Predictably Stupid

I haven't read The Da Vinci Code. I may or may not watch its film adaptation when it comes out in a few weeks. For reasons I cannot entirely explain, I am not all that keen on catching it in theaters. In fact, my interest in watching it is minimal, Tom Hanks and Ron Howard notwithstanding.

That said, I find myself gagging over the idiots who are calling for the movie to be banned from exhibition in the Philippines. Apparently, people in this country are getting stupider by the day.

The rest of the world is shaking its head at the narrowmindedness of several members of the Islamic community that has reacted quite violently to the publication of several Danish cartoons defamatory of the prophet Muhammad. A lot of Christians like to think that they are above such tantrums, simply because they aren't protesting in the streets or burning flags. I'd like to think that's true as well, but the gaggle of fools, including priests, no less demanding that the MTRCB bar The Da Vinci Code from exhibition even before they've previewed it make me think twice about having such confidence.

For all of these people I have four words, one of which is actually a contraction: IT'S. JUST. A. MOVIE.

By calling for the suppression of this work of FICTION, these people who fancy themselves defenders of the faith will effectively be doing Christianity, as well as the faithful, a huge disservice. It's tantamount to their saying that this supposed affront to the Christian faith (and all its various denominations) should not be shown, lest it pollute the minds of those that watch it. It's the same argument against pornography, basically.

The problem is that when the subject matter of a film is religion, specifically an "alternative viewpoint," to suppress a film creates the distinct impression that one is afraid of it and its effects. Do these people really think so little of the Catholic faithful that they are certain they can be swayed by a mere movie? One adapted by a hack like Akiva Goldsman?

I'm just glad a lot of very responsible Christian leaders, including members of the Opus Dei, who take the biggest hits from the movie, are calling for sobriety and saying that if the movie should spark anything, it should be discussion and not attempts towards suppression.

Still, it really, really doesn't speak well of all the idiots in this country and in the others that have yelled and screamed for the suppression of this film. They seem to learn nothing from history and its lessons on suppressing the freedom of expression.

Let the movie and its controversy ride its course, I say. Intelligent, informed discussion is more likely to kill all the so-called issues raised in this movie more effectively than strident calls to have it banned. Come on, people, let's show the world that Christians deal with challenges to their faith intelligently.