Saved - the movie

Have you seen the movie "Saved"? I have read some reviews of it and am interested in seein it when it comes out on DVD.

Below is a review from www.theooze.com

LINK:http://www.theooze.com/articles/article.cfm?id=939

SAVED
by Adam Beach
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As an extremely sardonic and satirical critique of Modern Christian pop culture, the movie Saved has been largely scorned and ruthlessly ridiculed in Evangelical sectors for its merciless look into the shallow world of the modern evangelical movement. Yet, some Christians have reacted to the movie with genuine interest and inquisitive thought. When viewed in its entirety, Saved proves to be a valid and much needed satirical critique of the growing Christian subculture. The movie explores, comically and critically, the world and lives of students and teachers at a Christian private school, the American Eagle Christian School. It addresses Modern Christianity’s view on such issues as swearing, homosexuality, sex, adultery, smoking, non-Christians, worship, and speaking in tongues. Being a movie meant to critique, Christianity’s views regarding the aforementioned issues are mercilessly shredded throughout the movie. Many of these critiques are valid and accurate, but some are overstated. A valid critique is Christianity’s lack of tolerance of homosexuals. In general, the Christians in Saved are portrayed as being intolerant and abusive toward homosexuals, treating them as if they were inhuman and in need of “curing.” This is a realistic representation of Christianity’s view of homosexuals in modern day America. It is tragic to see so many Christians acting in condemnation and hate towards homosexuals, while turning a blind eye to such glaring issues as adultery, divorce, and premarital sex. The movie also factually shows Christianity’s refusal to acknowledge these ever present devastating issues. The fact is, Jesus said little to nothing regarding homosexuality, but rarely stopped talking about loving your [homosexual] neighbor as yourself and taking care of the poor. Another valid criticism in the movie is its portrayal of Christianity’s taboo concerning smoking and swearing. Both of these issues reveal little about one’s heart. It is pitiful that the church has wasted so much time, energy, and anguish on such external issues. Though Saved stands as an excellent critique of Modern Christianity, it did cross the line in few areas, such as worship, Christianity’s view of non-Christians, and prayer. The director of Saved demonstrates an obvious understanding of Christian pop culture, but does ease into comical error in these few areas. In nearly every instance of exaggeration or error, it is obviously for the purpose of comedy. Yet, this does not erase the fact the Christians were made to appear fairly shallow, goofy, and condemning in many scenes throughout the movie. It is because of these discrepancies that many Christians have discounted this fine movie as ludicrous. Unfortunately, many Christians will deliberately avoid seeing this film simply because their skin is too thin to take a healthy dose of valid comical criticism. Many Christians have sadly forgotten how to discern. Void of the ability to accept valid critique, the Christian church has been weakened. Christians need to have the wisdom to step back from their presuppositions, and honestly evaluate their actions and views. Saved is a perfect example of a reasonable but frank critique of modern Christianity, that would be widely accepted and evaluated by Christians if we had any desire to be honest and genuine in our walk with Christ.