Matt Palmer is the former social media coordinator of Catholic Review Media.

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I think you have a bit of an overreaction. The thing is, the author wants to make a statement about this universe they have created. It is an oppressive regime that takes away the innocence of a child, or at worst a life, that keep the masses in fear. The more food they borrow, the more likely they will be picked. It is about coming from the poor and showing the upper class who's boss. (Especially in the end scene with Peeta and Katniss. "They don't have to have a winner.") As a society outside of the book, we don't condone these things by showing them on our screens and reading about them. You almost have to desensitize yourself in order to learn the message the series is trying to teach. You can't compare your morals regarding children death matches to this series because we didn't grow up where the Hunger Games looms annually. Instead, we have to look at it objectively and hopefully: better ourselves. Look at your nieces. There are two or more ways to interpret every story: Face value, where it is children in a death match for entertainment of the crowd. Or, with an analytical mind: a story of rags showing the upper class whose boss, and creating a revolution. A satire on how media in our world makes contestants in a dog-eat-dog world or for people to put themselves in danger for cheap media entertainment. (And many more ideas)

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I found this video difficult to watch malniy because the people were so confused and affluent. Giving more money to someone will not guarantee that they will live out what God has planned for them. I felt sorry for them and would have liked to suggest to them that they give me some of their money and let me show them what to do with it. Seriously, I did not hear any of them speak about doing something for others or their moral beliefs.Interestingly, one of the interviewees mentioned how they went to a Christian school and was beaten up. I guess in that case his introduction to Christ was not a positive one. Some of the things that make the rich nervous also make poor nervous. The rich children worried about how to hold on to their money and the poor worry about how to get it. The rich are worried about someone knocking on their door saying you did not do something right, so now I am disowning you. The poor worry about someone knocking on their door saying your time is up and now you have to get out or bill collectors hounding them. There will always be worries that can overcome us when we live in a hollow life such as what was viewed.True freedom is knowing that God is in control and no matter what we see, these things are all temporal and we have a job to do. Seek the kingdom! All the other things will be added if we do the first step.These are just my thoughts..

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Snow White prays "The Lord's Prayer" in new movie

 



 

In the new film "Snow White and the Huntsman," we are introduced to the teenage version of the classic heroine locked inside a prison praying "The Lord's Prayer." Most Christians will recognize the prayer. At one point, it was estimated that more than two billion people recited "The Lord's Prayer," known as "The Our Father" in many faiths. 

So, the first question that popped up in my mind watching the movie, which came out June 1, was: what in the heck is "The Lord's Prayer" doing in this "Snow White" movie? During a wedding scene, it appears as if there are a series of bishops ready to witness a sacrament.

The Grimm Brothers' fairy tale is German. Every character, for no reason other than it makes the movie seem more regal, speaks with a British accent. Nothing really resembles Europe, though. In fact, several of the scenes seem like the characters stumbled into The Lord of the Rings' Middle Earth.

The kingdom we see is a magical one, not an earth-bound one, filled with Snow White hallmarks, such as the magic mirror, poison apples and spells. There is no other mention of Jesus, although Snow White (played by Kristen Stewart) has many Christ-like traits. She is "the one" who will end darkness, cures people of their illnesses and weaknesses and is willing to sacrifice herself to end the evil queen's (Ravenna, played by Oscar-winner Charlize Theron) rule.  

A white stag, standing in for God, even blesses Snow White after she is called to him by angel-like fairies. Her purity makes her stand out amongst all others. 

What I find so interesting in this mythological, fairy tale is that the screenwriters felt it necessary to bring religion into the fray. In this magical world, Jesus is real to Snow White. It's remarkable that "Snow White and the Huntsman," with its reported $170 million budget and summer blockbuster status, took 10 seconds to say that Snow White's Christian faith sustained her as she spent years locked away in a tower and that purity can give you strength to overcome anything.

"Snow White and the Huntsman" is almost the ultimate feminist tale, although some women are already saying otherwise. At the end of the movie, it's clear that Prince Charming won't choose her. She'll choose him. She finds that by sticking to her values and inspiring others, she can change a kingdom. All of that strength was God-given and Snow White knows it. 

Read more on my takes on pop culture and religion:

One Thumb Up: Archbishop Lori praises For Greater Glory

Is Batman acting like Jesus?

Christians should be like the Avengers 

The pope and The Lorax

Bully movie is a must watch

Bully movie can make a difference 

The Hunger Games is real

October Baby is about an abortion survivor

Hunger Games violence controversy 

 

 

 

6/2/2012 10:45:48 AM
By Matt Palmer