Have you seen the movie Eat Pray Love?

Well-said! It's disturbing that this is considered "spiritual", when it couldn't be more fleshly and self-centered if it tried, teaching that it all points inward when it should be all pointing upward! Thanks for this review, I will definitely share it with anyone who plans on seeing the film!

Amen!! Well said.

Cathe...I admit I was going through a depression over having had a relationship with a guy end. And I went to my stylist and she told me to pick up this book a couple of weeks ago. I started to read it, after having rededicated my life over to the Lord, and I see selfishness, lust of world pleasures, and I admit I have had a "hard" time wanting to even finish this book or let alone watch the movie. I do believe everytime I even want to pick it up; the Lord leads me to Harvest online and to one of your husband's archived sermons. I would rather pick up my Bible and start meditating on God's word then pick up any "worldly truths" from Eat, Pray, Love. In fact, I have had to question all forms of entertainment I saturate my mind with.

Amen Cathe! I've heard a lot of hype about it, but it seemed self-absorbed. Thanks for the safeguard.

Amen Cathe! I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels this way about this movie.

I love this article! High five for pointing out the self absorption that masquerades itself as "enlightenment" and "finding oneself" in this movie.

I completely agree!

Amen Sister!

Thank you for the Christian review. I've wanted to go see it and now I know why I've been obedient not to. It seems that a lot of the newer movies have an underlying message of darkness lately. It's like people are slowing and even we Christians are being desensitized to its subtleness. Thank you once more for sharing His light in everything you do. Is there a Christian movie review list site?

Thank you, thank you Cathe!! I haven't seen it, but have read reviews! So easy to see why this "message" appeals to so many women. Sadly they are only further robbed by that type of lie.

Bless you Cathe, It's so true how subtle the enemy tries to deceive us and especially the non-believers.
As the Word says, I believe it's 2 Cor. 4:4 "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
Thank you for helping watch over the flock. God Bless

I was grateful to read your review. Although I was not drawn to watch the movie I will be telling my friends not to see it because of the reasons you stated.

I find that in this society where greed is good, hurting others is acceptable and serving self is good, it is leading our young people (and our so called older and wiser) on a very slippery slope. Because of Hollywood and TV we see selfish, self absorbed, violent, behavior in our society and a belief that if it feels good, do it. How very tragic. It is our job as parents and servants, to teach others to see past accepted beauty and body shapes and look at the Bible. It is full of wisdom for our day and instruction on how to live and get along.

How much more beautiful would this world be if Biblical principals were the norm, sexual diseases, drug problems, alcoholism, gambling, smoking, depression, crime and many more problems would be a thing of the past. If we look in a mirror we can all see all our flaws as ugly as they are, but we are assured that our sins are dead and as far as the east is from the west. Our body is created in God's image, so how can we be dissatisfied? I have leukemia, but I feel reborn, joyful and can't wait for tomorrow to see what it brings.

Stay clear of Hollywood and its so called stars, because Jehovah and His risen son alone are worthy of our worship and time. Thank you for reading this.

Completely agree with you, Jonna & Linda. It is sad when movie-makers attempt to "spiritualize" and sell their movies by using a premise of God. Clearly, the Bible was not a reference for this movie...I felt in my spirit, this was no movie I would care to view...Thanks for the heads up...God Bless you, Cathe!

I agree with you ladies.. Let us all continue to truly show the love, grace and forgiveness that truly comes from GOD.

Tell it like it is!!!!

I do agree with all of the above, but even as much as I like Julia Roberts acting, I knew that this movie was not what it purported to be...the trailers were quite explicit in the underlying message; the world is glorifying women's unfulfilled "desires." Huh! I have become more and more disillusioned with the world's perspective on just how fulfilled I can be THEIR way. How shallow and empty. After 35 years of marriage ups and downs, I am grateful for who and what I was given and the need to look or follow what the world feels will be fulfillment complete. PTL!

I think a lot of women share your sentiments, and it shows in the lack of box office sales. The movie pretty much bombed, and it should have. This whole Babylon type of thinking is a dangerous message Hollywood is sending to young and old women.

Thanks for the 'heads up'. I've been wanting to see the movie. Now I can save my money.
Blessings to you.

Thank you for your review. We have to be careful about the false/misleading titles in movies especially with actors we have grown to love that naturally make us want to watch their new movies. I don't intend on seeing the movie after I read an article about Julia Roberts becoming a Hindu. We should discourage anyone from watching it and continue to pray for the misguided Hollywood crowd.

I did see the movie...I hadn't planned on seeing it, but a sister-in-the-Lord was heartbroken and wanted to see it..so I did go..and I have to agree with Cathe's comments. Deceptive.. But it's how life is without the Lord..self absorbed, doing what feels right. Trying to find that one person who loves you for who you really are...There is only one person who can do that...and it's Christ..He really knows us...and His love is perfect.. .Even as a Christian, it's difficult to understand why a perfect Lord would want to forgive me..and cleanse me of my sins, past and future..., so that part is real, like in the movie...they can't forgive themselves, so they try to find a place where they feel forgiven... As a Christian, I don't always feel the forgiveness...but I do know I have it.

Thank you for speaking out. This seems like another example of how many will be drawn into the deception of "spirituality" in the years ahead. Movies like this simply reinforce views of God that are not Biblical. We're wise to steer clear of them!

Amen! I went to see this movie with a friend and we didn't really know anything about it except that it had a lot to do with travel (and we are travel buffs!) We left feeling both sick in our stomachs and overwhelmingly sad especially as we hear the other people leaving the theater praising the movie...This movie teaches the same pseudo-spiritualism "preached" on Oprah and so many other places today. It's the good ole' scriptures about people's desire to listen to "what their itching ears want to hear", and having a "FORM" of godliness. So many people think they are seeking "god" and being "spiritual" when they are really selfishly serving their own flesh and worshiping demons....It just breaks my heart...

Thank you Cathe, My unbelieving family made a big deal about this book and suggested that I read it. I am so glad that I did not and I am not wasting my time or resources to support the movie. It is just a reminder that we need to be really careful when people say "God" told them to do this sinful thing. What "God" are they talking about? If it is not the "God" of the bible it is the "god" of this world-Satan.

Our church is doing missions in India. I wonder if Julia visited any of the slums there to see the oppression of the Dalit people, and how horrible their living conditions are. Where a cow is considered to be sacred and you are scum of the earth. A woman so badly burned by her husband that she can barely pick up her child to feed him. How about a people so poor that they sell their daughters as young as 10 into sex slavery just so the rest of the family can survive.

The Dalits, also called the “untouchables,” “outcasts,” and most recently “slumdogs,” comprise nearly one quarter of India’s society, with population estimates of 250 million people. The term “Dalit” means “those who have been broken and ground down deliberately by those above them in the social hierarchy.” Dalits live at risk of discrimination, dehumanization, violence, and enslavement through human trafficking every day. By all global research and reports, the Dalits constitute the largest number of people categorized as victims of modern-day slavery.

Sorry, but glamorizing a place where there is so much oppression is very sad to me.

I'm glad to have read the comment by Lyn who tells us about the Focus On The Family movie review site
http://www.pluggedin.com/movies/intheaters/eatpraylove.aspx

It's quite disappointing that so many are going the way of the world and not realizing they're being deceived. This is why it is so important for the older ladies to get aquainted with the younger Mom's in our neighborhoods to live out the truth by modeling Godly living. It doesn't take long for them to ask the questions: "How did you raise such good children" "How can I stay in this marriage when my husband is not doing his part?" Let's be the example and pray for the younger women and boldly expose the truth in movies and lifestyle such as this. Thank you Cathe for exposing this movie for what it is - the enemy's tactic to lead women astray.

This particular movie hasn't really called my attention. I'm glad I didn't waste my money. I can use the money I would have wasted on a good offering:)

Blessings!

satan lied to Eve in the garden, turning her eyes from God and what He said to what was appealing to herself. And that lie is still being presented. We are to die to the flesh, not feed it and strengthen it. We are to deny self, not acknowledge it and what will keep it alive. In following Jesus we have to leave self and our flesh and the world's take on things behind, "be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God" (Ro. 12:2).
So much being presented to people today as viable answers for their lives is just that old lie repackaged in a different format. If it doesn't square with the Bible it's just that old lie. I've been a Christian for over fifty years now and I've been through a lot of very hard things, and watched others go through very hard things, and I can say from experience that there is no other place but the Bible that has the answers we need when we need them, that's why He gave it to us, to remind us of His way and what happens when people discard His way to accept and go forward in that old lie.
It's so sad that people are still promoting, and falling for, that old lie; being taken from God and what He's said to us to what appeals to them. Thank you, Cathe, for speaking the truth about another form of that old, old lie.

Amen.

Thank you so much for the review Cathe............I had a feeling it was all a bunch of nonsense. Just another trick of Satan steering as many people as he can from the Truth! Talk about self absorption......she needs prayers.

I was given this book three years ago by my son's girlfriend after he died. I tried to read it, but couldn't get very far into it so I put it aside. It made me incredibly sad for the women in the book. And the saddest part is I have girlfriends with the same take on their own spirituality. Thank goodness God led me to put the book down and I've not ever picked it up again. Nor do I have a desire to see the movie. I'm 8 weeks into a women's Bible study on the book of Daniel. I can't wait to do the next session and do my homework and grow in the Lord spiritually. He has done some major work on me during this past 8 weeks. Changes, breakthroughs have been made that I've prayed about for several years. He has unbound me from chains that were dragging me down. I feel like a new woman! I don't need to (nor want to) leave my husband and go looking for 'me'. I'm right here where God wants me, living my life for Him. What a blessing. I continue to pray for our Babylonian/Hollywood Me-Me-Look-At-Me culture. If only everyone would turn their eyes upon Jesus. The things of this temporal world would go dim.

I'm so glad you commented on this movie. There are so many who are deceived into thinking there is nothing wrong with this way of life. I see it mostly in the younger generation who are looking for "forgiven selfishness" with the word "spiritual" in front of it. I just pray that the stars who act in these kind of movies will find God instead of $$! They are a huge part of what the younger generation sees for examples of life! The only example that will work in anyone's life is Jesus.....The Way, The Truth and The Life!

Good points...
I never wanted to see that movie. Anytime Hollywood tries to bring some kind of God is all in all and we have free access to HIM without Jesus, bury the cross etc.. Yikes... it gets a zero stars from me.
Hollywood tries to make us think we "need" people or the world's system. It continues to invade and war on the family. They fill ladies minds with lies ... and create imaginations that bring harm to ladies...
-God created the family. Thanks for being brave.
We Love YOU and keep you & Greg in prayer....
Micah 6:8
John 17:17

Thank you so much for speaking about this film Cathe. In our society 'spirituality' means so many different things to people. This film feeds right into the message of ME,ME,ME, which is the enemy's message.

Cathe,

You hit the nail on the head. Our society has become so numbed when it comes to faith, God, and truth. We've taken God out of just about everything and attempt to replace it with this worldly view of what we want Christianity to be so that we are not being convicted of what God requires of us. Thank you for your wonderful insight. May God continue to bless and keep you.

Cathe, Thank you for taking a stand against this movie and the drivel that is purported as enlightenment and finding purpose through God. I had to read this book a few years ago in Grad school and had the most difficult time getting through it. I found it to be self-indulgent and extremely superficial and against my own moral and spiritual character.
I few of the women from my church were reading this recently as a book club and I couldn't get on board. They were reading it to go and have a girl's night out to see the movie. It is amazing to me how desensitized even our Christian culture has become to the idea of selfishness and personal fulfillment at whatever cost necessary....
I say all this to say thank you. Thank you for putting this review out there and shining the light into a dark place.

This is amazing. I agree. God bless your soul.

AMEN! I have been having people tell me to read the book and see the movie, but honestly I saw the author on Oprah and thought she was really self righteous! Our lives are not meant to be all about us, they are meant to be used by God to further His kingdom, PERIOD! Thank you for taking a bold stand!

Thank you for speaking the 'truth'. Keep up the good work.

I thought the exact same thing when I saw the movie...The world now days is just so sinful. To leave your husband after the two of you were brought together by the Lord without even trying to work it out, and then have affairs?? Not good...The whole thing was so unbiblical...An actress that was a follower of Jesus would have never taken this role.

I saw the previews and knew it was going to go in that direction.

Thank you Cathe for comfirming! I saw the previews and I knew it was going to be such an ignorant movie! In the t.v. preview, I saw Julia Roberts sitting down in a criss cross position, with her arms out, assuming the position as "sitting down to worship as the buddhist people do". So I knew it was going to go against the real God. Glad they showed that in the t.v previews because there is no way I was going to go spend the money that God blessed me with, on that trash. Definitely was not going to support this movie by going to go see it. In fact, I would of asked for my money back if I had accidently paid to see it, and then immediately realized it glorified satan/demons. I will never again watch anything with Julia Roberts in it after she helped in furthering satan's kingdom, so many more people now deceived. I doubt she is a Christian! We need to pray for this fallen world. God bless you Cathe.

I totally agree with Cathe's review. Too bad I saw the movie before wasting my money.

Well said Cathe and Thank God you said it! We live in a world where when we say anything counter-culture we are considered unacceptable and intolerable! I saw the movie and I was saddened for the woman and all her men. It made me appreciate my marriage even the more, and happy I have a wonderful husband.

I agree totally Cathe. I was given the book sometime ago and read a few pages. The more I read the more my spirit became uneasy. I threw the book in the trash and forgot about it. Later, on a Mother/Daughter weekend at the beach, it was raining and we went to a movie. You guessed it; Eat Pray Love. As we left that theater, my heart was saddened by the fact that so much media was pushing these ideals. It is so totally against the standards in the Bible for wives, family and forgiveness. I have advised several ladies not to waste their time seeing it. I told them to get a travel magazine, a glass of iced tea (or good coffee) and enjoy it. Save your money.

I saw the trailer for the movie and didn't think it was something I wanted to see. It looked like they should re-name the movie, "Eat, Meditate, Love" because it didn't look like she was praying. I'm glad I didn't spend the money to see it and now that I know what it's about, I won't even watch it when it shows up on cable. No big surprise that Hollywood is promoting this type of movie. Thanks for the heads up. God bless you!!

Amen and thank you....I figured just as much so I opted not to see it....but I do love and appreciate not only your honest review...but your accurate review....because it is based on your knowledge from the Bible....

Thank you ~ and may you and your husband, continue to be such helpful instruments to so many in encouraging the Word of God....It has truly blessed my life and ......changed it...for the better...and I am so very grateful!

In Christ,

Mary Dondel

WE are to accept God's forgiveness, not forgive ourselves.

I wish I would have read this before taking my husband and best friends. I thought it would be good if Julia Roberts was in it. We all hated it.

Prime example of what happens when we live for ourselves instead of living for Jesus. How sweet, wonderous and awesome life can be when we live for our risen KING! I'm glad the film bombed. Why doesn't anyone in Hollywood produce real Christian films? Because they don't know HIM! Their loss, huge loss very big time!! How sad!!

Thank you for confirming what I thought! I was given this book by my daughter for my birthday, but was greatly surprised upon reading even just the beginning of the book and I actually threw it away! It was not at all what I expected from the title. Needless to say, I have no desire to see the movie either!

So glad I was not the only one that felt this movie was not intended for believers to watch it and apply it to our daily walk. I was a little disappointed to hear that Julia has converted her religion.

Hi Cathe, I have to say that I read the book and never saw the movie. I was going through a rough time; empty-nester, lost the house, no man in my life and needed an escape. It did provide that for me and I started to think and feel that maybe I should go somewhere (I lived in Kauai) but loneliness and confusion crept in. Alcohol was with me as well. I soon became the caretaker for my 2 year old nephew, much to my surprise. It's amazing how things go. God gave me a child to love and care for instead of a man and a journey. Maybe someday He will bless me with a good godly man. Interestingly enough I am emailing and talking to one in Washington on Facebook. Maybe an old high school friend? You never know which way God will take you, but you do know that He is in charge. A journey with Christ will end well if we stay with him. God Bless~~

Cathe,

Thank you so very much for commenting on this movie. I never read the book, and I have no desire to do so now. It shocks me that it is a best seller. I was simply mortified by the incessant me-centric focus this movie expounded over everyone. I saw it with my mother, a non- Christian. She wasn't moved one way or the other, which proves that this self centered idealism we have just makes us go round and round. It does nothing to beg for a good discussion. Why we are constantly drawn to ourselves rather than God makes history repeat itself all over again. I am passionate about this, because I lived in narcissistic victimization far too long. I thank God that I finally opened up my eyes and heart to His truth. It is the ultimate liberation this movie was trying to show. Too bad the only way it could do that was through the stunning visualization of a food deprived Julia Roberts doting on a cookie as though she had just given birth to her first born child.

I chose not to see this movie for the reasons that you speak of Cathe. The title in and of itself is totally backward. Thank you for sharing.

Amen Sister! Thank you for writing on this! I thought the same thing when I heard about the book. Elizabeth the author speaks so eloquently and she's very engaging and intelligent, but Cathe, you've got the wisdom! Thank God for you and Greg Laurie!

Cathe,

Thank you so much for your comment. I agree 100%. I saw this movie when it first came out and felt like the odd one out with my negative critiques. I am madly in love with my husband of five years and three babies...and the way Julia leaves her husband, just because she got bored, is completely selfish and terrible. It gave no moral backbone to the rest of the movie. Julia Roberts has always been one of my favorite actresses and I'm very disappointed she would stoop this low for a role.

Thank you for telling it like it is! With so much that Hollywood puts out, true virtues and Godly values are rarely expressed.

Hi Cathe,

I did not watch the movie Eat, Pray, Love yet because to me it would be boring to watch. According to all your comments about the movie, maybe it is not worth seeing anyway. Thank you for your comments. At least now I have an idea about the story. God bless!!!

This movie has gotten so much attention I thought I might see it. Thanks for giving it the review from a Christian standpoint. It is hard to decipher what is acceptable or not, especially when it seems to get positive feedback and thought of as a spiritual searching journey. Not enough people speak up and stay the course. Thank You for that!

I haven't seen it, but now I know I won't. Thanks for sharing your insights!

Dear Cathe, Thank you for doing this review. I haven't seen the movie and I wasn't planning on seeing it . Once again I thank you for your leadership. For someone with your integrity, it must have been hard to sit through. Cordially Lori Bray

Dear Cathe,
I am so glad to read your review on this movie. It seemed strange to me so I didn't see it, but for sure I won't now!!! Thank you so much for your faithful service.........much love in Christ JESUS, Keiko Prideaux

I have the book, but I couldn't bring myself to take the time to read it, and thanks to you I won't bother. The previews didn't hit me as anything special either. We can only pray that some of these enjoyable actors and actresses will truly pray, love and find God. For only He draws them by using great instruments such as you and Greg. God Bless you and your family.

Dear Cathe:

Thank you for all you do to bring us closer to God. Thank you for teaching us what our gentle Lord would have us do. It is so difficult to know what is expected of us women. Thank you Cathe!!! My husband and I rededicated our lives to Christ about 2 years ago. We were blessed when we found Calvary Chapel Worship Center in Hillsboro, Oregon. (God's light shines there. It is hard to find a church that "teaches" the word). If you ever find yourself in Portland, it would be a blessing have you visit.

I thought I liked the movie, until the screen was filled with pictures of false gods and false teachings. Then the actual storyline became clear... Self, self and more self. But God says deny self and learn of Me. It is terrible that there are so many depictions of false gods and false teachings in the world today. That is why it is such a blessing to have you 'teach' us what GOD desires. Without that teaching, so many would be lost. (LOVE...that's all He asks. Simple and pure... LOVE).

The one thing I did notice was that more and more movies are showing popular actresses eating and enjoying food. Maybe that will help our teens to learn that starving yourself is not how to be more beautiful, but that is the only 'good' I can say bout the movie. I agree wholeheartedly with you... I would not recommend seeing this movie.

True beauty, Godly beauty... think Sarah, think Hannah, think Ruth, think Jesus Christ our Savior...

Cathe (and Greg), we can't thank you enough for all you do for the Lord. Your strength and knowledge are so comforting to my husband and me, for through your example we know that no matter what comes, faith comes first.

May our Abba Father fill you with the peace of our Savior Jesus and may joy fill your hearts and lives always.

Hi, I recently discovered Virtue for women. I visit it everyday to listen to something, to read, or to get creative ideas. And how impressed I am now to read this ... I didn't watch the movie, but I love your reaction!!! You are so right! So many movies confuse women ....