Has James Bond ever been referenced in your place of worship?

Silhouette Man

Another "Does what it says on the tin" type of a thread here.

I've been wondering about this question of late so I just had to put it before my fellow agents here at AJB. -{

In the past I have written about how a minister in a Christian church gave a sermon on the evils of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels and Fleming's response to this:

http://thebondologistblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/musings-on-james-bond-and-religion.html

I'd love to hear your stories on this admittedly rather niche topic as I would quite like to return to writing about it at some point.

Of my own experiences (I am a Christian and attend a Protestant church) I can only recall one mention of James Bond by a guest preacher who likened the famous Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal (1908-2005) to being "a Jewish James Bond." My mother told me of a more recent popular culture reference to the film Fifty Shades of Grey which our minister spoke about in withering terms. Sadly, due to work commitments I was unable to hear that sermon.

As always, I'd love to hear your stories of sermons/mentions on James Bond in your place of worship.

Thanking you in advance! -{ (non-alcoholic drink btw).

The Domino Effect

Until about ten years ago, there was a "St James-Bond United Church" in Toronto, Canada...where I would imagine James Bond was mentioned quite regularly! Alas, the church had nothing to with our favourite intelligence officer but rather came about when two churches merged: Bond Street Congregational Church and St James Square Presbyterian Church. Interestingly, there was at one time a Canadian Forces staff college just down the road which has led to a myth that Ian Fleming came up with the James Bond name when he saw the church while in Toronto during the Second World War. The fact that letters exist from Fleming to ornithologist James Bond apologising for expropriating his name doesn't deter the promulgation of the Toronto connection!

Thunderpussy

I remember reading long ago that the Catholic Church, wasn't happy with Bond.
Several letters in various papers of the time, for church publication criticised him.
Several reference books mention them. Although I think history has proven,
that infact Bond had a higher level of
Decency, than some of their own priests, and 70s TV stars.
For a young and trendy Vicar you're think Bond would liven up a sermon,
They are stories about good defeating evil after all.

Silhouette Man

Thanks guys. -{

If you can give me any pointers to where church reaction to Bond is mentioned in the literature I'd be most grateful.

And yes, I agree Bond's morals are just as good as some of the established churches have been over the years! Heresy, but there it is.

Thunderpussy

I can't put my finger on the clipping but I do remember at the
Height of the Aids scare. The Salvation Army criticising Bond
For his sexual adventures and not using any , protection.
I know this is a bit off the worship idea, but they are a Christian
Organisation.

Silhouette Man

Thunderpussy wrote:

I can't put my finger on the clipping but I do remember at the
Height of the Aids scare. The Salvation Army criticising Bond
For his sexual adventures and not using any , protection.
I know this is a bit off the worship idea, but they are a Christian
Organisation.

No, that's fine, TP. I've never heard that one before - great! -{

AlphaOmegaSin

I sadly can't give a proper Response on this, since I'm not religious

Matt S

My Rabbi has never even seen a James Bond film!

Silhouette Man

AlphaOmegaSin wrote:

I sadly can't give a proper Response on this, since I'm not religious

I understand that, AOS. -{

Thunderbird 2

My place if worship? Not as often as I would like, but Forbidden Planet caters to all Sci Fi.

Thunderpussy

I have to admit, when I'm worshiping his Satanic Dark Lord. I've
Never heard Bond mentioned, then again at the time I'm probably
Too busy getting ready for the orgy, to hear much.

Barbel

Midnight tonight, TP, same as usual?

Thunderpussy

) don't forget the robes and baby oil and a chicken, and not a KFC bucket
Like last time. )

Barbel

;% yeah, sorry about that....

Thunderbird 2

I suppose that means I need to pass the SABS at 23:40 to collect the cat to keep her away from that nonsense.
Its a good thing Holly considers my place her second home!

superado

I've been attending Christian churches since 1987 and have been a Christian since 1991 and surprisingly I've only heard one reference about James Bond and it was in a good light. The preacher was actually trying to convey how he tried to be Bond-like in a certain situation in a Walter Mitty way. Maybe Bond isn't considered seriously enough along with other famous characters like Tarzan or Rambo (esp. the aspect of violence) so that the sex, alcoholic intake and killing is overlooked. Interestingly enough, Harry Potter for its aspect of witchcraft and Star Wars because of "the Force" get more attention from ministers.

Thunderpussy

True, every so often we here in the UK, read stories about some minister
asking for people to burn, the Harry Potter books etc.

Silhouette Man

Thunderpussy wrote:

True, every so often we here in the UK, read stories about some minister
asking for people to burn, the Harry Potter books etc.

"Wherever they burn books, in the end will also burn human beings." - Heinrich Heine

Silhouette Man

Thanks for all of the replies so far. -{

Here is Edward Biddulph on the subject of James Bond and religion on the excellent James Bond Memes blog:

http://jamesbondmemes.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/was-james-bond-religious.html

http://jamesbondmemes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/james-bonds-papal-blessing.html

AlphaOmegaSin

What were Flemings Views on Religion?

Absolutely_Cart

But what if AJB 007 is my place of worship?

Paperbill

Hey guys, I am an Elder in a Local Church. It's mostly viewed as harmless fun. I am sure a few legalistic types may take issue with things, but for the most part everyone enjoys the books and movies for the fun they are.

Silhouette Man

Absolutely_Cart wrote:

ut what if AJB 007 is my place of worship?

That doesn't count - too may references there! ) -{

002

There are always a few arseholes with axes to grind. However, I haven't heard the Catholic Church make much noise over Bond - not even down our local where one of our parish priests is a keen car enthusiast and probably secretly covets an Aston Martin DB5 or other model...