This is one of history's most obscure and least understood phenomena: a minor Jewish sect, led by an unknown preacher who left no trace in CONTEMPORARY HISTORICAL RECORDS, became in a short time a fully-established new religion and a very powerful institution.
What kinds of questions does Quo Vadis raise about the appeal of this new religion at the time of Emperor Nero?
Based on the film: is it clear what kind of deep-seated spiritual needs Christianity satisfied in those times?
Or is it a case where the author knew that the audience would fill the blanks with predictable answers?
COMMENT: based on the questions above, what do you think is the relevance (and chance of success) of the film's message for today's audience and in particular for your generation?
REPLY: wait until at least 10 comments have been posted, then choose the comment that most clearly formulates an original idea or argument. You may even admire something you disagree with (although, frankly, it's almost superhuman.)
Based on the film: is it clear what kind of deep-seated spiritual needs Christianity satisfied in those times?
Or is it a case where the author knew that the audience would fill the blanks with predictable answers?
COMMENT: based on the questions above, what do you think is the relevance (and chance of success) of the film's message for today's audience and in particular for your generation?
REPLY: wait until at least 10 comments have been posted, then choose the comment that most clearly formulates an original idea or argument. You may even admire something you disagree with (although, frankly, it's almost superhuman.)
In the film Quo Vadis, it is not extremely clear what kind of deep-seated spiritual needs Christianity would provide for those times. In my opinion what I saw in the film is that people wanted to follow something that seemed moral. I say this because what stood out the most was that Lygia expressed the ideas of equality, the ten commandments (that lay out a set of moral rules) and anti-slavery. Not only does morality come up, but also the idea that Christianity was a secret society that was trying to garner support and people. This may have interested people who did not agree with Nero and ancient Greek religions. Another appealing factor would be that it was something new to follow other than Nero. Nero definitely was narcissistic and seemed to be incompetent even to the people around him. Lastly, I think that what surprised me the most was that Nero himself made Christianity more popular in the film. He made himself look like the villian. More importantly, the film made me research some history because I was surprised that by 1400’s Christianity became the dominant religion. It is amazing to see such a transformation from this film to the others.
ReplyDeleteCandidly speaking, I am not sure if the films message would relate to me in particular. However, looking at the bigger picture, the film does express ideas that people can become full of themselves. In my generation I think people believe they are Gods and invincible. A prime example of this would be Donald Trump. I think the overall message of the film gets blurred out by some really cliche Hollywood storylines. Despite the cliches, this was actually one of my favorite films screened.
I think from this film, it is clear that the people of Rome, especially soldiers or those in high power, lacked morals and respect for women. To the few who disagreed with the decisions of the Roman Empire, this new, "strange", religion offered hope. It preached to love your neighbor as yourself (which during this time led many Christians to disregard the use of slaves), to trust in God always, and that victory could be conquered peacefully without killing.
ReplyDeleteI actually really enjoyed this movie, so I have hope that other people in my generation would enjoy it as well. Being Catholic, it made me reflect on some of the teachings of my religion and appreciate the sometimes forgotten teachings that this religion so importantly values. I do think our generation could benefit from viewing this film, especially since we are currently living in a time where, unfortunately, there is still a lot of tension and division among important topics. Although it is impossible for everyone to agree on everything, I think this movie could possibly inspire some people to take the high road and that it is possible to achieve their message or goal non- violently.
I like your take on how religion can unify people, and attempt at achieving a common ground. In fact many religions are pretty similar, For example, the core of Christianity is pretty similar to that of Islam, and yet, in our society, its hard to reach a common ground. Nice intake on the film!
DeleteI agree that it would be useful for Catholics and other Christians to watch this movie as a close-up view of the early Christian vision. So much of Christianity today is different, including history after the time depicted in this movie, in which Christians were often conquerors and not martyrs. In most of Western history, Christianity has been the oppressor, whether this be of Africans, South Americans, Jews, Muslims, women, or queer and trans people. I doubt it would be possible to reverse thousands of years of cultural history with this single film, but, if incorporated into the educations of Christians, it could be a start to a revamp of Christian teaching more like the original.
DeleteDuring the time of Emperor Nero, Christianity was an appealing religion to many including Lygia and her family because of it's new, comforting ideas of anti-violence, forgiveness, and peace. This is clear in the film; one scene I personally got this message in was after Marcus proposed to Lygia. She tried to explain her newfound Christian beliefs to him and tried to convince him that violence -- what he has to do as a warrior -- is not necessary.
ReplyDeleteCompared to the existing religion of the state, led by Emperor Nero who is the "son of Jupiter" and a "god" who murdered his wife and mother and committed other heinous crimes, this new religion was an escape and gave people hope for a better Rome.
I think our particular generation can relate to this film and to what the Christians were feeling. There are many problems (to say the least) with our government as well as those who hold more power and abuse it (recent revelations among men with power who commit sexual assault) and most of us are looking for an escape from this messed-up world. I think the message of this film is very clear and successful to our generation especially.
Alissa, I like that you brought up the topic of sexual assault/harassment. It's been in the forefront of everyone's minds recently and to compare the power that men in 2018 have with men from Nero's era is very interesting.
DeleteI agree people use escapism to cope with horrible things in their lives. I would compare the heroine and drug epidemic among our generation with the excessive partying done by the Romans. When people are in distress like that, having a movement or ideology that inspires them could give their lives a new sense of meaning. While it may not be Christianity I wonder what new purpose could inspire people our age.
ReplyDeleteAlissa, I definitely agree that what can be taken away from this film is finding an escape from the things we feel are impossible to control. I think the example you gave of the abuse of power is a parallel to this film. It's a bit unsettling to think about how much society has grown in many ways, but also how modern day society can still be comparable to the time of Nero.
Like I said before, this isn't my kind of movie. I found it to be boring and it spoke about religion—something I don't really care for. However, the history of Nero is extremely interesting.
ReplyDeleteBased on the film (and the history), it is clear why people were intrigued by Christianity. Nero was crazy, selfish, mean, and treated everyone really poorly. Unlike Nero, Christianity offered people hope.
In my homework, I wrote about how a lot of people, today, have strayed away from religion. Therefore, I don't think this movie would have much of an impact on people. I also think many would think this to be boring and not want to watch it.
Solansh, I understand what you are saying int terms of religion not being as widely believed in, or as "important" in our religion. It is true that as generations have passed, people have strayed away from religion. However, I do not believe that people have strayed away from religion completely, or as a whole. I do believe the movie can have somewhat of an impact on people, but it just depends on the type of person. For example, the person may have to actually be a bit religious, and I do agree with you that this is becoming more scarce for someone to be religious, but some people in our generation still are. In fact, I know a good amount of them!
DeleteSolansh, I would have to disagree about people straying away from religion. I think outside of the U.S and even outside of major cities within the U.S religion plays a big roll in communities. I can understand your position though, what do you think people do to "escape" or change their circumstances that is not religion?
DeleteI see what you guys are saying. I think the older generation still sticks really closely to their religion (I know my grandmother still does for sure). However, from what I've seen and my interaction with people (in the US), the younger generation (not all of them, of course) is straying away from religion. I think a lot of them just don't find that comfort in religion like the older generation does. Many, want to believe in something that they can actually see. I guess I just hang out with a lot of atheists and science nerds. But, Jessica, you are right, maybe this film would have some sort of impact on a person who is somewhat religious.
DeleteNirvana, I can't really answer this question for everyone, but some of the people that I personally know are really into science. Most of them have hobbies, like music and/or art. They use that as an "escape" from their circumstances.
In the film, Nero is a frightening and outlandish ruler. He is clearly someone who people tried to stray away, and escape from. I think the fact that Nero is such a hard ruler is very much part of what makes Christianity so appealing. It was an escape from his ideas. From the small start of christianity, it has now become a well known, and widely followed religion.
ReplyDeleteChristianity was not just a way to have hope, but it also preached concepts such as anti-violence and anti-hurt, which I think was also comforting for the people at the time. In the time period of such violence and fear, this was almost like a little light at the end of the tunnel for them, at least so it seems.
I also think Nero expected people to look at him as kind of a god-like character, and the idea of God, or a higher being, that christianity portrayed allowed people to believe that there was someone above Nero, and more powerful than him. It made them believe there was hope and a greater good.
I think this idea still portrays to today's generation. Many people I know still believe strongly in their religion and look at it as a way to find peace, and to have hope, which is basically the route of christianity in the first place. I, for one, come from a pretty religious family, and attend a catholic school full time. These views and values are still heavily influential in my life.
During the time the movie is set, Christianity is questioned by the men in power (namely Nero) because it is, in essence, the complete opposite of how they were used to living. It also gave people a new God to worship and Nero's ego would not allow that. It was very clear how Christianity satisfied the needs of the people who put their faith into the religion. The film accurately depicted a time that saw people being owned as slaves and women treated as sexual objects. The values in Rome weren't meaningful ones. People held shallow things like sex, entertainment and relaxation as the most important in society. This is why Christianity grew so quickly. In a time where a spiritually-fulfilled life wasn't common, this new religion gave the people hope and something to keep their heads up.
ReplyDeleteThe movie was released in 1951 and was set in Ancient Rome but the message at its core is still one of importance even today. Lygia's character slowly shows Marcus that there is more to life than war. Through peace and faith people can be able to live a simpler and less violent life. I believe that if my generation took the time to watch this movie it would successfully get its point across to a majority of them. After all, it is pretty hard to agree with the behavior of the typical Romans under Nero.
I like how you said Nero opposed Christianity because of his ego. Being the narcissistic character that he is, he relates everything to himself, even the foundation of a whole religion!
DeleteIn a way it is baffling how Christianity sprouted seemingly out of nowhere to become one of the most popular religions that the world has ever seen. I would argue that like most powerful movements, it was the result of a group of people that were frustrated and sad about their situations in life and found a belief that offered them hope. In Nero’s Rome, hedonism is the standard. High-ranking Romans engage in activities that satisfy their every want, but ultimately not their needs. Unless you were a successful, white male the Roman empire was not kind to you. Women and other men were owned as slaves and not treated as human beings so it is no wonder why they sought a group that told them that they were equal and as worthy as any other person on Earth.
ReplyDeleteThe film brought up questions like: Is it okay to treat another human being as less than you? Why do we rule with hate and violence rather than love? Jesus’ message of inclusivity, love and equality spoke to the people of Rome when they were most vulnerable. Marcus Vinicius, a high ranking Roman officer, found that the love he had in his heart for Lygia extended to all of mankind. People were oppressed, unfulfilled and looking for meaning in their lives and Christ’s word spoke to them. I think it is clear to the audience why Rome needed a spiritual awakening.
In terms of speaking to todays audience and our generation, I think this message can still apply. I don’t believe that the message of love, inclusivity and empathy within the film needs to come from a religion but I was able to see past that. In 2018 less people are using religion as a moral compass and using their feelings of love and empathy towards others to guide them. People find meaning in science, art, literature etc. and are able to place their faith in these things as well.
Sara, I agree with your comment and respect the thoughts you put into it. I like how you bring up needs versus wants when explaining the appeal of the newfound religion of Christianity in Nero's Rome. I hadn't thought of it in that way and it is a great explanation for why such a large amount of people were attracted to this new religion and way of life. I also like how you said that Christianity gave them "meaning in their lives" because that is completely true; what meaning did the citizens of Rome have before they were baptized into Christianity? To live for and worship Nero and just watch as those with more power do whatever they want? Under Nero's rule, many were unhappy with the violence, and unequal treatment of everyone. Christianity made a lot of people realize how terrible the prior state of Rome was and how the future can be better.
DeleteIn the times of Nero, the people under Nero saw some very dark things coming from their leader and the person they were supposed to look up to. I think what was so intriguing to the people was the way that Christianity gave the people something to look up to during these times. It provides a sense of hope, guidance and security. Christianity provided a set of guidelines and rules that made sense to a lot of people. In a society dominated by violence, Christianity was a change of pace and provided the people with a set of values that they felt were long past due.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that our generation could enjoy this film as so many of my classmates have. Although religion is not as common amongst the younger generations as it once was, million and millions of youth across the world still turn to religion. In the world we live in, religion provides people with a sense of hope and security. The world in many ways hasn’t changed all that much and people are still looking for something to believe in.
The commitment to Christianity in the face of adversity during the setting of Quo Vadis is understood when contrasted against the pure violence exhibited by the Romans. The main character of the movie, Marcus, is a Roman soldier who thinks nothing of the death of another man. Upon remarking upon the physical prowess of Lydia's bodyguard as a gladiator, the bodyguard, a Christian, comments that it is a "sin" to kill (where he uses a word specifically Christian). Later, this same man begs Marcus for forgiveness for killing his companion in self defense, even though Marcus is untroubled by death.
ReplyDeleteThe early Christian ideals of peace among neighbors and reverence for death may attempt to make up for the violence of Romans. In Rome, war is honorable and murder simply not notable. It is not entirely strange for Emperor Nero to order a burning of the city. Indeed, the death of gladiators and prisoners, eaten by lions, is viewed as entertainment for the masses and the royal court. The Christians are 'punished' in this way by Nero, and their resistance is through prayer and song in accordance with their religion. They seek not revenge or returned violence against those who hurt them. Christianity is a multi-faceted belief system that may have developed for a number of reasons; in Quo Vadis, it is suggested that the existence of such a chaotic, warring state may necessitate the popularity of a religion of peace and love.
As I was watching the movie, I felt like Christianity was considered an ideology that people should follow. With Emperor Nero as their leader, people saw many immoral acts committed and saw the Christianity can reverse and save them. Christianity was also used as a way of rebelling against Nero, because he was so against it. People would seek support for Christianity. Christianity provided rules to the people and many were in support of that because under Nero’s rule, they follow anything he decided what would be allowed in society and what wouldn’t. We see how Christianity gave women rights, and didn’t allow men to treat them as sexual objects anymore. In the movie we see how people felt that Christianity was a way to achieve peace amongst each other and live in a civilized nation.
ReplyDeleteThis movie wasn’t really interesting to me, but I enjoyed how its showed religion as a safe haven to those who opposed Nero and those in the society at the time. I saw how people progressed, learned to make peace with those around them and attempt to live peacefully. Also, I liked how people stood their ground against Nero, and that took more power than Nero had. There were themes of power, bravery, love and religion throughout the movie, and the mix of them caused conflict and the film’s story line.
The greatest takeaway from Quo Vadis for younger generations may be the dichotomy of the heads of a state and its people. An analysis of history based only upon the words and actions of Nero, the emperor, would suggest that people at the time were wildly violent and uninterested in their own welfare. According to the assertion of Nero, it is the Christians who were responsible for the burning of Rome. However, the movie depicts that the people are not nearly as psychopathic and the Christians were not a conspiracy. The Romans who laugh in the stands of the Colosseum while their Christian neighbors are eaten by lions seem utterly foolish. Viewers of this film would do well to take note of what they are told by those in charge and cross-reference it to what they know about the world, for it is possible that they do not always correspond. They ought not to cast judgement simply because they are told, and they must avoid a mindset of 'us vs. them' because it is so easy to become one of 'them' and, too, become fed to the lions.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that people should get rid of the "us vs. them" mentality. That was a giant theme in the movie and played a large role in the climax. Overcoming differences between one another is vital to any diverse community. With that said, I'm still curious to know what you think our generation would take away after seeing this movie.
ReplyDeleteI felt a lot of contradiction as Nero and the other Romans viewed Christianity as radical or even destructive. Nero believed it was the Christian's who were the ones to blame for the Romans turning on him, however it was also himself who was incompetent and corrupt as he burned down the empire to start new again. I think the rise of Christianity for many people was hopeful, and it helped people treat others with care and respect. Contradictory once again, Nero trapped Christians in the arena to be attacked by lions for "not respecting him." At this time people needed to have humility and to care for one another, and this was not the current climate in Rome. This being said, Christianity was an ideal that could be a uniting factor as people lower on the hierarchy needed to be treated more equally. I think generations today could appreciate this film as I did. The underlying theme seemed to be all about finding unity with your neighbors, and that's an important message still relevant today, even if it is not expressed through religion.
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