Canadian edition, 1954, By Fathers A. Poulin, s.j. &  Jean Laramée, s.j.

(continued)

 

Note: these rules were written in 1954, exactly 50 years ago. They are full of wisdom.  What would say Frs. Poulin & Laramée about the movies we do have now?

Movies

Through prudence and a spirit of sacrifice. members of the Crusade abstain as a rule from going to the movies.

-Let us make here a few precise remarks on this much discussed subject of movies. Where a law of good common sense forbids children to attend the theatres, it is good sense simply to submit to that law. Where no law exists, a Crusader will take the resolution not to create a new habit which is nearly always dangerous.

-For the movies, as for reading, one consults, not the fashion. but competent authority. All films, moreover, are not judged with the same severity.

Films that are suggestive or concerned with sinful love are condemnable; and therefore Crusaders should keep away from them altogether.

Exciting adventure films are blameworthy also in a certain way. For note that even though a film is not immoral, it does not mean that it is worthy of approval on all points. It should be condemned if it proves to be too nerve-racking for a young audience, or if it is so long that it keeps the young folk in the theatre for hours at a time, thus putting too much strain on the body, the eyes and the mind.

Neither the Church nor the Crusade will find fault with anyone who occasionally goes to a perfectly harmless film for the sake of recreation.

Educational films, when well made, and adapted to the level of young minds, can become a precious means of instruction and education.

-A candidate for the Crusade, who proposes to go to the movies once a week or even once every two weeks, has not yet that spirit of generosity which the Crusade requires.