So once again I am visiting Liberty Ministries of Nigeria and presenting a review of another one of their messages against the occult.
Background:
Highway to the Grave is made by Liberty Ministries in Nigeria. Liberty first caught my attention when I watched a Dispatches documentary titled "Saving Africa's Witch children." This film showed how young children are violently and socially abused after erroneously being accused of witchcraft.
Among the perpetrators of this myth are Liberty Ministries and their leader Helen Ukpabio. Literature distributed from this church makes claims that "If a child under the age of two screams in the night, cries and is always feverish with deteriorating health he or she is a servant of Satan" despite malaria being too common in Nigeria.
End of the Wicked shows how Liberty thinks children are recruited into the occult, however their other movies warn about the other alledged dangers of the occult and warn people only Jesus can save them. Among them is Highway to the Grave.
Plot:
So the movie opens with a woman waking up from a nightmare where she is chased by what appears to be a pupiless eye of Sauron. We flashback to a meeting with a witchdoctor and the woman who claims she is targeted by evil spirits. He sacrifices a goat to a river in order to appease the spirits.
We now cut to a Nigerian highway. A woman in a red dress apparently hitchhiking is offered a ride. The woman tells the driver her name is Sonya and he starts chatting and then feeling her up. She suddenly dissappears and in a panic the driver abandons his car. His running is observed by a group of overacting women. He eventually comes to a friend who advises him to go to a witchdoctor who tells him he is targeted by evil spirits. The witchdoctor (Who is different to the previous one) tells him the spirits will leave him along if he runs naked in the market square 7 times before midnight.
Despite complying with the instructions, Sonya appears before the man once more the next day and he dies of a heart attack. (And some overacting)
So we find that the strange women are a bunch of ghosts who target people for destruction Seducing a man due to be married causing him to miss his wedding and getting hit by a car. Seducing another and rendering him impotent. Seducing a preacher. Many of these victims go to a different witchdoctor who demands something embarrassing or outright immoral (one demanded the head of their mother)
This cycle starts coming to an end when Sonya tries another victim, starts to seduces him then turns into a coffin to terrify him. He consults another witchdoctor who tells him to leave his house. The witchdoctor however moves himself in while the victim and his wife lives in a shack somewhere. The wife (Played by Helen Ukpabio herself) talks to her pastor who tells her only Jesus can save them. Sonya attempts to intervene however she is defeated by the pastor yelling at her. The pastor then drives out the witchdoctor from the house and the film ends with.
Intended Message:
This movie clearly seeks to assert the existence of malevolent entities and states that only turning to the Christian god Jesus will help them. All others are depicted to be ineffective and fraudulent.
Final thoughts:
Having watched other Liberty Films productions, I wasn't expecting a masterpiece. The acting was over the top in some scenes, particularly with the leader of the ghosts.
Monday, 24 October 2011
Saturday, 24 September 2011
The Godmakers
You know what amuses me the most about Christianity? How many versions of it there is. Catholicism, Protestantism, Baptist, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, Pentecostal and Fundamental. The differences between them both subtle and gross. All have their own rituals, teachings, doctrines and so forth. As a result, there's infighting among the "Lambs of God" over whom truly worship their lord and all others are deceived by their version of Satan.
Background
Produced by Jeremiah Films and directed by former Mormon Ed Decker. The Godmakers attempts to show that the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, or simply Mormonism, is vastly different to Biblical Christianity and therefore not Christianity, but yet another religion erroneously labeled "Satanic".
Summery
The film uses a mix of interviews from former Mormons and their experiences within the Mormon church, an acted plot of Decker and his college taking with lawyers to organise a class action suit against the church which ultimately is not taken.
Among the film's allegations, they claim that the Mormons must engage in polygamous marriages. That they hold the Church's founder Josepth Smith Jr equally, if not higher than Jesus. That the God of Mormonism was once a mortal being from a planet orbiting a star named "Kolob" and that through strict adherence to Mormon doctrine, followers may also ascend to godhood.
The film aledges that the need for polygamy is so important that Mormon women are encouraged to leave their husbands if they do not measure up to Church standards.
Claims that Mormon doctrine has been altered over the years. That the Doctine and Covenants has 200 or so words omited due to false prophesy.
The film also highlights that the civilisation depicted in the Book of Mormon does not seem to have existed and calls the translation of the "Book of Abraham" into question.
The film uses actors to depict a supposed ritual that takes place in their temples. They are compared to those supposedly performed by Freemasons. Including rituals where dead family members are baptised by proxy. Members who have Temple Recomend cards are expected to wear a set of under garments which are said to contain magical properties.
Final Thoughts
Having read the Book of Mormon firsthand, I can confirm that they do beleive the Native Americans are indeed decendants of Israelites. However there has been no evidence to support this. Nor are the cities of the "Nephites" or artifacts found.
The Polygamy claim does seem to be backed up by early LDS history, however they LDS church does not seem to practice this anymore, but a splinter group, the Fundimentalist LDS church however still does.
I do find it funny though one of the men making the claims that Mormonism isn't Christian is when he pulls out a favorite book among propagandists, The Satanic Bible by Anton LaVey. Why? Because one of the "Infernal names" is "Mormo - King of the Ghouls". He also claims that in Chinese, "Mormon" means "Gates of Hell".
While I can't varify the accuracy of the claims of Mason-like rituals in their temples, I personally see nothing wrong as long as no one is harmed.
In the end the basic message is this: The Mormon Church is not like us, therefore it is not Christian, therefore it is evil.
Background
Produced by Jeremiah Films and directed by former Mormon Ed Decker. The Godmakers attempts to show that the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, or simply Mormonism, is vastly different to Biblical Christianity and therefore not Christianity, but yet another religion erroneously labeled "Satanic".
Summery
The film uses a mix of interviews from former Mormons and their experiences within the Mormon church, an acted plot of Decker and his college taking with lawyers to organise a class action suit against the church which ultimately is not taken.
Among the film's allegations, they claim that the Mormons must engage in polygamous marriages. That they hold the Church's founder Josepth Smith Jr equally, if not higher than Jesus. That the God of Mormonism was once a mortal being from a planet orbiting a star named "Kolob" and that through strict adherence to Mormon doctrine, followers may also ascend to godhood.
The film aledges that the need for polygamy is so important that Mormon women are encouraged to leave their husbands if they do not measure up to Church standards.
Claims that Mormon doctrine has been altered over the years. That the Doctine and Covenants has 200 or so words omited due to false prophesy.
The film also highlights that the civilisation depicted in the Book of Mormon does not seem to have existed and calls the translation of the "Book of Abraham" into question.
The film uses actors to depict a supposed ritual that takes place in their temples. They are compared to those supposedly performed by Freemasons. Including rituals where dead family members are baptised by proxy. Members who have Temple Recomend cards are expected to wear a set of under garments which are said to contain magical properties.
Final Thoughts
Having read the Book of Mormon firsthand, I can confirm that they do beleive the Native Americans are indeed decendants of Israelites. However there has been no evidence to support this. Nor are the cities of the "Nephites" or artifacts found.
The Polygamy claim does seem to be backed up by early LDS history, however they LDS church does not seem to practice this anymore, but a splinter group, the Fundimentalist LDS church however still does.
I do find it funny though one of the men making the claims that Mormonism isn't Christian is when he pulls out a favorite book among propagandists, The Satanic Bible by Anton LaVey. Why? Because one of the "Infernal names" is "Mormo - King of the Ghouls". He also claims that in Chinese, "Mormon" means "Gates of Hell".
While I can't varify the accuracy of the claims of Mason-like rituals in their temples, I personally see nothing wrong as long as no one is harmed.
In the end the basic message is this: The Mormon Church is not like us, therefore it is not Christian, therefore it is evil.
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Left Behind.
"How do you describe both a beginning and an end?" Asks the opening narration of this movie. The beginning of a movie about the end of the world. An idea most talked of in Christian churches and the theme of a book series and later movie adaptions. Since the canonisation of the Book of Revelation, preachers have been telling people that the end is near so we must repent. How the end as described in the final book of the Christian bible is shown here on film an a trilogy starting with "Left Behind"
Background:
Left Behind is an adaptation of the first book of the Left Behind series by Christian authors Tim LaHeye and Jerry Jenkins. The book being a depiction of the world as the events prophesied by Revelation begin to unfold after the "Born Again" are taken to heaven before the "Tribulation". The movie was produced Cloud Ten pictures and was directed by Vic Sarin.
Plot:
The movie opens in modern day Jerusalem where journalist Buck Williams (Played by "Way of the Master" co host Kick Cameron) is interviewing Israeli scientist Chaim Rosenzweig about a breakthrough that allows crops to be grown on infertile land like deserts. However, From Iraq, Syria and somewhere in the Mediterranean comes a mighty armada of tanks, fighters and helicopters making a surprise offensive into Israel.
Buck is lead into the Israeli war room by Chaim where the military attempt to coordinate a defencive but are unable to. However the invaders are soon defeated by an unknown, but powerful force.
The next day in America, we are introduced with the Steele family, where the mother is a born again and the father Rayford, a pilot, is not. This sometimes leads to tensions between them and their non believing daughter.
After their introduction we find that the world is changing. Countries changing their currencies to match, and we see the humanitarian efforts of UN Sectary General Nicoli Carpathia whom is later revealed to be the Anti-Christ, or "Beast from the sea" as depicted in Revelation.
So, as Rayford makes a routine flight, it is soon discovered that many on board the plane have disappeared, leaving only their clothes, including all the children. This naturally causes a panic among the remaining passengers. Not long is it revealed that this has happened all over the planet, people and all the children under the age of 8 have disappeared. This causes widespread chaos. Traffic accidents due to drivers going. Hysterical parents panicking over the missing kids.
After finding his wife and youngest son missing, Rayford starts reading the bible, meanwhile as Buck tries to contact a known conspiracy theorist in an attempt to find out what's going on, the American government declares martial law due to the anarcnhy.
Meanwhile, Rayford speaks to his wife's pastor, whom was left behind because, while preaching, he did not believe himself., so now we find that the event was the so called Rapture, where the born again Christians are taken to heaven before some freaky stuff happens.
Buck on the other hand still tries to connect the recent assassination attempt, the need for a formula that grows plants where, the disappearances and any other conspiracy stuff going on, just as Nicoli announces that the disappearances are the result of radiation from nuclear weapons, and asks for total disarmament in exchange for the formula.
After Buck finds that the UN seeks to control the world's food supply, he seeks refuge with the Steeles, where Rayford shows him and his daughter a video tape made by another preacher to explain the events including the upcoming rise of the anti-Christ. Buck has doubts and tries to warn Nicoli whom he believes is a puppet.
Buck is forced to think and he soon accepts Jesus as his lord and Savior, and when he does so, he becomes immune to Nicoli's deceptive hypnosis as he kills the men who was supposedly controlling him. Buck now realises Nicoli is the Anti-Christ who is now set to rule the world indisputably.
So Buck, Rayford and the others are now planing to survive the next 7 years before it literally goes to hell.
The Film's Intent:
Subtlety was lost on this movie in its message to show that the end of the world could happen without warning and that one must be "saved" to get through it.
Final Thoughts:
How long has the world been ending now? Almost 2000 years now right? Naturally the promise of the death of the old world and the new one in heaven has been a particular interest to Christians. Here is a movie that caters to that, and the NWO nonsence.
Must have been interesting to decide what events of Revelation to depict symbolically and literally. For example, depicting the anti-Christ as a human as opposed to a 10 headed sea monster while showing people actually disappearing.
The acting was ok. Not a fan of Kirk Cameron as a person due to him and his buddy Ray Comfort basically knocking anything that isn't their christianity on their show Way of the Master.
Background:
Left Behind is an adaptation of the first book of the Left Behind series by Christian authors Tim LaHeye and Jerry Jenkins. The book being a depiction of the world as the events prophesied by Revelation begin to unfold after the "Born Again" are taken to heaven before the "Tribulation". The movie was produced Cloud Ten pictures and was directed by Vic Sarin.
Plot:
The movie opens in modern day Jerusalem where journalist Buck Williams (Played by "Way of the Master" co host Kick Cameron) is interviewing Israeli scientist Chaim Rosenzweig about a breakthrough that allows crops to be grown on infertile land like deserts. However, From Iraq, Syria and somewhere in the Mediterranean comes a mighty armada of tanks, fighters and helicopters making a surprise offensive into Israel.
Buck is lead into the Israeli war room by Chaim where the military attempt to coordinate a defencive but are unable to. However the invaders are soon defeated by an unknown, but powerful force.
The next day in America, we are introduced with the Steele family, where the mother is a born again and the father Rayford, a pilot, is not. This sometimes leads to tensions between them and their non believing daughter.
After their introduction we find that the world is changing. Countries changing their currencies to match, and we see the humanitarian efforts of UN Sectary General Nicoli Carpathia whom is later revealed to be the Anti-Christ, or "Beast from the sea" as depicted in Revelation.
So, as Rayford makes a routine flight, it is soon discovered that many on board the plane have disappeared, leaving only their clothes, including all the children. This naturally causes a panic among the remaining passengers. Not long is it revealed that this has happened all over the planet, people and all the children under the age of 8 have disappeared. This causes widespread chaos. Traffic accidents due to drivers going. Hysterical parents panicking over the missing kids.
After finding his wife and youngest son missing, Rayford starts reading the bible, meanwhile as Buck tries to contact a known conspiracy theorist in an attempt to find out what's going on, the American government declares martial law due to the anarcnhy.
Meanwhile, Rayford speaks to his wife's pastor, whom was left behind because, while preaching, he did not believe himself., so now we find that the event was the so called Rapture, where the born again Christians are taken to heaven before some freaky stuff happens.
Buck on the other hand still tries to connect the recent assassination attempt, the need for a formula that grows plants where, the disappearances and any other conspiracy stuff going on, just as Nicoli announces that the disappearances are the result of radiation from nuclear weapons, and asks for total disarmament in exchange for the formula.
After Buck finds that the UN seeks to control the world's food supply, he seeks refuge with the Steeles, where Rayford shows him and his daughter a video tape made by another preacher to explain the events including the upcoming rise of the anti-Christ. Buck has doubts and tries to warn Nicoli whom he believes is a puppet.
Buck is forced to think and he soon accepts Jesus as his lord and Savior, and when he does so, he becomes immune to Nicoli's deceptive hypnosis as he kills the men who was supposedly controlling him. Buck now realises Nicoli is the Anti-Christ who is now set to rule the world indisputably.
So Buck, Rayford and the others are now planing to survive the next 7 years before it literally goes to hell.
The Film's Intent:
Subtlety was lost on this movie in its message to show that the end of the world could happen without warning and that one must be "saved" to get through it.
Final Thoughts:
How long has the world been ending now? Almost 2000 years now right? Naturally the promise of the death of the old world and the new one in heaven has been a particular interest to Christians. Here is a movie that caters to that, and the NWO nonsence.
Must have been interesting to decide what events of Revelation to depict symbolically and literally. For example, depicting the anti-Christ as a human as opposed to a 10 headed sea monster while showing people actually disappearing.
The acting was ok. Not a fan of Kirk Cameron as a person due to him and his buddy Ray Comfort basically knocking anything that isn't their christianity on their show Way of the Master.
Saturday, 18 June 2011
Bibleman: Six Lies of the Fibbler
What do you get when you cross the Adam West Batman series, the shitty song writing of a cheap toon movie and biblical morality? Bibleman. A purple clad Superhero who fights against those who cause children to sin.
Background
Produced by Tommy Nelson Kids. Bibleman is a live action series which is mostly distributed by video tape and later DVD and broadcast on christian networks. As of writing the author is unable to find out who created Bibleman.
Plot
A group of kids are about to practice a song routine they plan to do in a church service. However the youngest, a girl named Ashley is late for the rehearsal. After a song and dance routine, Ashley arrives. the rest ask what kept her this time, as it was the third time she had been late. Observing is The Fibbler, a yellow skinned, big nosed demon who uses his power to make Ashly lie about her absence. As her friends call out her lies, Bibleman appears and asks how their rehearsals are going, but notices something up.
So Ashley is tasked by her friends to bring a music tape to church for their music routine, however she fails to do so. The Fibbler uses his lie power to make her shift responsibility to a friend, causing more tension. Naturally Ashley is upset about her friends being upset with her lying. Fibbler being satisfied with his victoryhe is spotted by Bibleman (the only one who can see him.) The two engage in a lightsabre fight (Both have lightsabres, who knew?) but are interupted by word of Ashley's quiting the group.
While Bibleman uses his base' computer to ID his foe, the song group discuss the Ashley situation. Ashley feels bad about the lies she told. and doesn't understand why she does so. Bibleman talks to her, comparing her situation with that of Paul the Apostle, who also apparently did stuff he didn't understand (Like oppressing the early christian movement, and then taking it over). But tells her that Jesus loves her and is willing to help her with her sin problem.
Ashley explains herself to the group and apologises. They forgive her, and Fibbler is angry at his failure for breaking the group up. He is engaged by Bibleman and a duel once again commences while Bibleman recites verse and verse from the bible.
So, Fibbler is defeated and the kids are able to do their number again, and Ashley feels Jesus has forgiven her sin of lying (dispite the fact she was being controlled and has no say in the matter.) Ending on a song about forgivness.
Intended message.
Basically this ep is intended to discourage dishonesty. However though they do point out the need to seek forgiveness from Jesus.
Final Thoughts.
So many things wrong with the Bibleman concept. One, the origin given in the opening is lacking. Basically we're told that this well off guy is having a crisis because he felt empty, so he finds a bible. It's not enough he simply became christian, but he decides to become a superhero, a christian superhero at that. No murdered parents. no alien heritage. So what drove him to crimefighting? Also, why does Fibbler have a light sabre. It doesn't seem to match his costume (He seems to be in stereotypical nerd gear, ok might fit after all if a Star Wars)
The songs are also unnecessary . Just mindless asskissing to Jesus. And this isn't even an animated movie, so seriously, just doesn't work.
I may review more eps in the future, but we'll see.
Background
Produced by Tommy Nelson Kids. Bibleman is a live action series which is mostly distributed by video tape and later DVD and broadcast on christian networks. As of writing the author is unable to find out who created Bibleman.
Plot
A group of kids are about to practice a song routine they plan to do in a church service. However the youngest, a girl named Ashley is late for the rehearsal. After a song and dance routine, Ashley arrives. the rest ask what kept her this time, as it was the third time she had been late. Observing is The Fibbler, a yellow skinned, big nosed demon who uses his power to make Ashly lie about her absence. As her friends call out her lies, Bibleman appears and asks how their rehearsals are going, but notices something up.
So Ashley is tasked by her friends to bring a music tape to church for their music routine, however she fails to do so. The Fibbler uses his lie power to make her shift responsibility to a friend, causing more tension. Naturally Ashley is upset about her friends being upset with her lying. Fibbler being satisfied with his victoryhe is spotted by Bibleman (the only one who can see him.) The two engage in a lightsabre fight (Both have lightsabres, who knew?) but are interupted by word of Ashley's quiting the group.
While Bibleman uses his base' computer to ID his foe, the song group discuss the Ashley situation. Ashley feels bad about the lies she told. and doesn't understand why she does so. Bibleman talks to her, comparing her situation with that of Paul the Apostle, who also apparently did stuff he didn't understand (Like oppressing the early christian movement, and then taking it over). But tells her that Jesus loves her and is willing to help her with her sin problem.
Ashley explains herself to the group and apologises. They forgive her, and Fibbler is angry at his failure for breaking the group up. He is engaged by Bibleman and a duel once again commences while Bibleman recites verse and verse from the bible.
So, Fibbler is defeated and the kids are able to do their number again, and Ashley feels Jesus has forgiven her sin of lying (dispite the fact she was being controlled and has no say in the matter.) Ending on a song about forgivness.
Intended message.
Basically this ep is intended to discourage dishonesty. However though they do point out the need to seek forgiveness from Jesus.
Final Thoughts.
So many things wrong with the Bibleman concept. One, the origin given in the opening is lacking. Basically we're told that this well off guy is having a crisis because he felt empty, so he finds a bible. It's not enough he simply became christian, but he decides to become a superhero, a christian superhero at that. No murdered parents. no alien heritage. So what drove him to crimefighting? Also, why does Fibbler have a light sabre. It doesn't seem to match his costume (He seems to be in stereotypical nerd gear, ok might fit after all if a Star Wars)
The songs are also unnecessary . Just mindless asskissing to Jesus. And this isn't even an animated movie, so seriously, just doesn't work.
I may review more eps in the future, but we'll see.
Monday, 9 May 2011
Satanism: Satan's Bloody Teaching.
Normally when one thinks of anti-Satanic propaganda, one normally thinks it's of Christian origin. Some even make that mistake as seen in the comments of this half hour lie fest. However, Christianity may indeed be the first to take the Satan character and make it their "boogieman", Islam makes use of it as well in their mythology.
Background
Near as I can tell, this piece is made by Harun Yahya, an Islamic creationist. upon visiting his website at http://www.harunyahya.tv I see the usual creationist arguments, but with an Islamic flavour. Like Christianity, Islam has a devil in it. They freely use the Hebrew name for the Adversary when preaching to those who live in areas more familiar with Christianity (Satan), but in their Arabic language, they know him as Shaitan.
Naturally like their Christian counterparts, they feel threatened by Satanism and seek to prevent those from treading the Left Hand Path using a mix of their own mythology, and false information about Satanic beliefs. Even outright lying about Anton LaVey's Church of Satan.
Plot
The movie is not presented as a fictional story but as a documentary style film. It opens with scenes of nature and a voice over comments on nature's beauty and how they were created this way by the Islamic god. Stormy images follow as we now hear how according to Islamic doctrine, Satan seeks to stop humans from praising Allah (The name associated with the god of Islam) and ultimately be condemned to hellfire.
The film now displays the title among shots of crimes, Satanic imagery and rock concerts implying there is a connection.
Now the film's introduction is concluded, we are treated to the origin of Islam's interpriation of Satan. In Islam, Satan starts as an angel named Iblis. After creating Adam, Allah commands all his angels to bow before the first man. Iblis however refuses, stating his superiority due to Adam being crafted from clay and he himself from fire. Allah condemns Iblis and sentances him to "the fire", but Iblis asks for repreive until the "last day" so he can turn many humans astray. Allah for somereason unexplained allows it.
The movie attempts to present the "dark history" of satanism and starts by defining it as the worship of their character. Apparently Satanists have been around since the time of the Egyptians and Greeks. Apparently Satanism became fully organised in the 1800s. Of course Satanists have been ritually slaughtering children in black masses. basically the usual Satanic Panic stuff here. Also thrown in was the how the Knights Templar have reorganised into the Freemasions. (I also can't help but think the music in this scene is ripped off from Conan the Destroyer.) Of course the film also shows how Satanism is attempting to recruit using websites and books.
Now the film talks specifically about the Church of Satan. Problem is, it opens with footage from the Klu Klux Klan, who are not by anymeans Satanic. So we are now treated to a history of Anton LaVey's Church of Satan. How it was founded in 1966 and how it is estimated to have over 10,000 members.
Among many of the other claims, the film accuses Satanists of being support of rape and bloodshed because according to this movie, it is how survival of the fittest works in evolution. That Satanism has a lot in common with Nazism, that rock and roll and metal is used to recruit new young members.
Finally the movie concludes that satanists are apparently deluded and should turn to Islam.
Final Thoughts
Firstly, the images of nature to show a good creator is flawed as nature is for the most part cruel. deserts, natural disasters and all manner of life killing each over to survive. If this is the will of an intelligent being, it has a sick sense of humour.
The use of KKK footage when talking about the Church of Satan is misleading and insulting. The Klu Klux Klan is a white supremacist organisation based on Christian principles, not Satanic.
I find the accusations of Satanic immorality both ironic and stupid considering this film is made to promote a religion associated with honour killings and terrorism. Satanism considers rape unSatanic where has there have been reported cases of marital rape within Muslim couples.
I suppose there's nothing new here really, just it comes in Islamic as opposed to Christian. But hey, what do you expect, they do have common roots.
Background
Near as I can tell, this piece is made by Harun Yahya, an Islamic creationist. upon visiting his website at http://www.harunyahya.tv I see the usual creationist arguments, but with an Islamic flavour. Like Christianity, Islam has a devil in it. They freely use the Hebrew name for the Adversary when preaching to those who live in areas more familiar with Christianity (Satan), but in their Arabic language, they know him as Shaitan.
Naturally like their Christian counterparts, they feel threatened by Satanism and seek to prevent those from treading the Left Hand Path using a mix of their own mythology, and false information about Satanic beliefs. Even outright lying about Anton LaVey's Church of Satan.
Plot
The movie is not presented as a fictional story but as a documentary style film. It opens with scenes of nature and a voice over comments on nature's beauty and how they were created this way by the Islamic god. Stormy images follow as we now hear how according to Islamic doctrine, Satan seeks to stop humans from praising Allah (The name associated with the god of Islam) and ultimately be condemned to hellfire.
The film now displays the title among shots of crimes, Satanic imagery and rock concerts implying there is a connection.
Now the film's introduction is concluded, we are treated to the origin of Islam's interpriation of Satan. In Islam, Satan starts as an angel named Iblis. After creating Adam, Allah commands all his angels to bow before the first man. Iblis however refuses, stating his superiority due to Adam being crafted from clay and he himself from fire. Allah condemns Iblis and sentances him to "the fire", but Iblis asks for repreive until the "last day" so he can turn many humans astray. Allah for somereason unexplained allows it.
The movie attempts to present the "dark history" of satanism and starts by defining it as the worship of their character. Apparently Satanists have been around since the time of the Egyptians and Greeks. Apparently Satanism became fully organised in the 1800s. Of course Satanists have been ritually slaughtering children in black masses. basically the usual Satanic Panic stuff here. Also thrown in was the how the Knights Templar have reorganised into the Freemasions. (I also can't help but think the music in this scene is ripped off from Conan the Destroyer.) Of course the film also shows how Satanism is attempting to recruit using websites and books.
Now the film talks specifically about the Church of Satan. Problem is, it opens with footage from the Klu Klux Klan, who are not by anymeans Satanic. So we are now treated to a history of Anton LaVey's Church of Satan. How it was founded in 1966 and how it is estimated to have over 10,000 members.
Among many of the other claims, the film accuses Satanists of being support of rape and bloodshed because according to this movie, it is how survival of the fittest works in evolution. That Satanism has a lot in common with Nazism, that rock and roll and metal is used to recruit new young members.
Finally the movie concludes that satanists are apparently deluded and should turn to Islam.
Final Thoughts
Firstly, the images of nature to show a good creator is flawed as nature is for the most part cruel. deserts, natural disasters and all manner of life killing each over to survive. If this is the will of an intelligent being, it has a sick sense of humour.
The use of KKK footage when talking about the Church of Satan is misleading and insulting. The Klu Klux Klan is a white supremacist organisation based on Christian principles, not Satanic.
I find the accusations of Satanic immorality both ironic and stupid considering this film is made to promote a religion associated with honour killings and terrorism. Satanism considers rape unSatanic where has there have been reported cases of marital rape within Muslim couples.
I suppose there's nothing new here really, just it comes in Islamic as opposed to Christian. But hey, what do you expect, they do have common roots.
Saturday, 26 February 2011
The Passion of the Christ
Should have seen this one coming. The Simpsons warned us. In the episode when Mel Gibson wanted Homer's help to make his remake of Mr Smith Goes to Washington better, they both agreed the ending needed to be violent. Didn't work out, but Gibson's bloodlust was there. So, would it be a surprise when he got on the director's chair he would unleash a gorefest?
This movie, like many others is based on a book, or rather 4 books. 4 books that differ in major plot elements cobbled together to form a coherent story. The Gospels
Background
Of all the movies to start as a director, Mel chooses the crucifixion of Jesus. Released in 2004, this movie gained some controversy. First is the mentioned levels of violence leveled at one character. Another is the claim that the movie promotes anti-semitism, a factor parodied in South Park. Perhaps most unusual is that there are stories of parents actually taking kids to see this movie.
Plot
So the movie starts with the “son of God” praying fearfully in a moonlight garden, having a go at his posse for not keeping watch for the boogieman or something. So while the messiah is begging for the cup to be passed from him, he is taunted by the most androgynous Satan ever to appear on screen. So Jesus is arrested when a reluctant Judas leads the Sanhedrin to him. The other apostles attempt to resist and despite overpowering the armed soldiers, Jesus surrenders and is taken to the high priests with beatings on the way.
So as the somewhat worse for wear demigod is brought in questioning, the high priest asks Yeshua outright if he is the messiah. He blatantly claims to be, earning him a beating for blasphemy. I guess they were expecting that Emmanuel guy.
So after Judas tries to talk the Sanhedrin to talking the money back and releasing Jesus, we find the guilt ridden man tormented by demonic children whom later force him to hang himself.
So Jesus is brought to Pilate, the Imperial Governor of Judia for crucifixion, but Pilate does not see Jesus as his problem so sends him to Herod, King of Galilee, whom sends him back to Pilate.
Pilate tries to satisfy the crowd by having Yeshua severely whipped but not killed. So begins one of the bloodiest scenes in film. So this thing goes on for 10 minutes and you can a chunk of him torn right off, exposing some ribs. Watching this go on is that androgynous Satan now sporting a creepy kid of his/her own. At the end of it, Jesus is nothing but a bloody mess.
Despite this however, the priest and the crowd demand his execution to which Pilate responds with his literal washing his hands on the matter, telling them I ain’t responsible for this shit.
So now we come to the main event, the condemned is given his cross and led out of the city passing through jeering mobs and being beating mercilessly. A man is made to assist Jesus in carrying the cross, who later feels sorry for the condemned,
So have a long and brutal trek through Jerusalem we finally get to the nailing up. We are treated to flashbacks while not a lot happens until they get round to actually putting him on the cross. The camera likes to make sure the viewer see the nails go through, the agony and the sadistic faces of the Romans. One of his fellow condemn challenges his to free himself if he is who he claims to be. His challenge is met with a crow gouging his eyes out.
So after a long time, Jesus finally snuffs it and suddenly an earthquake devastates the temple, the one Jesus claimed he would destroy and rebuild in 3 days. There is panic among the Romans as some weird shit happens. Jesus is then lowered from the cross and entombed in respect of it being a Friday night (Sabbath) and not stuck in a ditch as would be the case. The final shot of the movie Jesus waking up, all but the holes in his hands regenerated and finally the end credits.
Intended Message
It seems clear to me that the main message here is the pain and agony Jesus had to go through to allow mankind to be forgiven of sin. It also seems to show how brutal those who do not believe in him are. While the Sanhedrin are indeed the most demanding of Jesus' blood, it is the romans who are more than willing to supply it.
Final Comments
Wow, just wow. This is a sadist's wet dream. The flogging scene and the crucifixion seemed to be needlessly drawn out. Kinda alternated between disgusting and boring. I guess they wanted to draw out the torture in an attempt to show what he went through "for us." Like there isn't enough needless guilt.
I must admit, I think it interesting given the level of blood in this movie they chose the hanging death for Judas as opposed to the gut spill in Acts. Either they wanted some sympathy for the Patron Saint of Thankless Tasks. (Idea from Peter Gilmore's Review: A Clockwork Messiah)
One question remains on my mind. The mosiac law teaches blasphemers are to be stoned to death, so why the need to have the romans use their method of execution?
I am also disturbed about the stories I hear of parents showing this movie to their kids. If I had kids I certainly wouldn't show them this. If I wanna tramatise them, I'll use a more entertaining movie like The Toxic Avenger or Robocop. At least you can enjoy most of the deaths as they're bad guys.
This movie, like many others is based on a book, or rather 4 books. 4 books that differ in major plot elements cobbled together to form a coherent story. The Gospels
Background
Of all the movies to start as a director, Mel chooses the crucifixion of Jesus. Released in 2004, this movie gained some controversy. First is the mentioned levels of violence leveled at one character. Another is the claim that the movie promotes anti-semitism, a factor parodied in South Park. Perhaps most unusual is that there are stories of parents actually taking kids to see this movie.
Plot
So the movie starts with the “son of God” praying fearfully in a moonlight garden, having a go at his posse for not keeping watch for the boogieman or something. So while the messiah is begging for the cup to be passed from him, he is taunted by the most androgynous Satan ever to appear on screen. So Jesus is arrested when a reluctant Judas leads the Sanhedrin to him. The other apostles attempt to resist and despite overpowering the armed soldiers, Jesus surrenders and is taken to the high priests with beatings on the way.
So as the somewhat worse for wear demigod is brought in questioning, the high priest asks Yeshua outright if he is the messiah. He blatantly claims to be, earning him a beating for blasphemy. I guess they were expecting that Emmanuel guy.
So after Judas tries to talk the Sanhedrin to talking the money back and releasing Jesus, we find the guilt ridden man tormented by demonic children whom later force him to hang himself.
So Jesus is brought to Pilate, the Imperial Governor of Judia for crucifixion, but Pilate does not see Jesus as his problem so sends him to Herod, King of Galilee, whom sends him back to Pilate.
Pilate tries to satisfy the crowd by having Yeshua severely whipped but not killed. So begins one of the bloodiest scenes in film. So this thing goes on for 10 minutes and you can a chunk of him torn right off, exposing some ribs. Watching this go on is that androgynous Satan now sporting a creepy kid of his/her own. At the end of it, Jesus is nothing but a bloody mess.
Despite this however, the priest and the crowd demand his execution to which Pilate responds with his literal washing his hands on the matter, telling them I ain’t responsible for this shit.
So now we come to the main event, the condemned is given his cross and led out of the city passing through jeering mobs and being beating mercilessly. A man is made to assist Jesus in carrying the cross, who later feels sorry for the condemned,
So have a long and brutal trek through Jerusalem we finally get to the nailing up. We are treated to flashbacks while not a lot happens until they get round to actually putting him on the cross. The camera likes to make sure the viewer see the nails go through, the agony and the sadistic faces of the Romans. One of his fellow condemn challenges his to free himself if he is who he claims to be. His challenge is met with a crow gouging his eyes out.
So after a long time, Jesus finally snuffs it and suddenly an earthquake devastates the temple, the one Jesus claimed he would destroy and rebuild in 3 days. There is panic among the Romans as some weird shit happens. Jesus is then lowered from the cross and entombed in respect of it being a Friday night (Sabbath) and not stuck in a ditch as would be the case. The final shot of the movie Jesus waking up, all but the holes in his hands regenerated and finally the end credits.
Intended Message
It seems clear to me that the main message here is the pain and agony Jesus had to go through to allow mankind to be forgiven of sin. It also seems to show how brutal those who do not believe in him are. While the Sanhedrin are indeed the most demanding of Jesus' blood, it is the romans who are more than willing to supply it.
Final Comments
Wow, just wow. This is a sadist's wet dream. The flogging scene and the crucifixion seemed to be needlessly drawn out. Kinda alternated between disgusting and boring. I guess they wanted to draw out the torture in an attempt to show what he went through "for us." Like there isn't enough needless guilt.
I must admit, I think it interesting given the level of blood in this movie they chose the hanging death for Judas as opposed to the gut spill in Acts. Either they wanted some sympathy for the Patron Saint of Thankless Tasks. (Idea from Peter Gilmore's Review: A Clockwork Messiah)
One question remains on my mind. The mosiac law teaches blasphemers are to be stoned to death, so why the need to have the romans use their method of execution?
I am also disturbed about the stories I hear of parents showing this movie to their kids. If I had kids I certainly wouldn't show them this. If I wanna tramatise them, I'll use a more entertaining movie like The Toxic Avenger or Robocop. At least you can enjoy most of the deaths as they're bad guys.
Sunday, 20 February 2011
How To Use Dianetics
How do you keep money coming to your organisation when it is founded on the works of one guy who is now dead? You repackage it and sell a new version. As I open the DVD case I noticed a second disc, and two booklets.
Background
Some time ago I reviewed Dianetics: The Visual Guidebook to the Mind. That DVD was sold by Scientology churches to accompany Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health (DMSMH). However, in 2007, That book, and many others in the group known to Scientologists as “The Basics” were edited and then reissued.
To go with the new version of “Book one”. Golden Era Productions, the media arm of the Church of Scientology produced a new DVD. Where as the previous had a single disc and a card insert with the Auditing ritual. The new DVD set includes a second DVD and two booklets. A “Film Guide” and a “Procedure Guide”
This DVD is paired with the 2007 edition of DMSMH, a version that is purported to be as the author L. Ron Hubbard intended. This has raised criticisms as DMSMH was published in 1950 and Hubbard didn’t die until 1986, allowing 36 years to correct it if he felt there was a problem.
Plot
The film is divided into 16 chapters. These chapters covers an aspect of Dianetics. If you read my review of the Visual Guidebook, then the plot is basically the same, but expanded in explaining the aspects. It starts with reminding the viewer about how people seek to live comfortable lives, yet often do ill rational things. This according to the film that painful experiences are recorded in the hypothetical “Reactive mind” as an “engram”. Engrams are said to cause pain or ill rational behaviour, often it can be chronic if anything was said during the incident. The video goes over the Auditing process that involves going over these painful incidents with another person.
The second disc goes into more detail about Scientological concepts as the tone scale. The different types of engram, including those given before birth. Painful emotion engrams.
Intended Message
This DVD set, like its predecessor is intended to get the viewer up to speed on the principles of Dianetics, how to audit and where to get more information. The info is a web address that directs the user to their nearest Scientology church. The film also directs the view to look up sections of the book.
Final Comments
Like the predecessor, this DVD doesn’t appear to make the more outlandish claims that Dianetics cures the common cold. It doesn’t mention as the book does that many pre-birth engrams are caused by abortion attempts.
While this DVD does go into more detail about the auditing process, but truth is, it’s still outdated even by Scientological standards. The next book, Science of Survival, makes some changes to the auditing process, and that book was published in 1952, this DVD in 2010. The text in the book suggests it may not be that big of a deal, but it’s still puzzling why they wouldn’t update.
Make no mistake, Dianetics is a pseudo-science. It makes these promises about increased health and better living, but it made these claims over half a century ago. If there were any noticeable improvement, it would have been picked up by now. It wouldn’t be this obscure thing most outside of Scientology would never have heard of.
Background
Some time ago I reviewed Dianetics: The Visual Guidebook to the Mind. That DVD was sold by Scientology churches to accompany Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health (DMSMH). However, in 2007, That book, and many others in the group known to Scientologists as “The Basics” were edited and then reissued.
To go with the new version of “Book one”. Golden Era Productions, the media arm of the Church of Scientology produced a new DVD. Where as the previous had a single disc and a card insert with the Auditing ritual. The new DVD set includes a second DVD and two booklets. A “Film Guide” and a “Procedure Guide”
This DVD is paired with the 2007 edition of DMSMH, a version that is purported to be as the author L. Ron Hubbard intended. This has raised criticisms as DMSMH was published in 1950 and Hubbard didn’t die until 1986, allowing 36 years to correct it if he felt there was a problem.
Plot
The film is divided into 16 chapters. These chapters covers an aspect of Dianetics. If you read my review of the Visual Guidebook, then the plot is basically the same, but expanded in explaining the aspects. It starts with reminding the viewer about how people seek to live comfortable lives, yet often do ill rational things. This according to the film that painful experiences are recorded in the hypothetical “Reactive mind” as an “engram”. Engrams are said to cause pain or ill rational behaviour, often it can be chronic if anything was said during the incident. The video goes over the Auditing process that involves going over these painful incidents with another person.
The second disc goes into more detail about Scientological concepts as the tone scale. The different types of engram, including those given before birth. Painful emotion engrams.
Intended Message
This DVD set, like its predecessor is intended to get the viewer up to speed on the principles of Dianetics, how to audit and where to get more information. The info is a web address that directs the user to their nearest Scientology church. The film also directs the view to look up sections of the book.
Final Comments
Like the predecessor, this DVD doesn’t appear to make the more outlandish claims that Dianetics cures the common cold. It doesn’t mention as the book does that many pre-birth engrams are caused by abortion attempts.
While this DVD does go into more detail about the auditing process, but truth is, it’s still outdated even by Scientological standards. The next book, Science of Survival, makes some changes to the auditing process, and that book was published in 1952, this DVD in 2010. The text in the book suggests it may not be that big of a deal, but it’s still puzzling why they wouldn’t update.
Make no mistake, Dianetics is a pseudo-science. It makes these promises about increased health and better living, but it made these claims over half a century ago. If there were any noticeable improvement, it would have been picked up by now. It wouldn’t be this obscure thing most outside of Scientology would never have heard of.
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