Article January 1, 1999 ISSUE

Films and God's influence

Flávio M. Colombini

I love action movies. I notice, however, that in the past they've had a bad influence on me. Maybe this is because action movies often give the impression that violence is a solution for problems — that roughing up or even killing enemies is always the answer. This isn't true, though. Generally, violence only makes things worse. Much worse.

One day, a classmate at college got mad at me for a stupid reason and said he would smash my face. I started to imagine a spectacular fight with him, complete with kicks and blows, and with myself winning in the end, of course! I had to make an effort to leave this imaginary world. I knew in my heart that violence is never a solution. Even if I won a fight, my classmate probably would seek revenge, and the problem would go on and on.

I knew I had to be calm and loving in order to reach a solution. I read “Love Your Enemies,” by Mary Baker Eddy (see Miscellaneous Writings, p. 8 ), and endeavored to see my classmate in the way that God, who is Love, sees him. I forgave him in my thoughts. I started to feel good about him. I no longer imagined a fight between us.

When I met him again, I was mentally prepared not to react negatively. But he ignored me. So I decided to keep to myself. After about six months, unexpectedly, he addressed me in a friendly manner and didn't mention the previous incident. We were good friends after that.

Often, action movies not only falsely picture violence as the solution to a problem. Theirs is also the subtle message that violence is a way of showing strength. But my experience proved the opposite to me: namely, that real strength is indeed spiritual strength. Not through violence but through gentleness, love, and wisdom.

I still like some of the action movies, but now I'm alert to negative approaches to life. And I pray to acknowledge that God's influence on me and everyone — the influence of God's love — is infinitely stronger than that of any movie. And that the loving and peaceful thoughts coming from God are far more powerful than any other thoughts.:)

Flávio M. Colombini, São Paulo, Brazil

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