Can Mormons Watch The Godfather and Other Controversial Films?
Can Mormons Watch The Godfather and Other Controversial Films?
Can Mormons watch The Godfather? This question often arises among members within the Mormon community. The answer is not as straightforward as one might think. The ability to watch such films largely depends on an individual’s vision and personal beliefs.
VISION AND WATCHING ABILITY
Firstly, it's important to recognize that watching any movie, including The Godfather, requires adequate visual acuity. Many Mormons can watch such films, but some may find it challenging due to age-related vision loss or other factors. Some individuals who were able to watch these movies in the past may no longer be able to do so now. Conversely, there are those who have never been able to watch such films due to their initial inability to see clearly.
RELIGIOUS GUIDANCE
The stance on watching films like The Godfather changes over time, reflecting the historical guidance from leadership within the Mormon community. In the 1990s, the Mormon prophet warned members against watching The Godfather, Schindler's List, and The Patriot. However, with the prophet no longer present, some Mormons have found ways to rationalize and enjoy these films, while others strictly adhere to the past guidelines.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Many older members of the Mormon community view the restrictions as outdated and choose to watch such films because they believe in personal freedom of choice. They argue that The Godfather is not inherently against the rules, as long as it does not contain explicit content. The key point is that Mormons can engage in critical thinking and choose to break rules when deemed necessary, recognizing that respecting and preserving individual autonomy is essential.
ETHICAL DECISIONS
When considering films like The Godfather, ethical reasoning becomes more important than strict adherence to rules. The Bible, when viewed as a movie, would likely rate higher than 'R' due to its controversial and often gruesome content. For instance, the part where Moses cuts out 1000 penis skins underscores the severity of the material. Additionally, there is a Bible story about children being mauled to death by bears for calling someone a baldy, which is another example of extremely disturbing content.
Just as watching films with controversial content can help provide context and understanding, reading the Bible unhindered by censorship can have a profound effect on one's beliefs. Ethical choices are crucial, and the church's focus on free agency allows individuals to make such decisions. While Satan advocates for strict adherence to rules, arguing that such adherence brings true faith, Mormons believe that growth and self-reflection come from personal choice and accountability.
PERSONAL FREEDOM AND GROWTH
One key tenet in Mormonism is the belief in personal autonomy and the ability to make one's own choices. As the famous quote goes, 'A person is a person, no matter how young or old, and can do anything they desire, even if it is against the rules.' This principle extends to watching films like The Godfather. While some might argue that such movies go against religious teachings, the Mormon belief is that people should be free to make their own decisions, particularly when it comes to matters of faith.
It is interesting to note that the Baptist church and the Assembly of God church had similar teachings about the appropriateness of certain films long before the LDS church did. These experiences highlight the diversity of religious beliefs and the importance of individual choice.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to watch films like The Godfather lies with each individual Mormon. The key is to balance personal freedom and ethical responsibility. When one breaks a rule, it is an opportunity to grow and learn, rather than a failure to adhere to strict religious guidelines.
IN Conclusion
Mormons can watch The Godfather, but it comes with a deeper understanding of their faith and personal ethics. The ability to make such decisions is a testament to the value of free will and the importance of personal accountability. Just as the Bible contains numerous difficult and disturbing passages, films like The Godfather offer valuable lessons and insights. By making informed choices, Mormons can grow spiritually and intellectually.