MovieChat Forums > Left Behind (2001) Discussion > I Don't Believe In God BUT...

I Don't Believe In God BUT...

posted 17 years ago by MetalMiike
20 replies | jump to latest

I was really fascinated by the concept of this film. I saw the first few minutes and was crashingly disappointed. The issues it deals with may have their basis is theological concerns, but done well, and, at least, from my aetheistic stand-point it would have made both a great "faith" film and/or a great science fiction movie. Just because I don't believe in something does not mean I am going to dismiss it, or people's right to believe in it but their are two problems with this film;

1) It was done strictly as a cash-in

and

2) Their are some really amazing ideas within the concept itslf; millions (billions?) of people suddenly dissappearing, secret satanic organisations taking over the world...

Had this have been done well it could have amazing. The trouble is it preaches to the converted and is badly made, with porn movie acting and National Geographic presentation. This could have been terrifying, quite frankly, but in fact it just comes across as banal. No wonder the author sued.

Timbo Dyes His Hair (Never Quite The Same Shade Twice)

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] MetalMiike 17 years ago

I might actually. Cheers.

Timbo Dyes His Hair (Never Quite The Same Shade Twice)

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] MetalMiike 17 years ago

I like the concept; I suppose, in a way, Stephen King did it in The Stand, but the whole idea of waking up one morning and finding out that God actually DOES exist kinda gives me the willies! LOL

Timbo Dyes His Hair (Never Quite The Same Shade Twice)

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] MetalMiike 17 years ago

It might be argued that only an aetheist would make a good theological film!

Timbo Dyes His Hair (Never Quite The Same Shade Twice)

[–] professorfate1965 15 years ago

I am an agnostic. My sister calls me an atheist with no guts. My problem is not with the exsitance of God or even the existance of Jesus. Where my problem lies is the fact that what we are being told by the Christians (particularly the Fundies) has been filtered down through 2,000 years of politics, Taking stuff out, putting stuff in. What I want to know is just what did Jesus himself believe about being the "Son of God". Christianity is based greatly on the writings of Paul, who never even met Jesus while he was here on Earth. I find that highly suspect.

Anywoo, As for the LEFT BEHIND books. I've read 7 or 8 of them and they were just a formula after that. The heroes get out of a sticky situtation with God's help and turn around and get right into another and volia you have cliffhanger for the next book. Re read THE STAND. It's much better written. I thought even HARRY POTTER was better written than the LEFT BEHIND books. LEFT BEHIND's authors were too worried (I think) about offending the already saved that they watered down the whole Rapture idea to where it reads like a high school play. Too bad, it really is a very intriguing concept, if handled correctly.

You're young, you're drunk, you're in bed, you have knives; s**t happens.-Angelina Jolie

[–] SpiltPersonality 15 years ago

Reminds me of the Rowan Atkins skit.

"Atheists, well, you're probably feeling to be a right bunch of nitwits eh?"

SpiltPersonality

[–] Anakin_McFly 17 years ago

I have non-Christian friends who are fairly devoted fans of the Left Behind books. Come on, it's about the end of the world! How bad can it be?

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] psmith-30 17 years ago

I have non-Christian friends who are fairly devoted fans of the Left Behind books. Come on, it's about the end of the world! How bad can it be?

Awful.

I read the first book and it is hands down the worst book I've ever read (maybe a Dean R Koontz book I read about 10 years ago beats it. maybe).

Your atheist friends mystify me. Unless you guys are really young, I don't see how anybody could read these books and not say "what the hell are these authors thinking?"

The depiction of the world's reaction to the Rapture is.... just weird. Billions of people disappear, including every single child, but people are focused on the President of Romania? WTF?

Only a Christian who already knows the pentacostal version of End Times would be able to ignore how completely out of touch with reality that is.

[–] Anakin_McFly 17 years ago

Your atheist friends mystify me. Unless you guys are really young, I don't see how anybody could read these books and not say "what the hell are these authors thinking?"

I guess they thought it wasn't that much different from things like Greek mythology stories. We also happened to be about 14 years old at the time...

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] audree7593 17 years ago

The author sued? Two authors have co-written the Left Behind series. To which author do you refer?

[–] Rockhound6165 15 years ago

I know this post is 2 years old but you might want to read the books. They're an exciting read(at least up until Glorious appearing which was horrible). If you can get past the religious aspect(even though I'm a Christian, even I had to skip the places where it got too preachy), it's a really good read.

When you steal from Peter and give to Paul, you will always have the support of Paul.

[–] MsGAPeach 15 years ago

I agree. These books are great. It makes you stop and think 'if it COULD happen like this, what would I do?' The books also give you the verses that they get the storyline from.

[–] life4all 15 years ago

I agree that this film series can be both entertaining and thought provoking but the rapture message itself is more extrapolated than actual. In Matthew 24, Jesus actually tells his disciples when he would return to earth. According to the Bible, he comes AFTER great tribulation has occurred (and never promises to come BEFORE that time to snatch people from the face of the earth). Let us remember that today's Christians are not more precious to God than the ones that were fed to 400-pound, half-starved lions or burned at the stake! Christianity promises eternal life but it does NOT promise exemption from persecution, suffering or even bodily death (i.e. “is the servant better than his master?”)! So do not take for granted that even a Bible scholar will always interpret the texts accurately. A wise man once said, "A text, taken out of context, is a pretext for error".

So why not blow the dust off your Bible and take a peek for yourself?

[–] SpiltPersonality 15 years ago

I haven't seen this movie to comment, but I find some things you said interesting. I'd never judge your opinion on aesthetics, that's purely individual, but I think many people would have a problem with the subject matter no matter how well acted.

Take a look at the book of Eli and Knowing threads for how 'well done' (in my opinion anyway) movies with good actors etc still get caned by people who don't believe in biblical principles.

Personally, I don't understand it. I am a Christian, yet LOVE Harry Potter and have seen all of the Twilight movies (I'm a strange guy - leave me alone ), so can say 'ok brain, we're going in to see a movie which doesn't follow your beliefs. We're going to see Magic (lock up your children) or Immortality from blood letting (written by a Mormon of all things(say it isn't so!!!)). How can I take such a heretical approach? How can I maintain my sanity whilst subjecting myself to such blazen attempts by Satan to have his way with my mind? Well, I'm able to distinguish between fantasy and reality. Strange and unusual ability, I know, but it seems you and I are two of the few with this unique super power :)

SpiltPersonality

[–] snoopval 14 years ago

I would if I were you watch one of the old seventies films such as "A Thief In The Night" of course it is not going to be groundbreaking or have fx by any means but It is a interesting movie and it's not so into the hype and trying to be modern and fresh.