Catholics on Big Love

by undercover 21 Replies latest jw friends

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  undercover

  Andre's thread on JWs vs Catholics reminded me for some reason of last night's episode of Big Love.

  Did anyone else relate to Nikki's response to her son playing with a cross? It was as if she was possessed by a JW demon or sumthin. And her whole attitude toward the Catholic faith reminded me of how JWs react.

  And even more interesting to me on a personal level was her almost admiration for the icons and idols, the reverence of the cathedral itself. Even though I was raised a JW, I've always been interested in the rituals and visuals in a Catholic church. I was able to relate to Nikki's hate and admiration at the same time. I wonder how a JW would react to seeing that episode...

  Going back to the cross...is that an exaggeration on the producer's part? Does the Mormon/LDS church think of the cross and Catholics the same as JWs? Or are they trying to show that the compound cult despises the cross and Catholicism more than the "mainstream" LDS church? Or...did the producers possibly borrow the JWs hatred of the Catholic church and took some poetic license to include it in the show?
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  Wordly Andre

  Undercover, I had LDS friends when I was in High school, they are a bit crazy when it comes to the cross and catholic stuff, at least the people I knew. I would like to add something about the icons and idols that is so much talked about when it comes to people who know nothing of the catholic church, One thing you have to think about when you walk into a catholic church, its like walking back in history, go back in time say 300 years ago, now how many people do you think were able to read? well the church had to find a way to tell stories from the bible, this is why you see such visual stories from the bible in statues, paintings, glass and all art, they had to find ways to teach people and that tradition just stuck with the church, as they are very slow to change.
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  undercover

  Andre,

  I think I understand what you're saying...I now enjoy going into Catholic churches and looking at all the icons, symbols. I find it fascinating. Not for the religous aspects but for the history.

  Since I've walked away from the JWs, I no longer have the ill-will toward the Catholic church that I had as a JW. I have more ill will toward the JWs these days. But I was able to relate to Nikki's character in the show, having had similar thought processes as a JW.
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  unique1

  I was totally thinking when I saw the look on her face when she saw the rosary "Oh, NO not an IDOL"! Then I chuckled to myself for having the same thought as her.

  Honestly though, although admiring the old architecture, I find most catholic churches to be gaudy.
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  Rabbit

  Undercover,

  I was thinking the very same thing...Nikki was scared of that cross ! And did you notice one of the reasons why she was so disgusted ? She was comparing wearing the cross, as the instrument of Jesus death...she said, "...why not just wear an electric chair around your neck !?"

  I was shocked...THAT is the exact 'reasoning' I was taught as a JW. I used to expand that to a hangman's noose, a gun or even a knife. Do they think that, ....too ?
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  Wordly Andre

  Rabbit, Thats what I never got when I was a kid growing up a JW, the cross is to remind us that Jesus died for our sins, why would that offend anyone?
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  Mulan

  Did anyone else relate to Nikki's response to her son playing with a cross? It was as if she was possessed by a JW demon or sumthin. And her whole attitude toward the Catholic faith reminded me of how JWs react.

  I had the same thought. Just like a JW.

  Love that show!! Do you think Bill will take another wife??
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  Wordly Andre

  I think Bill is going to try to have that waitress as his 4th wife, I think his first wife is the best, something about her is very sexy.
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  skeptic1914

  I can't believe all you guys watch Big Love.And here I thought I was the only one! I think this was the first episode where I saw a connection between the specific aspects of LDS (especially 'being in the compound') and 'being in the org'. Obviously, Nikki, although out of the compound still has certain fears/beliefs deeply entenched. Can any xjw relate?

  Skeptic1914
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  lonelysheep

  Did anyone else relate to Nikki's response to her son playing with a cross? It was as if she was possessed by a JW demon or sumthin. And her whole attitude toward the Catholic faith reminded me of how JWs react.

  I had the same thought. Just like a JW.

  Ditto!
  
  It was such a programmed response.