In part one, I mentioned I almost chose not to go see the movie because of some comments I’d read online, maybe you’ve heard or read something similar but maybe not. The gist of comments was that Christians should not see the movie. Those I happened to see were on a blog that a well respected pastor I follow on Facebook happened to link to. Under his link were comments by some who echoed the sentiment along with those who didn’t.

The main issue for those saying it was a no-go is the fact that a major theme of the movie is a that the “religion” on the fantasy world is an equivalent to how some people worship “mother earth”.

And that is completely true, there is a big focus on all things being one, the goddess/power being able to heal and gathering and chanting almost in a frenzy while connecting to both the goddess via a tree and their ancestors.

However, there is nothing in the movie encouraging people to abandon their beliefs and try what’s depicted instead. There is also nothing blatantly anti-Christian or pro-any other specific faith. That being the case, I see no reason not to see the movie I believe, some of the religious aspects can easily be related to our Christian faith.

For example, someone is brought to the goddess power for healing. The community gathers and simultaneously prays for healing while the priestess character leads the process. So that’s different that what we do when we ask God to heal someone or lay on hands during a service how?

There is also the concept that everything is interconnected and the source of life flows through all creatures and all of their  natural surroundings. Again, we believe the same, the God is the creator and giver of life, and we as humans are connected to the world around us. Our actions, good or bad, effect other people, animals and plants too.

To sum things up, while not everything “worldly” can be used as a tool to spread our faith, I think Avatar definitely can be. In my opinion there’s enough value for it to be a both a positive influence on one’s Christian faith as well as a potential way to start conversations with non-Christians.

Okay, now it’s your turn.

Have you seen it? Are you a Christian or no? What did you think with regard to your faith?

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett