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ROCKY BALBOA:
A “CHRISTIAN BOXER”? by Shaun Willcock |
It’s getting ridiculous. Mel Gibson’s Roman Catholic splatter-movie, The Passion of the Christ, set the ball
rolling in recent times, and now we are seeing one movie after another being
churned out with a supposedly “Christian” theme, or at the very least
supposedly “Christian” undertones. The
latest to hit the screens – believe it or not! – is Rocky Balboa, described as “the final round in the award-winning Rocky franchise.”
Yes, you read right:
Incredible?
Astounding? Read on, gentle
reader. But prepare to be shocked to the
core as you realise the depths to which those claiming to be “Christians” have
sunk, when they can praise this boxing movie as containing a “Christian”
message that should be studied, discussed, promoted,
and even used as an evangelistic outreach tool!
What is the movie all about? Here is the overview taken from a website
called RockyResources.com, with my comments inserted at appropriate points:
“Rocky
Balboa is an inspirational story that depicts a man who honorably answers
the call in his life. With the odds
stacked against him Rocky finds something left to give [what “call”? – the “call” to punch up another man for fame or money? Has the so-called “Church” reached the stage
where the gory sport of boxing is now to be viewed as a call, if a man is “good” at it?
Apparently yes].
“The greatest underdog story of our time
is back for one final round of the Academy Award-winning Rocky franchise,
former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa steps out of retirement and back into
the ring, pitting himself against a new rival in a dramatically different era.
“After a virtual boxing match declares
Rocky Balboa the victor over current champion Mason ‘The Line’
“Rocky
Balboa motivates us to face our own challenges with perseverance, community
support, and prayer [prayer? I shudder to even imagine how this plays out
in the movie. Does Rocky pray for
victory in the ring? Do others pray for
him to win? I don’t know and I don’t
care. It’s enough for me that anyone
could even think a movie about a boxing champion could ever possibly motivate
anyone to face one’s challenges with prayer.
What has modern-day “Christianity” become?].
“The story presents a dynamic opportunity
for insightful discussions about where we find our courage, how we overcome
losses and remain faithful, and what we define as victory” [excuse me, but I
thought that Christians knew where to go for the answers to these things. I didn’t think any discussion was
needed. The Bible answers all these
matters perfectly. True courage comes
from the Lord; believers remain faithful to the Lord by His grace, for He
enables each one of His elect to persevere to the end; and as for overcoming
and the true definition of victory, the Bible says: “For whatsoever is born of
God overcometh the world: and this is
the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 Jn. 5:4).
But apparently now we need to hold discussions about these things, being guided by this movie about a boxing champion! Not
even a movie about the life of Paul, or Peter, or David, or Moses – a movie
about some fictional boxer called Rocky!
“The Lord is my Shepherd,” wrote David in Psa. 23:1, and the Holy Spirit
guides into all truth, Jn. 16:13. But Rocky is going to be the shepherd of
vast numbers of blind moviegoers, who will, they believe, guide them, if not
into all truth, then at least into a whole lot.
Instead of turning to Christ, multitudes of “churchgoers” now turn to
the cinema, and to celluloid superstars for answers to life’s problems. And the most tragic thing of all is, vast numbers don’t even see anything wrong with this. Their lives are so dominated and controlled
by
And what of the man who created and plays
the part of “Rocky”? According to Stuart
Shepard of Focus on the Family’s Citizenlink.com, Sylvester Stallone considers
himself “reborn.” He said this during a teleconference with pastors and
religious leaders, as reported on RockyResourcnes.com. But let us delve a bit deeper. Focus on the Family is so ecumenical that it
wouldn’t bother to make this distinction, but we must: Stallone is apparently a
Roman Catholic. At least he was, by his own admission, and we
have seen nothing to indicate that this has changed (and if he isn’t a Papist,
then whatever he now is, he is certainly not a true Christian, for if he was he
wouldn’t have made this movie).
So when he speaks of being “reborn”, we
have to bear in mind that he evidently means this in the Roman Catholic
sense. And what is that? According to Canon 208 of the Roman Catholic
Code of Canon Law, one’s “rebirth” is when one is baptised! And Canon 849 says that by Roman Catholic
baptism, “people... are born again as children of God”. Thus a Roman Catholic means something radically different from a true
Christian, when he speaks of being “reborn”!
Stallone said: “I was raised in a Catholic
home, a Christian home, and I went to Catholic schools and I was taught the
faith and went as far as I could with it.
Until one day, you know, I got out in the so-called real world and I was
presented with temptation. I kinda like
lost my way and made a lot of bad choices.”
Stallone speaks of Roman Catholicism and
Christianity as being one and the same: “I was raised in a Catholic home, a
Christian home”. This is how a Roman
Catholic would talk, of course, and the ecumenicals at Focus on the Family and
elsewhere would readily accept Romanists as Christians, but the fact is that
Roman Catholicism is not Christian,
and there is the world of difference between a “Catholic home” and a Christian
one. It is the difference between
darkness and light.
He now says he realised his fame was not
the most important part of his life, and that God can help a person overcome
his past. “The more I go to church, and
the more I turn myself over to the process of believing in Jesus and listening
to his Word and having him guide my hand, I feel as though the pressure is off
me now.” He also said: “You need to have the expertise and the guidance of
someone else. You cannot train
yourself. I feel the same way about
Christianity and about what the Church is: The Church is the gym of the soul.”
One would not think it to look at him, of
course, but Stallone is now sixty. And like
many people who reach this age, he has doubtless begun to think about death, and the life hereafter. He has doubtless truly realised that fame is
fleeting, and that life itself is short, and all the money and fame in the
world cannot take a man to heaven. And
so he has turned to a false religion, as so many do in their later years. What a tragedy! May the Lord yet open his heart to the true
and only Gospel of the grace of God, the glad tidings of salvation by Jesus
Christ!
Sylvester Stallone himself said that the
infamous character of Rocky was meant to reflect the nature of Jesus! In the conference call with pastors and
religious leaders he said, “It’s like he was being chosen, Jesus was over him,
and he was going to be the fella that would live through the example of
Christ. He’s very, very forgiving. There’s no bitterness in him. He always turns the other cheek. And it’s like his whole life was about
service.”
It’s shocking enough that men calling
themselves “pastors and religious leaders” would even bother to have a conference with Stallone over
this movie and his supposed “Christian faith”.
Any true pastor, given the opportunity to speak with Stallone like that,
would use it to witness to him of Christ the Saviour! But no – these men were talking to him for
the purpose of hearing what he had to say about the “faith lessons” of his
boxing movie! And people wonder why the
youth of today are so mixed up, so adrift
Yes, that’s shocking enough. But then, to read that Stallone compares his
character with the Lord Jesus Christ! – there seem to be no depths to which
these blind leaders of the blind will not sink, for they did not immediately
and vociferously refute such a wicked notion!
Stallone says “it’s like his [Rocky’s] whole life was about
service.” A boxer whose whole life is about service? A boxer
who “was being chosen, Jesus was over him, and he was going to be the fella
that would live through the example of Christ”?
Where was the condemnation of such rubbish from the “pastors and religious
leaders”? Nothing. Deafening silence. But then again, when one looks at the type of
“pastors and religious leaders” whose comments are quoted on the
RockyResources.com website, one will not be surprised.
This section of the website is entitled
“Faith Leaders Respond” (also called “Pastors and Leaders: Their
Response”). But one should note the kind
of men (and women!) described as “Faith Leaders” and “Pastors”. Here are just a few:
Stuart Shepard, Managing Editor of Focus
on the Family’s Citizenlink.com: “Stallone spoke of being reborn in a
teleconference with pastors and religious leaders concerning faith elements of
the unlikely sixth (Rocky) movie....
I have to confess I was won over by the real-life story of redemption I
heard. I’m believin’
it.” Well, what would we expect from
this particular source? Focus on the
Family: ecumenical, riddled with psychology.
Dick Rolfe of The Dove Foundation: “I had
a very favorable overall impression of the movie.... One Biblical profanity is
the only ‘speed bump’ in an otherwise compelling movie.” Whoa! This is supposed to be a movie with
“Christian” undertones, and yet it contains a “biblical profanity”? And incredibly, this man shrugs his shoulders
and says it’s just a small “speed bump”, nothing to be concerned about, the
movie is still great? This is the level
to which so-called “Christian” leaders have sunk! Who cares what the Bible says, it’s okay to
use a little profanity, the movie’s great anyway – this is the message such a statement
conveys.
The Catholic Digest: “There’s a tremendous
spirituality connected with the character of Rocky, because the entire thing
was based on good Christian values and dilemmas – whether he could persevere
through the storms.” So Roman Catholics are considered to be “Pastors and
Leaders” as well. Clearly this movie is
acceptable to both Papists and “Protestants”, in true ecumenical spirit. It therefore cannot in any sense present the
true Gospel of Jesus Christ, or be truly Christian.
Francis Maier, Chancellor, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado: “[Rocky Balboa] is a really excellent
film.... It’s also one you can take the kids to.” A little “biblical
profanity” and a message that boxing is an acceptable sport notwithstanding. But of course the Papists would praise it.
Roman Catholic nun, Rose Pacatte, of the
“Daughters of St. Paul”: “One theme that stood out for me was the whole idea of
self esteem. And how important that is
to be formed.... That’s a good message for people to know and hear.” Apart from
being yet another comment by a Papist, under the title of “Pastors and
Leaders”, this is just nonsense anyway.
What does the Bible say about “self esteem”? “Let nothing be done
through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other
better than themselves” (Phil. 2:3).
Esteeming others better than oneself, in true humility, is the very
opposite of the arrogant “self esteem” mantra of modern psychology. But again, this is the kind of thing that
would appeal to be a Papist, and to millions of others
as well.
The home page of the site is designed to
provide “useful” tools to learn about the movie, “and utilize the film as a
teaching, preaching or outreach opportunity.
If you are a church, school, or small group leader, there are some
excellent resources here that will help you ‘get in the ring’ with Rocky.”
When a pastor has reached the stage of
using a film about a boxer to
supposedly “teach” the flock, or an evangelist is using it as an “outreach
opportunity”, then truly, there are no words to adequately describe the state
of what passes for “Christianity” in our times.
The Bible has been set aside, and the words and methods of sinful men
have replaced it. Truly, truly, the
“watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs” (Isa.
56:10). These prophetic words are once
again fulfilled: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers,
having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and
shall be turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:3,4). They won’t read and study the Bible for
themselves; but they’ll turn to fables, to the movies, and embrace them as the
truth; and unless a “teacher” gives them what they want, they won’t support
him. So there are “heaps” of false
“teachers”, scratching the ears of these deceived souls and catering to their
lust for worldly entertainment. That’s
where the money is.
There is a “Register for Updates” section
on the site, which says – amongst other things – “Tell us how we can serve you:
“– I am a MINISTRY/ORGANIZATION and we would like to partner to promote the
film.”
It also advertises “Leader Resources” –
including a “Leader’s Guide” – to “help in creating lively discussions about
faith themes found in Rocky Balboa. The material includes discussion starters,
scriptural references, fun trivia, tools, and effective actions, which could
include hosting an interfaith event,” etc.
Ah! There we have it. The material can be used to host an “interfaith event”! Roman Catholics, Protestants – maybe even
others – all joining together as one big happy family, to promote Rocky Balboa as a movie with profound
“faith themes”! The blurring of fantasy
and reality has reached this stage.
People are so devoted to the idolatry of the movies that their whole
lives revolve around going to see them, analysing them, and moulding their
lives according to them. And religious
leaders have realised this, and they’re cashing in on it. They can’t hold onto their flocks by the
Bible alone, they feel they must cater to a generation that lives like a
parasite on the
Is this an exaggeration? Look around you. Everywhere,
everyone talks about the movies,
talks like the movie stars, and talks as if these movies and their stars have a
life of their own, and as if they have profound wisdom that we should all live
by. And religious leaders know it. So they are catering to it. Instead of sound teaching from the Bible,
they will provide discussions around supposed “faith themes” found in this
movie. Instead of biblical separation,
they will promote interfaith events around this movie.
One can also order the “Rocky Balboa
Outreach Box”! The ad says: “This kit is
designed for faith, educational, and community leaders to help tell the story
of Rocky – one of courage, faith, and perseverance.” It is the task of the true Bible teacher to
tell the story of Christ the Lord! But these false shepherds, these blind
guides, are now going to be telling the story of this fictional boxing
character! – and in doing so, they will feel they have
“done the Lord’s work” and “witnessed” to people!
True courage, faith and perseverance are found
in the lives of the real men and women of the Bible, as well as in the lives of
true Christian men and women throughout history. How possibly could the story of a boxer, and one moreover who is not even real, convey such things? It is utterly impossible.
On the “Digital Resources” (“Content for
Webmasters”) section of the site, for the “Website Administrator Electronic
Press Kit”, 2 Timothy 4:7 appears from some Bible version or other: “I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”! The King James Version says, “I have fought a
good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”.
It is true that Paul the apostle, both
here and also in 1 Tim.
The Lord is certainly not glorified by a
man punching another man repeatedly for entertainment, for “sport”, causing
blood to spurt from his face, bruising his body, and even punching him
unconscious! This is mindless, senseless
violence and does not in any sense glorify God!
Many boxers suffer severe injuries, even to their brains. And nor does it bring glory to God for anyone
to sit watching such “sport”, enjoying the spectacle. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor.
10:31). Boxing cannot in any sense be
compatible with such things as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Gal. 5:22,23). And it is impossible for one to go from
watching a boxing match in a spiritual frame of mind: “whatsoever things are
pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report... think on these things” (Phil. 4:8). Boxing stirs up passions in men. It stirs up anger, hatred, feelings of
revenge and retaliation. Self-defence is
legitimate; but beating up someone for fun or “sport” is sinful, plain and simple
To misuse 2 Tim. 4:7, as was done by those
promoting this boxing movie as a movie with “Christian” themes, reveals a
shocking lack of understanding of the Bible, and of what it truly means to be a
Christian. I recently wrote an exposé of the South African religious movie, Faith Like Potatoes. A sister in Christ in the United States
suggested, tongue in cheek, that this new Rocky
movie should be subtitled “Faith Like Mashed Potatoes.”
And just when you thought it couldn’t get
any worse... it does. A “Christian
Rocky” is bad enough, but it appears as if Stallone is going to inflict the
world with a “Christian Rambo” as
well! Yes, your eyes are not deceiving
you. Stallone is most famous for two
Hollywood characters, “Rocky” and “Rambo”.
His “Rambo” character is a violent one-man army. And now the plan is for Rambo to apparently
go to the rescue of Christian missionaries.
As reported by Stuart Shepard of Citizenlink.com, quoted on
www.infuzemag.com, Stallone said: “He [Rambo] doesn’t believe at first, he’s
seen too much. He’s bitter. But when he meets these people and looks into
their eyes, he’s swept up in it, and literally he’s just taken on this
journey. He’s a Christian warrior! Can you believe it?” And Stuart said in his article: “I’m
believin’ it.”
What we believe is that there is now no
limit to what professing “Christians” will swallow in their lust for Hollywood
entertainment. The true Church, the
remnant, will remain separate from all this.
But what passes for the
“Church” these days has gone stark, raving mad.
Satan is having a field day.
December 2006
Shaun Willcock is a minister of the Gospel, and
lives in South Africa. He runs Bible
Based Ministries. For other articles
(which may be downloaded and printed), as well as details about his books,
tapes, pamphlets, etc., please visit the Bible Based Ministries website, or
write to the address below. If you would
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