The Fantasy of Religion

Religion: “a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe…usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs” (Google definitions). To me, religion is more spiritual than anything. I believe it is important for a person to always know their personal morals, and I believe religion can enhance those morals to their greatest existence. Morality would be more prevalent in today’s society if it weren’t for the optional plan B, which is highly emphasized in the media. The plan B option can be interpreted as a form of birth control, but it can also be seen as a form of religious imprisonment. Media portrays religion as a strict set of guidelines in which its believers must follow in order to live eternally. Fantasy and abortion are two of the major faces of religion that are commonly seen in the media. “Dogma,” written and directed by Kevin Smith is one movie that falls victim to both of these portrayals.

First, media creates this fantastical essence of religion that makes it hard for people to realistically follow. For example, in “Dogma,” two angels fall from heaven in order to convert the cosmologic non-believers into full-bred Christ followers. Magically, one of the angels mystically appears in Bethany’s room, a woman who is questioning God since her prayers have not been answered. The angel informs her that she has the option of being the voice of reason for the unfaithful. Along her expedition of refreshing the faithless beings, she comes across numerous unearthly characters, such as apostles, demons, prophets, and other heavenly creatures. This is just one instance in which the media makes religion seem as if it is a practice of magic. People in today’s society already have a hard enough time placing themselves in God’s hands because of all the evil and turmoil in the world. Therefore, the fairy-tale portrayal of religion doesn’t give them any more of an incentive to believe that religion and its components are a solution to their despair. People need to see the aspects of religion that are prevalent in a person’s day-to-day activities. This is where the importance of morality and purity come into play. The main reason I am so faithful is because of the morals that are implanted within religion, for from those beliefs flourishes a pure and refreshing feeling of self-security. But yet again the media ruins this hope of revelation for people by representing morals and beliefs as too conventional and a thing of the past.

Being pro-life is one of the moral beliefs that is existent within the Catholic Church. Dogma shows the commonality of abortion, for the movie shows the main-character working in the abortion clinic. Outside the abortion clinic, stand two men, waiting for “loose women.” First, it is degrading to instill in the audience’s mind that abortion is the answer, rather than their own personal belief. Those people who have the moral mindset of choosing life might be disturbed that media is constantly trying to sway their personal mentality. Second, it is degrading to women and to the purity of sex that men are standing and waiting for easy women to have sex with. This is one example of how the media takes the soul out of the woman and leaves the body for other’s enjoyment. The media makes women feel as if they are worthy for sex and if a mistaken child comes of it, then abortion is the answer.

Pro-life against pro-choice is arguably one of the most controversial topics in today’s world, so it is inevitable that the media is going to advertise it. I just wish it would go about doing so in a better way. If the media didn’t validate the acceptance of casual sex and abortion, then more people would be more religious or spiritual because they would have morals to live by. I think a person would only need to take on one strong moral belief in order for them to feel the greatness of believing in such a strong thing. Then, they would naturally be drawn to the greater choice when it came to the battle of evil verse innocence.

In conclusion, religion is commonly displayed as some kind of fantasy, in which its components and structure are impossible to realistically maintain. If one is religiously or spiritually indulgent, then the media will do what it can in order to turn their moral beliefs into what it considers the social normality. “Dogma” is a movie that reinforces the fanatical religion and unmoral lifestyle.