Movie ratings not needed

Published: Monday, July 28 2003 11:37 a.m. MDT

Summary

Can I try and put an end to all this talk on judging a movie by its rating? In Utah, among LDS Church members, there is an expanded commandment beyond the teachings of the church about not to watch R-rated movies. This is inaccurate. President Ezra Taft Benson was the first to initiate this member misinterpretation in the April 1986 Conference. He said, "Don't see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is immoral, suggestive or pornographic . . . Watch those shows and entertainment that lift the spirit and promote clean thoughts and actions."

When one keeps this as a guide instead of a rating label, one does not need to turn a rating into an evil idol to fear. One can judge for themselves if a movie's story and teachings are acceptable and true or not, whether it is a PG, G or R-rated movie.

Travis Wayne Goodsell

Riverton

Comments

Movie ratings not needed

Seeing the big picture

Free of bullies

Health and health care