Dogma tells again the miraculous story of God's love for Her creatures and His miraculous redemption of their sins. I feel sad for the Christians that have no sense of humor and who are so rigid that they cannot see the truth that shines from this movie. I was deeply moved when Bethany went struggling into the water of her baptism and when the light of God rose from the respirators to save humans. God is a loving, awesome Creator -- and this movie brings out that truth with poignancy.
Bruce Kilmer
Mt. Pleasant, MI
My response: So true, what you say about God!

INTRUIGED BY DOGMA
Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999
From: "Marjolaine Bourget"

I haven't seen the movie yet but I guess I will. After reading all these comments, I can just wonder what this movie is all about. I won't talk about the movie since I haven't seen it and I strongly think that everybody else should do the same thing. When you don't know what you're talking about, you just don't talk about it. I will be back after seeing the movie. Thanxs for this site David. It is refreshing to get a Christian point of view about movies. Keep the good work. Your site is in my favorites. Sorry everybody if there are any mistakes but I am a french-speaking Canadian.
Yours in Christ
Marjolaine
My response: Thanks for the kind word

LEFT FILM MORE IN LOVE WITH GOD.
Date:11 Dec 99
From:Todd

First of all, thank you for your very honest review of Dogma. I too, as a Christian felt that is was a fabulous film and I left that movie more in love with God than when I had come into it. If that alone is the only thing to take from it, then it is well worth it. I must say this however, about some of the negative comments that have come out against the film. Now, I have no problem if people didn't like the movie, Kevin Smith films are clearly not for everyone, however, I am alarmed by the amount of self-righteousness that spewed forth from otherwise God-loving Christians. And this alarms me greatly. For instance, one reviewer went on and on about how this is a disrespect to God, and how this clearly does not line up with the Bible, etc. And then she passed judgment on you, very nice lady this person. I was also very alarmed at how she even gave God's opinion on this film. She said that God was repulsed by this film. Now who in the world does she think she is? Who in the world do the rest of us think we are? Do we honestly know God all that well? Does not even the Bible say that God while reachable and knowable to an extent, is ultimately beyond our grasping? And then she had the gall to say "I DO know the father," which implies she has a special connection that we do not have, and that she is an authority on what God likes and dislikes. A wonderful Pharisee this woman is. I do not pretend to know what God wants or likes because the truth of the matter is...I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE! I sensed in my spirit that God delighted in much of this film, and did not delight in other parts of it. I find that very similiar to how He (and She) deals with me. He delights in certain parts of my life, and He does not delight in other parts, it's as simple as that, but I don't have the gall to say what God likes, because I might be wrong. Another troubling thing I am seeing is how Christians as a whole use the Bible as a battering ram and a weapon to destroy people. We are so prideful about our religion (not our faith) that we use it to condemn and judge those around us. We think we know so much and we have it all figured out. The truth is: WE DON'T KNOW THAT MUCH! For years I used to cling tightly to all these different beliefs and rituals and junk that was taught to me by the church. If an unbeliever came up with logical reasons that destroyed a certain truth, I began to doubt my entire faith. But over the years, God has chipped away at my beliefs and has reduced me down to the one thing I cling to and will never let go of: JESUS. After Him EVERYTHING ELSE IS UP FOR DEBATE. And that is why I respect Kevin Smith's movie (first of I recognize it as satire, which means that not all the film is to be taken literally), and I will champion it as a positive view on Christ and God, which IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT. Christianity, the religion, is NOT IMPORTANT, Jesus is. Sure, I don't agree with everything in the film, but I can't think of one person on the EARTH that I agree with 100%. And the fact remains, I don't know that much. Maybe Kevin Smith is right on a bunch of things, and maybe we're all messed up, but you know what? I don't care. I love Jesus, Kevin Smith loves Jesus, and that is what counts, not whether or not he did this theologically correct or whether or not he portrayed this as accurate or what demons he is under the influence of, etc, what have you. We need to stop getting so complicated and keep it simple. Jesus kept it simple. One of the first things he did was knock down the Ten Commandments to two. I'm with my Lord on that. Keep it simple, 'cause we sure don't know as much as we think.

A RELEVANT VOICE
Date:Fri, 10 Dec 1999
From: Barb

It is not my place to judge others, as so many who have left there thoughts here have done. Instead I try to spend that energy on being a relevant witness to the love and justice of God. I am a God-loving, God-fearing and God worshiping Christian. I have studied Biblical hermeneutics and Biblical Exegetics, including two minor college degrees (Theology and Biblical Studies) from a well-respected Evangelical University. I offer up this information for those brothers and sisters of Christ who throw out those phrases of judgment beginning with: "I can't believe they call themselves a Christian . . ." I have seen DOGMA, it struck me as I read through the comments on this page that so many people had not done so before they commented. BAFFLING!! Dogma may not have come in a pristine and precious package that makes it so easy to say its okay, but what it did do is it looked at humanity much the way God does: as his imperfect children whom he loves very much. I, too, can say that after the movie was over, at first, (loved it, by the way) thinking it was great except for all that cursing. Then I realized, that if it hadn't been for the realistic picture of humanity (the cursing could have symbolized any vice, as was more blatantly portrayed by a stripper, a sex-crazed prophet, etc.) then it would have been too easy to see why God may have chosen these individuals to lead His battle. In reality, God chooses people who are broken and imperfect, come to think of it, that is all he has to choose from. In addition, there were wonderful messages that very succintly represented solid hermeneutics. In trying to understand why so many Christians fear and hate popular representations of faith (and this was a movie that promoted faith) I can't wrap my mind around it without thinking that people fear and hate because of their ignorance. The most important accomplishment of this movie is its relevance. It used popular direction and popular actors to draw a crowd of people who would rather do just about anything than pick up a Bible. I am so blessed that I live in a society that doesn't always make it easy for me to live and breathe by faith. It makes my faith all the more precious, I have to work hard for it. Sure, if we ban every movie and every act that doesn't fit into our beliefs it will be much more simple to do the right thing, but what will it be worth then? God intended for us to struggle here, he also intended for us to reach out to those who don't know Him and you don't do it by ignorantly bashing movies that they like. This movie is a tool for dialogue about the most precious and relevant topic to humanity, USE IT, DON'T REJECT IT FOR FEAR AND IGNORANCE!! By the way, thanks for the great web site and for being a great example of a thoughtful Christian who is IN the WORLD not OF the world: A distinction that many believers haven't been able to make.
Barb
Responses can be mailed to Enfallible@aol.com

MIXED THOUGHTS
Date: Wed, 08 Dec 1999
From: Ben

I found the movie to be very interesting and had mixed reactions to it. As far as Hollywood goes, the movie wasn't spectacular, due mainly to bad jokes and a goofy plot. But as a Christian, I thought the movie was an interesting probe into the spiritual mindset of our culture. Despite having overt Christian overtones, much of the theology/spirituality in the movie is worldly not biblical. Nevertheless, I think that Christians should not respond with angry protests about how blasphemous or vulgar or offensive the movie was. If that were the proper bibical response to everything that comes out of the world, then how will a world alienated from God ever hear His great news about Christ over the shouts of outraged Christians. Rather, I think Christians should see the movie (and other movies and media products of our culture) as an opportunity and an inlet for spiritual dialogue between themselves and the non-Christians around them much like Paul did in Athens (Acts 17).
Ben

BELIEVES DOGMA IS ANTI-CHURCH
Subject: Wasn't funny, inept storytelling, muddled message
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1999
From: Nick

First off, as a comedy, the movie falls terribly flat. Nearly every joke in the film fell like a terrible THUD! and I had to sit there and endure it. Note to filmmakers: you don't win points by the overly mugged faces of Linda Fiorentino, Alan Rickman, and Chris Rock. If they trusted the material, they wouldn't have to resort to terrible overacting.

As a social commentary, the film is entirely muddled. On the one hand, it mocks efforts to present Christianity in a more relational context (hence, the exaggerated "Buddy Jesus" in denying the cross). That point is good, but it runs counter to the filmmakers clearly pro-choice viewpoints, along with other wishy-washy doctrines ("it doesn't matter what faith you have as long as you have faith"). In other words, Kevin Smith is saying that you gotta incorporate the hard stuff to swallow, but not if it's stuff you disagree with! Shallow-shallow-shallow.

And even this contradicts the comment "You guys don't celebrate your faith, you mourn it!" Who is Salma Hayek's character speaking to? Lapsed Catholics? The protesters? The Hierarchy? And how can she get away with such a comment, if the "Buddy Jesus" model is openly mocked?!

The film also makes a big "much ado" about the Catholic loophole, but upon closer scrutiny, there is no loophole. Fallen angels have already been judged. They cannot receive a plenary indulgence (which, for Catholics, is nothing more but God's atoning grace). One person complained that it attacked the non-Biblical Catholic practices, but forgot that Bartleby and Loki both quoted the Scriptures in understanding the Church's position. So the movie is anti-Church, and is consequently, anti-Bible.

Lastly, I am terribly disappointed in Hollywood Jesus' response to the film's protesters. These are brothers and sisters in Christ, who care deeply for moral content, and yes, many of the protesters HAVE SEEN the film, or read the screenplay, which is as good as seeing it. (Disagree? complain to your English teachers that you can't study Shakespeare until you see it performed in class each and every time!).

I understand that you want to give _Dogma_ a fair hearing, but in doing so, you have been guilty of the same sins that the protesters have been doing... unfair stereotyping of the opponents.

Nick.

My response: I have not stereotyped anyone or any group. My responses have been few.

CHRISTIAN LIKED DOGMA
Subject: Dogma Shmogma.
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1999
From: Yageman

It amazing the amount of spewage that has come out about this movie. I haven't seen this movie, but from what I've read so far, I plan to. I LOVE Christ, and that is something that is unshakeable. When I came to Christ I expected to hated by the world for loving him. Anyone who is a Christian and expects otherwise needs to realize that our world IS flawed, from each individual to ALL churches, governments, & institutions. There is only one thing I know that I can rely on in this world and that is God's love for me (& us).

For those Christians who are shocked by this movie, get real, being saved doesn't make you any more correct in your judgement. Judgement is reserved for one person only! Remeber that in all things! You are sinful creatures just like the rest of humanity.

People who walk out of this movie because the Holy Spirit compeled them to should have asked the Holy Spirit PRIOR to the movie if you should have even gone! You would have saved yourself some cash and had a better day.

For those who hold so dearly to there beliefs too tightly, you need to let go. When religion becomes a form of identity, it becomes another shackle of the self. And our Lord warned us about holding onto the self too much.

In Christ's Holy and matchless name,
Have a great day,
Yageman
(please withhold address, feel free to reply personally)

DOGMA IS JUST FINE
Date: Sat, 27 Nov 1999
From: ROBERT

I don't like Kevin Smith's movies. Despite they're ever-increasing budgets, they still lean toward the sophomoric. And his latest does not forsake its predecessors in attention to Cromagnon details.

But this one I dug. And I feel compelled, though he might not care to have a little Southern Baptist boy rushing to his side of the dodge ball court, to defend him. Thus I shall:

Any argument for or against Dogma ought to start with an understanding of one simple fact: the movie makes fun of organized religion, but does not make fun of faith. (Some have said that Smith makes a mockery of faith, but closer inspection - as opposed to knee-jerk reactions - shows his work to be a testament to the strength of his faith.) Once this observation is made the foundation, then I think we can all join hands in agreement with the man when he speaks against the bloated, self-serving thing that "the church" has become over the course of two thousand years. (I'm speaking, mind you, in a general Martin Luther kind of way, and not in a specific youth-pastor-who-led-me-to-Christ kind of way.) I feel like anyone who misses this important distinction is likely to miss the point of the movie, which is that God uses people who are broken and in need of fixin' to do his work for him.

Someone asked me if I'd be bothered by the movie if Smith had been raised a Southern Baptist instead of Catholic. And I had to say No. The only difference would have been fewer priest jokes and more pot luck dinner jokes.

ROBERT
blirm@yahoo.com

A DOG GONE DOGMA DILEMMA
Subject: Dogma good movie - but not all good
Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999
From: Marc

I just saw Dogma and read through this review and all the responses. I noticed they all fit into 2 categories: 1) those who condemned the movie as blasphemous and 2) those who loved everything about it

First off let me say Dogma was immensly entertaining. I loved the comedy, the slick pop culture references, the satire, the dialogue and especially the seeds for thought. I like this movie and I will see it again.

HOWEVER... I do not do this in entirely good conscience... I think this movie could be a huge evangelism tool in the form of a conversation starter, but as for spiritual value... thats probably about it. Smith takes this oppurtunity to portray (presumably) his own VERY skewed view of spirituality, he uses the movie as his own soapbox, which I thought ran counter to one of the movie's themes. I find it disturbing that all those praising this movie have not even mentioned that even if Smith is Catholic, the views presented in this movie are DANGEROUS. There IS no such thing as a pure person... faith in something is NOT enough to get us in to heaven...
I'm not talking about the satire here (Alanis as God, Jesus was black, etc.), I enjoyed that... I'm talking about the very basics of Christianity which are presented very badly in this movie. Secondly, in order to get to this thought provocation, I had to wade through tonnes of filth, ie. anything that comes out of the character "Jay's" mouth. Also all the language in the film just wasn't necessary and at some points felt downright out of place. Like I said, overall I enjoyed the movie and will reccomend it, but at the same time, I am really struggling with whether or not I should have watched it, and whether I should let others know that I liked it. Now if you have thought about this and decided that it is worth it, or it doesn't bother you, that is one thing, but what disturbs me is that all this has barely even been mentioned by the film's defenders. Have you SEEN the film? If you haven't let me tell you... it's really bad.
The fact that these two things arent even mentioned makes me wonder at the convictions of the reviewers... both of the official and community varieties. If you take the Bible as true then there's some stuff in this movie that should really bother you. It's no use being a Christian if you're gonna be lukewarm, and if these subjects don't even get airtime, then I don't know if this website deserves to keep the (fairly official, especially in the eyes of a nonChristian) URL of "hollywoodjesus".

Please email me with your thoughts, as I am trying to sort this out for myself and would appreciate the input.
Thanks for your time.

My response: Wow! That felt like you just slapped me in the face. In answer to your dilemma: This is a secular film. It did not come out of some theological seminary. It was not written by a Bible scholar. It is a Catholic, Kevin Smith, who is not a theology expert, expressing what he feels and think on the big screen. That's all. If differing and interesting points of view are offensive to you, check out China, Viet Nam, or Cuba. If you enjoyed the film, be honest, say so. Going to this film, or any other film, does not make you a lukewarm Christian. If you feel that not speaking out on foul language makes me a lukewarm Christian, then to you I am. We have two very different ideas of what a Christian should be about. You are saying that if I take the Bible as true, then this movie should bother me as it does you? Then, in your view, I must not take the Bible as true. Perhaps the following scriptures can help you understand where I am coming from: Philip 4:18, John 8:3-11, Acts 17:16-34, Titus 1:15 and John 3:17. Be at peace. God loves you.

SOME CATHOLICS AND DOGMA
Subject: Some Catholics got it wrong to begin with
Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999
From:Tim

Catholics are complaining about the blasphemy contained in Dogma but most of the things they are citing aren't blasphemy. I read one reviewer who was upset that the film said Mary and Joseph had sex. They did. Just not before Jesus was born. Mary wasn't an eternal virgin. Also another was upset that God was portrayed as a woman. In your review you made the point that both male and female were made in God's image. To fully know God's image you must take the characteristics of both males and females and combine them.
-Tim

My response: I am glad you said "some Catholics." Other Catholics find some value in Dogma and are not offended. Most, I think, don't really care one way or the other.

JUDGE NOT, LEST YE ALSO BE JUDGED
Date: Mon, 22 Nov 1999
From: Sean

Okay, I consider myself a person of good moral judgement, and have faith in God, but hey, you've got to have a sense of humor here people!! I've read comments from other Christians bashing this movie, when most of them haven't even seen it. Take that Elmo Van Ripin guy who wrote in here earlier, he hasn't seen the movie, but yet goes on and on about anal sex in it. Whatever, yeah, there were a couple of references to it in the movie, but it didn't actually describe the act. I see other Christians everyday who use their faith as a battering ram to basically belittle other beliefs. They are the ones who have taken the faith and made it a mockery in my eyes. Did not God say "Judge not, lest ye also be judged"? Yet here they are, saying people will burn in Hell for their actions or non-belief in God. It seems like it is far easier for them to attack other people's beliefs rather than look at their own. Sorry, I've gotten off of the subject here. Basically Dogma is an hillarious movie. It is riddled with non-stop jokes and gags, yet it also brings up thought provoking points (which was the last thing I expected from this kind of movie). If you're in the mood for something different, go see Dogma. If not, then tune into your local televangelist and donate another $200 to his personal golf fund. And for all you naysayers out there who want to tell me that I'll burn in Hell, my email is forcedude@hotmail.com I welcome your comments, after all I need a good laugh.

May God continue to keep all our lives interesting,
Sean

CHRISTIAN PRETENDS TO BE A NON-BELIEVER!!!
Subject: Dogma and a non believer
Date: Mon, 22 Nov 1999
From: JNx316@xxxx

I loved the film. It made fun of the Bible and taught me that even Christians and Catholics don't stick up for their own faith by reading this comments. It is a great day when someone can finally show us a real film that let's us know what a joke Christianity is and how it is all just something to laugh at
A Non Believer.
My response: Nice try. But, you are not a non-believer. I notice the Jn 3:16 in your e-mail address. You are a Christian pretending to be a non-believer to make a point about Dogma. Also, you need to see the film before commenting. It is not about "what a joke Christianity is." The film is pro-God. In fact, on the weekend that the film opened Kevin Smith was in church having his baby baptized! And his priest wants a video tape copy of Dogma. The next time you want to make a comment, be honest about who you are. You did God no favors in your act of desception.

DAVID BRUCE INTOLERANT, HYPOCRITICAL
Date: Sun, 21 Nov 1999
From: "Eviva F"

DAVID BRUCE INTOLERANT, HYPOCRITICAL

Dear Mr. Bruce,
Regarding your "warm" response to Michael Einreinhof (Sept. 2) about Dogma, your hypocrisy is disconcerting, to say the least. Mr. Einreinhof attacks and caricatures those who think that their religion is being mocked (in a way in which African-Americans, gays, Jews or Native Americans would never even see made into a movie) as "religious freaks" and "reactionaries" and you don't even bother to defend the objectors' rights to free speech and to their opinions. Whether they are objectively right is not even relevant, since the point is indeed arguable. We're not talking flat-earthers vs. round-earthers here, though that's the tone used in dismissing those who object to the content of the film.

"Of course they're reactionaries" discourages anyone from even considering the protestors' points, one of which is that a double standard arguably exists in Hollywood on "extreme satire rights" depending on whose politically correct ox is gored.

As a young, intelligent Catholic woman, I resent my views being dismissed out of hand as those of a "freak" or a "reactionary." I don't apply such nasty adjectives to those who don't agree with me. Kevin Smith has the right to make any movie he wants, but I have every right to object to it, and to point out that not every "irreverence" is tolerated in Hollywood, without being made the subject of further ridicule and intolerance such as yours.

You merely validate and perpetuate the double standard, and you owe ALL of us an apology (including those who are encouraged by your offensive comments to dismiss others' views a priori ).

"Eviva F"
[Please do NOT give out my email address. It is private. Thank you.]

My response: You are over reacting to my kindness toward Michael. I wish to extent to you every kindness as well.

PROUD CHRISTIAN LIKES DOGMA
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999
From: Fox Puppy

I have NEVER been so proud be be a Christian as when I watched Dogma. The fact that Kevin Smith made a parable that shows how wonderful Christ and God are and how, no matter who you are, you are special in his eyes, makes me just happy as can be. If you have not seen this movie, and you are expecting BLASPHEMY and HOMOSEXUALITY and ANAL SEX, well, you should not only be not thinking about such topics so much, but you are missing a great movie. Kevin Smith is a very courageous man. He is facing detractors from both Christians (dogmatic Christians who care more about the letter of the law than of God's Love) and from Aethiests (who would probably feel offended by his views that the immaculate conception WAS real, that Jesus WAS the son of God, and that God is a real and benevolent Father. Kudos to Chris Rock for his portrayal of the 13th apostle (Who knows, Jesus might have owed him 12 bucks. If he wouldn't make rocks into bread just because he was hungry, he might have been short of cash a time or two. God provides friends like Rufus who help us in our times of need) and to Rock's adamant support of both his faith in God and his support of Smith.
I'm not a nice, handsome fellow. In fact, I wear a lot of black, and even a Trenchcoat (no, I do not and never will support the Columbine tragedy). I have long hair. Picture availible at www.geocities.com/foxpuppy. I listen to loud music. And Kevin Smith has showed me what many churches, pastors, televangelists, and polititians have never showed me: God loves me, STILL! Imagine what some fellow who, like J, deals drugs and is always trying to "get some," could get from this movie: "God has a use for EVERYONE, no matter who you are, if you'll just let him." The Catholic Church should give Smith the sainthood (though I doubt Smith would accept.) Thank you for this forum, thank you for seeing "Dogma" for what it truly is, and thank you for supporting my belief in intelligence AND God (they're not as exclusive as one might think.

FoxPuppy

WALKS OUT ON DOGMA, PASSES JUDGEMENT ON HOLLYWOOD JESUS
Subject: comment
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 1999
From: Joyce Chasteen

I walked out of Dogma. Call me intolerant if you want. These trash talking people, with their sexual talk, the stripper etc. would never represent God nor do they even know Him. This is very disrespectful, and those whom found "spirituality" in it, I am ashamed of you that you do not love or respect God enough to let Him be blasphemed in such a way. Does the cross mean anything to anyone here? Obviously not. There is no darkness in light, and the Bible is clear that God cannot be mocked, it is clear in scriptures that mockery consisted of walking in the darkness and using the name of Jesus. Psalm50:16-22> "What right have you to recite my laws or carry my covenant on your lips? You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you. When you see a thief, you join with him;you throw in your lot w/adulterers.You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit.You speak continually against your brohter and slander you own mother's son.These things you have done and I kept silent;you thought I was altogether like you.But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face.Consider this,you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue." There, that's what God thinks about you rejoicing over Him being represented as a woman, evil words spoken out of those whom are suppose to be representing Him (in this film). Mary Magdeline and the rest were repentant born again believers, they were not walking in their filth. I don't care what little "faith" message was presented, my Father being disrespected upsets me more than anything this terrible film could say. Father, your judgements are righteous and true, there are many religious whom think they know you, but they do not....they rejoice in the fruitless deeds of darkness, and rebuke those whom love you to take side to their lukewarmness and worldliness. The Holy Spirit was repulsed at this movie. I DO know the Father, and the Holy Spirit in me was very loud at saying "get out now!!!"

In His Grace,
joyce<><

IT MADE MY THINK ABOUT RELIGION
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999
From: James

At first, I was going to write my thoughts on Dogma, but hey, we all know it's a great movie, so enough said about that. I'd like to take a moment to thank you, I've read allot of the reviews of the film on the Dogma page, and the newaskew.com, and so far, you are the first (In a religious community) to give it a good review (Most people gave it their review without actually seeing the film) . I don't give much thought about Religion, but during the drive home from the movie (And the next few days, I thought about the movie, ALLOT, and what it had to say, which I read in an interview with Kevin Smith was exactly what should have happened. Anyway, I just wanted to share my appreciation, that you went in with an open mind, and kept it that way. Two thumbs up to you.

INCREDIBLY PLEASED
Subject: Dogma was great
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999
From: Rob Willis

I was incredibly pleased with this film (I just saw it last night with a friend). From beginning to end, I found it entertaining and thought provoking. Let me say that I am a worship leader in a church and try to be an active witness for Christ. First of all, as a church leader, this kind of movie (whether you are Catholic or not) makes you think twice. How do the people that attend the church I lead feel about it? Do they attend & participate out of a spiritual obligation or is it out of a desire to know God? Are we as leaders facilitating worship and relationships with God and others? bottom line: are we practical? Are we really meeting needs? In this movie, Bethany clearly could do without church, and based upon how she perceived it, I don't blame her. Now, as I try to be an active witness, I find that many people don't know about God, don't really want to be told what to do (as many church influences try to dictate belief and preferences). This movie affirmed the existence of God and Satan; heaven and hell; Christ's deity and death on the cross; the love, patience, and forgiveness of God - to name just a few things! That's a great place to start for someone who knows nothing of God! I wish all my conversations with non-believers would start with these beliefs already established - what a world of difference it would make. Now honestly, I did think the bad language was excessive, but that's me. Many people don't even notice anymore. I would recommend this film to anyone who needs to think outside of "the box" and who is trying to understand our culture. Or to anyone who enjoys a highly entertaining movie with a great script and great actors. (either way you can't lose) I see it as an incredibly powerful tool to present the gospel. And isn't that a great thing?
-Rob Willis
ps - please don't print my e-mail address. Keep up the great work!

DON'T KNOCK IT IF YA AIN'T SEEN IT!
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1999
From: D. THOMP

I am very annoyed at those "Christians" who gripe about the subject matter in "Dogma" without having at least screened the film once. How can you dislike a film you have not seen? I love Kevin Smith's films, and think "Dogma" is a masterpiece of contemporary comedic cinema. "Dogma" is in the same league as "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" with its sardonic humor and offbeat style of delivery. To all the Christians (I was baptized Roman Catholic) who choose to lambaste Kevin Smith for his message without knowing exactly what that message is, I have only this to say: Have you ever heard the phrase (in the Bible) "Judge not, lest ye be judged?" Who the hell are you to judge someone else? God is watching you, better behave!

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