Christian Spotlight - Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) Discussion

[–] atomicstuffing 14 years ago

The first Kung Fu Panda was very light on the new age beliefs, but this one really amped it up a lot. Makes me wonder if that was their intention. Probably would not have taken my kids if I knew it would be like this, but they did enjoy it, and we got a lot of laughs out of it, when it wasn’t busy shoving “inner peace” down our throats.

Is that for real?
This is where is would be better to not discuss anything with the kids. Discussing and framing everything they watch like that with the Bible and Jesus will make them so insulated and narrow-minded when they grow up.

reply

[–] cousinoleg 14 years ago

Is Kung Fu panda real? If somebody does you harm and says you're narrow-minded would you appreciate it?

But Jesus Christ is real, and what he taught works, if you don't believe me - try it.
But if you want to do things that God prohibited (for our safety only), of course, you'll try to find justification for yourself, which you do now.

reply

[–] thetrueoppo 14 years ago

But if you want to do things that God prohibited (for our safety only), of course, you'll try to find justification for yourself, which you do now.

It never struck me that watching Dreamworks animated movies was sinful. If it is, I don't need to rationalize it through a Christian perspective, because I myself am not a Christian.

reply

[–] whitelion43 12 years ago

THe problem is there are people who really agree with the website

Oh GOOD!,my dog found the chainsaw

reply

[–] jmooney-6 14 years ago

Both the movie and the Bible thumper are wrong? Real inner peace comes from a good bowl of Mr. Ping's noodle soup. :P So there.

But, be that as it may, I'm embarrassed that this woman is my age, got pregnant at 19 (probably by someone she wasn't married to), and has the unmitigated gall to call this movie offensive for the wrong reasons. The reason the movie offended me was...

...they didn't give Master Croc (in other words, Van Dammage!) enough lines nor screen time.

-----

I've had the noodle dream. Did you have the noodle dream too?

reply

[–] chatician 14 years ago

I wouldn't take that site too seriously because there's a lot of trolls who send in their own extremist reviews for the heck of it, just to make christianity seem bad. But there's also a few people who are genuinely idiots and shut ins with no intellectual curiosity who think that the bible is the only thing that exists or has merit.

I'll bring the BEARDS.

reply

[–] cousinoleg 14 years ago

How much noodle soup will you need to be peaceful for the rest of your life?
By believing in Jesus Christ, you'll be peaceful freely.

Now you show your pride, that you didn't get pregnant at 19.
Also speak for what you saw and know IS true, not "I'm embarassed that somebody is probably worse than me".

Are you any better than her? We're all sinners who can never enter heaven by our own works - that's why Jesus Christ was sacrificed to grant the entrance for those who believe in him.

I hope God teaches you to lower your pride and believe in Jesus Christ for a better life.

reply

[–] Sandol70 11 years ago

I'm gay and proud. And bible was man-written to control narrow-minded and stupid ppl, god, jesus, hell are just inventions. Did I say I'm gay and proud that gay marriage is now allowed? Yay! :)

I'll order a bowl of noodle-soup from Mr. Ping now to find my inner peace *slurps* ^^ :)

reply

[–] cousinoleg 11 years ago

I'm gay and proud. And bible was man-written to control narrow-minded and stupid ppl, god, jesus, hell are just inventions. Did I say I'm gay and proud that gay marriage is now allowed? Yay! :)

In the past, Jesus used to come to sinners, to teach them and help get away from their sins, so they might obtain God's love, peace and forgiveness, and start a new changed life through repentance and faith in Him.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+5%3A29-32&version =NIV

You think that homosexuality is more grave than other sexual immorality? No.
They all hurt our bodies, which were meant to be God's holy temples.
All sins lead us to death and destruction.
Both pride and homosexual practices, like any other sexual immorality, are sins.
That's why God sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins - through being crucified.

http://carm.org/christianity/sermons/1-corinthians-619-20-your-body-hi s-temple

You think your words can fool anyone? You can only fool yourself - but they show fear and guilt.
You think homosexual marriage can lessen the guilt from sin? No.
It's an attempt to fool yourself and others, you're not really bad.
Actually, there's no one good, but God only.
But God will not be fooled, since He sees everyone's hearts, and if it convicts you - then you understand that your way of sinful living is wrong, even though you failed to change yourself to be good by God's standard.

Look, people in power always acted like pharisees, telling others to be good, but doing it hypocritically for show-off only or not doing anything good at all.

If you want forgiveness, salvation and to be changed towards God's righteousness and to leave past sinful life - then you can gradually read the New Testament, to learn about God and His Son Jesus Christ.
Also you can read this information - for some practical knowledge and advices:

http://www.porn-free.org/homosexual.htm

May God help you find the true love, peace and joy through Him and His Son Jesus Christ.

reply

[–] Sandol70 11 years ago

Hi religious freak :) Sorry to tell ya, but I already found true love, peace and joy with my hubbie, so I don't need a man-made up Jesus or god for that. :)

I'm happy that more and more people wake up now, ignore such bigoted texts that you just quoted (probably copy/pasted), they drop out of church, because they see it's just made up (imaginary friends in the sky etc), to control people and to have power over them. Good example is you.

I enjoy porn and you can't possibly do anything against it :) I give you a good advice: Give it up already and let other people live how they want to live, don't force your belief down other ppl's throats. Don't believe, but start to THINK for yourself, you sheep. thanks for reading :) GAY PRIDE AND LOVE!

reply

[–] cousinoleg 11 years ago

So, if you found love - why do you insult me?
I guess, it is not real love that speaks from you, but pride and arrogance.

I was just showing you the door towards salvation and eternal life in God's Kingdom of Heaven, through Son of God Lord Jesus Christ.

What controls you, is your master - and it's lust, which is not love, but a selfish perversion of it.
If you want just this life, then live the way you've chosen and see where it will lead you to - what fruits will you reap.
Of course, many people walk the large way - but which leads to judgement by God and destruction in the burning lake.
If truth for you is "bigoted", then you're living in delusion.

I came to belief in Jesus Christ, through thinking for myself about this world and how to live right and true, because living in sin, for myself only in the past, got me nowhere - but only to fear, guilt and worry.
Thankfully to God, i found peace, joy and hope of salvation through Lord Jesus Christ.

I am a sheep of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
You are a sheep of the LGBT herd, whose shepherd is Satan; how can you think a wolf is a better shepherd?
You just replaced the Church of Jesus Christ, with the church of sin and self-worship.
If you're so afraid of churches - then turn to God and Jesus Christ only for help and confession. The New Testament does explain who God and Jesus Christ is, and how can you obtain salvation and peace through faith and repentance.
A warning sign "dead end" is not meant to control you, but to save you from crashing into a wall.

Don't lie to me, yourself and others by your propaganda of "homosexual pride and love".
You wouldn't even care to reply to my post, if you truly lived alright and happy.
But you replied in sort of apology, for self-justification and excuse.

Hopefully, God the Father will open your eyes to see the real truth and He will still lead you towards salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, out of His mercy and love.

reply

[–] Sandol70 11 years ago

Religious freak is no insult, but the truth and a fact.

Don't waste your breath, eh, letters to me, you will never change me. :)
You're a sheep of ignorant bigotted religious spoiled brats, that's what you are. Satan, or the devil, is just an invention like the rest I listed up.
So don't spread lies and quit your pathetic heterosexual propaganda. Wake up before it's too late. Atheism and evolution is the way to go. I hope you find your inner peace and love and let people live like they want to live. Bye :)

reply

[–] kevorkien 11 years ago

...

You wouldn't even care to reply to my post, if you truly lived alright and happy.
But you replied in sort of apology, for self-justification and excuse.

By your own logic, you must be replying because you're jealous that he's out there having fun doing all the "sinful" things you used to. Otherwise you wouldn't care. Seeing as I doubt that is what you were saying, perhaps you can take a moment to consider the possibility that he responded because he's sick and tired of the bigoted commentary he receives from people like you. Yes, I too said bigoted, and just because you call it truth doesn't mean you're not deluded. I think from your quote above, you have shown yourself deserving of such a label.

I am a sheep of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
You are a sheep of the LGBT herd, whose shepherd is Satan; how can you think a wolf is a better shepherd?

Well you're right, it doesn't make any sense if you're a sheep. However, I would see myself as more of a baby wolf, and I'm guessing that Sandol70 does as well. In which case, having a wolf for a shepherd makes perfect sense.

You, on the other hand, are free to go right ahead and continue being a sheep, if you wish.
An animal renowned for it's inability to think for itself.
An animal generally considered rather stupid.
You know what they say about pets looking like their owners?
But that's your right to be who you want to be.
...

reply

[–] cousinoleg 11 years ago

By your own logic, you must be replying because you're jealous that he's out there having fun doing all the "sinful" things you used to. Otherwise you wouldn't care. Seeing as I doubt that is what you were saying, perhaps you can take a moment to consider the possibility that he responded because he's sick and tired of the bigoted commentary he receives from people like you. Yes, I too said bigoted, and just because you call it truth doesn't mean you're not deluded. I think from your quote above, you have shown yourself deserving of such a label.

First, peace to you from God and Lord Jesus Christ.
No, since that little fun led to hurt, pain and depression,
it's a warning that such "fun" paths always in the end lead to death and destruction, as taught by Lord Jesus Christ.

For this He taught all his disciples to go and share the Gospel (good news) about forgiveness and salvation to the whole world.

Yes, from my own experiences and Jesus Christ's commands i surely don't accept or condone sin, and thus warn people like you and above, what is the result of sin. I'm not going to hate or force them to accept Christ's commands, but the warning and God's judgement still remains.

I don't care if it's called "bigoted" or something else, but you surely don't accept God's way and judgement, thus you become a bigot against God, Jesus Christ and christians too, it goes both ways.

If you don't believe me, you can check on your own skin - where living without God's love and guidance will lead you; will it always be "fun without consequences" or is it a wrong deadly path.

If God and Jesus doesn't exists and what i wrote is only foolishness, then surely you will experience no wrong in this life, and no hellfire and judgement will come.
But if God exists and is right, then you'll experience the bad results of sin,
and then you can come to God in repentance for forgiveness, like the prodigal son in Jesus Christ's parable did, or you can continue in sin until judgement into hellfire.

Well you're right, it doesn't make any sense if you're a sheep. However, I would see myself as more of a baby wolf, and I'm guessing that Sandol70 does as well. In which case, having a wolf for a shepherd makes perfect sense.

You, on the other hand, are free to go right ahead and continue being a sheep, if you wish.
An animal renowned for it's inability to think for itself.
An animal generally considered rather stupid.
You know what they say about pets looking like their owners?
But that's your right to be who you want to be

You surely understand that shepherds will shoot the wolves that attack the sheep, also hunters periodically will shoot them to control their number and keep them in the forest.
You surely have reason to understand that wolves have no equality or tolerance for the weak, and the forest is not a very warm and caring place.
When you're young and strong, they will welcome you,
but when old and sick, don't expect from them care for the old, unlike humans, who have love and caring from God and His Son Jesus, do.

Hopefully God and Lord Jesus Christ will help you think over this and make the true and right choice in your life, that will lead you to peace, love and salvation.

reply

[–] kevorkien 11 years ago

...

No, since that little fun led to hurt, pain and depression,
it's a warning that such "fun" paths always in the end lead to death and destruction

They may have led you to pain and depression, but that doesn't mean they lead everyone, all of the time. If you had a car accident the first time you drive, it would be wrong to say that cars always have accidents. I admit, there are certain lifestyles that are more susceptible to these things, such as drug taking, but that doesn't mean you should throw the baby out with the bath water.

you surely don't accept God's way and judgement, thus you become a bigot against God, Jesus Christ and christians too, it goes both ways.

Ummmmm.... no it doesn't.

Bigoted is defined as "an obstinate belief in the superiority of one's own opinions and a prejudiced intolerance of the opinions of others"

Contrary to what you think, I don't go around bashing people over the head that I think their religious beliefs are wrong just because I'm an Atheist. I honestly think that religion can do a lot of good in the right places and give a lot of people peace of mind and a sense of purpose. Unfortunately it also tends to do a lot of bad in the hands of radical extremists and zealots. That is when I get my hackles up - when I see innocent people being victimised for the pursuit of a belief that is not their own. It's the type of mindset that brought the twin towers down and destroys families and lives. It generally comes packaged looking a lot like you.

if God exists and is right, then you'll experience the bad results of sin.

Once again, just plain no. That's the type of twisted logic that led people to believe that blood letting was a good medical practice IN THE DARK AGES. It proves nothing of the sort, and I could use the same logic to argue equally that my stars were out of alignment when I was born, my chi is out of balance, my chakras need synchronising, or that I need to re-read my Dianetics book and donate some more money to the Church of Scientology.

You surely understand that shepherds will shoot the wolves that attack the sheep, also hunters periodically will shoot them to control their number and keep them in the forest.
You surely have reason to understand that wolves have no equality or tolerance for the weak, and the forest is not a very warm and caring place.
When you're young and strong, they will welcome you,
but when old and sick, don't expect from them care for the old, unlike humans, who have love and caring from God and His Son Jesus, do.

And sometimes that nice, caring, trustworthy shepherd goes walking amongst his flock, picks a widdle wamb up, takes it home and EATS IT. Shepherds don't love their flock - they use them, either for food, milk or wool. Period. Sometimes, you gotta know when an analogy has run its course.

. . . . .

reply

[–] Pillowpants_O 14 years ago

I actually agree with the mom.

reply

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Allen_0 14 years ago

This is why I hate religion sometimes. Strict Catholics always feel the need to scrutinize every single little thing just to look for immorality.

reply

[–] thetrueoppo 14 years ago

This is why I hate religion sometimes. Strict Catholics always feel the need to scrutinize every single little thing just to look for immorality.

As opposed to strict Protestant Christians, who don't "scruntize every single thing just to look for immorality"?

reply

[–] aRealCoolGuy 14 years ago

Interesting to me how inner peace is a "new age" belief...

___________________
"That's pretty dangerous building a road in the middle of the street..."

reply

[–] loccomotive2000 14 years ago

On the other hand I came across a Christian review that very much enjoyed the Taoist elements and realizes how easily they can be applied in Christianity. What a big difference from two ends of the same religion.

reply

[–] princessatta 14 years ago

I was just about to bring this up too, since I am a Christian and absolutely love these films. The thing is, there ARE similar elements in Christianity. The Bible speaks often of peace, so any kind of movie that promotes peace as opposed to chaos should be more openly embraced. It's not like the movie is attempting to convert anyone to Taoism. It's simply representing a very real culture that exists. So a Christian parent may have to explain the differences of the beliefs, but actually that's for the better as opposed to just sheltering the child entirely.

Another thing that I personally love, from a Christian perspective, about these movies is how very realistically they depict good versus evil. In some animated films we get villains that are just inherently evil and we don't really get a chance to question why the villains are the way they are. But with Tai Lung and Lord Shen, we see that they clearly chose to be evil and their choices stem from real life experiences that are relatable. And I love that they are given a chance to choose good, but when they don't that's when they are brought to justice. This is a great talking point for any Christian parent and their children because it's very in line with Biblical principals.

reply

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] cousinoleg 14 years ago

I'll believe that if you show me where in the bible is the thing you speak of.

reply

[–] kevorkien 11 years ago

...

In some animated films we get villains that are just inherently evil and we don't really get a chance to question why the villains are the way they are.. it's very in line with Biblical principals.

I completely disagree. The whole premise of the Bible is exactly that. Original Sin condemned man to be inherently sinful. The rest is just a flow on from that concept. Time and time again throughout The Bible, God wipes out entire cities and nations because of what they are (sinful), not what they have done.

But yes, if you're going to raise your children with the teachings of Christianity, then it's a great movie to watch as it can teach them what real "evil" is.

reply

[–] cousinoleg 14 years ago

If you're an atheist why do you come at a Christian site?
You're an example that the atheist life is not good enough for the life to be happy.
I used to laugh at Christians as well, but thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, that he made me believe in him and have the hope of salvation - I saw that the life as this world teaches is nonsense that doesn't help, but the words that God taught through Jesus Christ do work.
But if you want the real peace you can find it only in our Lord Jesus Christ, not in movies intended for cashing in on cheap laughs or violence.
Try this:

http://www.voiceofjesus.org/peaceofjesus.html

May God change your hearts, souls and minds to notice between what brings your good and bad.

reply

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] smcarter1966 14 years ago

I read the "Christian Spotlight" article and this is what I came away with:

First off, the author mistook Shen for a crane. A very simple mistake, but a unforgivable one since he has a Ph.D.

Secondly, since Shen is eradicating all the pandas to obtain victory, a major plot point that the author has failed to point out in his review, and instead is focusing on the point of people should not find inner peace using their own ability, but should find it through Jesus Christ. So in my opinion, the author is more interested in bashing using one form to find inner peace over another, rather to comment on how wrong it is to use murder to obtain a goal.

And about inner peace: it doesn't matter how you find it, just as long as you do find it.

Anyways, that's my opinion, and as always, others may vary.

Sticky Balls will provide hours of fun right out of the box.

reply

[–] cousinoleg 14 years ago

If he is happy why does he need to cheer himself up?
Because of how the poster did portray the Christianity as it's something stupid, in comparisson with such nonsense as this cartoon is.
Comparing to what my life was without God, now it is happy.

Jesus Christ said:
"Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep."

As much as God had given me wisdom, I tell you that all the laughs are related with something that is against God's command.

Once again you repeat somebody's words about the fact that religion is the main cause of the hate & violence. Did Jesus Christ ever tell to kill people or hate them? He taught to love our enemies.
Being a christian doesn't make you 100% saint instantly, we're stil struggling with our sinful nature - but that's why we need the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the atonement for our sins.
There were and are many people who used religion as means of power and gain - and we were warned in the bible about such. I hope they change their ways.

Thanks to God that he made me better, and be more humble.
As it's said: Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
And: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I (God) in the midst of them.

We're his creation, and his instruments, if possible and God desires so, to make other believe and have salvation.

Being christians is not about reading books or staying together in some building.
It's about doing the two commandments: Love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and Loving our neighbour as ourselves.

I hope God can turn your hearts to him, and away from mindless entertainment trying to push its own, often anti-christian, values and agenda.

reply

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] cousinoleg 14 years ago

I rarely watch comedies and don't read comics.
Why do you ask me twice about my life? I already answered that.
I'm not happy to see people ridiculing christians, because many people like to do this.
I took parts from the bible what Jesus Christ said - with the answers to your previous questions.
Yes, because that way you'll be good for your own fame, not God's.
He gave people the commandments and taught the people to do good, he went to cross to save us, he deserves to be praised. From God's wisdom, I'll tell you - he's the copyright owner of being good.

Also it's written:
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

You still hold on to self-justification, only to refuse to believe. I leave you, and as Jesus told us to say, I even shake the "dust" from here off my feet.

reply

[–] SSJGoten-2 14 years ago

I'll tell you - he's the copyright owner of being good.

And this is why people piss all over Christians, because they think they own "being good.."

reply

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] flutterby228364 12 years ago

This is a reply to the arguments contained in this thread, not a certain poster.
As far as I know Christianity isn't a religion, it's a faith. The only "religion" taught in the bible is Judaism and it's not just a religion, it is a culture of the Jewish people. A part of their daily life and ancestral heritage as God's chosen people. This is what I believe and in no way making a judgement of what anyone else believes. The bible does not say "Go forth and force your beliefs down the throats of others." It says spread the gospel so that we may choose. We are the only animals on earth with free will. You can choose to believe or not. That,to me,is the definition of free will. Free to choose. I do not agree with the judgmental attitudes some religions enforce. Believe our version or you are beneath me. Being of one religion or another does not make anyone any better or worse than another. We are all of the same species. We all have the same hopes and dreams of surviving this life, caring for our families and leaving a lasting hope for a brighter future. Faith is a personal decision not to be made for you by someone else. Jesus said "Judge not, least ye be judged". It is not my place to judge what another does in his or her personal life or what they believe. That is their choice. It saddens me that God's message of love and peace has been twisted to the will of man and used as a weapon to shed blood for centuries. But that is human nature I suppose.

I cannot understand how someone can watch a movie, set in China, with Chinese characters and expect to not see a part of the culture and history portrayed. Give me a break. It is a great family movie, with a wonderful plot and extremely entertaining. No sex or foul language and spot lights how anything can be achieved with team work and belief in oneself. Which I think is a great message for kids and adults alike. If more people actually strove for inner peace, instead of power and greed, the world would be a better place for everyone.

As I read these posts, it appears to me that not only are there religious fanatics but also nonreligious fanatics. How can making fun of someone's faith be any different than someone with a fanatical belief forcing their will on someone else. I do not see a difference. So, in my humble opinion, you do not have to be religious to be judgmental and ignorant of someone else's beliefs. You only have to be human.

reply

[–] william86 14 years ago

If you're an atheist why do you come at a Christian site?

Not only did I never say on this thread that I'm an athiest, but I'm also not an athiest.

reply

[–] bijoukaiba 14 years ago

Just a Christian troll, ignore it.

I sin. Because if I didn't, it would mean Jesus died for nothing. :P

Seriously, though, I'm an atheist. To each his/her own, you know?

reply

[–] Blazemane 14 years ago

I... honestly see where she's coming from.

I'm a Christian, and I watched the movie without really blushing, but I already firmly believe that inner peace is only achievable through belief in Jesus Christ, and anyways, I didn't feel like the movie was actually challenging the viewer to find inner peace through meditation- even Shifu's line about starving one's self for 60 years was, as far as I could tell, being used for comedic effect.

That all having been said, I'm not 7 years old anymore. And I think that, whether a movie tries to convey a message to its audience or not, a 7 year old will still remain susceptible to suggestions of different themes- especially on matters as intricate as the concept of inner peace.

As an example, when I was in first grade, our teacher was reading us a short nonfiction book about Islam. It was the first time I'd heard of the religion, and with the book's many references to that faith being based on belief in one God, much like Christianity, I felt the need to ask my teacher whether it wasn't just the same religion.

Thinking about it now, I believe I put my teacher in a tough spot (though she is a Christian herself) since teachers are required not to support a specific doctrine in school. Maybe because of that fact, her answer came out a bit ambiguous, or maybe I just misheard, being at the age of gloriously short attention spans, but I somehow walked away from school with the impression that Muslims believed in the same God that Christians do.

It wasn't until the matter came up again with my own mother that the matter became clear. Say what you want to (should you wish- I'm not going to assume you believe this or disbelieve it) about the idea of all religions leading to the same place, but I firmly disagree with that idea, so I was and am glad to have gotten the matter cleared. Allah is very a different figure from God, and Islam a very different religion than Christianity.

So a 7 year old goes and watches Kung Fu Panda 2. They might not- and probably don't- even understand the full ramifications of what is to have inner peace, but now they've seen a movie with... rather awesome (in my opinion) protagonists who achieve great things through possessing inner peace, and achieve inner peace by meditating, or going through hardships, or finding out the true nature of their past. That concept may very easily stick with them until they grow old enough to get a grasp for what inner peace is supposed to be, and why they should want it.

If the suggestions of this movie are never spoken against, I am of the opinion that they would have a false impression, then, of how inner peace is achieved. Since I do believe in God, and believe inner peace is only attainable through Jesus Christ, then I also believe that hoping for inner peace through any other means is counter-productive, even dangerous.

Now, will all kids walk out of the theater with the impression that inner peace can be achieved by some other means? Of course not. Will some not even pay attention to the message about inner peace? Certainly. And will some remember it, but as they mature in their walk with God (I am speaking of children who are Christians since you are only taking issue with a Christian mother who wants to safeguard the spirituality of her children), they'll easily discard the suggestions of the movie, knowing Who the Source of true inner peace is? Yeah.

But for that small risk- for whatever percentage of children walk away from the theater with a new idea in their mind of what inner peace is and how to achieve it, which sticks with them and gets in their way- I personally believe it is well worth the mother's time, and certainly within the mother's right, for her to clarify just how and why Christianity stands in opposition to those other philosophies.

You might disagree with Christianity in general- again I don't know your beliefs- but since I believe in Christianity, I must also firmly believe that a person's faith in Jesus Christ is not something to take passively. If one believes it is how a person can truly achieve inner peace, and eternal life, than it is irresponsible for one to leave their child's spiritual growth unattended.

I, of course, believe that any person, no matter their age, has the right to believe whatever they want. And parents can't force a child to believe in Christianity, since belief is not a matter of external dictation, but internal affirmation. But I see nothing wrong (as I know many others do) with a parent guiding their child towards Christianity and raising them with a set of spiritual principles based on that faith, since Christianity dictates the existence of a God, and a belief that it is very important to believe in Him and in Jesus. In fact, as I have already mentioned, I believe it is dangerous not to give that guidance.

Also... I see many points in the review you've copied and pasted that are obvious places for disagreement and controversy (or you wouldn't have posted it), but if it's fair for me to ask... what exactly did you see in it that was funny?

reply

[–] Noel_MarquisDeMaynes 13 years ago

Just for the record: Attaining inner peace through meditation is a time-honoured Christian tradition. Ask any catholic monk.

As for the movie: You might have noted it takes place in China and thus it shows Chinese culture. They eat with chopsticks, practise Kung Fu and believe in Taoism. Nobody is forced - or tempted - to change one's believe system by watching it.

reply

[–] Blazemane 13 years ago

Hey, sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I've been kinda' busy this week, but it's more that I'm just really good at procrastinating.

Just for the record: Attaining inner peace through meditation is a time-honoured Christian tradition. Ask any catholic monk.

Meditation is absolutely a time-honored tradition in the Christian faith. But meditation as it's understood in Kung Fu Panda (or, rather, the Eastern philosophy to which the movie alludes) is far different from the meditation of Catholic monks.

As I've come to understand it, meditation in the most commonly used sense is an emptying of one's mind- a sort of therapeutic dropping of worries because it's calming to let them go. I suspect, though I haven't tried it myself, that this form of meditation does indeed bring relaxation- peace, if you will- for the duration of one's meditation, and probably at least some time thereafter.

The meditation of Catholic monks, is, in a sense, an opposing concept, and still very similar to it. In Christian meditation, one does not empty their mind, but instead focuses it on God (or something godly- a doctrine, a passage of scripture, perhaps a combination of these things).

And I do believe God wants us to focus on Him- to learn more about Him, to follow Him more closely, etc. As an example of this calling, Psalm 77:12 says "I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings." There are at least eight other places in the Psalms where meditation is mentioned as a good practice.

But as I am a Christian, I believe that even this meditation can not, in and of itself, provide a person with true inner peace. It is my opinion that one must know Jesus and confess Him. Without salvation, inner peace is not attainable.

Godly meditation helps to facilitate inner peace by fostering spiritual growth and keeping a person mindful of God. So it is, of course, beneficial once a relationship with God is established. Because of this, Catholic monks meditate along with other people who read their Bibles and pray to God (let me not oversimplify things, of course. There are many reasons to read the Bible and pray).

Now, maybe I've got it wrong, and Kung Fu Panda refers to a meditation which is not an emptying of one's mind, but rather a focusing on another concept. At any rate, I know there are people who exercise this form of meditation.

Even then, my answer doesn't change. If, as I believe, meditation on God is not enough to bring one inner peace, then I also believe that meditation on something other than God isn't enough to bring one inner peace either. It may, again, bring a temporary peace, but not anything substantial.

As for the movie: You might have noted it takes place in China and thus it shows Chinese culture. They eat with chopsticks, practise Kung Fu and believe in Taoism. Nobody is forced - or tempted - to change one's believe system by watching it.

Yes, Taoism can be easily associated with the Chinese. But it seems to me the way of all religions that one doesn't have be a member of the right culture to hold a religious belief associated with it.

And inner peace is a very cross-cultural concept. If somebody in Switzerland gets the idea that they should seek a means for inner peace, and they hear that Taoism proposes a method for attaining it, it would make sense if they tried to get a better feeling for Taosim or maybe even practiced some of its teachings.

Again, I confess that most children aren't interested in inner peace. But there are definitely some who, later in life, will become interested (I actually think everyone eventually looks for it, even though it doesn't always go by that name). If Kung Fu Panda suggests a method for attaining inner peace, why should they care that Kung Fu Panda referenced Chinese philosophy? Good philosophy (if it is indeed good. You know my opinion) is good philosophy.

Certainly, as you said, nobody is forced to changed their belief system after watching this movie. The presentation of a belief, by definition, isn't a coercion. But I do believe that some could be tempted. The culture associated with Kung Fu Panda not only doesn't stand in the way of the philosophies it presents, it could also very easily help the presentation.

reply

[–] thetrueoppo 14 years ago

(Christian extremists say the most stupid but funny *beep* when it comes to movies).

While I do chuckle at their prudishness, these "Christian extremists" not as uptight as you think. From their official review, they conclude with this:

Overall KUNG FU PANDA 2 makes a fine sequel. It is entertaining, if a little overly action oriented. One might call it a Warner Brother's cartoon on steroids. Of course as a fan of the old WB cartoons, I have no problem with this per se, and I found the sequel to be better than I was expecting.

http://www.christiananswers.net/spotlight/movies/2011/kungfupanda2011. html
No hellfire and damnation, just an honest appraisal of an entertaining movie that has a few elements that trouble the author. (And just because they find fault somewhere, doesn't mean they condemn the film. I remember another "extremist Christian" site, capalert, that found about 10 faults with The Tigger Movie, but still agreed that the movie fit squarely in the "G" category.

Though, I still squirm at the thought of a 6 year old child being admonished after watching the film:

Now Billy, that was a nice movie, but you've got to remember that while Po finds "inner peace" we as Christians know that 'looking to God is the only way to restore ourselves to our Creator and find our true purpose in life.'

Ugh. I'd be miserable if my parents tried to always indoctrinate in Christianity me through any avenue possible, every waking hour.

reply

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]