After watching Angels & Demons, the movie based on the novel by Dan Brown and directed by Ron Howard, I found it interesting to see how the attack on the Catholic Church from an ancient society (The Illuminati) on the day of election for the new pope could affect people. This movie portrayed religion as something slowly dying out, with people living more on the side of science and facts, rather than believing in faith and prayer.

It showed parts of Catholicism that most people probably did not know about, like the process of selecting a new pope and the marvels of Vatican City. But it also portrayed religion rather negatively, as trying to cover up ancient secrets, even if it meant killing innocent people to keep that secret hidden.

The second movie I saw about religion was a documentary called Religulous, created by Bill Maher, who, with only himself and his camera crew, traveled the United States, Amsterdam and Israel asking questions about the Bible, rules and teachings of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Maher asked hard questions about all three in what seemed like an objective way. But, in parts he was rather cold, mocking both the people and their religion and even asking them questions that were confusing. Religulous may not have got a standing ovation, but it did shine light on the truth about these religions, and hopefully teaches people to have an open mind about God and religion.

Other films, such as Book of Eli, Bruce Almighty and Facing the Giants, portray religion as a tool that helps people overcome their trials and tribulations and shows them there are no shortcuts in life, but with faith in God, anything is possible.

Many movies show religion in a bad light. But when used in the right way, movies can show that religion is a path to happiness and contentment, while also showing helpful aspects like prayer and meditation and teaching how to do good so people can be with God in Heaven.

If used negatively, movies can be turned into a weapon to manipulate others to harm anyone we feel threatened by, and for our own personal gain.

Something like this can create not only physical damage, but spiritual and psychological damage as well.

(Assang, 17, is a Grade 12 student at Francis Libermann Catholic High School in Toronto.)