Good thoughts on this movie and the book as well.  I have no desire to see or become more acquainted with either of them.  Like CheShira pointed out…I would rather spend my time handling the “real stuff” than seeing what lies there are in these other works.

Being a writer myself, I am always mindful that my works, though fiction, are communicating something that will be taken as truth.  To say”it is just a story and has no effect”, well….

Your point about this movie not being the cause of our spiritual downfall is right on.  There are quite a few analogies we could make to give a picture of this issue…like putting a band-aid on a bleeding cut that needs stiches. It can also be compared to getting a stronger bit for a horse that doesn’t respond with a gentle touch to pressure from the bit in its mouth.  Most people would agree with this…however the proper response it to take the horse back to the basics and teach them what it means to yeild to the pressure… Take the bit out and use a soft halter…teach the horse what they are supposed to do when they feel pressure, not jerk and kick and punish when they are not sure what they are even supposed to be doing. Oh if only we as a country would be willing to give up our pride and return to the simple, fundamental truths of the Gospel!

It is not a familiarity with lies that makes us aware of the truth but rather being engulfed in the truth that makes the lies so obvious.