Minute for minute, the most violent movie I have ever seen was “The Passion of the Christ.” It was bloody and brutal, with very little relief.
Context is important. I doubt if “Hostel,” the particular film Mollie is writing about has any redeeming qualities and I sure won’t be seeing it.
But showing violence in a film is not intrinsically sinful is it? Do you think that portraying adultery or homosexuality in a movie is inherently evil? I don’t mean graphic displays of sex and gore. But doesn’t the morality of a film depend to a great extent on the meaning and effect this content has on the viewer?
I believe I read something Gene Veith wrote were he said that Christians should not be so concerned about what a movie shows as what it suggests. In other words, does the violence elicit sympathy, compassion, righteous anger against injustice, feelings of heroism, patriotism and valor? Or sadism, hatred and lack of respect for others.
Scott: Appreciate the thoughts….I think the key words in my post were: “bloody slasher-horror movies.” As Ms. Ziegler points out, this particular genre is intended to nothing other than indulge in what I would term “virtual sadism.” Scary stuff. I must admit though I’m beginning to become less inclined to try to justify a lot of visual things that portray behaviors contrary to our Lord’s will. I’ve always been intrigued by the Early Church’s opposition to “Spectacles.” I understand that part of the opposition was precisely because of the close linkage in the days of the Roman Empire between acting and cultic activities, even cultic prostitution and such. Much to ponder.

Paul,
Yes, much to ponder. I would be sure to moderate the early church’s opposition to spectacles to St. Paul’s quoting of pagan Greek playwrights in the New Testament. Cf. 1 Cor.15:33. Either Paul read this comedy by Menander or, as I think more likely, he saw it. I doubt if the scripts were just available to anyone anywhere. And if the apostle knew one Greek play, it’s quite likely he knew others. And these could certainly be violent and profane. I see no difference btwn St. Paul quoting Menander in an epistle than me quoting, oh say “Forrest Gump,” in a sermon. The apostle elsewhere tells us to think on things that are beautiful and praiseworthy. But in that same bit he tells us to think on things that are true. And sometimes artistic expressions found in society contain truth that is not always pretty. I’m not disagreeing with your posts so much as reflecting out loud on them.