Christian Film Critic Says DOCTOR STRANGE Is a Dangerous Introduction to the Demonic Occult
There are some hardcore Christians out there that aren't big fans of fantasy films that revolve around magic and sorcery. I remember way back in the day when some of these people were coming down on the game Dungeons & Dragons. Over the years they would speak out against other fantasy properties like Harry Potter. Now one Christian film critic named Dr. Ted Baehr has come out slamming Marvel's Doctor Strange:
[Doctor Strange is] a dangerous introduction to demonic occult deception. ... The Bible clearly warns against the kind of occult practices and sorcery the hero in this movie learns to do, in Deuteronomy 18:9-12 and Galatians 5:20. Also in the movie, the hero's New Age, occult guru teaches there may be no afterlife, that death is truly the end, and that this is a good thing.
If that's what Baehr believes, fine. I'm not going to bash anyone for their beliefs, I just think it's funny that he thinks Doctor Strange will lead people down the dark and dangerous path of the demonic occult. Baehr knows that Doctor Strange is a fictional story, right? It sucks that he is going to sway some people away from seeing this incredibly awesome movie!
Yeah, Doctor Strange deals with the occult and wizards and the things that Galatians points out such as "idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, and divisions" which are all considered "works of the flesh." But you know what? The film also tells a powerful story of redemption, selflessness, and sacrifice as Stephen Strange takes a journey that leads him on a path to becoming a better man and taking steps to save the world and help make it a safer and better place. That's where the heart of the story is, and I'd say those are heavy beliefs of Christians as well. It's just all wrapped in a visually stunning film full awesome looking magic and sorcery.
I seriously doubt that Doctor Strange is going to cause anyone to leave whatever religion they practice to learn the fake magic that the film portrays, and I guarantee no one is going to go to hell for watching it. It's a great movie is a positive message. On that note, let's keep the comments positive.
On a side note, I had a déjà vu moment while I was writing this post. Is that considered sorcery?