"Constantine" & Mysticism

[MLynn]

Last night I went to see the film, Constantine, and I'm confused on some of the supposed theology portrayed. I know it was based on a comic, but does anyone know about Catholic mysticism and how it might relate to this?

(I was going to post this in Entertainment, but I am seeking theological answers)

[Kopji]

It seems like quite a lot of comic book stuff built on the notion that if you commit suicide for any reason you go to hell.

Angels are supposed to be neither man or woman (hence the androgynous Gabriel).

The 'big' plot about a 'wager' or battle between God and the devil for the souls of mankind shows up in artistic works occasionally. They play for souls or whatever but the devil cheats and God does not notice or catch him...

Seems old, but not sure precisely 'Catholic'. Chris DeBergh has a song about it called 'Spanish Train'... o (http://www.lyricscafe.com/d/deburgh_chris/spanish_train.html)

And of course, Charlie Daniels
o (http://www.oldielyrics.com/lyrics/charlie_daniels_band/the_devil_went_down_to_georgia.html)

I saw the movie last night and thought it needed to be a lot less 'Catholic', in the ritual sense, not the universal sense. Would have been a better demon slaying & hacking movie with wider appeal.

With all the awful consequences of suicide, think of all the lives the movie will save... :rolleyes:

[Chocolate Chip]

Originally posted by Kopji
It seems like quite a lot of comic book stuff built on the notion that if you commit suicide for any reason you go to hell.

True, according to the catholics, suicide is a mortal sin. Mortal sins that have not been forgiven/cleansed result in the soul going to hell.
http://www.secondexodus.com/html/catholicdefinitions/mortalsin.htm
Mortal Sin
Mortal sin is actual sin that destroys sanctifying grace and causes the supernatural death of the soul. Objectively speaking, a sinner who passes into eternity in a state of mortal sin sends himself to hell.

MLynn wrote:
Last night I went to see the film, Constantine, and I'm confused on some of the supposed theology portrayed.
Can you give examples of what confuses you exactly? I haven't seen the film yet, but might be able to help answer your questions.

[MLynn]

Hi, Chocolate Chip, you need to see the movie first or my questions won't make any sense.

[Kopji]

The movie's not that bad, just not as good as an episode of Buffy. I had more trouble following the plot than an episode of 'Charmed'.

Hellboy was much better and featured Ctuhlu.

[c4ts]

I miss the show Brimstone. Same concept as Constantine, only it was good.