phaeton Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 Last evening i went to go see the LOTR Two Towers movie. Quite excellent, and i recommend it to everyone. But that's a different story..... Outside the movie theater, standing in the cold were the men women and children with the big signs that read "Potter movie spawned by the Devil" and "Harry Potter books are unchristian", and various things... None of them topped last time around's favourite of "Harry Potter promotes witchcraft and homosexuality" but nonetheless, they were all still quite menacing. Now don't get me wrong, i don't want to start a debate against all people who follow a faith, but i feel that these particular lunatics are what drive people away from organised religions. My policy is normally to ignore such things. Certain people hold certain faiths in this world and it is fine with me. I'm not attacking people's beliefs or values. However, it becomes difficult to ignore when they come up to my vehicle in the parking lot and bang on the windows, demanding i tell which movie i'm there to see. I don't feel i should have to explain myself or my actions to a stranger, much less one that appears to be a little 'off'. I simply told this man that i was going to see LOTR, and i bid him farewell and began walking inside. But he followed, and was but a few footsteps behind me, first chiding me for wanting to see Yet Another Movie Full of Devilish Trickery, then nearly pleading for me to help he and his `church' to spread awareness about the treachery that is Harry Potter. I became quite angry at this man and very impolitely told him to bugger off. Yet he persisted all the way to the door of the theater, where i asked him if he'd prefer i call the cops on him, or inflict bodily harm. During the first bit of the movie, i was somewhat concerned that he may damage my truck when i wasn't there, but after the movie got going i became absorbed in the dealings of Mr Frodo and Samwell Gamgee. When i returned to my truck, it was not damaged, only covered in snow. Yet under the windshield wiper lay a pamphlet. I read it over while waiting for my truck to warm up. It carried the same basic message i've gotten from most organised religions: "your fairy tale is different than our fairy tale, so everything you've ever done in your life is wrong and you deserve to be punished, you terrible person." and such, and of course followed up by a request for donations. Oddly, it only briefly mentioned Harry Potter on the front. And there they all were, standing at the entrance to the movie theater parking lot, in the emergency lane of a busy highway- the men, women and children. It was still cold, it was still snowing, and it was now 11:30 at night. Are these people not mad? Do any of you folks have this sort of phenomenon in your neighbourhoods? Is there a reason why they gravely detest Harry Potter movies over many of the others that could possibly be even worse to them? Do most churches have a disdain for this movie, or are these folks considered `radicals'? Geez, why does stuff like this always happen to me? Dr. Seuss: The Original White Rapper . WWND?
Salyphus Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 Humans can be quite pathetic, can't they? That's why I prefer religions that advocate mass suicide :D
Wewus432 Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 And that is why, economics determines our day to day lives but religion will determine the fate of the world.
alfonso Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 nothing worst of these people, they are the same kind of those who torture or execute death penalties. they are able to feel in the right whatever they do. they need to feel right, they have senseless lives to give sense to (i hope it's correct english ...). western talebans. Guess the Amp .... now it's finished... Here it is!
MattC Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 When your beliefs about a certain idea are strong, as are those of many religious people, you may see something like Harry Potter and believe that it is against those beliefs. If this is the case, there's no point in investigating it to see if your hunch is true. For example, I am a Catholic and will say it proudly. What do you think would happen if I told my cevout parents that I was reading the Torah to expand my horizons? They'd blow up, forgetting in the process that Christianity is supposed to be tolerant of other religions. I've never read the Torah, nor have I seen Harry Potter, and I probably never will, but that's beside the point here. While reading through my fathers papers one day a few weeks ago, I acme across an article in a respected Catholic newspaper stating how Harry Potter's character could be considered virtuous from a religious POV. Go figure, huh? There was even a description of a book called "the Gospel accordign to Harry Potter." (in addition there were also books in this series based on the Simpsons and the Sopranos, I do believe). I think that "zealous fruitcake" could be applicable to those people outside a theater. ...think funky thoughts...
phaeton Posted January 6, 2003 Author Posted January 6, 2003 [b] When your beliefs about a certain idea are strong, as are those of many religious people, you may see something like Harry Potter and believe that it is against those beliefs. If this is the case, there's no point in investigating it to see if your hunch is true. For example, I am a Catholic and will say it proudly. What do you think would happen if I told my cevout parents that I was reading the Torah to expand my horizons? They'd blow up, forgetting in the process that Christianity is supposed to be tolerant of other religions. I've never read the Torah, nor have I seen Harry Potter, and I probably never will, but that's beside the point here. While reading through my fathers papers one day a few weeks ago, I acme across an article in a respected Catholic newspaper stating how Harry Potter's character could be considered virtuous from a religious POV. Go figure, huh? There was even a description of a book called "the Gospel accordign to Harry Potter." (in addition there were also books in this series based on the Simpsons and the Sopranos, I do believe). I think that "zealous fruitcake" could be applicable to those people outside a theater. [/b] Exactly my point, Matt. It all revolves around POV. Yes i have seen the (first) Harry Potter movie, and i found it entertaining. But i enjoyed it as a work of fictional fantasy. That's all it is, is a story.... The only part of it that is `real' or has any bearing in the tangible world is how these people are reacting to it. They're creating the problem by trying to solve it. Dr. Seuss: The Original White Rapper . WWND?
Anderton Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 Well, I'm sorry to say that your fanatic friend is right. I went to see the Harry Potter movie, and afterward, felt an urge to become an axe murderer, dabble in the dark arts, change my sexual orientation, and pull the wings off flies. So be very, very careful what kind of satanic "entertainment" you watch! Craig Anderton Educational site: http://www.craiganderton.org Music: http://www.youtube.com/thecraiganderton Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/craig_anderton
phaeton Posted January 6, 2003 Author Posted January 6, 2003 [b] Well, I'm sorry to say that your fanatic friend is right. I went to see the Harry Potter movie, and afterward, felt an urge to become an axe murderer, dabble in the dark arts, change my sexual orientation, and pull the wings off flies. So be very, very careful what kind of satanic "entertainment" you watch! [/b] lmfao Craig... I can always count on you to show up ever so infrequently, yet keep me in stitches with a single, well crafted post. :D Dr. Seuss: The Original White Rapper . WWND?
joegerardi Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 Another Catholic chiming in here, and all I can say about those people is that the Bible is a book, just like the ones they hate, but with a little longer shelf life, and better circulation. And [i]homosexuality?[/i] I own the DVD. Where the hell do they get that from? ..Joe PS: Anyone else think the actress that plays Hermione is going to be HOT when she grows up? Setup: Korg Kronos 61, Roland XV-88, Korg Triton-Rack, Motif-Rack, Korg N1r, Alesis QSR, Roland M-GS64 Yamaha KX-88, KX76, Roland Super-JX, E-Mu Longboard 61, Kawai K1II, Kawai K4.
Salyphus Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 Besides, who are they to say that 'the devil', 'unchristianity', or homosexuality are bad things?? :rolleyes: What ever happened to 'love thy neighbor'? People just need to mind their own business. I never, ever have a problem with [b]sincere[/b] religious people, because those who are truly sincere don't try to ram their beliefs down others' throats.
realtrance Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 Craig, I'd highly recommend the PC computer game, "Neverwinter Nights," from BioWare, if you still feel the need to satisfy those urges. You will get to do all that and more, and will come away from the experience deep in the grips of further evil desires, I am sure. Phaeton, in our neighborhood we have a local law that gives us the right to just mow 'em down if they get in our way. The older ones are worth ten points, the younger ones fifteen. Speaking of which, did you ever resolve your Evil Smell problem? I hope simply, and amusingly? rt
Rog Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 People are strange ... Still, you can't argue with them, there's no point. There's about as much chance of making them think the HP franchise isn't evil as there is of convincing me that it isn't a complete bag of sweaty bollocks from beginning to end :D "That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." - Banky Edwards.
Salyphus Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by Rog: [b]There's about as much chance of making them think the HP franchise isn't evil as there is of convincing me that it isn't a complete bag of sweaty bollocks from beginning to end :D [/b][/quote]ROTFL. You aren't 'Roger Mellie, Man on the Telly' are you :D
Rog Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 I try to be, Sal. Did you even see the animated series with Peter Cook doing the voice? "That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." - Banky Edwards.
Salyphus Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 No, never heard of it, sounds pretty damn interesting though. Is it funny? Probably promotes homosexuality too :p
Anifa Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by Anderton: [b]Well, I'm sorry to say that your fanatic friend is right. I went to see the Harry Potter movie, and afterward, felt an urge to become an axe murderer, dabble in the dark arts, change my sexual orientation, and pull the wings off flies. So be very, very careful what kind of satanic "entertainment" you watch![/b][/quote]So Craigette, how does it feel to put the "WO" into MAN? :D I took my kids to see both releases of Harry Potter contrary to the religious controversy I was subjected to by family members. I did not see a scene in either movie to where one might pick up connotations of homosexuality; that's bizzarre! To me, they were nothing more evil than the Dracula and Frankenstein movies that we old timers watched as kids. I watched to the movies from a theatrical point of view and I was truly impressed with the costumes, make-up, props, lighting, and etc. in combination with the actual plot of the story; IT HAD ONE, and it was interesting as well. Parents just have to educate their children as to what is real, what can be misleading and potentially evil, and what is fantasy. I watched several scary movies as a kid growing up; like THE EXCORCIST and likewise. I'm not a satanic worshiper or an axe murderer; I just have difficulties understanding double standards placed by the churches. It's okay for a top figure minister such as Jesse D........ to stand in front of congregations full of people as he tours the world sporting his Armani Suits, bragging about his LEER Jet, and cracking jokes about ??????VIAGRA??????? (none of these things are about vanity or sexuality which are both HIGHLY scorned upon in a biblical sense) yet it's evil to watch a Harry Potter movie. My take on religion is that "When you get it straight inside your own home, brother, then preach it to me!" Whenever you encounter these kind of people, if you really want to get them out of your face, begin to psycho analize them and their reasons for turning to religion; act really concerned while they are pouring their hearts out to you. Just continue your stance in BEING THERE FOR THEM, and when they realize what they are doing in spilling their guts out to a stranger, they will DISAPPEAR and you'll never have to worry about them showing up at your door again; they'll be too embarrassed. I've rid myself of some pretty obnoxious door tappers this way. Used to bug me a lot, they don't even come around anymore.... give them a place to vent and then just start talking YOUR beliefs to them, and WHY you believe as YOU believe. You can take the man away from his music, but you can't take the music out of the man. Books by Craig Anderton through Amazon Sweetwater: Bruce Swedien\'s "Make Mine Music"
fig Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 Those people are just another example of how superstitious, weak minded, and weaked willed humans still are. We are high tech which belies an incredible intelligence, but so much of us is still based on false beliefs and herd mentality. There's people who believe we faked the moon landing, environmentalists who blew up, just today, three SUV's in a dealership parking lot to make a statement about earth's resources, people who chose to smoke cigarettes despite repeated and plentiful warnings about cancer and still sued the cig companies, and now these idiots against Potter and Lord of the Rings. Pathetic. I need to become dictator of this country for about 1 year. This country needs an enema. A year is about all it would take to wipe out these stupid malfunctioning idiots who are so plentiful. Just for the act of willfully and maliciously being so smug and stupid, you proven yourself to be a useless human being. Buh-bye. Whew, had to vent. Much better. :) Bassplayers aren't paid to play fast, they're paid to listen fast.
Tedster Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by matt C: [b]When your beliefs about a certain idea are strong, as are those of many religious people, you may see something like Harry Potter and believe that it is against those beliefs. If this is the case, there's no point in investigating it to see if your hunch is true. For example, I am a Catholic and will say it proudly. What do you think would happen if I told my cevout parents that I was reading the Torah to expand my horizons? They'd blow up, forgetting in the process that Christianity is supposed to be tolerant of other religions. I've never read the Torah, nor have I seen Harry Potter, and I probably never will, but that's beside the point here. While reading through my fathers papers one day a few weeks ago, I acme across an article in a respected Catholic newspaper stating how Harry Potter's character could be considered virtuous from a religious POV. Go figure, huh? There was even a description of a book called "the Gospel accordign to Harry Potter." (in addition there were also books in this series based on the Simpsons and the Sopranos, I do believe). I think that "zealous fruitcake" could be applicable to those people outside a theater.[/b][/quote]Hmmm...isn't the Torah the first five books of the Old Testament? The Pentateuch... Just a small eensy point. So, most people who've been raised in a Jewish or Christian background are familiar with that which is outlined in the Torah. At any rate...we have our own wacko here in KC. This alleged "Reverend" (I use the term extremely loosely) Fred Phelps, who bases his whole "ministry" on the hatred of homosexuals. He even pickets regular mainstream churches (yes, even Baptist churches) "preaching" his doctrine of hate. To me, he's just a cultist wacko. And so are people who will analyze things that were meant to be fantasy and look for some hidden sinister meaning. "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine"
phaeton Posted January 6, 2003 Author Posted January 6, 2003 Realtrance: No, i haven't absolved the Foreboding Stench Of Death. Apparently, i'm the only one aware of it- I've asked people in the building as i've seen them, but they were all asleep at the time. I haven't talked to everyone yet though. The apt. manager is a pushover, so even if i do present it to her and she smells it, i don't know what she'll end up doing. I'm still quite infuriated about it, personally. ---- joegerardi- Yes, most certainly Emma Watson is a doll. A beautiful little girl she is, and i only mean that in the very best way possible. If i weren't so overcome by the subliminal messages in the movie nefariously turning me into a homosexual, i'm sure i'd be wishing that she was twice her age and lived next door to me. :p Anifa- Dig the avatar! :) Yes, in hindsight i could have really messed with this guy's head. It would have been great fun, but i also didn't want to miss my movie! And i guess the secondary thing i'm getting at is also the part of "why harry potter?". Surely such things as Mothman, Devil's Advocate, or even The Matrix would shake even more fear into these people. And what even strikes me more funny, is that some of the `religious folks' that i know (who are not as bad as the roadside kooks) have seen Mothman and actually believe in that it is a true account. Aside from holding fast to thier religious beliefs that should say these things are impossible. fig- Yes... it's "The Herd Mentality" that is so commonplace where i live. And even though a lot of it centres around religion, it doesn't end there. It pollutes people's lives in many ways, from faith, to eating habits, to false patriotism, to football allegiance, and a whole lot of ignorance and wive's tales about a great many things. Some days i feel like i've stepped into a foreign country, or parallel universe. I'm not from here. My views and beliefs are definately different from most others. I'm not saying that i'm all right and they're all wrong, but more that there is so much contrast in a way of thinking and way of life. To all- Yeah really. I saw the first movie (actually saw it twice) and didn't see anything at all about homosexuality. The only thing i can wager it on is maybe, *maybe* they figure "witches ride brooms, but wizards do not". Delegating the "riding brooms" activity to a certain sex, such as wearing makeup or dresses. I can't help but laugh if this is the case... Disdainment of a film, yet also trying to impose certain "accepted" rules upon it, as if it were a "truth". Here we go again with the "They only people making a reality out of a fantasy are those trying to destroy it" thing. Dr. Seuss: The Original White Rapper . WWND?
Tedster Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by Anderton: [b]Well, I'm sorry to say that your fanatic friend is right. I went to see the Harry Potter movie, and afterward, felt an urge to become an axe murderer, dabble in the dark arts, change my sexual orientation, and pull the wings off flies. So be very, very careful what kind of satanic "entertainment" you watch![/b][/quote]I KNEW IT ALL ALONG!!! My God...you didn't actually pull the wings off flies, did you? :D :D :D "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine"
TBush Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 I thought the 1st HP movie was pretty cool- and I'm a Christian. Rented the DVD for my family to watch- nobody liked it as much as the LOTR movies, but hey- it was really entertaining and we might just go see the 2nd HP too. Sorry about the flyer-posting nimrods- they must not believe in God's sovereignty very much... wierdos....I hope there's a corner in eternity where they won't know [i]I'm[/i] there and I won't be bugged by their flyers either. http://www.tbushrecording.com
Jotown Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 This weekend at my Grandmothers funeral I ran into my devoutly :rolleyes: catholic brother. I was talking to his 21 year old son about Harry Potter, and the Lord of the rings movies. My brother clearly was not happy about the conversation. The following day after the funeral, he pulled me aside and gave me a book that he really thought I should read. The book was titled; "Liberalism is a Sin". It goes on to describe why the "Liberals" are taking us all straight to hell. It includes these movies, music, and especially those liberal politicians that are resposible. It is written by a catholic priest, who clearly is very serious. I called my brother today and I asked him; "do you really belive this shit?" Sadly, he does. So it's not just people outside of a theater. It's people in your own family. Now that is scary. Jotown:) "It's all good: Except when it's Great"
Deathtoallwhoopposeme Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 I would have beat that Guy's Hypocritical Ass for not leaving me alone when I asked him. I LOATHE these Religious fanatics....My business is just that, MY BUSINESS....I will get insolent to anyone who tries to get in it.... :mad: Sean Michael Mormelo www.seanmmormelo.com
Super 8 Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by phaeton: [b]Is there a reason why they gravely detest Harry Potter movies over many of the others that could possibly be even worse to them? Do most churches have a disdain for this movie, or are these folks considered `radicals'?[/b][/quote]I'd just like to say that these people are NOT representative of most Christians -at least the one's I know. The people who do this kind of thing are fringe weirdo's -yes, 'radicals'. They piss me off because they do everything they can to drive people away from a what could be a fulfilling relationship with Christ. They give christians like myself a bad name. [i]"Oh, You're a christian too? Well, then you MUST be like them!"[/i] and I'm not! I don't know anyone who is! But I HAVE been approached by those kinds of people. I should point out that Christ was not like that either... But have some pity on these people. Many of them are SO STRICKEN with guilt that they have become obsessed about 'sin' and satan and black magic. They're looking for the demons that might be hiding out in their cheeseburger. Many were raised this way by their parents, they fell away from it for awhile during their late teens, and now are coming back more guilt stricken than ever! You may have seen the kinds of churches they attend on cable TV. They are whipped up into a frenzy. They are told the end is near and that satan is on the prowl in Harry Potter books, and LotR movies. They are told that the people seeing these movies are 'worldly' and will resist the message because they are such 'worldly' sinners. But this is a 'holy war', so they arrive in groups chanting "Turn or Burn" without an ounce of compassion or respect for people they are about to assault -and ready to argue for the cause! It REALLY pisses me off! I'm sorry it happened to you, and that it may have tainted your view of what following christ is all about. Again please keep in mind that these are fringe groups. Most practicing christians are nothing like these people. Super 8 Hear my stuff here
Rim Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by joegerardi: [b] PS: Anyone else think the actress that plays Hermione is going to be HOT when she grows up?[/b][/quote] [quote]Originally posted by phaeton: [b]Realtrance: joegerardi- Yes, most certainly Emma Watson is a doll. A beautiful little girl she is, and i only mean that in the very best way possible. If i weren't so overcome by the subliminal messages in the movie nefariously turning me into a homosexual, i'm sure i'd be wishing that she was twice her age and lived next door to me. :p [/b][/quote]Phew! I thought I was the only one. :D I think they choose HP to pick on b/c it's very popular and they can get a lot of publicity. I was just thinking about this a few weeks ago. The movie they really should be protesting is "A Year Without a Santa Claus" - you know, the claymation thing with Heat Miser and Snow Miser. Anyway, in the movie, Mrs. Claus says something like "There can't be a Christmas without Santa Claus!" Hmmm, last time I checked, Christmas was about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. As a Catholic, that statement bothered me more than either of the HP movies. Don't get me wrong, though, I'm not much of the protesting type. If I was though, I'd be protesting "A Year Without a Santa Claus" but I wouldn't protest any of the HP stuff. Actually, the thing that kinda bothers me about the HP stuff isn't religion-related. What bothers me more is the wizard school has very distinct rules which Harry and the crew breaks. But instead of being punished, he gets rewarded and celebrated. Do you think kids take it that it's OK to break rules and is it bad to think that way? If I had young kids, I don't think I'd be teaching them "The end justifies the means". Machiavelli, wasn't it? Anyone else think HP2 was scarier than LOTR2? :freak: aka riffing Double Post music: Strip Down http://rimspeed.com http://loadedtheband.com
Jotown Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 [quote]I should point out that Christ was not like that either... [/quote]Hmmm...... The Christian right, and most of the republican conservatives,(Ashcroft, Bush, etc.....)are much scarier than some Jesus freaks out in front of a movie theater. Don't kid yourself into thinking this is just a fringe thing. Maybe you are not like that, but much of your Christian brethren certainly are. Jotown:) "It's all good: Except when it's Great"
BlueDog Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 How many out there know that Tolkien was a Devout Christian, and was brought to Christianity by his good friend C.S Lewis... also a fantasy novelist. It's ridiculous to say that those movies are full of satan's influence... its an 'epic tale of the triumph of good over evil'... Harry Potter is pretty much the same, although granted the author is of not-so-christian background... (And I think the cries of homosexuality are aimed at the author, not at the movie itself...) BD
Salyphus Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 [quote] Anyway, in the movie, Mrs. Claus says something like "There can't be a Christmas without Santa Claus!" Hmmm, last time I checked, Christmas was about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. [/quote]Not necessarily. For devout christians that may be the case, but for the rest of us it is as secular a holiday as they come. And since the origins of the yuletide traditions are pagan and predate christianity, there's nothing unusual about it. I do love that special though, it used to freak me out when I was a kid (in a good way ;) ) [quote] I should point out that Christ was not like that either... [/quote]I think he would be appalled at the organized religions that supposedly represent his teachings. IMO religion and spirituality should be a personal relationship between you and whatever you believe in; membership in a club is not part of that relationship. But that's just my opinion. Like I said as long as people don't try to force their crap on me I don't care what they do. Unfortunately our current government does not respect this policy :( which is why I get defensive about it.
Super 8 Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 [quote]Originally posted by Jotown: [b] [quote]I should point out that Christ was not like that either... [/quote]Hmmm...... The Christian right, and most of the republican conservatives,(Ashcroft, Bush, etc.....)are much scarier than some Jesus freaks out in front of a movie theater.[/b][/quote]Agreed, as are many liberal activists and democratic politicians. Wouldn't you agree? Of course christianity isn't a political party, so I'm not certain how your statement relates to mine that you quoted... [quote]Originally posted by Jotown: [b]Don't kid yourself into thinking this is just a fringe thing. Maybe you are not like that, but much of your Christian brethren certainly are.[/b][/quote]Well, I'm sorry but it *IS* a fringe thing. But if you want to think otherwise, it's your life. Super 8 Hear my stuff here
Mats Olsson. Posted January 6, 2003 Posted January 6, 2003 They are trolls. Some are trolls with arms. Scary stuff. /Mats http://www.lexam.net/peter/carnut/man.gif What do we want? Procrastination! When do we want it? Later!
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