Christian-Themed Film Gets "PG" Rating; Controversy Erupts

Jews On First this week has posted an interesting group of articles about the action of the Motion Picture Association of America in giving a "PG" rating to a new movie, Facing the Giants, which the MPAA says has some thematic elements that parents might want to know about in deciding whether their children should see the film. The film has a strong Christian theme, and initial reports said that the MPAA was focusing on Christian proselytization in the film. (Scripps-Howard, June 6.) A June 8 Action Alert sent out by the American Family Association said:

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) is now warning parents of movies which contain a reference to the Christian faith, equating Christianity as being on the same level of sex, violence and profanity when it comes to objectionable material.

The MPAA is controlled by Hollywood moguls known for their bitter opposition to Christianity.

A new family film featuring miracles and a pro-God theme has earned the PG rating because it would offend non-believers. The MPAA refuses to give movies which promote the homosexual lifestyle a similar warning. In other words, MPAA warns parents if a movie has Christianity presented in a positive manner but refuses to warn them if homosexuality is presented in a positive manner.

Facing the Giants is the story of a Christian high school football coach who uses his undying faith to battle the giants of fear and failure. Due to the Christian content, the MPAA rated it PG, placing it in the same offensive category as sex, violence and profanity.

However, yesterday CTV.ca reported that after receiving 15,000 e-mails, MPAA said that the main reason for the PG rating was mature themes in the film, and its religious message is not the primary issue.