It’s another blockbuster, and this time the children are going for it hook, line, and sinker. The Hunger Games netted $155 million in one springtime weekend! Peter Travers from Rolling Stone magazine sees the movie as exactly representing the zeitgeist of the age—“the mission to define yourself in a world that’s spinning off its moral axis.” Confused Christians are recommending the film to their friends on Facebook. But what should a Christian father think about such a film? Kevin Swanson reviews the film with his daughter Emily, carefully examining the metaphysic, meta-ethic, gender roles, and ethical conundrums from the perspective of God’s Word. Is the Pied Piper of Hamelin slowly working the amoral, post-modern Zeitgeist into the minds of millions and millions of youths? Zeitgeist into the minds of millions and millions of youths?
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“ I Disagree ” Anyone calling this story garbage probably hasn't read the books. I haven't seen the movies yet, but the books go out of their way to emphasize how terrible the violence is. They're not intended to be a fun, entertaining series; they're supposed to make you think about things like political power and the effect that violence has on individuals. The fact that children are fighting to the death is not intended to entertain you, it's supposed to make you think.
James Fox (12/23/2012)
from Hampton Roads, Virginia
“ Thank you and Self-Defense ” Many thanks to Kevin and Em for getting fathers and daughters to think more deeply, more biblically, and honor and obey the laws of God to glorify Him more! Tremendous insights by both of you. Even if one doesn't agree with every single point you make, I agree wholeheartedly in the desire to discern the culture and obey God and His laws at all times. Regading self-defense (the one area you say there's not a strong Biblical base for), I hear you, but I think there definitely is a basis for it (Jesus told disciples to sell something a buy a sword if they didn't have one), but it is not an atomistic right, but is a subset of the even more important Biblical right to defend one's family and in just (primarily defensive) war as outlined Biblically by Augustine and other church fathers. Please pray for all us fathers to lead better by example and word in discerning the culture, fighting evil and encouraging our children on this same pathway of obeying and honoring God. The cultural nephilim are daunting and ubiquitous but all things are possible with God. Like David against Goliath, we, the fathersr, as well as our sons and daughters can defeat any nephilim that rises up against the knowledge of God and we can and shall defeat them through Christ, our Lord Sabaoth!
Gabe (8/17/2012)
from VA
“ Have read the book but not seen the movie. ” I would disagree with you saying that her dumping the Tracker Jackers(Killer Bees) on the people who were waiting to kill her at the bottom of the tree she was hiding in, was murder murder. Maybe it wasn't said in the film but the book, the bees going to wake up soon and if she didn't get rid of them they would attack and kill her. And the people at the bottom of the tree were not innocent little kids. They were volunteers who were trying to kill everybody else so they could win(And taking sadistic pleasure in it).
And contrasting it to David sparing Saul is taking the scripture out of context. David would not kill Saul because he was the king appointed by God. If it was the Phillistines you can bet he would attack them without any hesitation.
In the Book(And from everything I've heard the movies follow them VERY closely) she only kills to defend herself or others, with the exception of killing one of her attackers to spare him from the agonies of being torn to pieces by dogs.
Larissa (6/11/2012)
from Georgia
“ The movie versus the book ” I haven't watched the movie but I did read the book. I was curious to know how the movie compared to the book but I now believe it doesn't compare in the least. There are many things that you mention that either doesn't happen in the book (she does not have faith in her amulet, nor does she have a foul mouth) or seems to be terribly skewed (the hero doesn't want to be able to kill on his own terms, he wanted to die as himself--that is, he didn't want to be made into a raving killing lunatic or screaming for mercy...actually the hero you described didn't sound like the hero from the book at all but an amalgamation of two characters). I would say I don't understand why Hollywood would make such changes but unfortunately I do. Hearing your review was interesting considering I've only just read the book and a good deal of what you said contradicted what I read.
Kevin Jandt (4/16/2012)
from Iowa
“ Great Sermon! ” Fantastic... I have a 12 year old daughter inquiring about reading the book. I had been investigating responses but have had trouble finding anyone to provide such a great Biblical Worldview. I will listen to this with her tonight.
lady day (4/3/2012)
“ Great Sermon! ” OCTOBER BABY is another one like COURAGEOUS. It's the 1st one that looks at the abortion issue; since the girl is an abortion survivor
PJ Eugenio (3/31/2012)
from Philippines
“ A Very Sound Review! ” Thank you for your Biblical review about that movie. Thank God for His Spirit that gives us discernment. Thank you for revealing the subtle evils that this movie is trying to indoctrinate young people.
Jessica (3/30/2012)
from New Mexico
“ Avoid movies. ” I understand that this movie sends the wrong message to people, however, movies and theatre have the sole purpose in getting people to forget about their lives for two to three hours.
This does not mean that movies should make things like murder acceptable.This is totally wrong.
Overall, people should just avoid movies. They are always biased and feature things and events that are not biblical.
lady day (3/28/2012)
“ Great Sermon! ” this is what happens when you take prayer out of school dont forget: Martin Luther was german--49 years now--wow nazis, and don't even know it---very cool!! :(
lady day (3/28/2012)
“ Great Sermon! ” the reason its making soo much money is that its the BACKLASH of the movie COURAGEOUS---you KNOW how SATAN is...dont we? spiritual warfare folks--it LOOKS like a mixture of The Lottery, Lord of the Flies, and Chronicles of Narnia..the author got ideas probably from all 3---i hated ROLLING STONE MAG ever since 1968 whe it had POT on the cover
Samantha M (3/28/2012)
from Georgia
“ Great Sermon! ” Thank you brother Kevin for a young adults point in the Lord...my children will hear this message.
Pastor Sean Harris (3/27/2012)
from Fayetteville, North Carolina
“ Thank You ” Thank you Kevin and Em (sp) for providing this great overview of the movie. I am glad I don't have to go and subject my mind to such trash and can still be informed. I have asked all my staff to download the program and be informed.
Kevin Swanson has served as elder and pastor of Reformation Church, OPC since its inception. Kevin was raised on the mission field in Japan in the 1960's and 1970's. Together with his wife Brenda, they are bringing up five children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord....
#2 - Top Played Sermon (48-Hours) on 3/30/2012
