We have had some interesting discussions relative to movie ratings in the last 24 hours. It in an interesting topic and one that I think I will share a couple of thoughts on.
When I was just a lad my father decided that we were not going to watch R rated movies. That was a real bummer because this decision came shortly after I saw First Blood which I happened to quite enjoy and threatened the rest of my Rambo series viewage. I am not proud to say the I managed to see all of these movies as a youth but I did. That said, it took me a few years to climb on board with the idea that R rated movies were probably not what I should be watching. I have pretty much gone cold turkey other then movies that were edited for television.
It is kind of funny that I found myself watching previews and hoping for a PG13 rating believing that this would make whatever the content of the film was okay. I was always a little disappointed when an R rating was attached to a movie I wanted to see but that decision was made and so I could easily let it go. I never really felt at all tempted to watch at that point.
I have found over the years that more and more of the PG13 movies are laced with filth and are simply trash. As we have discussed the topic some the idea that all Rated R movies are bad and Rated PG13 movies are good has been broached. This is simply false. I am sure that there are some extremely good Rated R movies out there and at the same time there are some very poor and filthy PG13 movies.
Throughout this discussion we have talked about personal responsibility. We have to seek to have the Spirit in our lives and if we are watching something, be it a rated R or PG13 or something on TV that drives that Spirit away, then it is probably best that we not engage in viewing that. If we are watching something that honestly helps us to draw nearer to the Lord and makes us a better person then it is probably okay. We are the judge of that. We cannot put our faith and trust in some board to determine what is and what is not good for us to watch. First, who are these people and why would we sacrifice our Spiritual well being to them? Second, this is not how the Lord works. Joseph Smith taught the concept that he teaches correct principles and allows us to govern ourselves. The Prophets have not come out and said do not watch R rated movies. Shocking I know. We seek after anything that is lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy. If we believe that a simple rating qualifies or disqualifies something from that standard then we have placed our trust in the wrong source.
I am certain that this particular topic may cause some to question my testimony. Look, I have joked some about suddenly feeling this freedom to go out and watch a bunch of R rated movies. That is not reality. Reality for me is a responsibility I feel to seek the Spirit in my life, to follow it's promptings and to be brave in doing so. I am still responsible for whatever I subject myself to regardless of the rating. Just because the World tells me something is okay based on some rating does not relieve me of my responsibility. I am accountable for the decisions I make.
As a note a search on lds.org for R-Rated Movies will yield several articles written on the subject. There isn't however a definitive statement from the First Presidency on the matter. Here is an excerpt from the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet on the matter. It tends to guide us in a manner that encourages seeking the guidance of the Spirit, taking personal responsibility and avoiding those things that would be offensive to the Spirit.
Whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you. Therefore, choose only entertainment and media that uplift you. Good entertainment will help you to have good thoughts and make righteous choices. It will allow you to enjoy yourself without losing the Spirit of the Lord.
While much entertainment is good, some of it can lead you away from righteous living. Offensive material is often found in web sites, concerts, movies, music, videocassettes, DVDs, books, magazines, pictures, and other media. Satan uses such entertainment to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal and exciting. It can mislead you into thinking that everyone is doing things that are wrong.
Do not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in entertainment that in any way presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable.
Pornography in all its forms is especially dangerous and addictive. What may begin as a curious indulgence can become a destructive habit that takes control of your life. It can lead you to sexual transgression and even criminal behavior. Pornography is a poison that weakens your self-control, changes the way you see others, causes you to lose the guidance of the Spirit, and can even affect your ability to have a normal relationship with your future spouse. If you encounter pornography, turn away from it immediately.
Depictions of violence often glamorize vicious behavior. They offend the Spirit and make you less able to respond to others in a sensitive, caring way. They contradict the Savior’s message of love for one another.
Have the courage to walk out of a movie or video party, turn off a computer or television, change a radio station, or put down a magazine if what is being presented does not meet Heavenly Father’s standards. Do these things even if others do not. Let your friends and family know that you are committed to keeping God’s standards. You have the gift of the Holy Ghost, which will give you strength and help you make good choices. "Entertainment and the Media," For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God, (2001)
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