Blasphemy

Over the past couple of months I have watched the Bourne trilogy. Though well crafted with excellent directing and storyline, they are intense to watch. The first two movies were rated PG-13 for intense sequences, language, and action violence. The last one, I noticed, was rated the same but did not mention language.

Good, I thought. I don't like language and it isn't necessary. So I settle down to watch the final installment. Shortly into the film, I am rudely jarred by the unremorseful taking of God's name in vain. I thought to myself, they said no language on the rating. Then I remembered, blasphemy isn't considered language in our culture.

Truth be told, movies can take God's name in vain in one breath and then thank Him in the next. The "thank Gods" of cinema are almost as blasphemous as the actual blasphemes: the 'thank yous' mean absolutely nothing since the characters obviously are not grateful to God.

I often remember Exodus 20:7 when I hear such irreverence: "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." As a young child, I realized the gravity of those words. I had heard God's name misused in the movies and could only think what would happen if those souls did not repent. Even now, I send up a prayer similar to Jesus: Forgive them, they don't know what they are doing.

Blasphemy isn't language; it is much, much worse. If only they would label the movies "PG-13 for action violence, thematic elements, and blasphemy," it would make my movie selections easier.

--HM