Movies and television are a powerful medium and they have a profound impact on culture. And the sad truth is that many movies these days, including those outside the scary “horror” genre, are either completely antithetical to Christian values or at the very least are at odds with God’s divine standard of holiness. As for most horror movies, their “entertainment” value often lies in their ability to titillate our youthful desire to be scared witless. The gruesome means by which moviemakers attempt to shock our consciences usually involves an abundance of carnage and bloodshed. The problem is, however, that it takes more and more to shock seared consciences these days, which means the level of depravity is continually on the rise to accommodate our increasing desensitization to hard-core gore and evil. All things considered, true Christians would likely find it difficult enjoying the majority of today’s horror movies.

Let’s consider the horror movies that delve into the supernatural realm with a particular focus on demonic activity. Scripture makes it clear that our earthly struggle is “against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Christians are keenly aware of the evil reality of demons and how every moment of their very real existence is spent trying to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10), or to otherwise separate us from our Savior. As such, this is a subject that should hardly be taken lightly; neither should it be considered a form of “entertainment.” If something would offend Jesus Christ, it should offend His children in whom His Holy Spirit resides.

As we mature in our Christian walk, sin and evil should bother us more and more all the time. We are to be beacons of light in an ever-darkening world, striving to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:12). Scripture tells us to be moral and pure, abhorring what is evil and to have our minds focused on things which are noble and pure, lovely and admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8), and that “whatever [we] do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). These verses should guide us daily in everything we do, including the movies we choose to see. How can it be possible to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) when we are at a horror movie laden with murder and mayhem and, essentially, being entertained by the very sins that Jesus Christ died for?

Now, notwithstanding the above, it should be noted that there are some Christian moviemakers who actually produce horror movies, albeit not the bloodlettings referred to above. Realizing that evil is a very real part of our existence on earth, they feel it is not only possible but responsible to make a horror movie that accurately depicts the reality of the dark forces of evil with which Christians’ constantly struggle. Certainly if such a movie could help the audience appreciate the depth of our worldly struggle between good and evil, then such a movie could indeed be congruent with a Christian paradigm. Better yet, how beneficial would it be if such a movie could even point to our need for a Savior?

In deciding what movies to watch, perhaps it would be wise to heed the words of the apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians: “Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 emphasis added). As Christians, we of course know that the Spirit of Christ resides in our hearts (Romans 8:9). He is with us wherever we go. What if, however, rather than occupying a place in our heart, Jesus Christ walked beside us so that we could literally see Him every moment of the day? What effect would this have on our behavior? What if when we went to the movies, for example, we saw Jesus Christ sitting beside us – watching the movie that we took Him to? Knowing the divine character of our holy and sinless Savior, and knowing the sanctity He places on the very life He died to give us, what sort of movie would we feel comfortable taking Him to?  God bless you!!! :):)

Some Chris­tians have a prob­lem with the con­tent of The Hunger Games. The prob­lem, in my opin­ion, isn’t the con­tent of The Hunger Games (or most other movies). Rather, the prob­lem is twofold:

1) Many Chris­tians enter­tain them­selves to death. Though we claim that we don’t have enough time for Bible study, prayer, dis­ci­ple­ship, or evan­ge­lism, we have plenty of time and money to read fic­tional nov­els or to go to the movie theater.

2) Many Chris­tians uncrit­i­cally devour what­ever Hol­ly­wood puts out. Very few believ­ers thought­fully engage the enter­tain­ment they con­sume. If they crit­i­cize movies like The Hunger Games at all, they merely crit­i­cize its artis­tic mer­its, not its theological ones.

Some well-meaning Chris­tians argue, “The Hunger Games fea­tures a lot of bad stuff, so we shouldn’t read the books or see the movies.” I would respond to that argu­ment in this way:

1) The Pas­sion of the Christ had bad stuff in it, both in terms of gore (it was one of the blood­i­est movies I’ve ever seen) and in terms of bad the­ol­ogy (the theme of Mary as co-redemptrix with Jesus was pretty clear). But most Chris­tians didn’t com­plain about either the gore or the unbib­li­cal the­ol­ogy. This argu­ment is sim­ply a plea for us to be consistent.

2) The Bible has bad stuff in it, and if many pas­sages are under­stood cor­rectly, they are far worse than any­thing The Hunger Games seems to depict.  I’ve been read­ing through the Book of Ezekiel and read chap­ter 23 ear­lier this week; you would only find the lan­guage God uses there in a porno­graphic novel.

So I don’t find the argu­ment that Chris­tians shouldn’t see  movies that have “bad stuff” in them very com­pelling. Obvi­ously, there is a line with enter­tain­ment, and I can’t see any profit from movies that fea­ture nudity or lit­tle more than bad lan­guage and vio­lence. But I don’t think that’s all The Hunger Games has to offer.

I encour­aged this leader to speak to the hearts of those con­sid­er­ing going to see The Hunger Games, and to do so by ask­ing good questions like:

1) Why do you want to go see The Hunger Games?

2) What do you know about the movie’s plot, con­tent, main mes­sage, and worldview?

3) How do you think that movie will tempt you to think about God, man, sin, and the work of Jesus? Do you think it will pro­mote a bib­li­cal view or an unbiblical view?

4) Do you think you’ll be able to watch that movie and love Christ more and encour­age oth­ers to love Christ more?

A thought­less Chris­t­ian might respond to those ques­tions by say­ing, “I dunno. It looked awe­some.” I would encour­age that per­son to do some research, then prayer­fully eval­u­ate whether going to see the movie is a good choice.

But a thought­ful Chris­t­ian might respond by not­ing that the major­ity of her church and com­mu­nity will be going to see the movie, and see­ing it her­self will help her engage with them more thought­fully. Fur­ther, she might say that she does under­stand the movie’s plot, con­tent, main mes­sage, and world­view by read­ing crit­i­cal reviews. More­over, she might under­stand that she will be tempted by the movie to believe that while peo­ple do bad things, peo­ple are basi­cally good and can con­jure up good from within them if they’ll try.  She might say that she knows it will pro­mote an unbib­li­cal world­view, but with prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit, she hopes to see those errors and reject them for the truth of God’s Word. Finally, she might respond that by view­ing the movie, she will be com­pelled to love Christ more because humanity’s deprav­ity and our inabil­ity to save our­selves from our­selves is so clearly displayed.

I believe Chris­tians can watch cer­tain movies with God-centered motives — even movies whose world­view and con­tent don’t exalt God and His Gospel. But as with all things, God is most inter­ested in the heart behind our actions. We can watch The Hunger Games with God-centered motives or man-centered motives. We’ll need the Word and the Spirit to dis­cern the difference.

BIBLICAL LIVING:  March 30, 2012  God bless you!!! :):)

Movies are a powerful medium and they have a profound impact on culture. And the sad truth is that many movies these days, including those outside the scary “horror” genre, are either completely antithetical to Christian values or at the very least are at odds with God’s divine standard of holiness. As for most horror movies, their “entertainment” value often lies in their ability to titillate our youthful desire to be scared witless. The gruesome means by which moviemakers attempt to shock our consciences usually involves an abundance of carnage and bloodshed. The problem is, however, that it takes more and more to shock seared consciences these days, which means the level of depravity is continually on the rise to accommodate our increasing desensitization to hard-core gore and evil. All things considered, true Christians would likely find it difficult enjoying the majority of today’s horror movies.

Let’s consider the horror movies that delve into the supernatural realm with a particular focus on demonic activity. Scripture makes it clear that our earthly struggle is “against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Christians are keenly aware of the evil reality of demons and how every moment of their very real existence is spent trying to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10), or to otherwise separate us from our Savior. As such, this is a subject that should hardly be taken lightly; neither should it be considered a form of “entertainment.” If something would offend Jesus Christ, it should offend His children in whom His Holy Spirit resides.

As we mature in our Christian walk, sin and evil should bother us more and more all the time. We are to be beacons of light in an ever-darkening world, striving to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:12). Scripture tells us to be moral and pure, abhorring what is evil and to have our minds focused on things which are noble and pure, lovely and admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8), and that “whatever [we] do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). These verses should guide us daily in everything we do, including the movies we choose to see. How can it be possible to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) when we are at a horror movie laden with murder and mayhem and, essentially, being entertained by the very sins that Jesus Christ died for?

Now, notwithstanding the above, it should be noted that there are some Christian moviemakers who actually produce horror movies, albeit not the bloodlettings referred to above. Realizing that evil is a very real part of our existence on earth, they feel it is not only possible but responsible to make a horror movie that accurately depicts the reality of the dark forces of evil with which Christians’ constantly struggle. Certainly if such a movie could help the audience appreciate the depth of our worldly struggle between good and evil, then such a movie could indeed be congruent with a Christian paradigm. Better yet, how beneficial would it be if such a movie could even point to our need for a Savior?

In deciding what movies to watch, perhaps it would be wise to heed the words of the apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians: “Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 emphasis added). As Christians, we of course know that the Spirit of Christ resides in our hearts (Romans 8:9). He is with us wherever we go. What if, however, rather than occupying a place in our heart, Jesus Christ walked beside us so that we could literally see Him every moment of the day? What effect would this have on our behavior? What if when we went to the movies, for example, we saw Jesus Christ sitting beside us – watching the movie that we took Him to? Knowing the divine character of our holy and sinless Savior, and knowing the sanctity He places on the very life He died to give us, what sort of movie would we feel comfortable taking Him to?  You need to learn how to say no.  God bless you!!! :):)

I like to keep it really simple.  If a movie or TV show doesn’t glorify God then you shouldn’t watch it.  The Bible says:

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Meditate on These Things

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:6-8

I love this scripture.  It teaches us how we can make it through this world that we as Christians are not a part of.  This is not our home.   We need to keep our focus on Jesus and luckily He left us the Holy spirit to help us.  When the bible tells us in scripture to guard our hearts and minds it isn’t joking.  Ask anyone who battle porn addiction.  Ask someone who has nightmares.  Take the Lord at His Word and use His Word to guard your heart and minds in these last days.  God bless you!!! :):):)

Yes I have.  Recent best-selling books Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo, 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper and 23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Wiese are raising the question – is God giving people visions of heaven and hell today? Is it possible that God is taking people to heaven and/or hell, and then sending them back in order to deliver a message to us? While the popularity of these new books is bringing the concept to the forefront, the over-arching claim is nothing new. Books such as A Divine Revelation of Hell and A Divine Revelation of Heaven by Mary Baxter and We Saw Heaven by Roberts Liardon have been available for years. The key question is - are such claims biblically solid?

First, it is important to note that of course God COULD give a person a vision of heaven or hell. God gave the Apostle Paul just such a vision in 2 Corinthians 12:1-6. Isaiah had an amazing experience as recorded in Isaiah chapter 6. Yes, it is possible that Piper, Wiese, Baxter, and others have truly been to heaven / hell and come back. Ultimately, only God knows if these claims are true or the result of misperception, exaggeration, or, worst, outright deception. The only way for us to discern is to compare the visions and experiences with the Word of God.

If God were to truly give a person a vision of heaven or hell, one thing we can know for sure is that it would be in 100% agreement with His Word. A God-given vision of heaven would in no sense contradict Scriptures such as Revelation chapters 21-22. Further, if God were to truly give multiple people visions of heaven or hell, the God-given visions would in no sense contradict each other. Yes, the visions could be different and could focus on different details, but they would not contradict one another.

As with any book written by any author, “test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). If you read these books, read with a discerning mind. Always compare what the author says and claims with Scripture. Most importantly, never allow someone else’s experience and his interpretation of that experience to shape your understanding of Scripture. Scripture must be used to interpret experience, not the other way around. Be blessed and encouraged by what happened to other people, but do not allow their experiences to be the foundation of your faith or walk with God.

Overall, we found 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper and Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo to be the most biblical and believable of all the available books. Piper abd Burpo seem to approach the issue with humility and honesty. Whether or not the visions were truly from God, the experiences appear to be miraculous. Again, though, read with a healthy amount of discernment and a commitment to the Bible as the absolute source of truth.

When the Apostle Paul was “caught up to paradise,” he “heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell” (2 Corinthians 12:4). Similarly, the Apostle John (Revelation 10:3-4) and the prophet Daniel (Daniel 8:26; 9:24; 12:4) were instructed to conceal aspects of the visions they received. It would be quite strange for God to have Paul, Daniel, and John withhold aspects of what He revealed to them, only to, 2000+ years later, give even greater visions, along with permission for full disclosure, to people today. It is our contention that these books claiming visions of and trips to heaven and hell should be viewed skeptically and, most importantly, biblically.  God bless you!!! :):)

Yes it is true Here is a page that lists them:

Masonic references in cinema

The appearances of Freemasonry in movies range from the unremarked and irrelevent use of symbols such as the square and compasses on scenery and properties, to the actual enactment of masonic ritual by principal characters. The following list of masonic references is not definitive, nor are all entries confirmed. The list contains 92 films from a non-random survey of over twenty-two hundred films.

The internet has produced many unconfirmed sightings. Further reports, and confirmation in the form of screen captures and time, are alway welcome. Please forward additional references, with details, to our editor. Theatre or television viewings, without the opportunity to replay, will sometimes lead to mistaken reports. There is another catagory of film that is not included in this list. Both anti-masons and over-enthusiastic freemasons will find masonic references where none were intended. That the principals in The Lord of the Rings are travelling eastward and at one point pass between two pillars does not make theirs a masonic journey. Because entry to a private club in Eyes Wide Shut (1999) requires a password does not make it a masonic society. The all-seeing eye is not necessarily a masonic symbol. Some of these films, while not actually masonic, are included as masonic obscurities. A list of references to the masonic club, the Shriners in films is also posted on this website

Across the Pacific (1942)
In a shipboard scene, ju-jitsu exercises performed by Chinese sailors are compared to the initiatory nature of Freemasonry. Mary Astor, Sydney Greenstreet. Directed by John Huston. USA, English. *
The Affair of the Diamond Necklace (2001)
Christopher Walken plays Cagliostro, self-styled “the Grand Master of the Illuminati”, while Jonathan Pryce, as Bishop Rohen, hides his personal correspondence behind a panel in a desk decorated with masonic symbols. Hilary Swank, Jonathan Pryce, Adrien Brody, Brian Cox, Joely Richardson, Christopher Walken. Directed by Charles Shyer, written by John Sweet. Drama R 117 min., USA, English. Technicolor. *
L’Âge d’or (1930)
To avoid arrest, Gaston Modot, as “the Man”, produces a special delegate certificate, given to him by the International Goodwill Society. Although not immediately recognizable by the non-mason, it clearly displays a masonic design with an all-seeing eye in a radiant glory, two pillars with globes as well as three candlesticks on a checkerboard flooring. [00:28:10] Directed by Luis Buñuel, written by Luis Buñuel, Salvador Dalí. Gaston Modot, Lya Lys, Caridad de Laberdesque, Max Ernst, Josep Llorens Artigas, Lionel Salem, Germaine Noizet, Bonaventura Ibáñez. 60 min. France, French. Black and White, Mono. *
Aliens (1986)
Sgt. Apone, played by Al Matthews in a strong sympathetic role, wears a masonic ring. [00:28:07] Directed by James Cameron, written by James Cameron and David Giler. Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen, Paul Reiser, Bill Paxton, William Hope, Jenette Goldstein, Al Matthews, Mark Rolston, Ricco Ross, Colette Hiller, Daniel Kash, Cynthia Dale Scott, Tip Tipping. 137 min. USA | UK, English, Eastmancolor, Dolby. *
American Gangster (2007)
Ted Levine, as Det. Lou Toback, wears a masonic lapel pin [0:13:18]. Directed by Ridley Scott, written by Steven Zaillian and Mark Jacobson. Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, Lymari Nadal, Ted Levine, Roger Guenveur Smith, John Hawkes, RZA, Yul Vazquez, Malcolm Goodwin, Ruby Dee, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Carla Gugino, Skyler Fortgang. 157 min. USA, English, Colour, Dolby. (Action) *
Anatomie (2000)
A student member of the Anti-Hippocratic Society—”a cross between the Freemasons and a college fraternity with old rituals, a lodge, the whole thing”—starts a killing spree that ends with the death of the Grand Master and the exposure of the society. Franka Potente, Benno Fürmann, Anna Loos, Sebastian Blomberg, Holger Speckhahn, Traugott Buhre. Directed and written by Stefan Ruzowitzky. AKA: Anatomy. 103 min. Germany, German / Latin. Colour, Dolby. (Horror) *
El Ángel exterminador “The Exterminating Angel” (1962)
Perhaps Luis Buñuel’s most surreal and allegorical film, there is one scene where, in a crowded room, two characters give each other what appears to be the sign of the Fellowcraft degree [00:18:00]. Later one asks the other for the name of his lodge. The other replies that it is Dawn Lodge No. 21. At a later point, one of the men lets out a cry that another man then explains is the masonic call for help. [01:18:00] While these two are specific masonic references, the story itself can be interpreted as a rebirth or resurrection story incorporating sacrifice and ritual. Directed by Luis Buñuel, written by Luis Buñuel. Silvia Pinal, Enrique Rambal, Claudio Brook, José Baviera, Augusto Benedico, Antonio Bravo, Jacqueline Andere , César del Campo, Rosa Elena Durgel, Lucy Gallardo, Enrique Garcia Álvarez , Ofelia Guilmáin, Nadia Haro Oliva, Tito Junco, Xavier Loya. 95 min. Mexico, Spanish, Black and White, Mono.
The Ant Bully (2006)
Lucas’s grandmother, who fears alien abduction, leaps out of her customized rocking chair to reveal an obviously masonic square and compasses. Why is it there? Perhaps only to attract the attention of websites such as this. [00:18:00] Directed by John A. Davis, written by John A. Davis, John Nickle (book). Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Paul Giamatti, Zach Tyler, Regina King, Bruce Campbell, Lily Tomlin, Cheri Oteri, Larry Miller, Allison Mack, Austin Majors, Ricardo Montalban, Myles Jeffrey, Jake T. Austin. 88 min. USA, English. Colour, Dolby. (Animation) *
The Apocalypse Watch (1997)
In charge of a team of agents tracking down a neo-nazi plot to poison England’s water supply, US Intelligence Officer Wesley Sorenson wears a masonic ring, prominently displayed in two scenes. [00:27:00] [01:18:00]. Directed by Kevin Connor, written by Robert Ludlum (novel) John Goldsmith. Patrick Bergin, John Shea, Virginia Madsen, Benedick Blythe, Malcolm Tierney, Al Matthews, Ted Maynard, Christopher Neame. 240 min. USA, English, Color, Stereo (Action) *
Arachnophobia (1990)
The opening scene of the small town where the main story takes place frames a welcome sign incorporating logos for Rotary International, Freemasonry and the Lions Club. [00:17:44] Note the similarity to the welcome sign in Overboard and others. Directed by Frank Marshall, written by Don Jakoby, Al Williams. Jeff Daniels, Harley Jane Kozak, John Goodman, Julian Sands, Stuart Pankin, Brian McNamara, Mark L. Taylor, Henry Jones, Peter Jason, James Handy, Roy Brocksmith, Kathy Kinney, Mary Carver, Garette Ratliff Henson, Marlene Katz. 103 min, USA, English Colour, Dolby. *
Are You a Mason? (1915)
Based on the play Die Logenbrüder in which two non-masons attempt to convince others that they are freemasons. Also produced on Broadway by Leo Ditrichstein. John Barrymore, Helen Freeman, Charles Dixon, Harold Lockwood. Directed by Thomas N. Heffron, written by Leo Ditrichstein (play) Eve Unsell. USA, English. Black and White, Silent. (Comedy) .
Are You a Mason? (1934)
Sonnie Hale, Robertson Hare, Davy Burnaby, Gwyneth Lloyd, Bertha Belmore, Joyce Kirby. Directed by Henry Edwards, written by Leo Ditrichstein (play) Emanuel Lederer (play). 70 min. UK, English. Black and White, Mono. (Comedy).
Bad Boys II (2003)
Narcotics officers Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Bennett (Martin Lawrence) use a tile installer’s truck, with a square and compasses sticker on the back door [00:18:00]. Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Jordi Mollà, Gabrielle Union, Peter Stormare. Directed by Michael Bay, written by George Gallo, Marianne Wibberley. 150 min. USA, English, Colour (Comedy). *
Bang Bang You’re Dead (2002)
Above a police station sign can be seen a square and compasses. [00:49:20]
Directed by Guy Ferland, written by William Mastrosimone. Tom Cavanagh, Ben Foster, Randy Harrison, Janel Moloney, Jane McGregor, David Paetkau, Eric Johnson, Kristian Ayre, Brent Glenen, Gillian Barber, Eric Keenleyside, Glynis Davies, Ryan Mcdonald, Chad Faust, Sabiston. USA | Canada, English. 87 min. Dolby, Colour.
Bird (1988)
A biography of jazz musician Charlie “Yardbird” Parker. In a cemetery scene the camera pans across a row of monuments, one of which displays a square and compasses. Forest Whitaker, Diane Venora. Produced and directed by Clint Eastwood, written by Joel Oliansky. 160 min., USA, English. Colour. *
Bobby Bumps Starts a lodge (1916)
Young Bobby Bumps plays a trick on his friend who wants to be initiated into his lodge. When his friend outsmarts him and saves his life, they both agree to be initiated into the lodge together. Reference is made to a lodge apron, riding the goat and the third degree. Bray Productions, Inc. Paramount Pictures. Directed by Earl Hurd (d. 1940). Produced by J. R. Bray. piano score composed and performed by Philip Carli. 5:15 min/24 fps. Released September 28, 1916. 1 reel of 1 (ca. 615 ft.) : silent animation, b&w ; 35 mm. *
Brothers War (2009)
Other than the captain sporting a square and compasses tattoo and the major once crying out, “Is there no help for the widow’s son”, there is little other masonic content, although publicity for the movie focused on this theme. Directed by Jerry Buteyn, screenplay by Warren Lewis and Tino Struckmann. Tino Struckmann, Michael Berryman, Olivier Gruner, Hayley Carr, Hugh Daly, Jack Dimich, Adam Leadbeater, Tye Olson, Steve Holm, Dylan Kenin, Boris Kievsky, Time Winters, Joshua Minnick, Andreas T. Ramani, Mark Doerr. USA, English, Colour, Stereo. *
The Celebration. “Dogme 1, Festen” (1998)
[00:23:49 - 00:24:09] Helge Klingenfeldt to his youngest son Michael: “I’ve been asked to inquire whether you are interested in the lodge. I don’t see you as one of the brethren, I must say. But Christian has told Preben you’re doing well. And as Christian is not interested, you may expect to be invited — to join the Freemasons. Strike while the iron is hot. There is a long….” The camera pulls back to one of Helge’s associates: “He could make something of himself.” Helge finishes by saying: “We have to help you get on.” Helge (Henning Moritzen) is revealed to have molested two of his children, driving one to suicide. Michael (Thomas Bo Larsen), a violent quick-tempered married man with three children, is revealed to have had an affair with one of his parents’ maids, Michelle. Henning Moritzen, Paprika Steen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Ulrich Thomsen. Produced by Birgette Hald, written by Thomas Vinterberg. Danish, 106 min. Colour, Mono. 1998 (Drama) *
Chan Is Missing (1982)
During a montage of San Francisco Chinatown scenes, a square and compasses is briefly seen atop the Bing Kong Tong (秉公堂) Building at 35 Waverly Place. Calling themselves Chinese Free Masons, the link between Bing Kong Tong and Hong Men—also styling themselves Chinese Freemasons— is unclear. [00:47:20] Directed by Wayne Wang, written by Isaac Cronin and Wayne Wang. Wood Moy, Marc Hayashi, Laureen Chew, Peter Wang, Presco Tabios, Frankie Alarcon, Judi Nihei, Ellen Yeung, George Woo, Emily Woo Yamasaki, Virginia Cerenio, Roy Chan, Leong Pui Chee. 80 min. USA, English | Cantonese, Black and White, Mono. *
Collateral (2004)
An undefined masonic reference has been reported but not confirmed.
Directed Michael Mann, written by Stuart Beattie. Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Peter Berg, Bruce McGill, Irma P. Hall, Barry Shabaka Henley, Richard T. Jones, Klea Scott, Bodhi Elfman, Debi Mazar, Javier Bardem, Emilio Rivera, Jamie McBride. 120 min. USA, English | Spanish, Color, Dolby. [unconfirmed]
Conspiracy Theory (1997)
Mel Gibson, as programmed assassin turned cabbie, Jerry Fletcher, says “I mean George Bush knew what he was saying when he said New World Order, you remember those fatal words, New World Order? Well he was a 33rd degree mason you know and an ex director of the CIA.” [00:01:40]. Julia Roberts, as justice department lawyer, Alice Sutton, says: “I suppose they have a secret handshake.” [00:38:29]. Other references, if intended as such, are less obvious. Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart. Directed by Richard Donner, written by Brian Helgeland. Warner Bros. 129 min., USA, English, Colour (Drama). *
Coup de torchon (1981)
In 1938 French West Africa, Lucien Cordier, as Philippe Noiret, describes his father: “He’s one of those people who believes there’s only one answer to every problem and one of those who blames everything on Jews and Freemasons.” [00:59:54] Directed by Bertrand Tavernier, written by Jean Aurenche Bertrand Tavernier. Philippe Noiret, Isabelle Huppert, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Stéphane Audran, Eddy Mitchell, Guy Marchand, Irène Skobline. Also Known As Clean Up. 128 min. France, French, Colour. *
Cremaster Cycle (1995-2002)
A set of five art films with numerous masonic references. Directed by Matthew Barney, written by Matthew Barney. Cremaster 1 (1995): Marti Domination, Gemma Bourdon Smith, Kathleen Crepeau. 40 min. USA, English. Colour, Mono. , Cremaster 2 (1999), Cremaster 3 (2002), Cremaster 4 (1994), Cremaster 5 (1997): Ursula Andress, Matthew Barney, Joanne Rha. 55 min. USA, Hungarian, Colour. *
The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Tom Hanks, as Robert Langdon, stands in front of a display of “religious” symbols, including a masonic square and compasses in the bottom left corner. [00:03:40] The image can be seen in a promotional still but not in the film. Langdon makes a passing reference to Freemasonry near the end of the film [02:01:30] when he describes the symbols found in Rosslyn Chapel. Directed by Ron Howard, written by Akiva Goldsman (screenplay) Dan Brown (novel). Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno, Paul Bettany, Alfred Molina, Jürgen Prochnow, Jean-Yves Berteloot, Etienne Chicot, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Marie-Françoise Audollent, Rita Davies, Francesco Carnelutti, Seth Gabel, Shane Zaza. 149 min. Country: USA, English / French / Latin. Colour *
Dance of the Dead (2008)
As the zombies rise from the graveyard, a masonic headstone is seen. [0:20:50] Directed by Gregg Bishop, written by Joe Ballarini. Jared Kusnitz, Greyson Chadwick, Chandler Darby, Carissa Capobianco, Randy McDowell, Michael V. Mammoliti, Mark Lynch, Justin Welborn, Mark Oliver, Blair Redford, Lucas Till, Hunter Pierce, Jonathan Spencer, Stephen Caudill, J. Jacob Adelman. 95 min. USA, English, Colour, Dolby. *
Dolores Claiborne (1995)
Delores’ bank manager—who is wearing a square and compasses lapel pin— tells her that her husband has emptied their joint savings account. Kathy Bates as Dolores Claiborne, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judy Parfitt, Christopher Plummer. Directed by Taylor Hackford, written by Stephen King (book), screenplay by Tony Gilroy. 132 min., USA, English. Dolby Digital, Technocolour. *
Domino (2005)
Manipulative, high-powered reality television producer Mark Heiss wears a masonic ring. [00:42:40]. Directed by Tony Scott, written by Richard Kelly, Steve Barancik. Keira Knightley, Mickey Rourke, Édgar Ramírez, Delroy Lindo, Mo’Nique, Mena Suvari, Macy Gray, Jacqueline Bisset, Dabney Coleman, Brian Austin Green, Ian Ziering, Stanley Kamel, Peter Jacobson, T.K. Carter, Kel O’Neill, Shondrella Avery, Lew Temple, Lucy Liu, Christopher Walken, Riz Abbasi, Joe Nunez, Dale Dickey, Charles Paraventi, Jerry Springer, Frederick Koehler, Tom Waits. France | USA | UK, English, 127 min. Dolby, Colour. [Unconfirmed]
Elmer Gantry (1960)
Edward Andrews as real estate agent, George F. Babbitt, says, “Do you realize that practically every American president was a mason and a Protestant?” He later exclaims, “I’m in business! I’m a thirty-second degree mason!” Burt Lancaster, Jean Simmons, Shirley Jones. Directed and written by Richard Brooks. Novel by Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951). Fox, MGM, 146 min. USA, English, Colour. *
The End of Days (1999)
Arnold Schwartzenegger plays a former police officer who carries an amulet. At one point he says “Now this amulet is from a masonic order in the former sub-heredom of the Vatican Knights, the Knights of the Holy See. They await the return of the dark angel to earth.” Also, during the opening titles Elephis Lévi’s baphomet can be briefly seen. Gabriel Byrne, Kevin Pollak, Rod Steiger. Directed by Peter Hyams, written by Andrew W. Marlowe. *
Erin Brockovich (2000)
The cornerstone of the Barstow Courthouse displays a square and compasses. Although there is a report that in a later scene a friend of Erin tells her that her husband is out at a lodge meeting, your editor has been unable to find this scene in the DVD release. Julia Roberts, David Brisbin, Dawn Didawick, Albert Finney. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, written by Susannah Grant. 130 min. USA, English, Colour. *
Fargo (1996)
Mean spirited millionaire, Wade Gustafson, appears to be wearing a square and compasses ring. [00:08:20] Directed by Joel Coen, written by Joel Coen, Ethan Coen. William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Frances McDormand, Peter Stormare, Harve Presnell. 98 min, USA, English, Colour, Dolby. *
Flushed Away (2006)
The Toad, villain of the film, wears a ring, seen at [00:16:00] and [00:20:00]. It may represent a masonic square and compasses but unfortunately it is not shown in sharp enough focus to be sure. Directed by David Bowers and Sam Fell, weitten by Sam Fell (story) and Peter Lord. Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno, Bill Nighy, Andy Serkis, Shane Richie, Kathy Burke, David Suchet, Miriam Margolyes, Rachel Rawlinson, Susan Duerden, Miles Richardson, John Motson, Douglas Weston. 84 min. UK / USA, English. Color, Dolby. *
From Hell (2001)
Implicates the Craft as being responsible for the Whitechapel murders in London. The many masonic images and references places this movie in the catagory of intentional anti-masonry. Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, Ian Holm. Directed by Albert Hughes, based on a graphic novel written by Alan Moore, Eddie Campbell. USA, English, 121 min., Colour. *
Gattopardo, Il “The Leopard” (1963)
Father Pirrone exclaims: “You nobles will come to an arrangement with the liberals…and even the masons? At the expense of the Church? [00:17:00]. Directed by Luchino Visconti. Written by Giuseppe Tomasi Di Lampedusa (novel), Suso Cecchi d’Amico (screenplay). Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale, Alain Delon. 205 min. Italy / France. Italian. Technicolor, Mono. (Drama) *
Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)
In a depiction of a true story, convicted murderer, Byron “Delay” De La Beckwith (1920/11/09-2001/01/21)—played by James Wood—is shown driving a car with a Shriners symbol attached to his rear view mirror and, in several scenes, wearing a Shriners lapel pin. His victim, NAACP field secretary Medger W. Evers (1925/07/02-1963/06/12), is shown in his coffin with his Order of Elks fez placed on his chest. In real life, Byron De La Beckwith received his Master Mason degree in Greenwood Lodge No. 35, Mississippi, on 30 September, 1954. He was expelled from the lodge on 2 January, 1978. Alec Baldwin, Whoopi Goldberg, James Woods. Directed by Rob Reiner, written by Leo Colick, Columbia Pictures & Castle Rock Entertainment. USA *
The Godfather Part III (1990)
This fictional film echoes several events of the 1981 Italian P2 scandal. [00:00:00] Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, written by Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola. Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy Garcia, Eli Wallach, Joe Mantegna, George Hamilton, Bridget Fonda, Sofia Coppola. 162 min / USA:169 min (video version). USA, English / Italian. Technicolor, Dolby. *
Help! (1965)
Ringo Starr asks an Indian restaurant doorman, “You know what this ring means?” He replies, “Freemason?” Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Leo McKern. Directed by Richard Lester, written by Charles Wood, Marc Behm. *
Hobson’s Choice (1954)
Three comments are made regarding Hobson attending a masonic meeting and his Master Mason’s certificate is briefly seen. [00:21:50] Directed by David Lean, written by Harold Brighouse, David Lean. Charles Laughton, John Mills, Brenda De Banzie, Daphne Anderson, Prunella Scales, Richard Wattis, Derek Blomfield, Helen Haye, Joseph Tomelty, Julien Mitchell, Gibb McLaughlin, Philip Stainton, Dorothy Gordon, Madge Brindley, John Laurie. UK, English, 107 min., Mono, Black and White
Hollywood Homicide (2003)
Keith David as Leon, Detective Joe Gavilan’s supervising officer, wears a masonic ring [00:55:50], clearly seen on the hand he’s holding the phone with. Harrison Ford, Josh Hartnett, Lena Olin, Bruce Greenwood, Isaiah Washington, Lolita Davidovich, Keith David, Master P, Dwight Yoakam, Martin Landau, Lou Diamond Phillips, Gladys Knight. Directed by Ron Shelton, written by Robert Souza, Ron Shelton. 116 min. USA, English. Colour, Dolby Digital (Action) *
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
This film will provide further opportunity for the conspiracy-minded to claim a Hollywood based agenda presenting perceived illuminati/masonic/luciferian symbols [00:13:13] harbinging the coming endtimes. Oddly enough there actually is a masonic square and compasses emblem, briefly seen on a painted stage backdrop. Also noteworthy is the number of all-seeing eyes in triangles or glories [00:22:46] that on two occasions are erroneously described as being satanic symbols. And what can only be described as a masonic obscurity is Terry Gilliam’s self-described homage to Roberto Calvi (found hanged under Blackfriars Bridge on 18 June 1982), when Heath Ledger’s character Tony is found hanging under the same bridge. [00:25:10]
Directed by Terry Gilliam, written by Terry Gilliam and Charles McKeown. Johnny Depp, Heath Ledger, Jude Law, Lily Cole, Colin Farrell, Christopher Plummer, Tom Waits, Andrew Garfield, Peter Stormare, Verne Troyer, Paloma Faith, Montserrat Lombard, Michael Eklund, Cassandra Sawtell, Carrie Genzel. 123 min. UK | Canada | France, English | Russian | French, Colour, Dolby. *
In Cold Blood (1967)
During a police interrogation, accused murderer Dick Hickock says: “Everybody’s got a tattoo. Only you people call them clubs. Elks, Masons, Boy Scouts. Salute. High sign. Low sign. Secret this and secret that.” [01:29:00] A different line appears in the original book. Robert Blake, Scott Wilson. Directed and written by Richard Brooks, Truman Capote (book). 134 minutes. USA, English, B&W. *
Into the Wild (2007)
Both the Elks hall and Masonic Temple in Fairbanks can be seen in the opening scenes [00:01:42]. Directed by Sean Penn, written by Jon Krakauer, Sean Penn. Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Brian Dierker, Catherine Keener. 140 min., USA, English / Danish, Colour, Dolby.
Jack the Ripper (1988)
Sherlock Holmes is shown giving a sign of an Entered Apprentice to the Chief of the Metropolitan Police; other references throughout the movie. Michael Caine as Inspector Frederick Abberline. [unconfirmed]
Keeping in Shape (1942)
An unidentified lunch companion in this comedy short is wearing a masonic ring. [00:03:28] Directed by Leslie M. Roush, written by Robert Benchley. Robert Benchley, Ruth Lee. 10 min. USA, English, Black and White, Mono.Into the Wild
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
The square and compasses appear four times: twice in close-ups of an oversize masonic ring worn by the Phantom, a villain who tries to ignite a world war at the turn of the last century in order to create a market for his futuristic weapons and once on the office doors of the founder of the League, “M”, who is later revealed to be the same person. No other reference is made to Freemasonry. A shot of the square and compasses—four big shiny ones that flash and sparkle in the light as the door on which they’re mounted closes—also appears in the trailer. Sean Connery. Based on a graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore, who also gave us From Hell. *
The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice (2008)
A square and compasses pendant, important in the earlier The Librarian: Quest for the Spear, reappears as pasr of the opening credits montage. [00:01:00] Joe Knezevich also plays a minor character named Mason. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, written by Marco Schnabel. Noah Wyle, Bruce Davison, Stana Katic, Bob Newhart, Jane Curtin, Dikran Tulaine, Jason Douglas, Beth Burvant, Joe Knezevich, David Born, Joe Ross, John Curran, Connor Hill, Aimee Spring Fortier, Todd Voltz. USA, English, 90 min, Dolby, Colour.
The Librarian : Return to King Solomon’s Mines (2006)
Flynn Carsen discovers that his father was a member of the Order of the Cryptic Masons [00:34:10], being the lineal descendant of one of twenty-four masons, hand picked by King Solomon to build an immense temple to store his wealth [00:22:47]. First seen at [00:08:00], an unusual amulet depicting a triangle inside a square and compasses is shown again at [00:19:00] and [00:22:47], and is later used as the key to unlock the treasure room. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, written by Marco Schnabel. Noah Wyle, Gabrielle Anwar, Bob Newhart, Jane Curtin, Olympia Dukakis, Erick Avari, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Robert Foxworth, Zahn McClarnon, Lisa Brenner, Mehboob Bawa, Jonathan Frakes. 92 min. USA, English | French | Arabic, Colour, Dolby. *
Like Water for Chocolate [Como agua para chocolate] (1992)
A masonic funeral is briefly seen through a window. Later, the young doctor shows the main character a drawing incorporating the square and compasses and an all-seeing eye [00:37:35] . Marco Leonardi, Tita Regina Torné, Iván Martínez. Directed by Alfonso Arau, written by Laura Esquivel. Novel by Laura Esquivel. 123 min. Mexico : Spanish *
Lone Star (1996)
Corrupt sheriff Charley Wade, played by Kris Kristofferson, is identified as a freemason by his ring as the movie begins. The ring is clearly seen in a later scene as he accepts a bribe [00:08::38]. Stephen Mendillo, Stephen J. Lang, Chris Cooper. Directed and written by John Sayles. USA, English, 135 min. (Drama/Mystery). *
Lonely Hearts (2006)
Nassau County Police Detective Elmer C. Robinson is shown in several scenes wearing what appears to be a masonic ring [00:07:00], [00:49:13], [00:50:10], [01:30:40]. The story is based on the director’s grandfather who was responsible for the apprehension and conviction of two murderers who, between 1947 and 1949, are believed to have killed as many as 20 women. Directed by Todd Robinson, written by Todd Robinson. John Travolta, James Gandolfini, Jared Leto, Salma Hayek, Scott Caan, Laura Dern, Michael Gaston, Bruce MacVittie, Dan Byrd, Andrew Wheeler, Alice Krige, Dagmara Dominczyk, John Doman, Bailee Madison, Ellen Travolta. 108 min. Germany | USA, English, Colour, Dolby.Into the Wild
Lost Horizon (1937)
British diplomat Robert Conway and three others crash land in the Himalayas, and are rescued by the people of the mysterious, Eden-like valley of Shangri-la. Edward Everett Horton is interrupted, as he exclaims, “I’ve just finished translating one of the most interesting old tablets you can imagine. It told me all about the origin of the masonic symbols and science and….” Ronald Colman as Conway, Edward Everett Horton (1886/03/18 - 1970/09/29) as Alexander P. Lovett. Directed by Frank Capra, written by James Hilton & Robert Riskin. 132 min., USA, English, b&w. *
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
Edwin Hodgeman as Dr. Dealgood, the announcer introducing the fight between Max and Blaster wears a square and compasses image on his shirt front. Frank Thring, as the Collector, wears a lapel jewel that may be from a concordant masonic body. Mel Gibson, Tina Turner, Bruce Spence. Directed by George Millar. Australia/USA, English, 107 min. Colour, Dolby (Action/SF). *
Magnolia (1999)
Just before gameshow host Jimmy Gator, played by Philip Baker Hall, goes on stage, Burt Ramsey, played by Ricky Jay—who is wearing a masonic ring—asks him, “You with me, Jimmy?” Jimmy says, “The book says we may be through with the past but the past ain’t through with us.” to which Burt replies, “We met upon the level and we’re parting on the square.” [00:51:23]
While studying in the public library, gameshow contestant Stanley Specter, played by Jeremy Blackman, has a stack of books, one of which is Mackey’s History of Freemasonry.
Almost masonic is the stage backdrop which includes a number of symbols one of which is a compasses over a laurel.
Of no masonic significance, it is a curious piece of forshadowing when a stagehand briefly flashes a cue card with “Exodus 8:12” written on it. The movie ends with a rain of frogs.
Jason Robards, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Tom Cruise, Philip Baker Hall, Melora Waters, John C. Reilly, Jeremy Blackman, William H. Macy. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, written by Paul Thomas Anderson. 188 min. USA, English. Colour (DeLuxe), Dolby Digital. R. (Drama) *
The Majestic (2001)
Unrelated to the story, the square and compasses symbol can be seen once on a mausoleum in the cemetery scene and once on a building on Main Street in the later half of the movie. Jim Carrey, Bob Balaban, Jeffrey DeMunn, Hal Holbrook, Laurie Holden, Martin Landau. Directed by Frank Darabont, written by Michael Sloane. 152 min. USA, English. Technicolor, Dolby Digital. (Drama / Romance). *
The Man (2005)
The murderous, gun-dealing villain of the story, Joey Trent, is shown in two scenes wearing a masonic ring. In the first scene [00:13:32] the ring is unnaturally twisted on his finger so that it directly faces the camera. In the second scene [01:12:40] the ring is visible in close-up shots of Joey pointing a pistol during a stand-off with Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Derrick Vann. The positioning is too blatant to be unintentional but whether the intent was anti-masonic or marketing is impossible to determine. The motives of any film-maker who includes masonic references in a movie produced since the launch of the web are suspect. Directed by Les Mayfield, written by Jim Piddock, Margaret Oberman. Samuel L. Jackson, Eugene Levy, Luke Goss, Miguel Ferrer, Susie Essman, Anthony Mackie, Gigi Rice, Rachael Crawford, Philip Akin, Christopher Murray, Joel S. Keller, John Hemphill, Kathryn Greenwood, Carrie Cain-Sparks, George Ghali. 83 min. USA, English. Color, Dolby. *
The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
Based on a Rudyard Kipling story. Mercenary soldiers convince Kafiristan tribespeople that they are gods after discovering masonic symbols on religious artifacts. Sean Connery, Michael Caine. Directed by John Huston. 129 min. UK/USA, English, Colour. (Drama/Action). *
Miami Vice (2006)
Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx are parked in front of a Scottish Rite hall. [01:53:00]
Directed by Michael Mann, written by Michael Mann, Anthony Yerkovich. Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Li Gong, Luis Tosar, Naomie Harris, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Justin Theroux, Ciarán Hinds, Barry Shabaka Henley, Domenick Lombardozzi, Isaach De Bankolé, John Ortiz, Eddie Marsan, Ana Cristina De Oliveira, John Hawkes. 134 min. Germany / USA, English / Spanish / Cree. Colour, Dolby. *
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)
The appearance of a square and compasses is reported but details are unavailable. Also see entry for John Berendt’s novel.
Directed by Clint Eastwood, written by John Berendt (book) John Lee Hancock (screenplay). John Cusack, Kevin Spacey, Jack Thompson, Irma P. Hall, Jude Law, Alison Eastwood, Paul Hipp, Lady Chablis, Dorothy Loudon, Anne Haney, Kim Hunter, Geoffrey Lewis, Richard Herd, Leon Rippy, Bob Gunton. 155 min. USA, English / French. Technicolor, Dolby. [Unconfirmed]
Mississippi Burning (1988)
Willem Dafoe as Agent Alan Ward talks to Gene Hackman as Agent Rupert Anderson:
“There’s something wrong with him. He’s too confident.”
“What? Did you see the wedding photograph?”
“No. Why?”
“His three pals are ushers. They had this way of hooking their thumbs in their belts with the three fingers pointing down, like that.”
“So what is that? Some sort of masonic thing?”
“No. K K K.” [00:46:21]
Directed by Alan Parker, written by Chris Gerolmo. Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand. 128 min. USA, English. Colour (DeLuxe), Dolby (Drama) *
Murder at the Gallop (1963)
Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell as Inspector Craddock and Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple stand in front of a fireplace which displays a square and compasses horse brass. [00:24:00]
Directed by George Pollock. Agatha Christie (novel), James P. Cavanagh (screenplay). Margaret Rutherford, Stringer Davis, Robert Morley, Flora Robson, Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell, Gordon Harris, Robert Urquhart, Katya Douglas, James Villiers, Noel Howlett, Finlay Currie, Duncan Lamont, Kevin Stoney. 81 min. UK, English. Black and White, Mono *
Murder by Decree (1979)
Sherlock Holmes investigates London’s most infamous case, Jack the Ripper. As he investigates, he finds that the Ripper has friends in high places, implicating freemasons. Christopher Plummer, James Mason. Directed by Bob Clark. *
National Treasure (2004)
Benjamin Franklin Gates, played by Nicholas Cage, descends from a family of treasure-seekers who’ve all hunted for the same thing: a war chest hidden by the American founding fathers. This movie is yet another fictional attempt to link the freemasons, the Knights Templar and the founding of the USA through the use of various symbols, also seen in the film’s trailer. Nicolas Cage, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean, Diane Kruger, Harvey Keitel, Christopher Plummer, Jon Voight. Directed by Jon Turteltaub, written by Ted Elliott, E. Max Frye. USA, English. Colour, Stereo. (Adventure). Movie trailer found at bvim-qt.vitalstream.com. *
National Treasure Two: Book of Secrets (2007)
Artifact hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates, again played by Nicholas Cage, returns in this adventure sequel. Masonic references are limited mainly to citations of a secret correspondence between Queen Victoria and Confederate General Albert Pike and a suggestion that French freemason Frederic Bartholdi incorporated a clue to the treasure in his design of the Statue of Liberty because “Masons built clues into everything.” Nicolas Cage, Justin Bartha, Ed Harris, Jon Voight, Diane Kruger, Harvey Keitel, Helen Mirren. Directed by Jon Turteltaub, written by Gregory Poirier, Cormac Wibberley, Marianne Wibberley, Ted Elliott, Terry Russio. USA, English. Colour, Stereo. (Adventure).
Nostradamus (1994)
Masonic symbols have been reportedly seen on documents handed to Nostradamus. [unconfirmed]
Directed by Roger Christian, written by Piers Ashworth (story) and Roger Christian. Tchéky Karyo, F. Murray Abraham, Rutger Hauer, Amanda Plummer, Julia Ormond, Assumpta Serna, Anthony Higgins, Diana Quick, Michael Gough, Maia Morgenstern, Magdalena Ritter, Bruce Myers, Leon Lissek, Michael Byrne, Stefan Patoli. 119 min. France / UK / Germany / Romania. English. Color.
Once a Mason (1919)
Sidney Drew, Mrs. Sidney Drew. Directed by Mrs. Sidney Drew, Sidney Drew, written by Mrs. Sidney Drew, Sidney Drew. USA, English. Black and White, Silent. (Comedy). [Mrs. Sidney Drew (18/04/1890- 3/11/1925), née: Lucille McVey: AKA: Lucille M. Drew, Lucille McVey, Jane Morrow), appeared in 54 films, wrote 29, directed 25 and produced one. Sidney Drew (28/08/1863- 09/04/1919) appeared in 160 films, directed 143, and wrote 53.]
Overboard (1987)
In the beginning of the movie, as Dean (Kurt) is driving into town, the camera pans past the “Welcome to “Elk Cove” sign. Attached is a very obvious large blue masonic emblem. Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Edward Herrmann, Katherine Helmond, Michael G. Hagerty, Roddy McDowall. Directed by Garry Marshall, written by Leslie Dixon . 106 min / 112 min (TCM print). USA, English. Metrocolour, Dolby. *
Paint Your Wagon (1969)
Alan Dexter, as Parson : “Ye godless jaspers! Who are you? Freemasons? Rosicrucians? Heathen emissaries from the dens of Babylon? Boozers. Gluttons. Gamblers. Harlots. Fornicators!” [01:33:00] This line dos not appear in the original 1951 Broadway production book by Alan Jay Lerner. Directed by Joshua Logan, written by Paddy Chayefsky, Alan Jay Lerner. Lee Marvin, Clint Eastwood, Jean Seberg. *
Paper Moon (1973)
Ryan O’Neal plays a travelling con-artist, Moses Pray, who sells “deluxe, gold-embossed personalized” Bibles to recently bereaved widows. His first sale after meeting Tatum O’Neal, as Addie Loggins, is to a widow whose late husband’s services were held at “Masonic Lodge No. 721” [00:18:00]. Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, writing credits Joe David Brown (novel) Alvin Sargent (screenplay). Ryan O’Neal, Tatum O’Neal, Madeline Kahn, John Hillerman, P.J. Johnson, Lee Fulton, James N. Harrell, Lila Waters, Noble Willingham, Bob Young, Jack Saunders, Jody Wilbur, Liz Ross, Yvonne Harrison, Dorothy Price. 102 min. USA, English. Black and White, Mono. Based on Addie Pray, Joe David Brown. Boston, G. K. Hall, 1971. 529 p. 25 cm. ISBN: 0816160090. *
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
A masonic lodge hall sign with square and compasses can be seen early in the movie. Kathleen Turner, Nicolas Cage. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. *
Revelation (2001)
The Knights Templar are searching for an ancient relic, the Loculus, so that they can resurrect Christ. Lord Martel tells the story of a masonic order called the Knights Templars (sic); a Knights Templar ceremony, several all-seeing eye symbols and pentagrams are depicted. A TV newscast mentions an illegal masonic order called the P2 CIA; the camera then pans to the word “Masonic” on a newspaper headline. The overall theme of the movie is anti-masonic. Terence Stamp, James D’Arcy, Natasha Wightman, Liam Cunningham, Heathcote Williams, Derek Jacobi. Directed by Stuart Urban, written by Frank Falco (idea) Stuart Urban. 111 min. UK, English, Colour (DeLuxe), Dolby Digital. Romulus Films, Overseas Filmgroup (Drama/Fantasy). *
Rosewood (1997)
Based on an actual incident in 1923, this movie has played fast and loose with the historical facts but none-the-less presents a scathing and realistic indictment of the times. While there is evidence of a masonic angle, the movie gives it far too much prominence. Masonic symbols are prominently displayed in several scenes. Jon Voight, Ving Rhames, Don Cheadle. Directed by John Singleton, written by Gregory Poirier. 140 min. USA, English. Technicolor, Dolby Digital. R. (Action/Drama). *
The Searchers (1956)
In a scene where Wayne rides into a Camanche camp after a battle, one of the dead Camanches is lying sprawled face up, wearing a blue cloth apron, similar in size to a masonic apron, with white ribbons sewn in the shape of a square and compasses. John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood. Directed by John Ford, Script by Frank Nugen. USA. English, 120 min., Colour (Western). *
Secrets (1982)
A group of girls at a boarding school re-enact a masonic ritual based on one girl’s deceased father’s ritual book. Helen Lindesey, Anne Campbell-Jones, Daisy Cockburn, Directed by Gavin Millar. British. *
Shoot ‘Em Up (2007)
Returning to the negative depictions of Freemasonry found in films such as The Man (2005), Giamatti plays a hired killer who, throughout the movie, wears a large masonic square and compasses on his jacket lapel. Directed by Michael Davis, written by Michael Davis. Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Monica Bellucci, Stephen McHattie, Greg Bryk, Daniel Pilon, Sidney Mende-Gibson, Lucas Mende-Gibson, Kaylyn Yellowlees, Ramona Pringle, Julian Richings, Tony Munch, Scott McCord, Wiley M. Pickett, Stephen R. Hart. 86 min. USA, English / Italian, Colour. *
The Shop on Main Street (1965)
In 1943 Czechoslovakia a police officer warns a nightclub crowd that they will have no mercy on “Jew-Bolshevists, Freemasons, plutocrats and other riff-raff.” [01:43:20] (Obchod na Korze) Idá Kaminská, Josef Kroner. Directed by Ján Kadár & Elmar Klos, screenplay by L. Grosman, Ján Kadár & Elmar Klos. 1965. 125 min. Czechoslovakia, Czechoslovakian, Filmové Studio Barrandov. B&W, mono. *
Short Circuit (1986)
Early in the film, shortly after a military demonstration, a computor programmer is shown working on a keyboard. A close-up of his hands typing on the keyboard shows what may be a masonic ring on his left hand. [00:00:00] Directed by John Badham, written by Brent Maddock, S.S. Wilson. Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens, Austin Pendleton, G.W. Bailey, Brian McNamara, Tim Blaney, Marvin J. McIntyre, John Garber, Penny Santon, Vernon Weddle, Barbara Tarbuck, Tom Lawrence, Fred Slyter, Billy Ray Sharkey. 98 min. USA, English, Color, Dolby. *
Slacker (1991)
A montage of interconnected conversations and monologues, one is a rant on UFO conspiracies, one is on Kennedy assassination conspiracies and one later conversation is about the freemasons:
“The reason these guys are being forgotten though, is that they’re not freemasons. The masons are the one’s that control history. Look at it, every… every president but one: mason. Every man that’s walked on the moon… thirty-third degree mason. I mean, look at the Warren commission, a Shriner convention without go-carts.”
“Exactly. The slate of American history needs to be wiped clean. We need to start all over again. Let’s put Larry Fieman in the history books. Let’s put Squeaky Fromme on the one dollar bill.”
“Least we ought to get that masonic pyramid bullshit off the back.” [01:14:40]
Directed and written by Richard Linklater. Espresso Czar/Masonic Malcontent played by Dan Kratochvil. 97 min. USA, English. Colour, Ultra Stereo *
Spartan (2004)
Curtis (Derek Luke) : “My name’s Curtis.”
Scott (Val Kilmer): “Do I need to know that? If I want camaraderie, I’ll join the masons.” [00:05:30] Writen and directed by David Mamet. Tia Texada, Derek Luke, Val Kilmer, William H. Macy, David Paymer. Directed by David Mamet, written by David Mamet. 106 min. USA / Germany, English / Russian / Swedish. Colour, Dolby Digital. *
State of Play (2009)
A cobalt blue travel mug emblazened with the masonic square and compasses is visible on Washington Globe reporter Cal McAffrey’s cluttered kitchen table. [00;15:00] Directed by Kevin Macdonald, written by Matthew Michael Carnahan and Tony Gilroy. Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels, Michael Berresse, Harry Lennix, Josh Mostel, Michael Weston, Barry Shabaka Henley, Viola Davis, David Harbour, Sarah Lord. 127 min. USA | UK | France, English, Colour, Dolby. *
Take Me Out To The Ball Game (1948)
The lyrics in the closing number, a reprise of Strictly USA, end with: “Like the annual Elks convention / Like masonic halls or firemen’s balls / Like honeymooning at Niagara Falls / They’re really here to stay / Cause it’s strictly USA.” Directed by Busby Berkeley, produced by Arthur Freed, written by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams, Gene Kelly, Betty Garrett. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Loew’s Incorporated. 93 min. USA. English, Technicolor. (Musical / Comedy) *
They All Laughed (1981)
Patti Hansen, as Sam (Deborah Wilson), drives a taxi with a square and compasses pendant hanging from her rear view mirror. [00:00:00] Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, written by Peter Bogdanovich Blaine Novak. Audrey Hepburn, Ben Gazzara, Patti Hansen, John Ritter, Dorothy Stratten, Blaine Novak, Linda MacEwen, George Morfogen, Colleen Camp, Sean H. Ferrer, Glenn Scarpelli, Vassili Lambrinos, Antonia Bogdanovich, Sashy Bogdanovich, Sheila Stodden. 115 min. USA, English. Colour, Mono. *
Things to Come (1936)
In the year 1936 a global war begins. This war drags out over many decades … Raymond Massey as John Cabal/Oswald Cabal makes a reference to “The brotherhood of efficiency. The freemasonry of science.” [00:36:00] A later reference to “our children’s children” and the framing of many shots by pillars or arches is not necessarily significant. Edward Chapman as Pippa Passworthy/Raymond Passworthy, Ralph Richardson as The Boss, Margaretta Scott as Roxana/Rowena. Directed by William Cameron Menzies, Writing credits: H.G. Wells (also novel The Shape of Things to Come) AKA: The Shape of Things to Come. UK, English, 100 min., b&w, Mono. (Sci-Fi). *
Tombstone (1993)
A retelling of the gunfight at the OK Corral and its aftermath. Jon Tenney, as John Behan, Cochise County Sheriff wears a square and compasses watchfob. Buck Taylor, as Turkey Creek Jack Johnson, wearing a square and compasses pendant responds to Val Kilmer’s Doc Holliday saying he has no friends by saying, “Hell, I’ve got lots of friends.” Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer. Directed by George P. Cosmatos, written by Kevin Jarre. USA, English. 130 min. Dolby, Technicolor (Western). *
True Grit (1969)
Kim Darby’s character, Matty, on viewing her recently deceased father in a coffin in a funeral parlour, tells the farm hand, “When you get home, you put him in a better coffin and you bury him in a mason’s apron.” [00:13:12] This line is based on the 1968 novel by Charles Portis. John Wayne, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall. Directed by Henry Hathaway. USA, English. Colour (Western). *
True Grit (2010)
In an early scene in this version, Mattie, played by Hailee Steinfeld, looks down at her dead father’s belongings and among the items is a large gold square and compasses emblem [00:13:32]. Directed by Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, written by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen. Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper, Dakin Matthews, Jarlath Conroy, Paul Rae, Domhnall Gleeson, Elizabeth Marvel, Roy Lee Jones, Ed Corbin, Leon Russom, Bruce Green, Candyce Hinkle. USA, English, 110 min. Dolby, Color
Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs & a Baby (2008)
In this contemporary re-interpretation of the tale of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf, the pig who builds his house with bricks is named Mason. In the scene when they discuss keeping a foundling, a masonic square and compasses emblem is visible on the archway. [00:18:53] This completely irrelevent introduction of the masonic square and compasses is similar to an appearance in The Ant Bully (2006). Directed by Howard E. Baker, Arish Fyzee, written by Craig Bartlett, Joseph Purdy. Voices: Jon Cryer, Brad Garrett, Steve Zahn, Tom Kenny, Jesse McCartney, Timothy McCartney, Steve Wilcox, Nolan North, Chris Elwood, Mark Adair-Rios, Tara Strong, Audrey Wasilewski. Animation. 76 min. USA, English, Colour, Dolby. *
U-Turn (1997)
A married real estate salesman, Jake McKenna played by Nick Nolte, in Superior Arizona later married his daughter by his Apache mistress then hires a gambler on the run to kill her. He wears a masonic ring, seen in a close-up [00:41:05]. Directed by Oliver Stone, written by John Ridley. Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Jennifer Lopez, Powers Boothe, Claire Danes, Joaquin Phoenix, Jon Voight, Billy Bob Thornton. 125 min, France / USA, English. Technicolor, Dolby Digital. (Drama). *
War and Peace (1968)
Andre : “Have you made your mind at last? The Imperial Guard or diplomacy?”
Pierre Bezukhov : “I don’t know yet. I don’t like to be either. He must be a freemason, anyway. [00:09:40, Part 1]
Countess : “You’re flirting with him too.”
Natasha Rostova : “No, he [Pierre] is a freemason.” [00:05:41, Part 2] *
Voyna i mir (1968) (War and Peace). Directed by Sergei Bondarchuk, written by Sergei Bondarchuk, Vasili Solovyov . Irina Gubanova, Antonina Shuranova, Sergei Bondarchuk, Liudmila Savelieva, Sergei Bondarchuk, Vyacheslav Tikhonov, Anastasiya Vertinskaya, Irina Skobtseva, Vassily Lanovoy, Oleg Efremov. 4 parts, 403 min. Soviet Union, Russian. Sovcolor, Dolby (DVD). *
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
Eli Wallach, in a prominent cameo role, plays Jules Steinhardt, Schwartz’s patriarch and old guard Wall Street tycoon, seen wearing a masonic square and compasses lapel pin. [01:24:54]
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010). Directed by Oliver Stone. written by Allan Loeb, Stephen Schiff. Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Josh Brolin, Carey Mulligan, Eli Wallach, Susan Sarandon, Frank Langella, Austin Pendleton, John Bedford Lloyd, Vanessa Ferlito, John Buffalo Mailer, Jason Clarke, Christian Baha, Maria Bartiromo, Waltrudis Buck. USA, English, 133 min. Dolby, Color. *
We Own the Night (2007)
Unremarked, Deputy Chief Albert ‘Bert’ Grusinsky wears a masonic ring. [00:47:00] Directed by James Gray, written by James Gray. Joaquin Phoenix, Eva Mendes, Mark Wahlberg, Robert Duvall, Alex Veadov, Dominic Colon, Danny Hoch, Oleg Taktarov, Moni Moshonov, Antoni Corone, Craig Walker, Tony Musante, Joe D’Onofrio, Yelena Solovey, Maggie Kiley. 117 min. USA, English / Russian, Colour, Dolby. *
What Planet Are You From? (2000)
Garry Shandling plays Harold Anderson who is an extraterrestrial working as a loans officer in a bank. His manager, Don Fisk played by Richard Jenkins, wears a masonic lapel pin. He is also wearing a wedding band and claims to be having an affair with one of his employees. Directed by Mike Nichols, Written by Garry Shandling, Michael Leeson. Garry Shandling, Annette Bening, John Goodman, Greg Kinnear, Ben Kingsley. 104 min. USA, English. Colour (DeLuxe), Dolby Digital / SDDS. R (Comedy). *
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
A masonic ring is worn by Ken Carver [01:07:06];, a small-town Insurance salesman trying too hard to be an attentive father. Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis. Directed by Lasse Hallström, written by Peter Hedges. 118 min. USA, English. Colour, Dolby. (Drama) *

Z (1969)
When a pacifist and humanitarian speaker, “the Deputy”, is attacked on his way to a peace rally, an unidentified man joins the rally organizers to help get him to safety and then justifies his presence by saying: “I’m a mason.” [00:24:50]. Directed by Costa-Gavras, written by Vassilis Vassilikos (novel) Jorge Semprún. Yves Montand, Irene Papas, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Jacques Perrin, Charles Denner, François Périer, Pierre Dux, Georges Géret, Bernard Fresson, Marcel Bozzuffi, Julien Guiomar, Magali Noël, Renato Salvatori, Habib Reda, Clotilde Joano. 127 min, Algeria / France, French. Eastmancolor, Mono. Visa de Contrôle Cinámatographique No. 34.695. *

God bless you!!! :):)

“The Lord of the Rings” series is extremely popular, well-written, and fascinating to millions of readers. With the creation of the movies, the series has reached millions more worldwide. Because the author, J.R.R. Tolkien, professed to be a Christian, many assume “The Lord of the Rings” is Christian-themed or is in some way an allegorical presentation of Christianity. 

Typically, when a book or movie is said to contain Christian themes, it centers on a hero who imitates Christ in some behavior or decision. For example, Christ’s death provided atonement for sin, and in this way He redeemed men to Himself. Therefore, a hero in a book or movie who provides atonement for others through self-sacrifice is said to be a “Christ-type” hero. A good example of this would be in the book “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens. One character goes to death in the place of another and delivers the famous line “Tis a far, far better thing I do than ever I have done before.” In this hero, Dickens is pointing out a Christian theme—that to be like Christ is the best thing a human can achieve.

Many stories contain Christian ideals or morals, but because many morality tales can be compared to other “moral” religions, a story that is said to be specifically “Christian-themed” must center on a Christ-type hero. Christianity is the only religion that proclaims man to be entirely lost without God’s intervention, and no other religion contains a god who sacrifices his own life for men to redeem them from their lost state. These truths are specific to Christianity.

Now, back to Lord of the Rings. Is there a Christ-type hero in Lord of the Rings? If there is a hero who comes close, it is Samwise. He is indeed a very inspiring character. His selflessness, his devotion to his master, and his strength in resisting evil are all qualities that are seen in true, mature believers in Christ. So, Sam portrays a true Christian. But he is not a Christ-type hero. In the end, he cannot save Frodo from himself. There is a vague sense of Providence that seems to guide Frodo, and an “evil power” that is present. The elves present an atmosphere of spirituality, and Tolkien creates a sort of religion or religious system with the “gods” of Middle Earth, such as Elbereth, Gilthoniel, etc., whom the characters pray to and draw on for strength. All of these things are simply a literary device Tolkien uses to draw the reader in and make Middle Earth seem a real and believable place.

But the Christ-type hero is not present in Lord of the Rings. Even the wizard Gandalf is a guide and teacher, but his character is presented more along the lines of a guru than a Savior. Some might look to Gandalf’s “fall” in the mountains of Moria and consequent glorified return as pointing to Christ’s resurrection, and it is possible that Tolkien had the resurrection in mind while writing that part of the story. The difference between Christ’s resurrection and Gandalf’s is that Gandalf is not in control of what happens to him. The reader gets the impression that Gandalf is almost as surprised to be back in Middle Earth (and not dead) as the other characters are surprised to see him there. Also, his death and return do not affect the salvation of anybody else. In the end, he is always a helper, not a savior. Many religions, especially Eastern Mysticism, contain this sort of “spirit-guide” or guru who “strays out of thought and time.” Therefore, Gandalf is not a specifically Christian character in any sense.

Tolkien’s association with the Catholic Church is most likely the source of his desire to include religion in his fantasy world and to make his good characters exhibit Christian morals and ideals. It is also important to remember that Catholicism tends to lean too heavily on the character and righteousness of men as an important element of their salvation. In that way, Tolkien’s story reflects his beliefs, and it could be said that Lord of the Rings supports Catholic themes rather than Christian themes: man’s responsibility or duty, the importance of resisting temptation (the ring), the presence of a variety of heavenly intercessors between creature and Creator, etc.

But there is one specifically Christian element that does not appear, and that is the redemption of evil men. According to the Bible, evil lives in the heart of man, but God redeems us, through Christ, from certain consumption by our evil nature (Romans 3:9-12, 5:7-9, 7:21-25; Ephesians 1:7). According to these verses, if Tolkien’s intent was to accurately and biblically reflect Christianity in Lord of the Rings, he would have included a Christ-type hero who brings about the salvation (or turning from the evil side to the good side) of some of the evil characters. But this never occurs in Lord of the Rings. Sauron, Saruman, the Orcs, Wormtongue – none are redeemed or changed. None. Good characters remain good; evil characters remain evil. But this is not the case in real life. All humans are evil, according to Romans 3:9-12. All are in need of redemption. The only picture of a kind of redemption occurs in Theoden’s hall, but it is not truly a redemption because Theoden is simply a good king imprisoned by an evil spell cast by Saruman, not an evil king that repents and changes his ways. 

Even more ominously un-Christian is the fate of Frodo. He fails in his quest and proves himself stained by evil, yet conspicuously absent is his absolution. No hobbit, man, or elf gives him relief from his obvious suffering in the years after his failure. He declines in health and eventually is taken away with the elves, but is never offered forgiveness or true restoration. If Lord of the Rings was Christian-themed, Frodo would have returned to the Shire, having found peace through forgiveness, and the lifting of his burden from a compassionate Christ-type hero. But instead, he carries his own burden of guilt and sadness and separation from the “good” people, until he is taken over the sea. And even then, we are not assured that he is truly forgiven and forgetful of his sins. This is very different from the Bible’s description of heaven as a place where every tear is wiped away (Revelation 7:17b). Redemption and the changed life it imparts is the essence of Christianity and, as such, it cannot truly be said that Lord of the Rings is a Christian-themed series.  God bless you!! :):)

The Illuminati conspiracy is a conspiracy theory which holds that there is a “global elite” society that is either in control of the world, or is seeking to take control of the world. As with most conspiracy theories, beliefs regarding the Illuminati conspiracy vary widely. As a result, it is virtually impossible to give a synopsis of the Illuminati conspiracy. Popularized in recent books and movies, the Illuminati conspiracy has definitely reached “cult fiction” status.

If one were to attempt to summarize the Illuminati conspiracy, it would go something like this: The Illuminati began as a secret society under the direction of Jesuit priests. Later, a council of five men, one for each of the points on the pentagram, formed what was called “The Ancient and Illuminated Seers of Bavaria.” They were high order Luciferian Freemasons, thoroughly immersed in mysticism and eastern mental disciplines, seeking to develop the super powers of the mind. Their alleged plan and purpose is world domination for their lord (who precisely this lord is varies widely). The Illuminati are alleged to be the primary motivational forces encouraging global governance, a one-world religious ethic, and centralized control of the world’s economic systems. Organizations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the International Criminal Court are seen as tentacles of the Illuminati. According to the Illuminati conspiracy, the Illuminati are the driving force behind efforts to brainwash the gullible masses through thought control and manipulation of beliefs, through the press, the educational curriculum, and the political leadership of the nations.

The Illuminati supposedly have a private board of elite, interlocking delegates who control the world’s major banks. They create inflations, recessions, depressions, and manipulate the world markets, supporting certain leaders and coups and undermining others to achieve their overall goals. The supposed goal behind the Illuminati conspiracy is to create and then manage crises that will eventually convince the masses that globalism, with its centralized economic control and one-world religious ethic, are the necessary solution to the world’s woes. This structure, usually known as “The New World Order,” will of course be ruled by the Illuminati.

Does the Illuminati conspiracy have any basis from a Christian/biblical perspective? Perhaps. There are many end times prophecies in the Bible that are interpreted by most to point to an end times one-world government, one-world monetary system, and one-world religion. Many Bible prophecy interpreters see this “New World Order” as being controlled by the antichrist, the end times false messiah. If the Illuminati conspiracy and the New World Order has any validity, and is indeed occurring, for the Christian, there is one fact that must be remembered. God has sovereignly allowed all these developments, and they are not outside of His overall plan. God is in control, not the Illuminati. No plan or scheme the Illuminati develop could in any way prevent, or even hinder, God’s sovereign plan for the world.

If there is indeed some truth to the Illuminati conspiracy, the Illuminati are nothing but pawns in the hands of Satan, tools to be manipulated in his conflict with God. The fate of the Illuminati will be the same as the fate of their lord, Satan/Lucifer, who will be cast into the lake of fire, to be tormented day and night, forever and ever (Revelation 20:10). In John 16:33 Jesus declared, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” For Christians, all we need to understand about the Illuminati conspiracy is summarized in the words of 1 John 4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”  Look up for your redemption draws nigh.  God bless you!!! :):)

Movies are a powerful medium and they have a profound impact on culture. And the sad truth is that many movies these days, including those outside the scary “horror” genre, are either completely antithetical to Christian values or at the very least are at odds with God’s divine standard of holiness. As for most horror movies, their “entertainment” value often lies in their ability to titillate our youthful desire to be scared witless. The gruesome means by which moviemakers attempt to shock our consciences usually involves an abundance of carnage and bloodshed. The problem is, however, that it takes more and more to shock seared consciences these days, which means the level of depravity is continually on the rise to accommodate our increasing desensitization to hard-core gore and evil. All things considered, true Christians would likely find it difficult enjoying the majority of today’s horror movies.

Let’s consider the horror movies that delve into the supernatural realm with a particular focus on demonic activity. Scripture makes it clear that our earthly struggle is “against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Christians are keenly aware of the evil reality of demons and how every moment of their very real existence is spent trying to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10), or to otherwise separate us from our Savior. As such, this is a subject that should hardly be taken lightly; neither should it be considered a form of “entertainment.” If something would offend Jesus Christ, it should offend His children in whom His Holy Spirit resides.

As we mature in our Christian walk, sin and evil should bother us more and more all the time. We are to be beacons of light in an ever-darkening world, striving to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:12). Scripture tells us to be moral and pure, abhorring what is evil and to have our minds focused on things which are noble and pure, lovely and admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8), and that “whatever [we] do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). These verses should guide us daily in everything we do, including the movies we choose to see. How can it be possible to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) when we are at a horror movie laden with murder and mayhem and, essentially, being entertained by the very sins that Jesus Christ died for?

Now, notwithstanding the above, it should be noted that there are some Christian moviemakers who actually produce horror movies, albeit not the bloodlettings referred to above. Realizing that evil is a very real part of our existence on earth, they feel it is not only possible but responsible to make a horror movie that accurately depicts the reality of the dark forces of evil with which Christians’ constantly struggle. Certainly if such a movie could help the audience appreciate the depth of our worldly struggle between good and evil, then such a movie could indeed be congruent with a Christian paradigm. Better yet, how beneficial would it be if such a movie could even point to our need for a Savior?

In deciding what movies to watch, perhaps it would be wise to heed the words of the apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians: “Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 emphasis added). As Christians, we of course know that the Spirit of Christ resides in our hearts (Romans 8:9). He is with us wherever we go. What if, however, rather than occupying a place in our heart, Jesus Christ walked beside us so that we could literally see Him every moment of the day? What effect would this have on our behavior? What if when we went to the movies, for example, we saw Jesus Christ sitting beside us – watching the movie that we took Him to? Knowing the divine character of our holy and sinless Savior, and knowing the sanctity He places on the very life He died to give us, what sort of movie would we feel comfortable taking Him to?  God bless you!!! :):)