Today I finally went to see "The Nativity Story", and after reading negative comments about the movie, I have to respond. Many Traditional Catholics are holding very hateful positions to the movie. However, as a Traditional-minded Catholic, I have to disagree with them. The movie was very good. While at some times it was a little violent (sacrificed cow scene), I did enjoy it, and the movie did follow the Bible fairly well.
While Mary is portrayed more through a Protestant viewpoint rather than a Catholic, I still encourage the movie. The only part I did not like is the part where Mary is giving birth to Jesus. The scene showed her in intense birthing pangs. However, since Mary is sinless and birthing pangs came into the world due to original sin, Mary did not suffer birthing pangs. This is a teaching of the Church, and the movie is very incorrect in this instance. If you keep this in mind, I have no reservations to recommending this movie to you. I also really wish the movie would have highlighted the holiness and sinlessness of Mary. But, the movie does help proclaim the reason for the season: Jesus Christ! Concerning the birthing pangs, here is a passage from the Catechism of the Council of Trent:
"... as the rays of the sun penetrate, without breaking or injuring, in the least, the substance of glass; after a like, but more incomprehensible manner, did Jesus Christ come forth from his mother's womb without injury to her maternal virginity, which, immaculate and perpetual, forms the just theme of our eulogy."
Back to the movie, I was moved to tears when the Child Jesus was born. The Star of Bethlehem shone down upon the newborn King, and the shepherds and wisemen came and adored Him. I felt like I wanted to fall to my knees as I watched the scene to thank my Lord for love and humility.
Overall, it was a good movie and I do recommend it. But, there were still several theological errors in the movie. I suggest this post for more information:
http://www.traditioninaction.org/movies/009mrNativity.htm
Concerning the Perpetual Virginity of Mary:
Other Blog's Reviews:
9 comment(s):
Thanks Moneybags for your comments... I'll be watching the movie too.
Wonderful post! I'm glad you liked it.
Thanks for including my review in your write-up.
I also enjoyed the film and encourage people to see it.
God bless you, Money!
Jean
I loved the movie, and found it very moving as well, it started my Advent off right. As with all religious movies, save "The Passion of the Christ"(am I the only one angry with Mel Gibson for making a violent pagan movie when he could have done a MUCH better job at the Nativity?) there was something missing in the characerization of Mary; namely, holiness, and purity.
Sorry! That last post was me, and I didn't mean to be anonymous, I just forgot to log in as a blogger. I posted a link to your review, moneybags, as I think it reflects what so many of us feel.
Hi there!
I happened to stumble upon your site. Thanks for the review! I may watch the Nativity. Just to humbly point out a correction; I noticed that you said that it is church teaching that Mary did not suffer birth pangs. What you're actually saying about original sin and Mary is actually theological speculation. The Church has not defined it. In other words, you may be right or wrong. Here is an answer to whether Mary had labor pains from Catholic Answers Apologist:
http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=70867
With love,
-Alison
I an Asian/Filipino I suppose, converted to Christ through mainstream Prostestant influences. I would tend to see Mary as giving birth like any other woman in history..with pain and joy. In my view "The Nativity Story" is the most accurate movie telling of THE STORY as of this date. Is it perfect? no; one pastor pointed out to me that that what drove Herod nuts was the fact (that while not a hard proven fact), that as many as dozen or more, or even as many as 30 wise men from far off lands (like Iran) came seeking him. That is what unnerved him!
But as the cited Church documents state, Catholics are to believe the one declared truth: Mary had no labor pains. We are Catholics - meaning "Universal". We must all believe in the same thing.
I liked the The Nativity Story
from Chapters of "The Life of Mary As Seen By The Mystics.
"Then, in the twinkling of an eye, the infant God was born, glorious and transfigured as on Mount Thabor."
http://www.thenativitystory.excerptsofinri.com/
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