Welllll...

So it seems, those times are a-changing. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Contrary to popular belief, not all parents are Christians, or religious at all! That does not mean, of course, that we do not wish for our children to be exposed to religion of all kinds, nor that we do not wish them ultimately to make the decision for themselves. It does, however, mean that we do wish to help them separate what is known fact, and what is simply some people's belief.

That's known as "parental guidance"-and that is exactly what the rating suggests. When fantasy such as religion is being presented as reality, some of us like to help our children learn to discern the difference.

I'm sorry, but under your broad sweeping definition, all movies would be PG. I don't understand how any organized religion (Christian or otherwise) can be considered offensive. Maybe that's just me.

Reading this definition of PG from the MPAA, this movie doesn't seem to fit the bill: "This is a film which clearly needs to be examined by parents before they let their children attend. The label PG plainly states parents may consider some material unsuitable for their children, but leaves the parent to make the decision. Parents are warned against sending their children, unseen and without inquiry, to PG-rated movies. The theme of a PG-rated film may itself call for parental guidance. There may be some profanity in these films. There may be some violence or brief nudity. However, these elements are not considered so intense as to require that parents be strongly cautioned beyond the suggestion of parental guidance. There is no drug use content in a PG-rated film. The PG rating, suggesting parental guidance, is thus an alert for examination of a film by parents before deciding on its viewing by their children. Obviously such a line is difficult to draw. In our pluralistic society it is not easy to make judgments without incurring some disagreement. As long as parents know they must exercise parental responsibility, the rating serves as a meaningful guide and as a warning."

Let's put it this way, then.

If a film were depicting Satanic religious services (not the type with blood and gore and human sacrifice, just worship and discussion of Satan with the associated religious symbols in the background), people going around suggesting the Satanic religion to characters in the movie (and the characters who accept always benefit in the end), and a general overall endorsement of Satanism-would you encourage the MPAA to rate that movie PG?

I would-I think that's simply something most parents should be aware of. Some would be alright with it, some would not, it's ultimately theirs to make an informed choice about.

However, given that, it's no different showing people going to a church, or showing the positive effects of religion without the negative. I would happily let my kids see either movie anyway-but that's a choice that should be up to the individual parent.

A PG rating does not mean that the movie is by definition unsuitable for children, even for small children. It simply means that parents should at least have a general idea what the movie is before deciding if young children should see it, and that they may want to watch the movie with the child and/or discuss certain elements out of it with them.

Apparently, the makers of the movie openly admitted to proselytizing-attempting to actively promote their religion using the movie. They do of course have every right to do this, and I commend them for being open about it. However, some parents -do- object to religious messages being sent to their children.

Again-consider if the religion being promoted was a religion which -isn't yours-. Then think of whether you'd like a little stronger rating.

Todd,

You can play what-if all you want, but the fact remains that the MPAA dinged this film for being religious. Your delving into hyperbole about satanism doesn't change that fact or make it right.

Giving the movie a higher rating just because 3 people who worship the devil might be offended by organized religion doesn't make any sense. Using such a loose standard as yours, there would be no G-rated films ever again.

What's more, you cannot deny the fact that the Ten Commandments was rated G. The standard has obviously changed, and mentions of religion are considered offensive now.

Where did I deny that the Ten Commandments was G-rated, or assert that things hadn't changed??? In the first comment I made, I thought I pretty clearly acknowledged that things had changed. I'm simply intending to argue that that change may well be for the better.

Yes, the MPAA dinged this film for being religious. Again, I didn't dispute that either, I quite clearly agreed.

Using my standard, there -would- in fact be G-rated films-but one criterion would be that those films would be religion-neutral. I see nothing wrong with that. While personally I wish for my daughters to be exposed to a wide range of religions, as well as to the arguments against following any religion at all, in order that they may wish to make an informed decision, I understand that there are parents who do not wish their children to be exposed to opposing religious viewpoints. I strongly disagree with this, but as parents, it -is- their right.

Finally, you mention hyperbole. Firstly, while I am not one of them, there are far more than 3 people in this world who worship Satan. There are millions of Americans (let alone billions worldwide) who follow a religion other than yours, and may wish to know if a movie would proselytize a religion other than theirs to their children. Your statement that this would affect "3 people" is the textbook definition of hyperbole.

So, I ask again. If this movie were pushing a religion -other than Christianity-, would you, or would you not, wish to be notified of that when deciding whether or not your children should see it?

One wonders if the religious message actually bothered them as much as ex-NRA president Charlton Heston starring in it. Somehow I suspect that a movie similarly pushing Buddhism and starring David Carradine would get a G rating.

Todd, I'm having trouble imagining any American parent who wouldn't know that a movie entitled "The Ten Commandments" and advertised with posters of Moses with the tablets would be Christian.