Saved! is a movie bent on questioning people about their religion. Of course, that point is arguable because many audiences go to movies purely for entertainment value (there is quite a bit there), but don't like being hit over the head with a message. I do, however, feel that a lot may be gained from people (especially Christians) who are able to look past their religion, etc., observe the stereotypes being presented in this film, and are, hopefully, willing to make changes in their spiritual lives so that they don't turn into a Hillary Faye. I mean, really, even she doesn't want to be herself by the end of the movie.
If I had to guess, I would say that this movie is attempting to make a strong statement about perceived Christianity by stereotyping what many people believe is true about Christians -- enter Hillary Faye. Of course, by the end, everyone sees how flawed and fake Hillary Faye is and then people who hate the church and Christians have fuel to keep fighting against Christianity.
On the other hand, there is a message that encapsulated many, if not all, of the Christian values such as love, compassion, and the keen need to help other people are present in this film. The only issue is that these qualities were not exhibited by "Christians" (except for Patrick); instead, the characters who exemplify those qualities are the Jewish girl and the atheist, who ironically is Hillary Faye's brother.
THEY are the ones who don't ostracize Mary or make her feel like an outcast because she begins to struggle with her faith, causing her to be exiled by Hillary-Faye and her friends.
Shouldn't it be the other way around -- where Christians are the Christ-like people? This isn't to say that you have to be Christian to be Christ-like. It's more like I, along with the writers of this movie, am calling Christians out for a wake-up call of sorts because something really needs to happen to remind Christians of how they should me.
Does anyone else see the problem here?
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