Movies That Made Me Question My Religion

I have been out of Catholicism for about half a year now. My realization of how little I actually cared about God or religious morals in general was a factor, but some pieces of media helped me realize that I should consider my beliefs. Each of these films reminded me of certain characteristics of hardcore religious groups, along with horrid events from history and the Bible that shook me when I found out about them. Then there are those that either show the dark side of a ‘nation under god’ through propaganda or a glimpse into a evangelical christian summer camp for kids.

#5: Monty Python’s Life of Brian

Director: Terry Jones

As a child/teen, I’d feel like I am sinning if I laugh at a joke that is aimed at God, Jesus, or anything related to a clergy. This satirical period piece helped free me from that worry, and had me thinking more about how extreme and how overly needy some religious people can be. Prosecuting an innocent man immediately after rejecting Brian as the messiah was an accurate portrayal of the type of prejudice they feel. I’m not sure how accurate the stoning scene is, but it would not surprise me if that is how religious followers used to punish those “guilty” of blasphemy. Each of these moments made it difficult to keep my laughter in, not just the Biggus Dickus scene, but most of these jabs were also pretty effective in making me think about their deeper meaning.

What stood out the most was Brian speaking to his followers, telling them “You don’t need to follow me! You don’t need to follow anybody! You’ve got to think for yourselves! You’re all individuals!”. Followed up with the crowd responding with “Yes! We are individuals!” in perfect sync, it makes a great jab on their high dependence on spirits and leaders for life guidance. There is also the rivalry between the People’s Front of Judea and multiple other religious/political organizations with similar names and views. Not too similar in their ideologies if they are different groups, which can be compared to some associations in real life.

#4: The Passion of Joan of Arc

Director: Carl Theodor Dreyer

This silent drama is a historically accurate depiction of the trial and execution of Jeanne d’Arc. Joan of Arc was a patron saint, and widely considered the savior of France for her role in the Hundred Years war. In the movie and in her last days, she was tried and executed for heresy. Burned at the stake for claiming she spoke to God, and even for dressing in men’s armor. The film is a brilliant dramatization of the trial, with Joan’s shocked facial expressions and the brutal conclusion as a result of Joan’s religious euphoria.

While the events of this film took place many centuries ago, I could not help but imagine that you could still be shunned by some people for any act of heresy. The church I once put my faith in having this kind of reputation did not make me feel confident about my beliefs. Executing someone over opinions or how they dress is evil, and I don’t want to be associated with a group like that. As if a history of child abuse was not enough.

#3: God’s Not Dead

Director: Harold Cronk

A disgrace and an embarrassment to all kinds of media, let alone those aimed at Christians. I was 14 years old when I first saw this movie. It was on Netflix and I watched it with my sister. Initially, we both enjoyed it as I did not know any better, especially when it came to religion. Growing up, the more I look back at this racist propaganda, the more I feel ashamed at my teenage self.

I could not care less about any of the characters, they have no character traits other than they love God or they’re a minority who should convert to Christianity. To put it shortly, this movie is racist and it tries its best to make atheists to be the worst people in existence. I can’t even remember half of this movie because of how boring its ‘morals’ are. There is so much wrong with the movie’s writing. Even if you can somehow ignore all the offensive subtext, I can’t help but try to think how and why that philosophy teacher got this job. It also has the worst subplot I have ever seen, where Reverend Dave used most of his screentime trying to get a rental car. The kicker? His car functions once again right after he prays to God. What else can you expect from Christian propaganda?

The ending alone is laughably horrible. Someone is dying on the road, and the right thing to do is to call 911, right? Well according to this abomination, you talk to the victim about Jesus. I hate putting this movie next to other movies that are actually much more redeeming. I realized that I must be far from the only one who somehow enjoyed this movie as a kid. I feel lucky that the bliss did not last forever, and the insulting elements from this movie give me some good reasons to rethink my beliefs. I respect all religions, but if I see someone who needs medical attention, I am acting fast and keeping Jesus out of my mind.

#2: Jesus Camp

Directors: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady

Arguably the most terrifying documentary I have seen so far, which is something I never thought I’d say but that’s the feeling you get when evangelical Christians are in charge of your children. With no interference or input from the filmmakers, the camera gives a glimpse into a community that is blinded by faith and God. Kids from Christian households are sent to a religious summer camp where charismatic evangelicals encourage them to “take back America for Christ”. What makes this film scary is that these kids are heavily abused by their families and camp counselors.

Seeing these children tear up over the fear of God’s wrath and ‘sins’ that aren’t even a problem makes me worry about any city or even any country run by religious nationalists (sound familiar?). This is a great reminder of why separation between church and state is necessary. My hope for society would weaken if communities become more and more like this.

#1: mother!

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Here we are at the movie that pretty much scared me out of Catholicism. Of course I did not decide to stop believing right after seeing this movie, but I would have never considered it if I had never seen this. It portrays the relationship between God, humanity, Mother Nature and Earth in the most gruesome ways possible. It is also a mapped out portrayal of the Old and New Testaments. A man, portrayed as God, who seemingly cares for his wife, who is Mother Nature, but throughout the story it becomes clear that he prioritizes his followers and religious ideas more. All hell breaks loose when he writes the “mother’s prayer”.

Inside the house, which represents Earth, all of God’s followers cause war and misery, destroying everything, giving huge dents to the structure. This does not apply to only religious people as the damaging house is symbolic to climate change as a result of humans being careless with their home. Mother was brought to a breaking point when the followers devoured the flesh and blood of her baby. Sound familiar?

Darren Aronofsky is quite a brave madman of a filmmaker for making this film that plenty of people have called demonic. It is a vile yet accurate portrayal of the events that took place in the Bible, while pointing out the dark side of the relationship between humanity and the environment. Needless to say, murdering a baby is more than enough to convince me to not be involved in any event or debate related to any sort of organized religion.