0_1_0_M

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

 

[Mira]

i was a bit surprised that wiki information and rotten.com information on this subject were basically the same.

ariel, i came to my beliefs by being raised to have an open mind. as a youngun, i had friends and relatives of many different religions. i went to most of their churches at one time or another, and learned much. i found catholic churches to be beautiful and the ceremonies awe inspiring. i was excited by the romping, stomping, holy-rolling, hellfire and brimstone of the pentacostals. i loved (and still love) the gospel music in the local black churches. (we live very near the A.M.E. church, and i sometimes sit outside on sunday mornings and listen, even now).

i just couldnt believe what they believed. i did not hate them for their beliefs. most are good people, and find comfort in their church. as long as they dont hate me for my beliefs, or lack of belief, we get along just fine

>>To believe in good, to believe that there is right and wrong, is belief,
essentially in moral law. To have moral law, logically speaking, there
must of necessity be a moral law-giver. <<

most of what you term moral law is just common sense. dont hurt other people, dont steal their stuff, dont run off with their spouse, etc.

as to the bible, it has wonderful stories, i have no doubt most based on fact, as many stories are. yes, it has stood the test of time. it is a good book, whether you believe every word or not.

i seriously doubt that DVC will be in print for 100 years, much less centuries. all this hoohaw is silly, and the church raising all this fuss is even sillier.

 

[Floh]

most of what you term moral law is just common sense. dont hurt other people, dont steal their stuff, dont run off with their spouse, etc.

Yes. how to conduct a civilised society.

common sense indeed.

 

[Dark Knight]

Nobody said my religion or church is better than yours, no one is demanding respect. This has turned into nothing but hogwash accusations due to conclusions jumped to because we didn't cave in to outside opinions about our doctrine or our right to boycott. And when in doubt, bring up the Inquisition, it never fails. But these most recent claims are so bogus it isn't even funny. Enjoy your weekend! :blowkiss:

 

[narlacat]

<<And when in doubt, bring up the Inquisition, it never fails>>

Now you know how I feel when I say something and I get 'I see you are from Australia' or 'things must be done differently downunder' etc...which somehow takes away from everything I have said.
Not meaning to be picky DK but you were one of those people that have said something like that to me....
Doesn't make you feel very good does it?

 

[Dark Knight]

<<And when in doubt, bring up the Inquisition, it never fails>>

Now you know how I feel when I say something and I get 'I see you are from Australia' or 'things must be done differently downunder' etc...which somehow takes away from everything I have said.
Not meaning to be picky DK but you were one of those people that have said something like that to me....
Doesn't make you feel very good does it?

I told you why I said that. :slap:

 

[narlacat]

Ok
I just wanted to point out to everyone, it's not nice to be attacked for something that is out of your control.
You can't help that the Inquisition happened anymore than I can help being Australian.

 

[lynie]

No.

You make it sound like he wrote about UFO's or the JFK assassination, lol. He wrote about my Lord and about my Church, not exactly harmless subjects. And if I wish to boycott it, I can. And if my church wants others to, they can. Whether people do or not is up to them. But we can take the stance we did, and we can also try to debunk it as the nonsense that it is, if we wish. And other can disagree, but they're wrong. :crazy: lol

And you have a good weekend too....

 

[windovervocalcords]

And you have a good weekend too....

Gnostic priest addresses the Da Vinci Controversy.....

The idea that Jesus married Mary Magdalene can be understood as myth that conveys the "marriage" between Christian tradition and the older religions of the divine feminine, he said. Moreover, that marriage can be interpreted as a balance between the masculine and the feminine.

The novel and film takes the view, which is consistent with the fourth century Arians, that Jesus was a man and not a divine figure.

Gnostics, on the other hand, consider the image of Jesus to be a purely spiritual being, according to Stratford.

"Purely spiritual beings tend not to have children," he said. However, Stratford stressed that the notion of Jesus as a spiritual being - and all of the other stories about Christ - should be viewed in a strictly metaphorical sense.

The idea of the sacred feminine was quite prevalent until the fourth century when the Roman church opted for a more patriarchal approach to Christianity with a sole emphasis on Jesus and a de-emphasis on Mary Magdalene.

Myths surrounding the history of Christianity have an important purpose.

"It invites the reader into a mythic space where they can sort these things out for themselves," Stratford said. "These things aren't valuable because they are literally true. They are valuable because they are beautiful." Gnosticism has been around for the past 2,200 years.

Gnosticism is particularly suitable for creative people because of the poetic nature of the stories encompassed by the faith.
"Imagination is prized as a Gnostic value," Stratford said. He thinks the release of the novel and movie is a positive development despite the opposition by conservative Christians.

"It's a starting point for discussion. I don't think anybody should be threatened by debate and dialogue."

http://www.vicnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=36&cat=23&id=656024&more=

BTW by WS standards this topic is a real sleeper next to Angelina Jolie is pregnant, Tom Cruise is a scientologist and Charlie Sheen is a pedophile.

 

[concernedperson]

Faith comes from your heart and soul. Doctrine is left to interpretation. We have seen religion and politics mandate our lives just think for yourselves. If it feels good do it, if it doesn't pick another path. Can't tear apart any building process but can say you have a choice and a voice.

I still say this is just a movie.With monetary aspects attached. I won't bother with it as it doesn't interest me.

 

[Mira]

quite well done, for those interested.

http://thebestnotes.com/booknotes/Da_Vinci_Code/Da_Vinci_Code05.html

 

[narlacat]

What have you done starting this thread!!!
I wonder who will have the last word LOL
It's all just going round in circles now......and that is why I am against organized religion because human beings will never agree on whos God is the bestest
We will wipe ourselves out fighting over who's right and who's wrong.

No one religion is 'right', different strokes for different blokes as they say

 

[sandraladeda]

Nobody said my religion or church is better than yours, no one is demanding respect. This has turned into nothing but hogwash accusations due to conclusions jumped to because we didn't cave in to outside opinions about our doctrine or our right to boycott. And when in doubt, bring up the Inquisition, it never fails. But these most recent claims are so bogus it isn't even funny. Enjoy your weekend! :blowkiss:

I agree with this statement. I also question this and would love to see an exampke of someone's feelings being walked over about enjoying it....

Please, boycott it, don't go to it. But please be careful about walking over peoples feelings about enjoying it. It is not worth it.

Lynie

And as for the Inquisition, does anyone really think the Inquisition has much to do with the modern Catholic Church?

imho

 

[windovervocalcords]

"And as for the Inquisition, does anyone really think the Inquisition has much to do with the modern Catholic Church?"


The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was once known as the Holy Inquisition. It is headed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, one of Pope John Paul II's closest advisers.

He is known as "the Pope's enforcer" because of his determination to uphold the traditional teachings of the church. In performing that role, he has been accused of trying to silence dissidents within the church.

In a strongly-worded editorial, a leading US Catholic magazine America says the methods used by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith are out of date and do not respect human rights.

The first stage of any examination takes place in total secrecy, without giving the theologian an opportunity to defend himself.

If the Congregation finds a person's opinions to be in error, the writer is instructed to correct their views or to "clarify" their texts to the congregation's satisfaction.

Often they would be told to keep silence and not defend themselves publicly, even if the congregation's decision had become public knowledge.

Dr Lavinia Byrne, accused the same Vatican department of trying to intimidate her over the publication of a book called "Woman at the Altar".

She was not allowed to defend herself, and decided "with great regret" to leave her religious order. The Vatican stood accused of treating her unjustly.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/1251677.stm

Modern Catholic Dictionary published in 1980 by Doubleday: The article on the Inquisition states:
"In its present form, established by Pope Paul VI in 1965. It began in 1542, under Pope Paul III as the Congregation of the Inquisition to defend the Church against heresy.
In 1908, Pope St. Pius X reorganized the Inquisition, changed its name to the Congregation of the Holy Office, and united to it the Section for Indulgences. In 1965, Pope Paul VI once more reformed the Holy Office and changed its name to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith."

"Suppression of thought, loss of ideas, closing down of discussion - that’s not an act of faith. That’s not of the Holy Spirit,” said Sister Joan Chittister, a Benedictine nun from Erie, Pa.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050417/world.htm#2

 

[sandraladeda]

Thank you, most educational.

I think the "Inquisition" most posters refer to when discussing the Catholic church would be the "Spanish Inquisition", not a relatively unknown and obscure use of the term "Inqusition" within the Catholic Church. In fact, that is what I was referring to. I should have been more specific.

But you have been most helpful and I thank you.......

 

[Jean]

We went to see the the Da Vinci Code tonight and I thought it was an excellent movie. The acting was great! I was not offended by anything in the movie. I am not Catholic, but I am a Christian. The Da Vinci Code is fiction--I understood that when I first read the book. The movie didn't change my mind about that either--it is still fiction.

I hope some of you will go see the movie too, and then let us know what your feelings are afterwards.

 

[Details]

My husband went, and liked it. He's also very religious.

 

[ariel7]

So often when one mentions the God of the Bible, examples of evil
done in His name are brought up... in this case, The Inquisition.
Long ago, I came across a great analogy that answers this like
no other.... many thanks to DK :blowkiss: who found it for me despite
my searching and searching AND SEARCHING for it.



Suppose I were to steal your coat, put it back on, and break into a bank. Suppose further that the police sighted me running in the distance but could not catch up with me. One clue, however, put them onto your track; they recognised your coat. What would you say to them if they came to your house and accused you of breaking into the bank?"

You, like the man to whom this was said, would deny it, I'm sure!
AND how. How frustrating it would be to KNOW that you had nothing to
do with it, but to hear them respond:

"Ah, but we saw your coat".

What would you, could you say?

(Eventually, btw, the dear elderly man to whom this was said, came
to believe, telling the man that shared this with him (whilst
pointing heavenward, iirc): you wear His
coat well.)

Is this not relevant?

So often things are brought up that really have nothing to do with
the TRUE heart of a believer whether protestant or Catholic as though
that thus renders our words and arguments and faith void, impotent...
OR WORSE.

Yes, people, religious leaders even, HAVE committed atrocities in
His name and the name of their religion. Does that make it right?
Does that mean that He has condoned it? Does that make null and
void belief in Him? There are a handful of people over the centuries
wearing stolen coats and acting in ways NOT IN ACCORDANCE with
His will and USING His name to further their own agenda...
What about the multiplied millions more who have worn His coat
well? There is FAR more good done in His name than evil...every single
moment of the day, and most done by people not seeking fanfare
and praise...just wanting to love Him and love others.

Love,

Ariel :blowkiss:

 

[sandraladeda]

Hi ariel, long time no chat!

I hope you don't mind, i will be copying and pasting that post and sharing it with friends. :blowkiss:

Peace, sister!

 

[windovervocalcords]

"So often things are brought up that really have nothing to do with
the TRUE heart of a believer whether protestant or Catholic as though
that thus renders our words and arguments and faith void, impotent...
OR WORSE."

If you read back a ways you will find numerous posts I have written that supports people of faith including Christians and Catholics.

Yes, people, religious leaders even, HAVE committed atrocities in
His name and the name of their religion. Does that make it right?
Does that mean that He has condoned it? Does that make null and
void belief in Him?

Where do you read that I say that believers in God or Jesus condone the evil that has been committed in his name?

The topic is the Da Vinci Code and the Catholic Church calling for boycott in the US. (in other countries such as India, China,Thailand, the Phillipines, New Guinea, Solomon Islands Christians are calling for it to be banned and in Kenya they are threatening to destroy any theater that shows it!).

The Da Vinci Code claims that the Church has secrets. It does. It has secret files. DVC claims that dissenting voices/teachings are suppressed. They are. There is still an office of the Inquisition although it was renamed in 1965. High leaders in the Catholic Church have expressed that the Muslims were justified in reacting the way they did over the Danish cartoons, (google Bishop Amato) which sounds like a veiled threat.

It is the Catholic Church that claims the Pope is infallible, and inherently holy by virtue of being leader of the Church. I do not. I think some have been holy and some have not. Study history. Some of them have been wearing "stolen coats".

Cardinal Ratzinger was calling himself Pope Benedict XVI, in a letter to one of his friends TWO YEARS before he was elected Pope. He wanted to be a Cardinal early in his priest career. He is the same fellow who headed the modern office of the Inquisition and was commonly referred to as the "Pope's enforcer." He was in the Hitler youth as a child. He publicly came out and condemned the Harry Potter novels and movies as threatening to Catholic children. These are facts. What people conclude about such information is open to interpretation.

The Catholic Church is political. Has been and continues to be. Sometimes it has been beneficial to the world. If you read all of my posts you will see I have praised the Catholic Churches many accomplishments.

The institution of the Catholic Church has in fact, not been universally beneficial in the past, including the recent past. IMO. Does this mean that the teachings of Christ are at fault? Of course not. Does this invalidate Christ's teachings or followers of Christ's teachings? No.

Create an institution and you have institutional issues and you are at risk of becoming institutionalized.

The Catholic Church by making such a big public deal out of calling for a boycott of the Da Vinci Code has contributed to the controversy and probably made Mr Brown and the movie studio very wealthy.

To me, this is a bigger and more interesting story than Mr Brown dreamed up in the Da Vinci Code.