Denison Forum
Dr. Jim Denison
I seldom encourage readers to avoid particular movies, fearing that the added attention may hurt more than it helps. But I want to urge you not to see Conclave, despite the acclaim and even Oscar “buzz” the film is receiving.
My warning stems from reading the book upon which the movie is based. Robert Harris is one of my favorite novelists; his blending of historical facts and plot twists has made him a bestselling author. But Conclave, which focuses on the event of that name during which a new pope is elected, could not be more disparaging of the Catholic Church (one Catholic reviewer called it “a mockery of our faith”). Or more “woke” in its wildly implausible ending.
But that’s not the main reason I hope you won’t see the film (or read the book).
“Take every thought captive to obey Christ”
Scripture urges us to guard our minds against deception:
- “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8).
- “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
- “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2).
- “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
- More Here