Mars Hill Church Founder Mark Driscoll: "Avatar" Is the Most Satanic Film of All-Time

• Before judging, please invite God into your heart.

• Funny how everyone's reaction is so emotionally conveyed. answer is that there is evil trying to bring Jesus and His servants down. now if that evil and hate is so apparent in these comments why cant it be apparent in Avatar?. close us self-rightious mouth and think about it! why els are u so emotionally moved by it? wierdest thing of all for me is that after all those hate comments the Lord still loves u!

• in regards to marcs comment i disagree completely....i used to be in a gang,i used to shoot at people and people used to shoot at me,id fight when i didnt have to and get in many situations where i should be in prison...7 months ago i gave my life to christ and am totally amazed by his love,passion,and forgiveness...point is we are not "scared" by nature although i am a GOD fearing man...i pray that you come to understand us a whole body and not just as the christian youve known from school who used to get picked on and even he hae curage than you ever will

• I am sorry that you are so filled with anger that you don't take the time to understand what Mark was saying in full context before blindly attacking his point of view. It is easy to make a straw man to knock over. I could do that with your arguments if I wanted. But instead I just encourage you to do your homework before attacking anyone. Why is it that we all believe in free speech until it offends us? If you don't like what he said, then move on. Listen to what Pastor Mark really thinks. Compare it with the Bible. Then make your personal judgment once you're fully informed of what's behind his statements.

• I agree with Driscoll's opinion of Avatar. That is besides the point I want to make, though. This desperate need to bash Driscoll reveals a fear. Those bashing him do not want to give what he preaches a second thought. They might learn something unpleasant.

• I wouldn't say Avatar is satanic as such, but Driscoll is right in saying it fits the current pagan interest. Watch Pocahontas again - she knows the name of every tree and stone - pure pantheism ! Funny thing - people are quick to condemn the Bible as outmoded - but look at the size of the "mind, body, spirit" section in your local bookstore. Fact is, we're wired to worship. Ironically I reckon Dawkinsism will become a religion before long ! Pity about the cheap attacks upon Driscoll's character and person - easy to do that from a keyboard I guess.

• I'm a fan of the spoofs that have come out, like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N15ok23x6Rk I can only imagine a bunch of my friends hanging around painted blue.

• T'is scandalized! I agree with Driscoll. Media is a very powerful communication tool and helps mold our culture. Any messages we get out of it either reflects the way most people think and/or will influence what the others think. I think those who are bashing him about are way too openminded. You guys don't filter any of the stuff you see or even think decently about what just used up hours of your time. Narrow-minded are those who won't even go to the movies because Hollywood is the devil. This guy's balanced and consistent.

• Have we done away with religious freedom here in Seattle? This man isn't allowed to have a (pretty typical) religious opinion that he broadcasts not on a talk show, but to his own flock without a team a hecklers dragging him through the mud? Christ, this is embarrassing. Hey, let's all go over to the synagogue and knock the kippahs off their heads for believing that pork is from the devil...or we could practice some of the tolerance we preach and leave the religious people to their constitutionally-protected beliefs, however silly they seem to us.

• Dont read this......(whispering) its satanic

• I read the transcript from his sermon and I must say that I am shocked at the hints of fundamental legalism. I do have much grace and love for Driscoll however since I myself am not pastoring such a large congregation. I am saddend by the slander posted here. It's not too different than what many are accusing Driscoll of...we do need a serious doseage of self-reflection...however there is a whimsical and intelligent response from the Christian community at the following link. http://stevebrownetc.com/podcasts/steve-brown-etc/faith-art-avatar-jeffery-overstreet-on-sbe/ It is an interview with a film critic who I believe that presents (at least my understanding of) the gospel mandate to love your neighbor as yourself...including what your neighbor creates. Please check it out...you won't be disappointed.

• Now this is why I don't go to church anymore. I watched Avatar and I loved it. While some parts felt corny and stuff, I never thought once that this movie is even remotely connected to satanism. For example, isn't what Jake did like how Jesus taught in the bible to stand up to do what's right even if you die for it? Driscoll is missing the forest for the trees. Maybe it bears similarities to nature/pagan worship, I don't know, but Avatar is set on another planet, and they happen to be able to communicate with their god in a tangible way, so it's completely different imo. Hell yeah that's why God gave us a brain.

• I really think Ghandi said it best. I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. Mohandas Gandhi Thank God for the simplicity of the gospel.. Mark Driscoll never has and never will speak for me as a Christian. That's why god gave us a brain folks!

• All I have to say is that I see where Driscoll is coming from. The movie, be it fictitious, illustrates mother nature as the god of this people. It pits the aliens as good respecting their god over the evil army. The problem is the subtlety of this. It is very "new age" from a religious aspect. It points away from Christian views which, according to the bible, is of Satan. Jesus refers to Satan as a wolf in sheep's clothing, waiting for his chance to devour. It may not appear as satanic as exorcist, but at least exorcist provides the argument that there must be a God to have demons. One thing the bible makes clear: you can't ride the fence. You're either on one side or the other. I saw the movie. I loved the movie. As a Christian, it did bother me the heavy portrayal of new age religion. I thought that when I saw the movie back in December though, long before this sermon. He's not on crack or anything, he's calling it like he sees it and I understand where he's coming from. As for those who are not Christians, your world view is different, which is why it is hard for you to understand Driscoll's point. We don't want to shove anything down your throats, but we would like to share what we have to offer. You have your free will. It is not our job to change you.

• This pastor has a history of outrageous statements and behavious that really should be a concern for anyone that has been through any type of religious and or spiritual abuse and is still a member of his flock. He also has a pattern of lieing when challenged. I wrote this almost 2 years ago. It is still applicable today and speaks directly to the problem with the type of church's that are perpetuating spiritual amd religious abuse of it's elders and former members. No matter what you package or disguise you wrap it in it speaks to the need for an individual to control others. That does not negate the fact that the conditioning of the psyche to submit to the power of the group and or leader (church or otherwise) is flat out dangerous to the mental and emotional makeup of any one individual.. The greatest threat to any cult/organization/ group/ and or belief system is when we no longer let others tell us who we are. What we are..There is God, and the rest is open for debate. Repetition may be the mother of all study but if we don't move forward in life it's just monotonous parroting of someone elses perspective. or closer to the mark to say others opinions or judgements which is really is messed up way to create and live one's life. To face one's demons head on..without pychobabble BS or long explanations to others, or jumping through hoops and designs of others to appease and gain the approval of others..thats the beginning of real freedom. It's comforting to know theres's those of us out there who don't blindly assasinate our brains in the name of right theology, ideals, and who won't sacrifice our very individual souls to gain a new lease on life that looks like, sounds like, and walks like everyone else... This is not a bashing of spirituality or religion or church as a whole. I have returned to my Episcopal roots and have found comfort and sound direction in my spiritual path. This is a warning to those who will completely give themselves over to a leader's authority or church rule. Mars Hill is now and has been on the radar, and the multiple problems surrounding this pastor are already well documented from former members and church elders including two former pastors with much more time and experience in ministry because they dared to challenged Mark Driscoll. And while he is so quick to judge others, I ask you Pastor Driscoll where is the humility and contrite heart for your arrogance, pride, and hate of of any one that dares question you.? You really should take a look at your self before judging a movie that was not based on fact but fiction. If you were an intelligent individual you would have know this. In closing to all members of Mars Hill "Dont drink the Kool Aid.. Though it may go down smooth in the end it will sting like a serpent. Respectfully, Brent Brumbaugh

• You can't read these comments and still tell me that religion isn't a delusion that impedes rational thought. I mean, wow! Sounds like a Star Trek convention up in here!

• Hilarious! What, was Jerry Farwell busy with his foot in his mouth?

• How sad. This "pastor" and many others like him have forgotten that if you trace back in time nearly all religions, they all have the Earth as their center of worship. The word "temple" comes from the word "forest" from the old world. In all earthly cultures that still practice an Earth-based spirituality, honoring the seasons, the web of life, and the rhythms of nature, personal and societal dysfunctions are virtually absent. We are never NOT in connection with the natural world. What a sad life to think that you have to shut yourself off from the planet of your birth to worship God. Why do the two have to be mutually exclusive? Truth is, they are not and these new evangelical churches have only the egos of their leadership at their center, there to collect money and take advantage of sad, lost people who by the very act of disconnecting from nature suffer. I'll take a tree over "pastor" Mark any day.

• Did you mean to say "paganism"? There are satanists who do indeed claim to worship satan. Paganists are falsely associated with them even though that group of beliefs is closer to worshiping the nature deities of pre-Christian Europe.

• Im chirstian and I think this guy is freaking crazy. bloody hell, avatar was just a fictional story, not some relidgious manual for "connecting yourself with trees and beasts" (We probably already got a religion for that)

• �Don�t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.� ~ Howard Thurman.

• I saw Avatar and I thought it was a bunch of treehugging hippie crap. Clearly it was James Cameron's goal to show us the 'error' of our ways and worship nature in stead of a higher power. I've watched several sermons by Marc Driscoll and I think he's a good, very hard working man, who has his heart in the right place. Take some time out to really listen to what he has to say. Kudos to him for speaking his mind. He should be respected for it in stead of this hatchet job.

• The real issue here is that Driscoll is a man who stands against the darkness that is trying to permeate our society. Darkness hates light because it exposes it. Lies, insinuation and accusation (as evidenced here) are the only tools that evil has to thwart men like this. You all are actually very lucky to have someone like him in your city. You'll know that one day. If you have wisdom, you'll listen to him.

• A preacher wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt is worried about 3D CGI film promoting an imaginary all evil being? Does that make him crazy? Probably.

• God is dead. Get over it.

• It's also frustrating, because yes, the Na'avi do have a very pagan belief system, but the message of the movie isn't "Go home and try to hook into your tree", it's about conquering the greed that does consume our world, about actually becoming in tune with earth again. From reading the sermon I felt that Driscoll was really down on what has been created. Driscoll builds up the Creator, but as for his creations they are apparently not worth our time.

• So here's my issue with this, many of those who are upset about this article and an apparent "misquote" are pointing out the distinction between "of all time" and "I've ever seen" In the sermon, he talks about his love of film and his extensive home theatre system, it's fair to say that he's seen a LOT of movies, and it's fair to say that he's likely seen a movie more pagan, and definitely more satanic than Avatar, and that is the point, he's using something that is wildly popular, because it will get his name and his church on websites like Digg, and he'll reach out and find (granted a lot of angry, frustrated people) but also more followers.

• This article is ridiculous and nonfactual. Pastor Mark doesn't play in a band... and I wouldn't call them skinny jeans.

• Couldn't help but notice what's NOT in Driscoll's word-cloud above: Cross Resurrection Spirit Love Gospel Part of me feels like laughing. Parts feel like crying. Mostly I just feel sick. Lord have mercy.

• http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/1715910/Word-world_of_Mark_Driscoll

• Satanism, according to the Satanic Bible, is the manipulation of energy, unevenly, hence, against nature. Thus, with all this electricity going from the Earth into big computers, you could very well argue that this movie is Satanism. Me typing this message would also be Satanic, but it's only on a low-power phone, so it's not quite as bad.

• How can u write this crap, f..k u jesus?????? May the Lord forgive u guys, seriously

• Well, at least your first paragraph reassures one that your assessment of Driscoll will be nothing but well-informed, objective, and truthful. < /s >

• I know you get off on the hits you chalk up with such rabid Jesus-bashing, but seriously, you couldn't find an actual story in here? Wow, a pastor condemns a film for pointing away from Jesus. Hot news! Except that's what every church in the country (hell, in the world) is/should-be doing. I'm guessing you're against people who twist words, and likely accuse Driscoll of doing that. But when your title and half your posts rely on either a misquote, out-of-context quote or something completely made up, you wear the "hypocrite" brand very well. But hey, Caleb, lemme know when you come to the UK, we have a few churches here that would love to open your eyes. http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/2010/02/14/20100214_jesus-and-demons_english_transcript.pdf

• Hey Jim, I read the sermon, it's actually pretty good. http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/2010/02/14/20100214_jesus-and-demons_english_transcript.pdf

• "He's also a homophobic, misogynistic, bigoted douchebag" At least he's consistent. So many Christians claim that "The Bible" is the irrefutable word of God, but then they backpedal on the ridiculous passages. This guy embraces the ridiculous passages.

• This Bible verse (1 Cor 1:21) sums up the public reaction: "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." It is comforting to know that the foolishness of preaching has, again, served its higher purpose - and that the world will continually distinguish itself by being remarkably consistent in its denouncing, mocking, haranguing, and insulting of that which it shall not ever really, truly know anything about.

• "He is not homophobic, he is bold enough to stand beside what the bible clearly tells us about the issue." Driscoll uses the bible like a weapon, pointing it in the direction that his morality best sees fit. Idiots like him were using the bible to say that African-Americans should not be given equal rights 60 years ago just like they are using it against homosexuals now. When did Christianity become a members-only club?

• please pastor kill yourself and go to heaven but please leave us be...

• Seriously....Driscoll never said it was the most satanic/demonic film of all time. He said "...the most demonic, satanic film I�ve ever seen"....I'm sorry nearly verbatim wasn't close enough? Syntax/Semantics, blah, blah, blah! Maybe the concept of "willing suspension of disbelief" is a bit over his head. Maybe he isn't old enough to have seen The Exorcist, or Amityville Horror. Has he never heard of a very minute piece of the prose equation called FICTION? Stay out of other people's business (and bedrooms), let them decide; that's why we were given free will, right? If you want to express your opinion then do it in a blog where only people who care about what you have to say are the only ones who are subjected to it. 'Preciate cha, Babydoll!

• Todd: Don't you mean "Cannibal Holocaust"?

• Wow caleb, you are a true amateur. You should probably brush up on your theology. What Mark is describing is that the movie sets a good example of Pantheism. Do you know that means? Didn't think so. He is not homophobic, he is bold enough to stand beside what the bible clearly tells us about the issue. So churches dance around that issue to 'be cool' with the rest of the world. Really, you are probably the last person in the world to take any sort of religious advice from.

• Incredibly biased and cynical article that attacks the person more than what he did. Sure maybe he made some bad choices but you don't call people douchebags no matter who they are.

• It's crazy to think Avatar is the work of the devil. It's just a distraction to waste your time so you all have less gay sex before you go to hell for hating Jesus.

• An interesting point of view can be found here... where the question is asked, "What about other movies?" http://picklinginhispresence.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/mark-driscoll-says-avatar-is-demonic/

• Ironic that he'd rail against Avatar wearing a shirt of a false idol, the great Mouse. Hold on, one second, Satan's whispering in my ear. What's that? ... Okay. Satan informs me that he's surprised that false prophets work so well in the 21st century as a way of raking in thousands of corrupt souls.

• "The most satanic movie of all time..." That would be Eddie Murphy's remake of "The Nutty Professor". Okay, I'm overstating a little bit. But my wife and I did walk out of the movie. We thought it was stupid, gross, disgusting, mean-spirited, and not the slightest bit funny.

• this guy should go see animal holocaust...

• whoever wrote this article completely skewed his sermon... some of you guys should listen to it before you instantly believe some guy from the internet

• Driscoll is being somewhat narrowminded in that he is stating how he himself saw the movie. To me, Avatar, was nothing more than a visual representation of mankind's relationship with God--- reminding us of our connection to God through prayer. Of course, I'm not Driscoll, and I'm not out to draw attention to myself--- I hope people will be a bit more open to Avatar for what it really is-----entertainment----fiction, no less.

• No way man. Has he seen the Chipmunks Squeakuel?

• Why is it that satan always seems to have more contact with up than god? Why doesn't god just make a better movie with better effects ;)

• Wow, I have to take it this dude is smoking crack or something? RT www.true-privacy.es.tc

• Driscoll never said it was the most satanic/demonic film of all time. He said "...the most demonic, satanic film I�ve ever seen". The all time part is the spin Seattle Weekly wrote up. It's all about conditioning the public to get them to think a certain way. Be careful about the news you read/hear/see... especially these days.

• Clearly this clown is jealous of all the douchebag, jackass comments scientology has made along with the media attention it brings. He wants a piece of the action with rubbish. Many aboriginal people believed in the earth and its creatures all communicated directly through some means. Are they all evil too?

• Trying to have a rational debate against an irrational argument is irrational.

• I thought Driscoll was too busy siphoning money off of Haiti relief to bother with Avatar. Google "Sad About Haiti Give to Our Megachurch"

• More Satanic than the Exorcist? LOL

• Comments aren't usually a place for rational debate, but the previous commenter is right -- we should debate what he actual said instead of the personal attacks: Here are two quotes from what he actually said: "And if you don�t believe me, go see Avatar, the most demonic, satanic film I�ve ever seen." "The whole thing is new age, satanic, demonic paganism, and people are just stunned by the visuals. Well, the visuals are amazing because Satan wants you to emotionally connect with a lie." The problem is that I can't interpret this as anything other than the ranting of a crazy person. This is like the stuff that the schizophrenic homeless guy says about the CIA shooting laser beams out of the sidewalks to read his mind -- there is no debating it because it starts with an assumption that is completely irrational.

• "How about debating about what he actually said instead of the personal attacks?" What's the point? The dude is a typical religious con man. Coming up with controversial things to say to attract attention and make more money.

• How about debating about what he actually said instead of the personal attacks? http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/2010/02/14/20100214_jesus-and-demons_english_transcript.pdf

• THis reall doesn't even deserve an intelligent rebuttal..Yeah I got nothing. Mark Driscoll is a knucklehead.

• So is anyone taking bets yet what kind of scandal will the source of Driscoll's downfall ?

• "Dances with Smurfs" is still a shitty movie.

• christians are fearful by nature. they're operating more from the reptilian part of their brains. that's why they act the way they do and favor comfort over reality and are religious in the first place. Did anyone notice the influence of Roger Dean's artwork in Avatar? That rocks! Google image search Roger Dean...

• Driscoll probably saw "The Passion of Christ" and swooned over its satanic nature.

• I guess he's never seen Caligula either.

• "Most demonic, satanic film of all time?" I'm sorry to have to make the obvious joke, but clearly the dude has never seen "Showgirls."

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