Another part of a video series from Wordonfire.org. Bishop Barron will be commenting on subjects from modern day culture. For more visit www.wordonfire.org.
Thank you Father! You just made this movie beautiful for me. I probably would have panned it after watching it, thinking that it "should" have adhered to the biblical text. But after seeing your review it helped put the film in perspective. Watched the movie and loved it for its artistic license while keeping in line with some concrete themes.
The thing I like best about your videos is that so many atheists watch them. All of these people are now being introduced to intelligent discussions on metaphysics, theology, and the logical fallacies of argument. You don't talk down to them either; even if only a small percentage of them bother to google terms like "straw man" or "red herring" you'll have helped to overcome the intellectual laziness so prevelent in todays pop-culture.
Honestly never understood why films like this get so much flack, but The Ten Commandments made a lot of changes, added a lot and left a lot out too. It's impossible to do a Cinematic adaptation without changing some things. I really loved Noah, it's right up there with the Passion as one of my favorite Biblical movies of all time.
@@bernardevillaw3410 ghost stories are typically about ghosts, first off, and most Jews even when the story was written knew it was a parable. Most Christians believe the same thing. Very few take it literally and most of them who do live in America. Learn some history about religious people and the meanings of their stories before you throw the baby out with the bath water, friend. Otherwise you are arguing against something no one believes and that’s commonly called a straw man argument.
'Cause it's religion stuff. It's about people's gods and beliefs in higher powers and all that. It's bound to make people upset. It's the very definition of a touchy subject and it probably always will be.
Fr. Barron thank you so much for this! We haven't been able to see the movie yet (new baby), but all the negativity surrounding it was very disappointing to me. From the little I've seen, the movie looks phenomenal, and I'm HAPPY to see the Bible given such a serious and broad audience. Also, know that we pray for you often. Your ministry is so important to our little family; I can't imagine how critical it must be for the world. Thank you for saying "yes!" Keep up the good work... we'd love to have a little boy named "Barron" some day.
I wasn't going to watch it for what I heard. But now because Ive heard your insights Fr. Barron, I'll watch it keeping in mind what you've mentioned. Thank you.
Father, the way you find good in our every day things is amazing for me :) I've seen many of the movies you comment, and many of them i've assumed to be worthless untill i heard your comments on it... I need to look deeper into the things i guess... Thank you.
I've always liked the movie as well. I was just starting my walk with God when this movie came out, and I actually didn't know the story that was in the bible at the time, so I thought this movie was the accurate story! Once I found out it wasn't, it really didn't change how I thought about it. And to be honest, without saying much, this movie taught me truths about God that pushed me forward and they're things I still hold onto today. Such as when Noah's father explains that God speaks to was in ways that you can understand, which gave me confidence to discern and make leaps of faith as to what I believed God wanted me to do through signs, dreams, etc. I liked this movie and I highly recommend it to!!!!!!!
What an amazing link between the ark and the church, the flood and our time. Bless you Father. What I loved aswell was the incensing of the ark just like at Mass, in the Church.
I (a catholic, born and raised) used to kind of hate this movie, found it depressing, and think it was borderline sacrilegious. But this video softened me on it, and I see that Noah is smarter and more hopeful than I gave it credit for. Not sure whether I like it or not still, but I dont discount it anymore.
Thank you Father Barron! I know I should have seen this a while back and this thanks is a long time coming, but it came at a much needed time. You confirmed an answer to a question I've been struggling with for the past year and a half - discernment. I was always worried that I was following my own impulses and desires instead of God's will because God wasn't speaking to me directly and I didn't feel pulled or compelled in a certain direction either. In fact, I had a lot of trouble making decisions at all, especially long term decisions, for fear of going against God. At WYD they mentioned that when in doubt remember that everyone's vocation is being called to love. Last week I had a priest confirm this. You're the third person to do so. This helps a lot. Thank you.
Great commentary Fr and I really enjoyed the film. I might add that the incense ties in very well with the ancient tradition of priests putting the parishioners in the pews to sleep!
Thanks. Good review. I look forward to it. I know the Biblical Noah story is pretty short and that this is aimed mostly at a wide audience, so I expect that there will be a lot of embellishment. As long as the Scriptural fundamentals are there and the embellishments don't take away from it, I'll be happy.
This is what I expect for a modern priest/man/woman of the Church, ready for the 21st century, engaging, fully aware on what is happening in society, the media and the world. He probably has an instagram account and listens to Dua Lippa. And at the same time rooted in 2000 years of church history, its traditions, its good and bad sides.
I know this has been out for a while but Noah is one of my favorite films and I just wanted to thank the now Bishop Barron for giving it its due. I am annoyed by detractors that claim that it is not "Christian" but the director Aronofsky has, in an interview, explained he is a Jew (secular Jew, but a Jew) so many elements, including the Watchers, come from the Kabbalah, the book of Jewish mysticism. Even with all the additional characters and subplots that aren't necessarily "Biblical", the essence of the story is preserved and in the spirit of good story-telling, enhanced and made relevant for the present without compromising the central message. If anyone is caught-up on the film not sticking to the strictly Biblical account, then they are not aware of that the Noah story is a Jewish tradition first, not a Christian, and makes use of Jewish mysticism, and are blind to the deeper message, which the good Bishop so ably spoke to.
@Ναζωραῖος Thanks so much for the additional references but I do fear your comment widely misses my point. The Watchers are specifically mentioned and discussed in the Kabballah, as is Zohar, although it is used differently in the film. The Kabballah is clearly a text of Jewish mysticism. Yes, you can also find discussion and interpretation of the Watchers in Enoch, but the fact Enoch is itself an apocryphal Jewish text is more important than whether or not it is interpreted as mystic which is debatable. But again, that misses the forest for the trees. [ASIDE> Also, analogy for the Watchers and possible inspiration from non-Hebrew origins is irrelevant to my point. You should also be careful calling the Watchers "fallen angles" as Christians not familiar with the material might simply equate fallen angles with demons. Exiled angles might be a better term to describe their state.] My point is that Noah is a beautiful film with immediate relevance to modern audiences and the critics who complain that the film is "not Christian" are ignorant of the fact the director, Darren Aronofsky, is Jewish and drew on sources that may not be familiar to Christians, namely the Kabballah but also, as you rightly pointed out, the Book of Enoch. Arguing how "mystic" those sources are is rather petty and besides the point. I would rather Christians develop a deeper appreciation of their Jewish roots and embrace the important messages of the film. That is the point I would prefer you to focus on.
Yes! I missed your film commentaries, Father Barron. Fantastic work as always. I still have yet to see it, but I've been rather excited considering it has Aronofsky at the helm. Also, question for you, Father: what do you think of Scorsese's "The Last Temptation of Christ?" It has certainly had a rather polarizing legacy to say the least
Excellent commentary on the film Fr. Baron. You are insightful and a joy to learn from. You must recant your statement that we can have a "reasonable hope" that all men be saved, you may well be leading many into that very "tohu va bohu" you have been talking about. May God bless you and your family with special graces.
Thanks for your thoughts! Can't wait to see it after your great review...plus 50 million over the 1st weekend..the movie must have caught some people's attention positively.
I just saw Noah on Saturday, Holy Saturday to be exact. Despite a couple of loopy and cheesy moments in the film I liked it. I really liked the acting by Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly and the rest of the cast. Thought I thought Anthony Hopkins stole the show. I think Fr. Barron's review/commentary of the film is very good. I recommend the film.
Thanks for this, Fr. My initial review after seeing the movie is, "Good points, terrible movie." I suppose it's because I fear most people watching it will take what you call "midrashic elements" as indeed part of the Biblical text, as opposed to taking the Biblical truths portrayed nicely in the film. I do realize much of 'objection' is overcome by recognizing the artisyic license taken for dramatic effect, audience impact, and, yes, extended running time. One of the good points I like to point out - and you touch on this a little in your own review - is that I saw a very excellent portrayal of the theology of Original Sin as understood in the Catholic Tradition in the film. And so perhaps I should adjust my own review to something more positive thab 'terrible,' though I have not found a suitable sentiment.
Yeah I was really impressed with his overview in this video. Really knowledgeable and unbiased look at the movie, he strikes me as a very honest and secure guy.
Spot on, Fr B. Very clever storyline without doing too much violence to the biblical version. Incidentally, If you've never run into the novels of David Maine look him up next time you run out of stuff to read. He's done a novel about Noah's flood, one about Samson, and the one you really want is about Adam & Eve called "Fallen".
It has received poor reviews from people I know, but I just keep telling myself that everybody hated The Shining when it came out (Stanley Kubrick was even nominated for a Razzie for Worst Director), and it's now considered one of the greatest horror movies of all time. This also includes Citizen Kane, but we'll see how the future pans out.
Thank you for this crystal clear review, I just saw the movie, kinda liked it, and wanted to know what was Bible and what was Hollywood (never read it, Gospel a little = minimal Catholic education).
I am a devout atheist who loves Aronofsky movies. The thing I admired most about Noah was how it showed what life would be like in a world where God not only definitely existed, but was still an active participant in people's lives. There was no faith required for the people of that world. I appreciate your thoughtful responses to critics of the film.
Fr. Barron, I echo what many have already said here. Thank you for your review. It's excellent. I know there is a great deal more that can be said of this interesting film. One thing this film (more than any other in recent memory) has ignited is a great deal of polarizing and sometimes extreme language among and between Christians. This fact raises not only the question of what our witness is to the world, but also how are Christians to 1) approach works of art, 2) engage in thoughtful and appropriate dialogue about such works, and 3) engage with the broader culture and its art works. In quite a few of the comboxes of various online reviews of NOAH, I see a lot of strong reactions that I can only describe as arising from fear. But as Christians we should not fear. How do we do that, and how do we be a witness to the world for Christ - perhaps even using this film as a point of engagement?
Noah's human and reacts as many humans do in a stupendously traumatic situation. That terrifies and incites to hysterical rage people who are very insecure in themselves and in their faiths.
Father, can you do a commentary on the Pharisees sometime? It seems that they are often used against the Church or "organized religion" as such and to justify anti-clericalism. Thanks!
I know, it's not a new Film but i watched it yesterday and today i watch some reviews. I like saying that after clicking on Pastor Steven Anderson's critique, I am glad to watch a more civilised response from you. Well, it may be not a biblically accurate film but it's still nice to watch if you just want to watch a Blockbuster with a lot of Action. It's about a stunning presentation, not about biblical narrative. That is artistic freedom. *And yes, it's a sort of Adaption from the Midrash and Enoch. Finally someone who understands the difference between Gnosticism and Mythicism.
Such an insightful thought that the ark is an archetype of the Church. A remnant of the faithful being preserved from destruction by God's call. They do what seems to be folly to the rest of the world, but in fact it is life to those who answer the call.
Thank God Noah toward the end exhibited God's Will to preserve life. It was also a commentary on non violence; especially non violence toward the helpless little ones. If we remember Noah's time was extremely violent. Yes, The Church is The Ark of The New Covenant. We must know that time, space, and matter have been all subjected to being a 'Gentile Court,' at best; with some, at best, having access to The Holy of Holies Jesus Christ; the inner Sanctum at Mass, to be refreshed after constant purpose of amendment, there. However, always prudently aware that our citizenship is in Heaven, and we are sojourners here. So far so good. God judges by full knowledge and how we live a self-giving life according to the knowledge we possess in providence. God treats every person with perfect equity. Sometimes we put our place in Providence, for some very good reasons like refutation of being arbitrary toward The Divine Revelation through The Church, and so forth, --- however, sometimes we place our importance in Providence and our understanding of Doctrine higher than the Benevolent Impartial Nature of God. In "THE HOPE OF SALVATION FOR INFANTS WHO DIE WITHOUT BEING BAPTISED," that theological commission professes their conclusion that these infants, who died yet to be birthed or after birth; for Providential Reasons, through no fault of their own were not Baptized by The Church into Christ; that we can have the 'hope of their salvation.' So, at least we have a declaration of hope. By why do we fall short of being with that hope, their role as sometimes helpless; but objective unearned suffers who from God's Impartial view make it to Heaven. So, young children, not capable of deciding once and for all; all having an inmost being created in the image and likeness of God; have an ardent desire to live in God's Providence. Jesus Christ, The Logos, Spoke many Existing things concerning God; like ""See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:10) Is there any compelling reason for God to deny a child Sanctifying Grace? God gave Cornelius and brethren The Holy Spirit - *before* Peter and The Church could Baptize them; to show that it is not God's nature to be partial according to circumstance. ___And with that, as John Cardinal O'Connor said on Apr 28, 1990, each human person is a 'Word of God.' The Lord God said that, "be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." - Ref. Isaiah 55:11 Beside the perpetrators of ideas to lesson their God given value, dignity, and value of each of their lives; and those; hopefully in anguished ignorance; who carry out the death sentence, like what was carried out on Jesus Christ Himself; where did all the reticence, omission come from to stop fighting for the freedom of speech that The Laws of Nature and of The God of Nature (ref. Dec. of Independence) --- and the culture of life in creative sustained compassionate ways to battle the intellectual elite bias in almost every facet of culture. Why do we point out a few courageous individual persons and families; and not ask according to the Provisions given by the Creeds and Principals of The non revisionist Constitution of These United States of America for a sustained sign of freedom and of life that is undeniable? We have handed over this nation to a 'form of godliness,' that denies The Power of God, The Laws of Nature; The Sacredness of Every Human Life - and God Knows Fully even by omission when we frustrate God's Purpose for each one and en-total all whose lives could have been spared had compassionate teaching sustained courage been more exhorted and carried out. The Church does not exist not integrated in society; and their is plenty within 'the rule of law,' set down by our Founding Fathers, to stand up for not only the Judaeo Christian Ethic; but helping to make by the beauty of courageous witness The Church more attractive. By The Grace of God, I have witnessed the ideas here with my life, and not just by word. I don't know states of lack of knowledge, even with knowledgeable consciences unaware or not realizing that The Holy Spirit required much more courage with the virtue of patriotism. With the hope of their salvation, some could be denying witness for many in The Inner Sanctum, and those who still have a chance to fulfill each of their purposes as words of God on earth; the proper creative Witness God's Grace and Purpose affords them. The Light shines in the darkness. God help us.
I really liked NOAH and I liked that he was shown as a fallible human being. I also liked that the family unit is preserved and made holy. Now the Giants...some believe them to be real...🤔🙄I'm not sure...but I enjoyed how the movie showed them. 👍👍😊
Thank you for this. One thing that particularly struck me was this: when God created man, they were vegetarians. It was sinful to eat meat until the flood, when God gave man the concession to eat meat. I had overlooked those lines in Bible. Lenten abstinence, fasting, thus has a precedence - of how it was in the beginning.
What i liked about the incensing method was how one should not underestimate what the ancients knew, that they were smart enough to use plants that can put animals to sleep in the ark
I ignored all of the reviews before watching the movie. My only question going in was how was this film going to portray the heart of God? If it showed Him as a God of love and mercy which it did, and held true to the foundation of the story which it did, then I was open for interpretations. I found the film extremely fascinating and profound. It seems to me the criticisms come primarily from carnal Christians who focus their faith around the mortality of man and the mysteries of God that we can "never" know. Those who have received deeper spiritual revelations are the ones who have garnered praise for this film, its presentation and detail. Obviously they are fewer and far between.
I experienced exactly what Fr. Baron described - a truly Biblical lesson for 21st century minds. Despite transformer-esqe creatures and a few corny graphics - the movie is a magnificent illustration of the human condition: 1) do man’s will and we suffer (Tubal Cain) , 2) do God’s will when God’s will is clear and we’re at peace (Methuselah), 3) try, in our imperfection, to do God’s will when it’s not clear - and experience hardship, confusion, yet the strength to keep moving ahead (Noah). Look how the (fabricated?) goal of ending the human race resolves: Noah chooses - out of love - to spare the twin girls lives and preserve mankind. But he thinks he failed God and ends up isolated and drunk in a cave on the beach until…. the woman (foreshadowing Mary - the new Eve?) opens his eyes that God is love and he did do God’s will and he is redeemed - breathtaking!
The addition of Noah's conflict with allowing the babies to survive and keep the human species alive contains a fascinating idea about the nature of sin, which is that forgiveness and mercy themselves are borne out of human imperfection in carrying out the divine law of an eye for an eye, etc. This is similar to the way that Cain ends up killing Able after Able fails to give up (sacrifice) animal slaughter as his means of sustenance instead of following God's commandment to live from 'the plants of the field.' I.e. even though Cain is obedient to God's commandment to live from the plants of the field, he falls to temptation to kill Able because of Able's disobedience. As such, the sin of killing brings death on Able, with the righteous Cain ending up as the agent of the murder despite his obedience in sparing his flock. So there is this law of an eye for an eye, or karma, or sin begetting sin, or however you want to call it, where sin tempts even the most righteous and holy into further sin, and the consequences for human moral evolution are unexpected. For Cain, it is Able's killing of his flock that begets the sin of Cain murdering his brother. For Noah in this movie, it is the sin of sparing the innocent that prevents the world from completely annihilating itself by its own destructive nature. In a sense, the animals and the babies are two sides of the same coin, morally innocent creatures that are nonetheless prone to sprouting the seeds of sin and destruction due to their innate natural impulses. And then it is Noah's natural impulse to protect the babies, first symbolized in his wife (who tempts him to mercy in the same way Eve tempts Adam), that leads him to defy God's will to abort the human species. It is an amazing concept, if you think about it, that it could in fact be God's will that death comes to all sinners, and yet sin itself manages to protect itself by taking mercy on sin. Although God is often lauded as being merciful and forgiving, as evidenced by Noah's rainbow and of course Christ's teachings and resurrection, this may be a twist projected onto God by the culture of pride that glorifies humankind and the world instead of confessing and repenting for sin. What's even more striking, however, is that by allowing forgiveness and mercy toward sinners that are naturally condemned to self-destruction, God's law contains a loophole that allows for the self-preservation that keeps humans moving forward toward salvation and ultimately sanctification. It is truly a miracle that even forgiveness and mercy themselves could be sins that are forgiven in order for us to continue progressing toward God through salvation and repentance. Good to see a formal church scholar appreciates this hollywood version of the story of Noah along with the additions and embellishments added to the biblical basis. I truly view this movie as a good-faith re-presentation of the biblical story and it's wonderful to see a formal theological scholar say so as well, especially after all the negative publicity this movie received from some Christian reviewers.
discountconsulting, Abel never failed to give up animal sacrifice because there was no reason to give it up. In fact, God appreciated Abel's offering more than Cain's.
I watched it recently and liked it very much! The creator of the film was obviously not poking fun at religion. Lots of additions and embellishments, sure. But the core theme of the biblical story is also the central issue in the film, that sin has perverted mankind, and that Noah discerning the will of God leads to a second chance for the human race. I care not that the creator of the film is an atheist. I just appreciate that he got the core theme and message of the story right.
I think Darren Aronofsky's Noah proves that you don't have to be theist in order to be inspired religion. Even if the intent was secular and not religious it doesn't change the fact that Biblical language was used to convey that message
After hearing from friends who watched the movie and reviews on EWTN, I decided not to watch the movie now but wait until its at the Rebox (c). Now I think what I will do is have a community showing of the movie followed by Fr Barron's commentary. I think that if we look at it through the prism of Fr Barron's eyes we can appreciate it more. After all how bad can it be? Surely not as bad as Burt Lancaster playing Moses, in MOSES THE LAWGIVER, right????
I can't say I literally believe in most Biblical stories, but I have always been interested in their powerful themes and epic scale. The Bible doesn't mince words or imagery.
I will say: Bishop Barron missed the double entendre of the smoke being both the method of 'cleansing the ark,' and the tool for anesthetizing and numbing the animals, which seems to me to be a very deliberate metaphor for the so-dubbed "priests" almost literally becoming the begetters of an "opiate for the masses." Much Respect, Ab Imo Pectorē, Pater Barron.
I thought that this movie was interesting of its portrayal on, well, everything. I found that it was confronting particularly when dealing with the other town full of those barbaric humans and then at times it was beautiful. I understand coming from a Hollywood sense that the movie needs certain components to keep the audience engaged, even if it means creating false details, but I thought the movie stayed true to the main story, created by somebody with a very different take on it.
Your Eminence, I invite you to check out the architecture of the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Azbakeya, Cairo. It is very purposely made to be shaped as an Ark of Noah.
Fr Barron, perhaps I'm mistaken, but from what I recall, the "Nephilim" were *not* the same as the Watchers (a class of fallen angels), but rather they were the *offspring* of the Watchers and humans. Also, when Genesis says that Noah was chosen for being "perfect", the underlying Hebrew often carried the sense of "without (physical) blemish". A case can be made for an old Jewish tradition holding that the flood was God's answer to the Watchers screwing up the bloodlines. Of course, it's all mythical and there was no global flood, but the mythology is utterly fascinating!! So much more could be said (with references to 1Enoch, book of Jasher, the Septuagint translation of Genesis 6, book of Jubilees, etc, etc etc etc etc). Anyway, good video.
Father Barron, what do you think about this article? I disagreed at first because I know that there is Orthodox and Catholic tradition about our first parents being clothed in grace but if you continue reading, there are a lot of interesting points he makes about many hidden Gnostic and Kabbalistic imagery in the movie. drbrianmattson.com/.../3/31/sympathy-for-the-devil
Great video. But...its interesting to me where you choose to draw lines in the incense metaphor.....for example...they are also putting the 'congregation' to sleep.....but only the animals.... im not going to insult your intelligence but I just think that metaphors are tricky if they are 'incomplete'. Just an observation and not a whole point. Which, by way of example is what im talking about. But thankyou. its 2020, this was still enjoyable.
I did not resent the Rock Monster Fallen Angels in this movie, maybe because they are repentant fallen angels. The part I resented was the Bad Guy getting onto the Ark and Noah being so negative about humans and wanting his family to die out. The Biblical Noah was never against his family continuing the human race, just that his family were God's loyal. I mean, I appreciate that you can find a positive spin on these elements of the movie, but they really got my back up when I watched it.
The director is not an atheist, certainly not a materialist, anyway. He is not a ptracticing Jew and I am not sure if he is even a theist, but he claimed in recent intervies that he has some spirtiaul beliefs. I have not seen the movie yet, nor can I guess what message the director wanted to sent intentionally, but in the end it seems he did a pretty good job.
Thank you Father! You just made this movie beautiful for me. I probably would have panned it after watching it, thinking that it "should" have adhered to the biblical text. But after seeing your review it helped put the film in perspective. Watched the movie and loved it for its artistic license while keeping in line with some concrete themes.
The thing I like best about your videos is that so many atheists watch them. All of these people are now being introduced to intelligent discussions on metaphysics, theology, and the logical fallacies of argument. You don't talk down to them either; even if only a small percentage of them bother to google terms like "straw man" or "red herring" you'll have helped to overcome the intellectual laziness so prevelent in todays pop-culture.
Bigfacts1 I wish this man had been present when I was a church-goer
@@SSJPENGUIN Where are you now in your relationship with God?
@@jtam019 What do you mean?
As an atheist, all this is so refreshing compared to the militant atheist vs Christians debates in the 2000s
@Dusty Wanvig you silly this comment section with your canakerous muck
I watched this and cried so much. God is depicted so well. Sometimes it feels like he doesn’t hear us, but he has his ways oh my.
I’m orthodox and I love this priest
I like how everyone takes God for granted in this movie. I found it very interesting to see such a ‘world’ brought to life on screen.
Honestly never understood why films like this get so much flack, but The Ten Commandments made a lot of changes, added a lot and left a lot out too. It's impossible to do a Cinematic adaptation without changing some things. I really loved Noah, it's right up there with the Passion as one of my favorite Biblical movies of all time.
Only movie 'Noah' is s fiction. you can like it, fine. But we must distinguish fiction and a serious Work on Representation of Biblical events.
@@Ana-zn2ks bible itself is full of fiction. So yeah they did make a movie on something which was fictional to begin with
@@dhritimanroyghatak2408 yes because floods are so fictional, just dont let anyone from florida or new orleans or puerto rico catch you say that
@@bernardevillaw3410 ghost stories are typically about ghosts, first off, and most Jews even when the story was written knew it was a parable. Most Christians believe the same thing. Very few take it literally and most of them who do live in America. Learn some history about religious people and the meanings of their stories before you throw the baby out with the bath water, friend. Otherwise you are arguing against something no one believes and that’s commonly called a straw man argument.
'Cause it's religion stuff. It's about people's gods and beliefs in higher powers and all that. It's bound to make people upset. It's the very definition of a touchy subject and it probably always will be.
This priest is a friggn genius.
Have a little respect.
@@Ana-zn2ks what?
*Bishop
geolatcol he's a Bishop now 😊😊
God made him that way!😁👍
Fr. Barron thank you so much for this! We haven't been able to see the movie yet (new baby), but all the negativity surrounding it was very disappointing to me. From the little I've seen, the movie looks phenomenal, and I'm HAPPY to see the Bible given such a serious and broad audience.
Also, know that we pray for you often. Your ministry is so important to our little family; I can't imagine how critical it must be for the world. Thank you for saying "yes!" Keep up the good work... we'd love to have a little boy named "Barron" some day.
Spectacular. I waited for this review....thanks Father Barron. Can't wait to see it.
I wasn't going to watch it for what I heard. But now because Ive heard your insights Fr. Barron, I'll watch it keeping in mind what you've mentioned. Thank you.
Father, the way you find good in our every day things is amazing for me :) I've seen many of the movies you comment, and many of them i've assumed to be worthless untill i heard your comments on it... I need to look deeper into the things i guess... Thank you.
Please Father Barron, I would love to hear your comment about the movie "God is not dead"
I've always liked the movie as well. I was just starting my walk with God when this movie came out, and I actually didn't know the story that was in the bible at the time, so I thought this movie was the accurate story! Once I found out it wasn't, it really didn't change how I thought about it. And to be honest, without saying much, this movie taught me truths about God that pushed me forward and they're things I still hold onto today. Such as when Noah's father explains that God speaks to was in ways that you can understand, which gave me confidence to discern and make leaps of faith as to what I believed God wanted me to do through signs, dreams, etc. I liked this movie and I highly recommend it to!!!!!!!
YES, YES, YES! Love the end when you talk about the Church...and to add to your words, this is where we 'rest' in God.
What an amazing link between the ark and the church, the flood and our time. Bless you Father. What I loved aswell was the incensing of the ark just like at Mass, in the Church.
Great insights! Thanks Fr. Barron
This is awesome and I'm so grateful to have this more scholarly and balanced view to all the literalist ink that's been spilled about this move.
thanks Father B!
Extremely insightful take on this often misunderstood movie.
Great video Bishop!! Very knowledgeable and nuanced take on it
Here we have a man whom speaks truth through logic and faith
What an excellent and insightful review of the movie. Thank you!
I (a catholic, born and raised) used to kind of hate this movie, found it depressing, and think it was borderline sacrilegious. But this video softened me on it, and I see that Noah is smarter and more hopeful than I gave it credit for. Not sure whether I like it or not still, but I dont discount it anymore.
Thank you Father Barron! I know I should have seen this a while back and this thanks is a long time coming, but it came at a much needed time. You confirmed an answer to a question I've been struggling with for the past year and a half - discernment. I was always worried that I was following my own impulses and desires instead of God's will because God wasn't speaking to me directly and I didn't feel pulled or compelled in a certain direction either. In fact, I had a lot of trouble making decisions at all, especially long term decisions, for fear of going against God. At WYD they mentioned that when in doubt remember that everyone's vocation is being called to love. Last week I had a priest confirm this. You're the third person to do so. This helps a lot. Thank you.
Enjoyed your review of the movie. I'm struck by how much I agree with you so much.
Great commentary Fr and I really enjoyed the film. I might add that the incense ties in very well with the ancient tradition of priests putting the parishioners in the pews to sleep!
Fr Barron you're my idol!
Thanks. Good review. I look forward to it. I know the Biblical Noah story is pretty short and that this is aimed mostly at a wide audience, so I expect that there will be a lot of embellishment. As long as the Scriptural fundamentals are there and the embellishments don't take away from it, I'll be happy.
Excellent review
You are truly at your best, father, when you are commenting on the cross section of popular culture and Christianity. Thoroughly enjoyed this review.
One very fine comment indeed Fr. Barron.
Father, I don't always agree with you, but I do always appreciate your thoughtful commentary. Thanks for doing what you do. Praised be Jesus Christ!
This is what I expect for a modern priest/man/woman of the Church, ready for the 21st century, engaging, fully aware on what is happening in society, the media and the world. He probably has an instagram account and listens to Dua Lippa. And at the same time rooted in 2000 years of church history, its traditions, its good and bad sides.
I know this has been out for a while but Noah is one of my favorite films and I just wanted to thank the now Bishop Barron for giving it its due. I am annoyed by detractors that claim that it is not "Christian" but the director Aronofsky has, in an interview, explained he is a Jew (secular Jew, but a Jew) so many elements, including the Watchers, come from the Kabbalah, the book of Jewish mysticism. Even with all the additional characters and subplots that aren't necessarily "Biblical", the essence of the story is preserved and in the spirit of good story-telling, enhanced and made relevant for the present without compromising the central message. If anyone is caught-up on the film not sticking to the strictly Biblical account, then they are not aware of that the Noah story is a Jewish tradition first, not a Christian, and makes use of Jewish mysticism, and are blind to the deeper message, which the good Bishop so ably spoke to.
@Ναζωραῖος Thanks so much for the additional references but I do fear your comment widely misses my point. The Watchers are specifically mentioned and discussed in the Kabballah, as is Zohar, although it is used differently in the film. The Kabballah is clearly a text of Jewish mysticism. Yes, you can also find discussion and interpretation of the Watchers in Enoch, but the fact Enoch is itself an apocryphal Jewish text is more important than whether or not it is interpreted as mystic which is debatable. But again, that misses the forest for the trees.
[ASIDE> Also, analogy for the Watchers and possible inspiration from non-Hebrew origins is irrelevant to my point. You should also be careful calling the Watchers "fallen angles" as Christians not familiar with the material might simply equate fallen angles with demons. Exiled angles might be a better term to describe their state.]
My point is that Noah is a beautiful film with immediate relevance to modern audiences and the critics who complain that the film is "not Christian" are ignorant of the fact the director, Darren Aronofsky, is Jewish and drew on sources that may not be familiar to Christians, namely the Kabballah but also, as you rightly pointed out, the Book of Enoch. Arguing how "mystic" those sources are is rather petty and besides the point. I would rather Christians develop a deeper appreciation of their Jewish roots and embrace the important messages of the film. That is the point I would prefer you to focus on.
Thank you Father Baron.
My thoughts too on the incense in the Church. That was my first thought.
WoW wonderfull! Awesome! Great! Thank you to God! Thank you Mommy Mary! Thank you Bishop Barron! 😇😇😇👼☄️🕊️💐💗
I like your commentary. I perceived the movie in the same way you describe.
Yes! I missed your film commentaries, Father Barron. Fantastic work as always. I still have yet to see it, but I've been rather excited considering it has Aronofsky at the helm.
Also, question for you, Father: what do you think of Scorsese's "The Last Temptation of Christ?" It has certainly had a rather polarizing legacy to say the least
Excellent analysis
Thank you. I felt the same.
The Arc. The Church. Dear Lord, where have I been or not been. I now know where I have to go. Thanks. Amen.
Fr. Barron approves? Alright, I'll watch it.
It's a means to explore the old Testament in greater depth if anything. The movie is not THE truth, but Scripture is.
1:53 was that really a shot from this film, or is it just an edit taken from 'The Two Towers'?
I swear, they look like Uruk-Hai.
Excellent, excellent, positive analysis of the film.
Excellent commentary on the film Fr. Baron. You are insightful and a joy to learn from.
You must recant your statement that we can have a "reasonable hope" that all men be saved, you may well be leading many into that very "tohu va bohu" you have been talking about. May God bless you and your family with special graces.
Thanks for your thoughts! Can't wait to see it after your great review...plus 50 million over the 1st weekend..the movie must have caught some people's attention positively.
I just saw Noah on Saturday, Holy Saturday to be exact. Despite a couple of loopy and cheesy moments in the film I liked it. I really liked the acting by Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly and the rest of the cast. Thought I thought Anthony Hopkins stole the show. I think Fr. Barron's review/commentary of the film is very good. I recommend the film.
Thanks for this, Fr.
My initial review after seeing the movie is, "Good points, terrible movie." I suppose it's because I fear most people watching it will take what you call "midrashic elements" as indeed part of the Biblical text, as opposed to taking the Biblical truths portrayed nicely in the film.
I do realize much of 'objection' is overcome by recognizing the artisyic license taken for dramatic effect, audience impact, and, yes, extended running time.
One of the good points I like to point out - and you touch on this a little in your own review - is that I saw a very excellent portrayal of the theology of Original Sin as understood in the Catholic Tradition in the film.
And so perhaps I should adjust my own review to something more positive thab 'terrible,' though I have not found a suitable sentiment.
Perhaps a 'very human' movie?
Goodness, I would just love to sit down with you and talk for hours, you have such a beautiful mind!
Yeah I was really impressed with his overview in this video. Really knowledgeable and unbiased look at the movie, he strikes me as a very honest and secure guy.
By far my favorite review of this wonderful motion picture.
Spot on, Fr B. Very clever storyline without doing too much violence to the biblical version.
Incidentally, If you've never run into the novels of David Maine look him up next time you run out of stuff to read. He's done a novel about Noah's flood, one about Samson, and the one you really want is about Adam & Eve called "Fallen".
It has received poor reviews from people I know, but I just keep telling myself that everybody hated The Shining when it came out (Stanley Kubrick was even nominated for a Razzie for Worst Director), and it's now considered one of the greatest horror movies of all time. This also includes Citizen Kane, but we'll see how the future pans out.
Thank you for this crystal clear review, I just saw the movie, kinda liked it, and wanted to know what was Bible and what was Hollywood (never read it, Gospel a little = minimal Catholic education).
“The Mission.” Hands down the best religious movie ever made.
I am a devout atheist who loves Aronofsky movies. The thing I admired most about Noah was how it showed what life would be like in a world where God not only definitely existed, but was still an active participant in people's lives. There was no faith required for the people of that world. I appreciate your thoughtful responses to critics of the film.
Fr. Barron, I echo what many have already said here. Thank you for your review. It's excellent. I know there is a great deal more that can be said of this interesting film. One thing this film (more than any other in recent memory) has ignited is a great deal of polarizing and sometimes extreme language among and between Christians. This fact raises not only the question of what our witness is to the world, but also how are Christians to 1) approach works of art, 2) engage in thoughtful and appropriate dialogue about such works, and 3) engage with the broader culture and its art works. In quite a few of the comboxes of various online reviews of NOAH, I see a lot of strong reactions that I can only describe as arising from fear. But as Christians we should not fear. How do we do that, and how do we be a witness to the world for Christ - perhaps even using this film as a point of engagement?
You shocked me. I expected you to resort to verbal twisting and 'this is okay but you better not watch it' or worse language. Thank you!
Excellent.
Noah's human and reacts as many humans do in a stupendously traumatic situation. That terrifies and incites to hysterical rage people who are very insecure in themselves and in their faiths.
Father, can you do a commentary on the Pharisees sometime? It seems that they are often used against the Church or "organized religion" as such and to justify anti-clericalism. Thanks!
I adored the creation story scene in this movie
Fr. Barron, I hope you find God's Will when you meet him, or before if that is possible.
Keep up the movie reviews and the other good stuff.
What do you mean by find God's will? Is that the same as the meaning of life?
I'd love to see Father Barron get his red hat.
Good stuff.
I know, it's not a new Film but i watched it yesterday and today i watch some reviews. I like saying that after clicking on Pastor Steven Anderson's critique, I am glad to watch a more civilised response from you.
Well, it may be not a biblically accurate film but it's still nice to watch if you just want to watch a Blockbuster with a lot of Action. It's about a stunning presentation, not about biblical narrative. That is artistic freedom.
*And yes, it's a sort of Adaption from the Midrash and Enoch. Finally someone who understands the difference between Gnosticism and Mythicism.
6:42 thats exactly what I was thinking!
Muy bueno, Padre.
Such an insightful thought that the ark is an archetype of the Church. A remnant of the faithful being preserved from destruction by God's call. They do what seems to be folly to the rest of the world, but in fact it is life to those who answer the call.
Thank God Noah toward the end exhibited God's Will to preserve life. It was also a commentary on non violence; especially non violence toward the helpless little ones. If we remember Noah's time was extremely violent.
Yes, The Church is The Ark of The New Covenant. We must know that time, space, and matter have been all subjected to being a 'Gentile Court,' at best; with some, at best, having access to The Holy of Holies Jesus Christ; the inner Sanctum at Mass, to be refreshed after constant purpose of amendment, there. However, always prudently aware that our citizenship is in Heaven, and we are sojourners here. So far so good.
God judges by full knowledge and how we live a self-giving life according to the knowledge we possess in providence. God treats every person with perfect equity. Sometimes we put our place in Providence, for some very good reasons like refutation of being arbitrary toward The Divine Revelation through The Church, and so forth, --- however, sometimes we place our importance in Providence and our understanding of Doctrine higher than the Benevolent Impartial Nature of God. In "THE HOPE OF SALVATION FOR INFANTS WHO DIE WITHOUT BEING BAPTISED," that theological commission professes their conclusion that these infants, who died yet to be birthed or after birth; for Providential Reasons, through no fault of their own were not Baptized by The Church into Christ; that we can have the 'hope of their salvation.' So, at least we have a declaration of hope. By why do we fall short of being with that hope, their role as sometimes helpless; but objective unearned suffers who from God's Impartial view make it to Heaven. So, young children, not capable of deciding once and for all; all having an inmost being created in the image and likeness of God; have an ardent desire to live in God's Providence. Jesus Christ, The Logos, Spoke many Existing things concerning God; like ""See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:10) Is there any compelling reason for God to deny a child Sanctifying Grace? God gave Cornelius and brethren The Holy Spirit - *before* Peter and The Church could Baptize them; to show that it is not God's nature to be partial according to circumstance.
___And with that, as John Cardinal O'Connor said on Apr 28, 1990, each human person is a 'Word of God.' The Lord God said that, "be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." - Ref. Isaiah 55:11 Beside the perpetrators of ideas to lesson their God given value, dignity, and value of each of their lives; and those; hopefully in anguished ignorance; who carry out the death sentence, like what was carried out on Jesus Christ Himself; where did all the reticence, omission come from to stop fighting for the freedom of speech that The Laws of Nature and of The God of Nature (ref. Dec. of Independence) --- and the culture of life in creative sustained compassionate ways to battle the intellectual elite bias in almost every facet of culture. Why do we point out a few courageous individual persons and families; and not ask according to the Provisions given by the Creeds and Principals of The non revisionist Constitution of These United States of America for a sustained sign of freedom and of life that is undeniable? We have handed over this nation to a 'form of godliness,' that denies The Power of God, The Laws of Nature; The Sacredness of Every Human Life - and God Knows Fully even by omission when we frustrate God's Purpose for each one and en-total all whose lives could have been spared had compassionate teaching sustained courage been more exhorted and carried out. The Church does not exist not integrated in society; and their is plenty within 'the rule of law,' set down by our Founding Fathers, to stand up for not only the Judaeo Christian Ethic; but helping to make by the beauty of courageous witness The Church more attractive.
By The Grace of God, I have witnessed the ideas here with my life, and not just by word. I don't know states of lack of knowledge, even with knowledgeable consciences unaware or not realizing that The Holy Spirit required much more courage with the virtue of patriotism. With the hope of their salvation, some could be denying witness for many in The Inner Sanctum, and those who still have a chance to fulfill each of their purposes as words of God on earth; the proper creative Witness God's Grace and Purpose affords them.
The Light shines in the darkness. God help us.
I really liked NOAH and I liked that he was shown as a fallible human being. I also liked that the family unit is preserved and made holy.
Now the Giants...some believe them to be real...🤔🙄I'm not sure...but I enjoyed how the movie showed them.
👍👍😊
Thank you for this. One thing that particularly struck me was this: when God created man, they were vegetarians. It was sinful to eat meat until the flood, when God gave man the concession to eat meat. I had overlooked those lines in Bible. Lenten abstinence, fasting, thus has a precedence - of how it was in the beginning.
In the Garden, it was sinful to eat meat but… Cain was a Hunter and God looked favourably on his offering.
@@SanctusPaulus-ic5gl , but before the flood.
What i liked about the incensing method was how one should not underestimate what the ancients knew, that they were smart enough to use plants that can put animals to sleep in the ark
The movie is fine. Keep in mind its not a documentary trying to be factual. It gets people thinking about God, though. Good thing!
Amen 🙏🙏🙏🌹
I ignored all of the reviews before watching the movie. My only question going in was how was this film going to portray the heart of God? If it showed Him as a God of love and mercy which it did, and held true to the foundation of the story which it did, then I was open for interpretations. I found the film extremely fascinating and profound. It seems to me the criticisms come primarily from carnal Christians who focus their faith around the mortality of man and the mysteries of God that we can "never" know. Those who have received deeper spiritual revelations are the ones who have garnered praise for this film, its presentation and detail. Obviously they are fewer and far between.
I experienced exactly what Fr. Baron described - a truly Biblical lesson for 21st century minds. Despite transformer-esqe creatures and a few corny graphics - the movie is a magnificent illustration of the human condition: 1) do man’s will and we suffer (Tubal Cain) , 2) do God’s will when God’s will is clear and we’re at peace (Methuselah), 3) try, in our imperfection, to do God’s will when it’s not clear - and experience hardship, confusion, yet the strength to keep moving ahead (Noah). Look how the (fabricated?) goal of ending the human race resolves: Noah chooses - out of love - to spare the twin girls lives and preserve mankind. But he thinks he failed God and ends up isolated and drunk in a cave on the beach until…. the woman (foreshadowing Mary - the new Eve?) opens his eyes that God is love and he did do God’s will and he is redeemed - breathtaking!
The addition of Noah's conflict with allowing the babies to survive and keep the human species alive contains a fascinating idea about the nature of sin, which is that forgiveness and mercy themselves are borne out of human imperfection in carrying out the divine law of an eye for an eye, etc. This is similar to the way that Cain ends up killing Able after Able fails to give up (sacrifice) animal slaughter as his means of sustenance instead of following God's commandment to live from 'the plants of the field.' I.e. even though Cain is obedient to God's commandment to live from the plants of the field, he falls to temptation to kill Able because of Able's disobedience. As such, the sin of killing brings death on Able, with the righteous Cain ending up as the agent of the murder despite his obedience in sparing his flock.
So there is this law of an eye for an eye, or karma, or sin begetting sin, or however you want to call it, where sin tempts even the most righteous and holy into further sin, and the consequences for human moral evolution are unexpected. For Cain, it is Able's killing of his flock that begets the sin of Cain murdering his brother. For Noah in this movie, it is the sin of sparing the innocent that prevents the world from completely annihilating itself by its own destructive nature. In a sense, the animals and the babies are two sides of the same coin, morally innocent creatures that are nonetheless prone to sprouting the seeds of sin and destruction due to their innate natural impulses. And then it is Noah's natural impulse to protect the babies, first symbolized in his wife (who tempts him to mercy in the same way Eve tempts Adam), that leads him to defy God's will to abort the human species.
It is an amazing concept, if you think about it, that it could in fact be God's will that death comes to all sinners, and yet sin itself manages to protect itself by taking mercy on sin. Although God is often lauded as being merciful and forgiving, as evidenced by Noah's rainbow and of course Christ's teachings and resurrection, this may be a twist projected onto God by the culture of pride that glorifies humankind and the world instead of confessing and repenting for sin. What's even more striking, however, is that by allowing forgiveness and mercy toward sinners that are naturally condemned to self-destruction, God's law contains a loophole that allows for the self-preservation that keeps humans moving forward toward salvation and ultimately sanctification. It is truly a miracle that even forgiveness and mercy themselves could be sins that are forgiven in order for us to continue progressing toward God through salvation and repentance.
Good to see a formal church scholar appreciates this hollywood version of the story of Noah along with the additions and embellishments added to the biblical basis. I truly view this movie as a good-faith re-presentation of the biblical story and it's wonderful to see a formal theological scholar say so as well, especially after all the negative publicity this movie received from some Christian reviewers.
discountconsulting, Abel never failed to give up animal sacrifice because there was no reason to give it up. In fact, God appreciated Abel's offering more than Cain's.
Please, subtitles in spanish...someone? thaks, and blesses
That would be good for me to since I want to learn Spanish ha ha
Father you should do a review on Dracula Untold! There is a bunch of religious symbolism!
Instant like for me! :)
I watched it recently and liked it very much! The creator of the film was obviously not poking fun at religion. Lots of additions and embellishments, sure. But the core theme of the biblical story is also the central issue in the film, that sin has perverted mankind, and that Noah discerning the will of God leads to a second chance for the human race. I care not that the creator of the film is an atheist. I just appreciate that he got the core theme and message of the story right.
wow just wow
I think Darren Aronofsky's Noah proves that you don't have to be theist in order to be inspired religion. Even if the intent was secular and not religious it doesn't change the fact that Biblical language was used to convey that message
After hearing from friends who watched the movie and reviews on EWTN, I decided not to watch the movie now but wait until its at the Rebox (c). Now I think what I will do is have a community showing of the movie followed by Fr Barron's commentary. I think that if we look at it through the prism of Fr Barron's eyes we can appreciate it more. After all how bad can it be? Surely not as bad as Burt Lancaster playing Moses, in MOSES THE LAWGIVER, right????
I can't say I literally believe in most Biblical stories, but I have always been interested in their powerful themes and epic scale. The Bible doesn't mince words or imagery.
pienso que independientemente de la pelicula la fe debe ser fuerte y aunque es una pelicula que se supone toma un echo real sigue siendo ficcion
I guess I was just super depressed about Ham’s storyline
And yet the church is not a building, it's the followers of Jesus. His church.
I will say: Bishop Barron missed the double entendre of the smoke being both the method of 'cleansing the ark,' and the tool for anesthetizing and numbing the animals, which seems to me to be a very deliberate metaphor for the so-dubbed "priests" almost literally becoming the begetters of an "opiate for the masses." Much Respect, Ab Imo Pectorē, Pater Barron.
I couldn't get over the fact that in the movie, everyone was wearing pants.
I thought that this movie was interesting of its portrayal on, well, everything. I found that it was confronting particularly when dealing with the other town full of those barbaric humans and then at times it was beautiful. I understand coming from a Hollywood sense that the movie needs certain components to keep the audience engaged, even if it means creating false details, but I thought the movie stayed true to the main story, created by somebody with a very different take on it.
Watch Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain
Your Eminence, I invite you to check out the architecture of the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Azbakeya, Cairo. It is very purposely made to be shaped as an Ark of Noah.
Do mother! next
Mary's Tears are the new flood. For she can see her children falling away and the coming judgement of fire.
Fr Barron, perhaps I'm mistaken, but from what I recall, the "Nephilim" were *not* the same as the Watchers (a class of fallen angels), but rather they were the *offspring* of the Watchers and humans. Also, when Genesis says that Noah was chosen for being "perfect", the underlying Hebrew often carried the sense of "without (physical) blemish". A case can be made for an old Jewish tradition holding that the flood was God's answer to the Watchers screwing up the bloodlines. Of course, it's all mythical and there was no global flood, but the mythology is utterly fascinating!! So much more could be said (with references to 1Enoch, book of Jasher, the Septuagint translation of Genesis 6, book of Jubilees, etc, etc etc etc etc). Anyway, good video.
Father Barron, what do you think about this article? I disagreed at first because I know that there is Orthodox and Catholic tradition about our first parents being clothed in grace but if you continue reading, there are a lot of interesting points he makes about many hidden Gnostic and Kabbalistic imagery in the movie. drbrianmattson.com/.../3/31/sympathy-for-the-devil
Great video. But...its interesting to me where you choose to draw lines in the incense metaphor.....for example...they are also putting the 'congregation' to sleep.....but only the animals.... im not going to insult your intelligence but I just think that metaphors are tricky if they are 'incomplete'. Just an observation and not a whole point. Which, by way of example is what im talking about. But thankyou. its 2020, this was still enjoyable.
I did not resent the Rock Monster Fallen Angels in this movie, maybe because they are repentant fallen angels. The part I resented was the Bad Guy getting onto the Ark and Noah being so negative about humans and wanting his family to die out. The Biblical Noah was never against his family continuing the human race, just that his family were God's loyal.
I mean, I appreciate that you can find a positive spin on these elements of the movie, but they really got my back up when I watched it.
The director is not an atheist, certainly not a materialist, anyway. He is not a ptracticing Jew and I am not sure if he is even a theist, but he claimed in recent intervies that he has some spirtiaul beliefs.
I have not seen the movie yet, nor can I guess what message the director wanted to sent intentionally, but in the end it seems he did a pretty good job.
read the book of enock im a christian mystic s so for mw it rocks