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Brandon Ramirez
wrote:
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Hi, guys —
I would really like some help. You see I enjoy classic horror flicks such as:
- Nightmare on Elm Street
- Halloween
- Friday the 13th, etc.
and I would really love to get this replica Michael Myers mask but I'm worried because I know horror movies, in general, are not seen as a product of God.
My mother is religious and she hates the fact that I like horror films and I enjoy Halloween and going out with friends to get some candy and just hang out even though my mother says it is the devil's holiday.
I'm very conflicted because I really love horror and anything to do with it but I'm not sure if I'm doing wrong or if my mother is just too religious. I love God with all my heart and I am very open-minded about these subjects though we always clash on these two topics. For that reason, I'm interested in another person's point of view on this subject.
I know my faith is strong, which is why I don't see this subject as a serious matter.
- Should I get my Michael Myers mask? and
- Should I celebrate Halloween if I see it as a fun holiday?
Brandon
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{
Is there anything bad with enjoying classic horror flicks, related games, and some Halloween fun? }
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Bob replied:
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Brandon,
There are differing opinions on this:
- Some say the horror genre is a way of taming the true unimaginable horrors of this world and making them powerless—because they are reduced to fantasy. It is something like the Mel Brooks concept of satirizing the Nazis and making fun of them to take away their power, or even the rituals of some cultures. i.e. Mexico's Day of the Dead.
- On the other hand, people see the genre as glorifying all that is evil, and by so doing, give inspiration to the unstable to commit violence. The movies are often gruesomely, bloody and sadistic, and home games have followed suit. The games, in effect, treat people as objects to be destroyed and cultivate a warlike mentality in some while furthering the culture of death all around us. It is not surprising to learn that many who have been involved in school shootings were adherents of such entertainment. So, be careful how much you contribute to the culture of death as well.
Whichever the case, purchasing a mask for the sake of something like Halloween is no sin, so I wouldn't have a problem with that and hopefully your mom will get over it.
Peace,
Bob Kirby
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Mike replied:
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Dear Brandon,
I just wanted to add to what Bob has said.
You said:
. . . and just hang out even though my mother says it is the devil's holiday.
Not quite. These articles from our colleagues at Catholic Answers should help:
Finally, while I agree with Bob's answer, I would say any (video) gamer has to have a balance in how much and to what degree they play any video game. When one starts to compromise on basic Christian principles and family matters for the sake of any video game, they should seek help.
Here are some related postings from the AskACatholic knowledge base.
Mike
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Brandon replied:
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Thank you Mike,
I really appreciate how open minded you guys are and I understand what you're saying.
- What is your take on the whole mask situation?
- Should I buy the mask?
I'm a huge John Carpenter fan and a big fan of his film Halloween.
- Should i buy the Michael Myers mask as a display piece or would it be bad if I did?
Brandon
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Mike replied:
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Hi Brandon,
I am not familiar with John Carpenter but, on the mask issue, would agree with Bob.
Watching any movie is fine as long as you keep a proper perspective of what you watched afterward.
Mike
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