Posted on 03/26/2007 6:36:58 AM PDT by RDTF
A society that does not value its warriors will be destroyed by one that does.
A low-budget movie with no recognized stars that presents a cartoonish version of an event that happened long ago and far away is a surprising box office hit.
The movie is "The 300," about the battle in 480 B.C. at Thermopylae between Greeks and Persians. Its opening grossed more than $70 million, more than the next 10 highest grossing movies playing that weekend combined.
"The 300" has been denounced by the government of Iran, and the battle it describes was cited by former Vice President Al Gore in his congressional testimony Wednesday as inspiration for Americans to fight global warming. That's a lot of buzz.
"The 300" has plenty of violence, sex and the largest number of ripped abdomens ever seen on the silver screen, which doubtless counts for much of its appeal. But there is more to it than that.
"The 300" is a simple story of good versus evil. A handful of valiant Spartan warriors, inspired by love of country and love of liberty, fight to the death against a foreign oppressor. (Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here, obedient to their laws, we lie.)
-snip-
"300" is soaked with the masculine virtues of courage, honor, patriotism and self-sacrifice, and the camaraderie that exists among fighting men who have been through a shared ordeal. These are little valued in Hollywood or contemporary society, and there is a hunger for them. This, I think, is the key to the movie's appeal.
We need to rediscover these virtues. At once the most preposterous and the most dangerous of contemporary beliefs is "nothing was ever settled by violence."
-snip-
(Excerpt) Read more at post-gazette.com ...
I saw the first 300 spartans years ago as a kid but will certainly watch as soon as I get a copy. From what I temember of it though I won't change my mind, but I will watch.
the Persians employed killer rhinos
God certainly didn't. He commanded the Jews to destroy entire cities.
Even Jesus brought a sword, even if what He was referring to was His tongue.
He promised division, not unity, turning mother against son, and father against daughter.
I agree with you more than you realize. I think this is a failing of our war policy. We should have some sort of system set up over there were we broadcast - at 100,000 watts - what is considered cowardice and evil in our view. It may not change them but we need to explain our concept of good and evil. I agree with what you said about military foce and size - as long as it defeats evil.
I have no such confusion.
Martyrdom for Christ grants the ultimate reward.
Bearing false witness, oldie? I already provided a source.
What trouble? Disagreeing about a movie based on a comic book? Or disagreeing about martyrdom leads to heaven? Are you some sort of brain washed Jones Town types that freak out that others may have opinions - non political opinions even - different from yours?
That is '1984' like thinking by you.
Of course - that is why I am kind of shocked that people are using a comic book inspired movie to get all pumped up about. It must be a good movie if people think this movie is a sign from above.
I will repeat again - I loved the movie. I loved the comic book. I don't consider this movie a realistic outlook on real life.
At least as an Orthodox Christian you accept the dogma that non violent martyrdom (unlike war making jihadist version) for Christ is rewarded in paradise.
He commanded. Unless the human being can prove God said so directly then he is a liar and a false witness.
If you want to worship a homicidal version Jesus go right ahead.
Taking up arms is not a holy mission and being killed in battle does not lead to martyrdom.
St. Augustine wrote down what is a just war and what is not and a just war is never taken to spread the word of Jesus and only for defensive purposes.
"Martyrdom for Christ grants the ultimate reward."
The ultimate reward in heaven, yes, not the access to heaven.
"Bearing false witness, oldie?"
Pretty strong words.
I was trying to have a civil discussion with you. I have not called you names or accused you of nefarious intentions. If you wish to get in the gutter for this discussion go find one somewhere else.
You sounds delusional.
sounds=sound.
That is an illogical statement - there are no degrees in heaven. One heaven under one godhead.
You make it sound that the martyrs will get a luxury condo in heaven.
The reward is the remission of sins.
That as been orthodox dogma for 2,000 years - May I ask what Protestant sect denies martyrdom for Christ leads to salvation? I assumed even Protestants said as much. But you know what happens when you assume.
subterfuge used those words about me when he addressed you. I was replying to him not to you but I pinged you out of courtesy because the remarks about me were directed at you.
It was my intent to keep you in the loop not to accuse you.
I do counter accuse subterfuge though.
My 6th sense new you meant sound over sounds.
My 6th sense knew you meant sound over sounds. knew not new - lol
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