Meridian recently ran a poll trying to determine how our readers felt about R-rated movies. The poll attracted a great deal of attention, thousands voted their feelings and many joined in with comments and letters to the editor. Because the media is so prevalent, invasive and influential in our lives—the movie part of the media has grown to be a $10 billion a year industry—not counting all the spin-off products, and outside influence it exerts—we felt like it was important that you had a first-hand view of reader comments and thoughts about this topic. About eighty different people's comments are included in this article.

We have included direct quotes from the Church and the scriptures on the topic and we have included quotes directly from the Motion Picture Association of America rating system.

Many of you made reference to the For the Strength of Youth booklet and gave partial quotes from it. The section on “Entertainment and the Media” contains the following guidelines:

“Whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you. Therefore, choose only entertainment and media that uplift you. Good entertainment will help you to have good thoughts and make righteous choices. It will allow you to enjoy yourself without losing the Spirit of the Lord.

“While much entertainment is good, some of it can lead you away from righteous living. Offensive material is often found in web sites, concerts, movies, music, videocassettes, DVDs, books, magazines, pictures, and other media. Satan uses such entertainment to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal and exciting. It can mislead you into thinking that everyone is doing things that are wrong.

“Do not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in entertainment that in any way presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable.

“Pornography in all its forms is especially dangerous and addictive. What may begin as a curious indulgence can become a destructive habit that takes control of your life. It can lead you to sexual transgression and even criminal behavior. Pornography is a poison that weakens your self-control, changes the way you see others, causes you to lose the guidance of the Spirit, and can even affect your ability to have a normal relationship with your future spouse. If you encounter pornography, turn away from it immediately.

“Depictions of violence often glamorize vicious behavior. They offend the Spirit and make you less able to respond to others in a sensitive, caring way. They contradict the Savior's message of love for one another.

“Have the courage to walk out of a movie or video party, turn off a computer or television, change a radio station, or put down a magazine if what is being presented does not meet Heavenly Father's standards. Do these things even if others do not. Let your friends and family know that you are committed to keeping God's standards. You have the gift of the Holy Ghost, which will give you strength and help you make good choices.” ( For the Strength of Youth, Entertainment and the Media, p. 17)

In contrast to what is said in the For the Strength of Youth booklet, the following is directly from the Motion Picture Association of America's rating system concerning an R-rating:

“ An R-rated motion picture, in the view of the Rating Board, contains some adult material. An R-rated motion picture may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements, so that parents are counseled to take this rating very seriously. Children under 17 are not allowed to attend R-rated motion pictures unaccompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Parents are strongly urged to find out more about R-rated motion pictures in determining their suitability for their children. Generally, it is not appropriate for parents to bring their young children with them to R-rated motion pictures.”

Because many of you also brought up the PG-13 rating, it is also worth being clear about what the MPAA uses as a guideline for that rating. A careful reading of the following is worth your time:

“ A PG-13 rating is a sterner warning by the Rating Board to parents to determine whether their children under age 13 should view the motion picture, as some material might not be suited for them. A PG-13 motion picture may go beyond the PG rating in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language, adult activities or other elements, but does not reach the restricted R category. The theme of the motion picture by itself will not result in a rating greater than PG-13, although depictions of activities related to a mature theme may result in a restricted rating for the motion picture. Any drug use will initially require at least a PG-13 rating. More than brief nudity will require at least a PG-13 rating, but such nudity in a PG-13 rated motion picture generally will not be sexually oriented. There may be depictions of violence in a PG-13 movie, but generally not both realistic and extreme or persistent violence. A motion picture's single use of one of the harsher sexually-derived words, though only as an expletive, initially requires at least a PG-13 rating. More than one such expletive requires an R rating, as must even one of those words used in a sexual context. The Rating Board nevertheless may rate such a motion picture PG-13 if, based on a special vote by a two-thirds majority, the Raters feel that most American parents would believe that a PG-13 rating is appropriate because of the context or manner in which the words are used or because the use of those words in the motion picture is inconspicuous.”

It is worth noting two scriptures (both referred to in the For the Strength of Youth booklet. One is from Isaiah:

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! ” (Isaiah 5: 20)

And the other is from the Book of Moroni quoting his father, Mormon:

“For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil ; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good , and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good , no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him. And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged. Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil ; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.”

So, now here are a few of the comments and letters that were sent in concerning the recent poll on r-rated movies.

(This first group of 64 numbered comments is directly from the poll and came in order, one after the other, sometimes based on the comment made by the previous person—no names are given in this section from the numbered comments). Other letters to the editor that came via e-mail are interspersed throughout.

Here was the poll question:

Okay, lots of people have strong opinions about what movies you should attend and what movies you should not attend.  How do you feel about R-rated movies?  Come and vote and feel free to leave a comment at the end.  We want to hear from you!  

Comment (1) - 05/29/09 06:26 AM

I think it depends on WHY it is R rated! We must use good judgment and choose wisely. Even TV, of course, could be rated R at times.

Comment (2) - 05/29/09 06:33 AM

For The Strength Of Youth makes an excellent point: "Depictions of violence often glamorize vicious behavior. They offend the Spirit and make you less able to respond to others in a sensitive, caring way. They contradict the Savior's message of love for one another."

Comment (3) - 05/29/09 07:12 AM

I agree with the above. The rating system I feel is outdated. We use the "Prophet System"-- Would we watch it with the Prophet?

From our feedback e-mail:

The Sunday, May 3 rd New York Times had an article called “Memos to Hollywood :  Words to Watch By” Their memo to the Ratings Board expresses the frustration I have with the ratings system:

To: The M.P.A.A. Ratings Board

What the heck?  “Some language”?  “Thematic content”?  “Dangerous situations”?  Yes, it's hard to keep up with substance abuse, sexual mores, violent behavior and Angle-Saxon idioms, but come on.  What started out 40 years ago as a common-sense, informative alternative to censorship has turned into a maze of mystification and technicalities, wherein perfectly wholesome dramas are stigmatized while violent, sadistic trash merits an implicit seal of approval.  Stop trying to read our minds or guess our values:  just give us clear, rational and consistent information.

My biggest beef with the ratings system is that it does NOT reflect LDS standards or sensibilities.  Some “permissible” PG-13 movies are grossly inappropriate as are some PG films.  It is the responsibility of LDS people to read about the movies and base their choices on our standards and not simply rely on a mere letter.

--Liz Dayton,
Santa Clara, Utah

PS:  The arbitrariness of the rating system is legendary. The R rated film Witness has a fine example about sexual restraint that many LDS did not see because of the R rating. After viewing it , I went home and took my teenaged kids to that movie the following night.  Why?  I wanted my children to see what self-respect and restraint look like.   

There is a scene between Harrison Ford, the fugitive policeman, and the Amish woman where the sexual tension builds and their desire is unmistakable.  Ford goes to her room but simply stands in the doorway, yearning to enter.  He turns away, offering no explanation.  The next day he simply says, “If I had stayed, either you would have had to leave (your life with the Amish) or I would have had to leave.”   In a closing scene the audience sees Ford kibitzing with his buddies while the girl watches.  Their eyes meet and both know that they are worlds apart in spite of the physical attraction.  With so many films showing indulgence, this portrayal of restraint in Witness is a fine example of two people  thinking through the consequences of their actions. 

Comment (4) - 05/29/09 07:35 AM

Once Pres. Hinckley came out and said we shouldn't watch R rated movies, I couldn't bring myself to ever watch another R rated movie. Before, I watched based on my standards. And I agree with the 3 previous statements. Now, I am cautious about PG-13, some of those are pretty violent and loaded with profanity. I prefer a G rated movie, but those are few and far between and some of those don't deserve a G rating. Give me an excellent LDS film any day and I'm happy. Wish mainstream filmmakers would take the hint.

From our feedback e-mail:

Satan has worked his lies on the members of the Church.  The movie rating system is his, not the Lords.  The Lords rating system is in the STRENGTH of YOUTH.  It applies to all church members, adult as well as youth.  How to live each day of your life is in there.  “Some of the most important guidelines for your life are found in this pamphlet.  We testify that these principles are true.”   For your life means YM/YW and adult life. Concerning movies it says, “Do not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way.” Who's on the Lords side who? Now is the time show…

--D. Alan May
Auburn, Washington

Comment (5) - 05/29/09 08:09 AM

The rating of a movie is not the most important factor of whether or not you should see it. I personally will not watch any R rated movies as well as many PG-13 movies. I have become very upset lately with the myriad of PG-13 movies that use a particular word (you know which one). The rating system allows it to be used twice in a PG-13 movie. I searched for a way that I could know, ahead of time, if this word would be used in the movies I chose to watch. I found a great website which I now use as a resource for selecting movies to watch; www.kids-in-mind.com. Each movie is ranked in three categories: Sex and Nudity, Violence and Gore, and Profanity. The site will explain, in detail, the content of a movie arranged in these three categories. It has made a world of difference in my movie viewing.

Editors' Note: Another great site for pre-screening movies is www.screenit.com You don't have to be a member to use the site, just scroll all the way to the bottom of the home screen and click on No Thanks and you can see their reviews on thousands of movies. They are certainly a worthy group to join, however.

Comment (6) - 05/29/09 08:23 AM

I agree with the thought that would I sit and watch this with the Prophet after he has told us not to watch R-rated movies. I would hate to be sitting in the endowment rooms of the Temple and some picture of one of these movies flash through my mind. No one has ever said that only clean, wholesome shows are shown on TV. We must take responsibility for our own choices.

Comment (7) - 05/29/09 09:13 AM

I have a new appreciation for the language used in "For the strength of youth" and have tried to use this as our guide in our family. The emphasis on certain words is my own. It says "...choose ONLY entertainment and media that uplift you.......DO NOT attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic IN ANY WAY. Do not participate in entertainment that IN ANY WAY presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable." It is a challenge to find very many movies which fit these standards. Those words ONLY and IN ANY WAY, pretty much rule out most of them. For us, "R" ratings are never watched and "PG-13" is rarely acceptable. I find that many PG and G ratings are filled with too much propaganda these days that I don't feel comfortable with them either. We watch a lot of older movies and musicals. But, our main goal is to get more of our entertainment from books and nature and spending time together and just turn off the TV altogether!

Comment (8) - 05/29/09 10:17 AM

I use ClearPlay to filter movies so the ratings are irrelevant to me.

Editors' Note: ClearPlay is a DVD player that enables your family to enjoy all of the great Hollywood movies you've always wanted to watch—without all of the junk you don't want. The ClearPlay DVD player seamlessly skips and mutes content based on 12 categories that you can set. ClearPlay Filters are hand-crafted by at team of Filter Developers who watch the movie and masterfully select where the player will remove content. ClearPlay works with thousands of movies. New Filters are generally made available the same day as new releases. Filters are then made available to members via a very easy-to-use download process. You can then copy the entire Filter library to your FilterStik™. Once inserted into your ClearPlay player any movie will automatically be filtered. More information can be obtained at www.clearplay.com

Comment (9) - 05/29/09 12:50 PM

I believe strongly in the principle of not viewing and its purpose. Having said that I will admit that since Pres. Hinckley's proclamation, I have very selectively chosen to see two "R" rated movies. My decision was made after studying what I could find about the content and message of the movie. Both were based on actual historical events, the rating was due to violent content which I believe was toned down for the movie. I feel that I have a greater respect, empathy, and appreciation for what our predecessors had to endure in order for me to have what I do today. The content was neither titillating nor salacious. Perhaps I shouldn't have seen them... but then, I'm probably not as righteous as some.

From our feedback e-mail:

I was truly disturbed by the judgmental and self-righteous tone of so many of the letters on this subject.  I wonder at the value of these kinds of polls, they seem to invite less-than-loving and Christ-like feedback.  We need to realize that everyone is at a different point in their quest for righteousness and try to be loving and patient.

--Gladys Owens
Providence, UT

Comment (10) - 05/29/09 01:03 PM

I am sooo old that I remember when movies were entertaining and carried the same values that I have. It is a very rare movie that my spouse of 40 years and I will actually spend $$$ to see! I worry for my grandchildren.

Editors' Notes: Here are a few interesting statistics (speaking of ticket prices):

In 2008, the average movie ticket price in the U.S. rose to $7.18, a 4.4% increase over 2007.

The Domestic box office continued to grow in 2008, reaching $9.79 billion after a 1.7% gain.

Worldwide box office reached another all-time high in 2008 at $28.1 billion, an increase of 5.2% over 2007.

Domestic admissions dropped 2.6% in 2008, to 1.36 billion.

The total number of films released domestically in 2008 was up 1.8%, to 610 films.

The number of screens in the U.S. remain constant at just over 40,000 in 2008.

(All statistics are taken from official reports of the Motion Picture Association of America .

Comment (11) - 05/30/09 08:52 AM

Why would you even consider watching an R-rated movie when we have been instructed by the Lord's mouth piece NOT to watch them. There are so many other things I have to work on to be a better person why would a given "easy stay away from thing" even be considered! We waste a lot of time and money on PG-13 movies when we discover they're not watchable, why would we even let the thought of attending an R-rated movie enter our minds?

Comment (12) – Repeated Comment 11.

Comment (13) - 05/30/09 05:21 PM

I am 52 years old, and will never be old enough to watch R rated movies.

Comment (14) - 05/30/09 08:12 PM

I feel that there are too many good movies to watch, great books to read and beautiful music to enjoy to waste time on garbage. That goes for movies and television. (Not that I don't have faults mind you...)

From our feedback e-mail:

There are websites out there dedicated to helping parents and others interested decide what movies are appropriate for their families to view. Here are a few I know of:

Please include these in your next Reader Comments section!

--Catherine Fredericksen
Lewisville, Texas

Comment (15) - 05/30/09 08:49 PM

I'm a big fan of action movies, and giving up R-rated shows was hard for me at first. But I've come to determine that following the prophet is, for me, a more important goal, and I haven't seen that my life is missing anything for not attending certain movies. We don't take the big movie channels on cable -- don't want to spend the extra money -- making that a temptation we don't deal with.

Comment (16) - 06/01/09 07:07 AM

There are far too many people out there who need the General Authorities to tell them how to live every aspect of their lives. Plenty of R-rated movies I've seen are brilliant, moral, and thought-provoking stories while plenty of PG-13 and PG movies are trash. Do some research on the Internet, read reviews, and decide for yourself what is or isn't appropriate to see instead of relying on an arbitrary letter rating.

Comment (17) - 06/01/09 09:39 AM

There are just very few R rated movies I've been at all interested in watching, and even then would prefer the "clearplay" edited version. These would be movies such as "The Passion of the Christ", "The Patriot", and "Saving Private Ryan". The vast majority of R rated movies, and even most PG-13 movies, are not worth seeing, and I would not even be interested in "Clearplay" versions, as I deem most of them a waste of time with poor subject matter. I also think it is a good policy to not watch any R rated movies, with the possible exception of some select "clearplay" edited ones.

From our feedback e-mail:

I never watch R-rated newer movies, but when they rate the old John Wayne and the old black and white movies R- for violence or smoking on the old movie channels, that is really mixed up. Some of the new movies that are rated PG 13 should be rated RRR.

--Coleen

Comment (18) - 06/01/09 03:25 PM

Just simply "no" to R rated movies. Yes the system is messed up; yes, what was an R when I was a kid is now even a PG-13. Given the personal decision that I don't need or want R rated movie language and violence and often nudity in my life, my friends, or my home, when it comes down to it, I look for "Entertainment." So, I find that such also rules out some G rated pictures. "Entertain me" without an R rating or I'll keep my money no matter who the stars are or anything else--I'll go find a place, maybe not a theater, for entertainment.

Comment (19) - 06/01/09 04:23 PM

I couldn't honestly say that I never watch R rated movies because I have seen at least 2 previously without realizing they were R-rated. One I quite liked on TV but was shocked when I bought the video and saw what been edited out of the TV version. But I don't do it anymore. Why? The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have counseled Saints to not watch R-rated movies. That sounds like a modern-day commandment to me so I obey. It's about *faith* and *obedience* for me...not movies. Am I going to follow the prophet or not? Several times a year I raise my hand to the square and commit to sustain the Prophet and other church leaders. If I am truly honest in everything I do, then not watching certain movies, including those with R-ratings, is a simple and small price to pay for the blessing of knowing I'm keeping my covenants...all of them. It's about faith, not movies. I've discovered that I can live very happily without movies.

Comment (20) - 06/01/09 04:53 PM

We have been counseled not to see R-rated movies. So why are we even having this discussion?!!! Time could be better spent talking about edifying subjects.

Comment (21) – Repeat of Comment 20

From our feedback e-mail:

In eighth grade I went to a friend's house where they watched a horror movie. I hid under the covers the whole time. I later found out it was rated R. It had left me with such a bad feeling I vowed never to watch an R-rated movie again. When I got married my husband watched R-rated movies sometimes. His rationalization was that PG-13 movies were a lot worse than some R-rated ones. He would mostly watch historical war movies and I was surprised when I watched them that they were much more "clean" than a lot of PG-13 movies that were full of sexual suggestions, jokes, swearing etc. The R-rated movies he watched were so because of violence which he felt they needed to portray to communicate to the viewers what war is really like.

I was beginning to accept his view on this but things changed for me after reading an article in a church magazine about how people excuse movies saying it just has some violence and that is why it is rated R. It pointed out that sexual sins are only 2nd to murder in severity (murder is worse). Through video games, movies, and such that make violence common, Satan desensitizes our spirits' natural compassion and respect for life.

Around this time we were at a brother's house and every one wanted to watch an R-rated movie and my teenage brother-in-law said he didn't want to watch it because it was rated R. I remember complaints that they had to watch something else because of him but I was impressed by his courage to hold his ground even when others (even his brothers) didn't feel the same way he did and support him about something they had all been taught from their parents. I thought back on the R-rated movies I had watched. If I had not seen them I really felt I would not have missed anything. None of them were that important or impressionable. I told my husband he could do what he wanted but I really felt I would not be missing anything if I never saw an R-rated movie again and that I felt it was more important to follow the standards the First Presidency set when they wrote "For the Strength of Youth." Why would it be okay for us to do what we are taught not to do as teenagers? Are we allowed to watch un-virtuous things just because we are older? We talked about it and he told me later he decided he wouldn't watch them either. I know this was the right choice and it has blessed our home and family. I will always be grateful for the example of my brother-in-law and that article in the Church magazine.

--Emily Hickman

Comment (22) - 06/01/09 06:26 PM

I grew up going to every movie as soon as it changed. Now I don't go to any at all. The last one I saw was "Firehouse Dog" and the rest of them don't even appeal to me. I'm very concerned about my grandsons and the horrible things they're exposed to. I pray that somehow there will be a change in that industry and they'll get back to doing inspiring, interesting movies again soon.

Comment (23) - 06/01/09 09:19 PM

From the Strength of Youth book: "Do not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in entertainment that in any way presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable." The youth aren't told to not watch rated R movies instead the above quote implies that [many] PG, PG-13 and R are not acceptable!!!! Our family tries to follow the counsel to the youth and we don't watch movies that lead us away from the Spirit. It helps to think of the Savior sitting there watching the movie with you or even your Bishop, would you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable? The rating system of Hollywood doesn't decide if we watch it or not. We choose for ourselves and most movies just don't make the cut.

Comment (24) - 06/02/09 01:37 AM

There is nothing in the world that could have prevented me from watching "Passion of the Christ," and I did, 4 times in fact, and I bought the DVD. This great, moving film helped me to realize even more how much pain and suffering the Savior suffered for me and all mankind. It brought me a lot closer to Him and I just wanted to tell the world about Christ and His mission upon the earth. I do not like the idea of non-members of the Church in Hollywood , who have different moral standards, telling LDS which movies are suitable to watch…Sometimes we have to make our own decision in life on certain matters.

Comments 25-27 all repeated Comment 24

Comment (28) - 06/02/09 06:00 AM

Ratings on films change from year to year. I know of at least one movie whose rating has changed 3 times in the last 4 decades. The worldly rating of films should not be the Lord's people's ratings. I have been known to walk out of PG films because of content and language. We need to be in tune with the spirit to know if she would watch a film or not or even television.

From our feedback e-mail:

The problem with watching cleaned up versions of R-rated movies is that you are still supporting those movie makers. They are making money off of you and will still continue to make movies with offensive content. Take a stand and don't watch those movies, cleaned up or not!

 --Madeline Winmill
Simi Valley, California, USA

Comment (29) - 06/02/09 06:05 AM

I don't mean to offend anyone but consider this. The brethren are not out spoken on many things but on things they specify it would be wise to heed their council. It's been my experience that when we fail to do so we set ourselves up for great disappointment and hardship. One of the responders said , "Sometimes we have to make our own decision in life on certain matters". I agree but when the brethren are so specific about something, I try to listen.

Comment (30) - 06/02/09 06:18 AM

If a rated R movie looks good, I wait until it comes out on television and is edited for content.

Comment (31) - 06/02/09 07:33 AM

Years ago when I was 16 I decided to never see an R rated movie. I have never seen one in a theater since then, and made no exceptions, based more on my commitment than the content. There may have been an occasional movie that would have been worth seeing, but felt that I needed to not see them in order to maintain my moral integrity. I have, in the last few years, seen some films on TV that have been edited for content. Schindler's list comes to mind. We should always follow the prophet and particularly the current prophet which means we should be following the "For the Strength of Youth" counsel. Which means there are very few movies any of us should see! Oh, that we were more obedient, including myself.

From our feedback e-mail:

Good grief! Even before I joined the Church R-rated movies made me cringe.  If the PG-13 movies are sometimes difficult to watch I won't torture myself by watching an R.

--Darlene Kuhlmann

Comment (32) - 06/02/09 08:23 AM

I don't make it a habit to watch R-rated movies, but there have been times when I saw an R-rated movie by accident on TV. I didn't realize it was R-rated until afterward. I usually check the ratings first. I have been surprised & shocked when I found a movie R-rated on TV after viewing it. I have seen some PG-13 movies and to me sometimes they are worse than some of the R-rated movies I have seen. If I am offended from a movie, I leave or turn the channel, etc. I love old movies (from the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s) and am shocked and surprised at some of their ratings too. I find some of them are R-rated. I wouldn't stop watching them though because they are mild. To me it depends on the era, subject matter, and how things are portrayed for the most part. But as a general rule I try to avoid R and even some PG-13 movies. They aren't worth it. I have better things to do with my time plus I don't want images in my mind of things like that clouding my mind.

Comment (33) - 06/02/09 08:53 AM

Members of the church often justify what they watch by adopting a practice called "Dancing the Hoky Poky". That means they're willing to step into the world and momentarily enjoy worldly entertainment that goes against their own values. They feel that as long as they pull their 'foot' out of it and try to shake it off and return to gospel standards of living that there is no harm done. They also rationalize that as long as they don't believe in, adopt, accept and/or practice violent or immoral behavior it is okay to be entertained by it. Often their justification for engaging in this kind of entertainment is it is endorsed by the majority/masses. The course should be: to make the effort to find media that is uplifting --- it's out there. They can do it and not compromise their standards or beliefs. The above comment about the Strength of Youth is excellent.

Comment (34) - 06/02/09 02:15 PM

I choose to not watch R rated movies, I would rather do things that invite the spirit of the Lord into my life so I don't watch movies that are R rated and I am careful not to watch PG13 or some of the other ones that are borderline. There are some really good movies out there that are so much better and make you feel good about yourself after you watch them.

From our feedback e-mail:

I chose the last option [The whole rating system is messed up. I just choose based on my standards] the movie rated system is messed up so I use my own discretion. However, I never watch an R rated movie unless it has been cleaned up and the violence is removed. I have to use my discretion with PG movies and PG-13 movies. Many of them seem fine and then in the middle they are disgusting. I strongly believe that the fewer people who watch these "Satan-produced" movies, the fewer that will be made. Whenever we watch these movies we are paying people to make more of them. I also believe we have a duty to write and voice our opinion about perfectly decent movies being ruined by unnecessary language, violence and sex. ET was a cute movie, except for the language. Why let garbage fall out of a child's mouth except to convince a gullible public that those words are normal and acceptable. If we do nothing we are culpable.

--Cathy Winward

Comment (35) - 06/02/09 05:02 PM

Following the council of the prophets has never led me wrong. A number of years ago LDS people were told that R rated movies were not for us. Now, I am not one to follow anyone blindly, but I choose not to have the scenes, language, ideas, etc. of R rated movies in my mind. Even many of the PG-13 movies have language or scenes that are questionable. I also choose to follow the "Prophet System." I would be happy to watch any movie the Prophet watches.

Comment (36) - 06/02/09 07:10 PM

I have seen very few R-rated movies. The two exceptions I can think of are movies that were deeply touching and served, to me, as an invaluable reminder that goodness can combat pure evil and that war may be necessary but it is not glorious are Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan. You cannot watch these films and not be touched by both horror and gratitude. I am a better person for having seen both of these movies.

Comment (37) - 06/02/09 08:11 PM

Make a clear decision to not watch R movies for the simple fact that the prophets have told us not to. So what IS the big deal here? After the excitement is over with an awesome R rated movie, it's over and life goes on. The movie has passed away and you might feel OK with yourself. Learn to obey simple principles. Big ones later on will become easier!

From our Feedback e-mail:

President Hinckley asked us to not view R-rated movies.  Enough said.  I agree.  Garbage in, garbage out.

--Nona Kelly
Eastland, Texas

Comment (38) - 06/02/09 10:39 PM

I believe that rationalizing the watching of R-rated movies on the basis of their intrinsic value is similar to tasting the best wines because of their relative low alcohol content and the enhanced experience they provide when eating refined meals. Most LDS members pass this experience and do not feel that their life or appreciation for good food is less significant for doing so. All know that this small sacrifice is largely compensated by good health and the spiritual blessings that come from unwavering obedience to Church principles. I see only one significant problem about R-ratings: they essentially apply to LDS members who live in the US . As a consequence, I suspect that most of the members living outside of the United States get to watch a great number of R-rated movies, whether at the Theater or on TV without even knowing it...

Comment (39) - 06/03/09 06:50 AM

The most specific I've seen from the Brethren is what has already quoted here, from the Strength of Youth book. It does not specify "R"-- anything further has been left to us. Is this not what we're told regarding tithing? A tenth of the gross-- anything more specific is not appropriate. Isn't the Word of Wisdom also geared towards "the weakest" of Saints? And aren't we told in section 58 about the "slothful" servant who feels the need to be "compelled in all things"? Standing on whatever side of the modern "R" rating, I feel, is beside the point. There are some "G" rated shows that contain innuendos which are morally disgusting (Cat in the Hat, Chipmunks to just name a couple). We've got a Christian-hating Hollywood media that deliberately rated the Passion movie "R" because they knew it would hinder Christians from seeing a wonderful, inspiring movie. There pretty much is nothing "safe" coming out of Hollywood . The ratings system is an absolute joke. We need so soundly to go by the Spirit…

Comment (40) - 06/03/09 06:52 AM

(this is what seemed to not fit in what I just sent. . . . .)

We seldom see any movie coming out any more. There is too much at stake, trying to raise a righteous generation. Several years ago, I joined up with the Parents' Television Counsel (PTC), which I feel gives a great overview of not only the movies coming out, but also television programs.

Editors' Note: You can visit the Parent's Television Counsel here: http://www.parentstv.org/ What is the PTC? From their site: The PTC's primary mission is to promote and restore responsibility and decency to the entertainment industry in answer to America 's demand for positive, family-oriented television programming. The PTC does this by fostering changes in TV programming to make the early hours of prime time family-friendly and suitable for viewers of all ages.

Because of the pervasive and powerful influence of television, the PTC seeks to discourage the increasingly graphic sexual themes and dialogue, depictions of gratuitous violence, and profane/obscene language that have crowded out family viewing options. The PTC concentrates on broadcast television, which uses the public airwaves to enter every home with a television set, and expanded basic cable, which millions of households rely on for their TV programming.

The PTC also assists parents in exercising responsibility for their children's viewing habits with the Family Guide to Prime Time Television. The Guide offers a traffic-light ratings system with red-, yellow-, and green-light ratings indicating the amount of sex, foul language and violence in each series. The ratings system is accompanied by clear descriptions of every prime time show, enabling parents to make educated decisions about the programs they and their families wish to view.

Comment (41) - 06/03/09 07:57 AM

I used to watch select R-rated movies until my then-teenaged-daughter reminded me that a prophet of the Lord had cautioned us against viewing those movies...now, many years later how thankful I am that as the medium has deteriorated, I do not have to worry about a bad scene or bad language - I choose movies, TV, Books, music that only fit the standards I choose to live - I've never been sorry to "miss" a show and the Spirit has never been stronger in my life!!!

From our Feedback e-mail:

There are many good movies with good messages but rated R because they added offensive content.  I did see an R movie on the plane once.  It had a good plot and story line and all the offensive content was removed to make it a G rating.  Is there anything wrong with seeing those movies?

--Karen Spilsbury
Homer Ward, Soldotna Stake, Alaska

Comment (42) - 06/03/09 01:07 PM

The whole system is based on someone else's opinion of suitability ... how messed up can that be? We must not take anything for granted ... not even G rated, animated films for kids. Those who provide the ratings will allow gay themes, gay characters and gay support through the dialogue and story-line of any film. We must be ever vigilant and actively involved in our children's lives. R ratings aren't even the tip of the iceberg.

Comment (43) - 06/03/09 04:40 PM

I feel that many good stories are ruined by adding language to make it an R rated movie, it doesn't add to the movie at all, in fact it detracts and I won't sit and listen to the language. "Follow the Prophet."

Comment (44) - 06/03/09 05:06 PM

I have in the past viewed some R rated, but I wasn't aware that it was rated that way. I have most recently been very watchful of what I do watch, especially since I know now how our church and the prophet feel about them. I find that MOST of the movies aired today are not worth spending the money to watch them anyway.

From our Feedback e-mail:

Shame on you for even suggesting that we go against what the Prophet has told us. 

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