Ok, so over the last couple of days I managed to start a debate about e-mail forwards and fake films (which probably wasn't helpful to those trying to finish essays, but it wasn't on purpose!). I thought, seeing as it brought up some interesting points, I'd put the results on my blog for others to think about.
It all began when Vanessa sent me an e-mail petition about a film in which Jesus was portrayed as being gay:

"Subject: Jesus Film
Shocking info about Jesus - PLEASE SIGN before hitting the send button!
Hello All,
I have seen a poster at the Monte Casino this week-end advertising the movie Jesus Superstar due to be released this June to Aug. I totally agree with the message below. Lets stand for what we believe in and stop the mockery of Jesus Christ our Saviour. If the Muslims do what they do, where do we stand as Christians? At the risk of a bit of inconvenience, I'm forwarding this to all I think would appreciate it too. Please help us prevent such offences against our Lord. It will take you 4 minutes! If you are not interested, and do not have the 4 Minutes it will take to do this, please don't complain when God does not have time for you, because He is far busier than we are.
A disgusting film set to appear in America later this year depicts Jesus and his disciples as homosexuals! As a play, this has already been in theatres for a while. It's called " Corpus Christi " which means "The Christ Body." It's a revolting mockery of our Lord. But we can make a difference. That's why I am sending this e-mail to you. Will you please add your name to the bottom of the list at the end of this e-mail? If you do, we will be able to prevent this film from showing in America and South Africa . Hey, it's worth a shot! Apparently, some regions in Europe have already banned the film. All we need is a lot of signatures! Remember, Jesus said "Deny Me on earth and I'll deny you before my Father". Hit forward, and when it comes up, delete any e-mail addresses, fill in whom you want to send it to, scroll down to the last name and add yours to the list. When it reaches 500 please send to homasg@softhome.net"

I was in a very contemplative mood when I received the e-mail, and so I decided to ask the guys at college what they thought, as they're all very intelligent and wise people. In the interests of not confusing people, here's the e-mail I sent:

"Hi guys,
one of my young people sent this to me yesterday. Not knowing anything about the film (and seeming to remember something similar going round a few years ago) I don't know what to think. Obviously Jesus wasn't homosexual, but is there really any point in getting everyone all hett up about it? Maybe that sounds very apathetic and un-Christian, I don't know. I just wondered what everyone else thought. People kicked up a fuss about "The last temptation of Christ", but now we look at it in lectures as a way of seeing a different perspective....damn this course - it's made me think about things far too much!! ;-)
Anyway, I'm forwarding the petition to you, but I am in no way obligating you to forward it on to anyone else, I'm just at a loss as to where I should stand (and feeling guilty about even asking - rubbish!)
Take care everyone, and I hope essays are going well - you'll all do fine!Lots of love
Peta
xxx"

I got quite a few replies, which really helped me sort out my thoughts on the matter (thanks guys!), and so I'm going to post them as 'comments' on this blog. Feel free to add comment, whether you agree or disagree, or just want to carry on the debate.
Take care all
Peta
xxx