The Nativity Story and the Virgin Birth
Since seeing The Nativity Story on the morning of December 2nd, I’ve been meaning to write a post containing my impressions on the film.
However, I’ve been grappling with the film’s depiction of the Virgin Birth. Discussions at CatholicSource on the matter have given me some mixed opinions. Add to the fact that in speaking to a priest, and hearing from others who have spoken to priests, it was said that there was not de fide teaching on the matter, and the faithful were free to believe as their conscience guided them.
Even in light of this, I want to recommend The Nativity Story to every family out there (younger children — under age 7 or 8 — excluded due to some scenes that could be troubling to some). Despite potential issues with the depiction of the Birth of Jesus, the film makes attempts to be faithful, and not offend Catholics. Even though the story is perhaps a familiar one to most, I would encourage families to read the actual Biblical accounts in Luke 1 and 2, and Matthew 1 … as well as John 1 … and discuss them before and after.
While not on par with The Passion of the Christ, it is a wonderful gift to prepare one’s heart for Christmas.
[tags]nativity story, jesus, christmas, movie, faith, christian, messiah, catholic, bible, virgin birth, de fide[/tags]
[...] My own opinion of the film is that there wasn’t enough to dislike about the film’s depiction of certain events to warrant a thumbs down, and Christian—even Catholic—media outlets should have been more active in encouraging people to see it. [...]
CatholicSphere » Skipping Christian movies? Why?! said this on March 21st, 2007 at 10:21 am
[...] My own opinion of the film is that there wasn’t enough to dislike about the film’s depiction of certain events to warrant a thumbs down, and Christian—even Catholic—media outlets should have been more active in encouraging people to see it. [...]
CatholicSphere » Skipping Christian movies? Why?! said this on March 21st, 2007 at 10:21 am