Ian McKellan says the bible, not Da Vinci Code, should have a "fiction" disclaimer

Grimmlok · May 17th, 2006, 12:11 PM

Quote:

If "The Da Vinci Code" was already feeding the flames of controversy with its challenge to the basic tenets of Christianity, actor Ian McKellen managed to pour a refinery tank's worth of gasoline on the fire on this morning's 'Today' show, asserting that the Bible should carry a disclaimer saying that it is "fiction." Video: Windows Media or Real Player, Plus audio MP3

Matt Lauer, in his second day "On The Road With The Code," was in Cannes for the film festival, where the Code will have its debut. It has already been screened to some critics, who have given it decidedly mixed reviews.

As I reported here, NBC reporter Melissa Stark yesterday dipped a timid toe in the sea of controversy when she interviewed Code director Ron Howard, asking how he reacted to the controversy the movie has created . . . for the Church! Sounding more like a sensitivity trainer than a Hollywood director, Howard offered up some ambiguous prose about it being healthy thing for people to engage their beliefs.

Lauer took the bull of controversy more directly by the horns when he interviewed the cast and director Howard today. Said Lauer:

"There have been calls from some religious groups, they wanted a disclaimer at the beginning of this movie saying it is fiction because one of the themes in the book really knocks Christianity right on its ear, if Christ survived the crucifixion, he did not die for our sins and therefore was not resurrected. What I'm saying is, people wanted this to say 'fiction, fiction, fiction'. How would you all have felt if there was a disclaimer at the beginning of the movie? Would it have been okay with you?"

There was a pause, and then famed British actor Ian McKellen [Gandalf of Lord of the Rings], piped up:

"Well, I've often thought the Bible should have a disclaimer in the front saying this is fiction. I mean, walking on water, it takes an act of faith. And I have faith in this movie. Not that it's true, not that it's factual, but that it's a jolly good story. And I think audiences are clever enough and bright enough to separate out fact and fiction, and discuss the thing after they've seen it."

With the camera focused on McKellen, one could hear a distinctly nervous laugh in the background, seeming to come from either actor Tom Hanks or director Howard. McKellen's stunning bit of blasphemy is likely to test the adage that all publicity is good publicity.

Taken from an idiotic website that purports to expose 'liberal bias' in media..

http://newsbusters.org/stories/dv.html?q=node/5402

ang · May 17th, 2006, 12:25 PM

go sir ian...go sir ian!! i've never been convinced that the holy bible is anything but a fairy tale.

Lyndsey · May 17th, 2006, 12:26 PM

I have a feeling that this movie is not going to live up to its expectations.

Grimmlok · May 17th, 2006, 12:35 PM

Of course. You cannot question the church. The church is never wrong. Questioning your own religion is wrong.

Obey.

Obey.

Obey.

(goTeam McKellan!)

AyanEva · May 17th, 2006, 01:15 PM

This makes me very happy. I used to be really religious about five or six years ago. Then I started noticing holes in the Bible, took a bunch of religion courses, and called it a day. Best thing I ever did. I still remember one exchange that I always had with my parents when I was younger. It went something like this:

Me: "Where did God come from?"
Them: "He's always been here."
Me: "But he had to come from somewhere."
Them: "He's always been here."
Me: "But how can he have always been here?"
Them: "He's always been here."

Another one-

Me: "How did Noah fit all of the animals on Earth in the ark?"
Them: "God allowed him to do it."
Me: "But nobody could build a ship big enough!"
Them: "God allowed him to do it."
Me: "But how'd the animals that don't swim get there?"
Them: "God allowed them to do it."

In other words, you have no idea, dear mom and dad.

AyanEva

Bellatheball · May 17th, 2006, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grace721

He didn't say anything that should directly insult the church but they will take it as one anyway.

Um, he said the core beliefs of the Church are fiction. How is that not an insult? Just curious?

2003pinkpoodle · May 17th, 2006, 01:27 PM

For Christ sake....The dude said that THE BIBLE should have a disclaimer of "Fiction"....there will be fall out and THERE should BE!!! That is rediculous...I am a christian and i am utterly amazed at such a bold and poposterous statement...but to eaches own....Atheist aren't Atheist for NO REASON....Boo to IAN!!!

Grimmlok · May 17th, 2006, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bellatheball

Um, he said the core beliefs of the Church are fiction. How is that not an insult? Just curious?

Because they're fantastical and impossible to prove, and the bible is a really nifty story?

How is that any different from labelling The Da Vinci Code as fiction?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2003pinkpoodle

For Christ sake....The dude said that THE BIBLE should have a disclaimer of "Fiction"....there will be fall out and THERE should BE!!! That is rediculous...I am a christian and i am utterly amazed at such a bold and poposterous statement...but to eaches own....Atheist aren't Atheist for NO REASON....Boo to IAN!!!

So prove the bible is true in every way.

You can't, really. It's a bunch of stories, parables and whatnot. Like The Da Vinci Code, it has places and historical figures that did exist, but beyond that.. it's a fairy tale that might be true, but probably not.

Just depends on your perspective. Why we should pretend all the stuff in the bible actually happened without being able to prove it is beyond me. Whynot label it fiction as such?

Why is it more important, just because it's been around a long time? Because lots of people believe it?

Why would that make it any more or less important to question?

dragonlady · May 17th, 2006, 01:43 PM

Hmmmm well my mom is a deeply religious Baptist. When I asked her how she could take the Bible seriously, she said that she doesn't take it literally. After all, it is written by humans, and that in itself means that it's not free from error or a flawless truth. She says that it's more important to understand the lessons that the Bible teaches, kind of like a parable or something along those lines. She does believe in God and Jesus and such, and she says that it's mostly from life experience, not just because some guy with a book told her to. I personally don't believe in it, but I have a better time understanding her point of view because she explained it rationally and didn't try to force it on me even though I'm atheist, which some Christians apparently don't know how to do.

And as far as God being like Santa Claus, the impression I always got was that he didn't just give hand-outs like Santa, but if you ask him to help you with something, if it's meant for you to have it, some kind of way will be provided, but it's still up to you to recognize it and take advantage of it.

2003pinkpoodle · May 17th, 2006, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank_Rizzo

AnyaEva, I love those examples! And why doesn't God stop terrible things from happening to good people? Because he doesn't have to. Why is there so much suffering and famine? Because there is.

I was raised Catholic and used to feel deeply connected to God (in my teens) and I haven't felt that way in years. I even tried going back to a Catholic church with the intent of actually listening, paying attention and trying to find myself. I left feeling creeped out by the crazy mechanical chants. I tried going to a non-denominational Christian church and those Jesus Freaks were scarier than the Catholics! They were falling to their knees, pumping their fists, ect. Just spooky shit.

And if Jesus is truly against gays, interracial marriage (or is that an urban legend?), masturbation, etc... then I don't want to worhsip him anyway.

Athiests are athiest for plenty of reasons. A lot of unanswered questions, a lack of belief in a huge Santa Claus in the sky that grants all your wishes, etc.

Ummmm....that's what i was saying....I know you have your reasons...Do i give a rats ass...NO...but i respect anyones beliefs enough to not make judgements....hence my phrase:

Atheists aren't Atheists for NO REASON...

burnt_toast · May 17th, 2006, 01:54 PM

Being Catholic I have to step in and comment. The Bible CANNOT be labeled as non-fiction. If it must be given a label it MUST be fiction. Non-fiction requires lengthy documentation, bibliographies, sources ... etc. None of that exists.

I believe in the Bible - it's one hell of a story and carries more lessons for my life then I will ever be able to learn; however, that doesn't make it entirely FACTUAL. Some of it may have happened, but more than likely it didn't happen exactly as it was written, human memory is poor.

So many Christians get bent out of shape, thinking that when someone calls something fiction or a fairytale or a myth it makes it untrue. Truth isn't necessarily something that can be proven with an algorithm or duplicated in a lab. There are truths that exist in each of us, and many stories speak to that truth, but that doesn't make the stories non-fiction

It's unfortunate that so many who believe in the Bible get in such an uproar about what non-believers have to say. Get over it! All the chest-thumping and bellyaching only harms perception of our faith.

Grimmlok · May 17th, 2006, 01:55 PM

I'll ask questions and render my opinion on religions, politics, world events.. i don't consider any of them to be taboo or off limits..

I don't know why so many religious people do.

Oh shhhh you musn't talk like that about (insert religion here).. we don't do that, that's blasphemy, how dare you question, etc etc..

AliceInWonderland · May 17th, 2006, 01:57 PM

i love him!

The Vatican should get a life too!

dragonlady · May 17th, 2006, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AliceInWonderland

The Vatican should get a life too!

I think this IS their life. What else would they besides getting upset about people not believing the source of their authority? Go clubbing?

2003pinkpoodle · May 17th, 2006, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimmlok

Because they're fantastical and impossible to prove, and the bible is a really nifty story?

How is that any different from labelling The Da Vinci Code as fiction?

So prove the bible is true in every way.

You can't, really. It's a bunch of stories, parables and whatnot. Like The Da Vinci Code, it has places and historical figures that did exist, but beyond that.. it's a fairy tale that might be true, but probably not.

Just depends on your perspective. Why we should pretend all the stuff in the bible actually happened without being able to prove it is beyond me. Whynot label it fiction as such?

Why is it more important, just because it's been around a long time? Because lots of people believe it?

Why would that make it any more or less important to question?

My whole point is this is an insult to devote christians who take the bible literally...I never said i did...but i certainly wouldn't go around saying it is a WORK OF FICTION...that is just disrespectful....especially a movie you are a part of and just possibly the Person who make the movie right along with some of the staring actors may take offense...I guess political correctness doesn't count for shit now a days...I would share my thought on Athiests but i have respect for all beliefs so i hold my tongue....