Debbie, I don't know if Stephen hates Christians but if he does it's not a recent thing. I read this story over twenty-five years ago in an anthology and it's unchanged and unedited. My guess is he doesn't. If you've ever read "The Stand" his basic theme in the novel is one of good vs evil and the main hero of the story is an old woman named "Mother Abigail" who is a devout Christian.

Since most of King's stories are based in Maine, it's going to be hard for him to find a reason to insert a Nazihomoislamofacist into the narrative, Debbie.

But quick, hop into the wayback machine, and go back to 1979 and have him try!

And convince him to change the part about the military weapons test causing the mist to having a Democratically-led Congress passing pro-Mist legislation.

It is an old short story of his.

*** SPOILERS FROM STORY ***

The army guys commit suicide because they know what the mist brings. The lady spouting off was fairly minor in the book. She didn't do much more than talk before the main characters decided it was time to get out of there. King only hinted that people were going to start looking for scapegoats. If I remember correctly, the male lead had a sexual encounter with the lead female although he was married. The next day they try to get to his wife but can't. It sounds like typical Hollywood changes.

Actually, it was more than a short story. It was a novella. Not quite long enough to publish on its own. The woman in the story was one, if not the main antagonist. She did demand a sacrafice of the male charactors son and she was a fundalmentalist nut. In the end of the story, before the main charactor and his son make their break, the woman gets attacked and killed (my memory is hazy on that one). Her name was Mrs Carmody if I remember right. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. From the trailers I've seen they have tried (somewhat) to remain true to the novella. I last read this over twenty years ago so I may be off.

I don't know if he is anti-christian, but don't think he is exactly pro-christian either. I too, have read a lot of King's stuff. But it kept getting stranger as time passed by. I don't mean strange in a good way either. In fact, it became downright lame.

Those Fred Phelps people are VERY SCARY!

in his NIGHTLINE interview 11/16 he was asked his opinion of religion.
he stated that organized religion "gives him the creeps."

If King wants to rant about religious fanaticism, he should first look at Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the middle-east and see how rape victims and homosexuals are handled but he won't look because he is blinded with contempt and disdain towards Christians. What makes him think he is more tolerant than them anyways?King is too busy attacking ministers for condemning same sex marriage and rampant sexual decedency but has no words to reprimand Achmadinejad for hanging gays on a crane in public or stoning women to death who were alleged of illicit promiscuous behaviour/rape.
Admittedly,I only read one of his novels. Maybe I'll do a political assesment on each novelist before reading his/her book from here on.

Jew Chick,

The story "The Mist" was published back in 1980, which means it was probably written in 1979 or earlier, which predates Ahmadinejad by, what, 22 years? But you're right, he should have hopped into the TARDIS and saw Iran would be like before he wrote this horror story set in Maine.

"Admittedly,I only read one of his novels."

Which obviously qualifies you to... oh wait, it doesn't.

I didn't read the novella, but I saw "The Mist" at a free preview screening in NYC two Friday's ago. Needless to say, I thought the anti-military, anti-religious screeds in the movie were waaaaay over the top. The ending was also telegraphed when the father, son, woman, older woman, and older man, escaped to the home of the 'hero', searching for his wife. Plus, Andre Braugher's character (an actor I enjoy) was absolutely silly, even for a lawyer. What lawyer wouldn't want to see proof, except for maybe an ACLU one? Glad I didn't pay for this dreck, even as a rental.

I've read almost everything King has written (except the Mist and one or two others). He's not particularly anti-Christian; not any more than any other liberal novelist; but he does occasionally lampoon them. I'd say he views religion as part of the Establishment, which he, as a good lib, opposes.

I've loved lots of his stuff, but he's losing his touch, in my opinion. The last few books were retreads, snoozers.

"he stated that organized religion gives him the creeps."

Being a typical Lefty Boomer that he is, the "organized religion" that creeps him out, is only the Western religions, of course( Christian,Catholic,Baptist,Seventh Day,Mormon,etc ),but never makes even a peep about Islam.And if he ever did, he would ,undoubtedly,throw in the old "The devil made them do it" excuse.

I watched "Misery" the other night, one of King's best movies, and though I don't remember it from past viewings I was struck that from the very beginning of the film the villain was wearing a crucifix. It was so “in your face”. In light of this discussion I have to wonder if it is not so much Stephen King, he did write “The Stand” after all, or is it Hollywood. That would not surprise me at all.

"Being a typical Lefty Boomer that he is, the "organized religion" that creeps him out, is only the Western religions, of course( Christian,Catholic,Baptist,Seventh Day,Mormon,etc ),but never makes even a peep about Islam."

Of course he actually said no such thing. He said organized religion creeps him out. He didn't specify any exceptions. When are you Christianists going to get a grip and stop inventing things to hate??

I'm suspect that, like me, the concept of organized religion creeps him out for the rather obvious reason that there is no such thing as God. That fundamentalists, (Christian, Islamic, Jewish whatever) want to organize entire nations on the precepts of an infantile fairy-tale should 'creep-out' any sane person I would have thought.

November 16, 2007
Does Stephen King Hate Christians?

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By Debbie Schlussel

I'm not sure what Stephen King thinks of Christians. Maybe those of you who read a lot of his work can tell me. But if "The Mist"--a movie out Wednesday for the big Thanksgiving Weekend--is true to his novella, "Skeleton Crew," on which it's based, then he certainly doesn't care too much for them.

I can't post a complete review here until late Tuesday Night, but the fact is that, in "The Mist," the biggest villain besides a mysterious mist produced by (who else?) the military (guess King doesn't like our troops so much either) is a Christian woman, who wears her religion on her sleeve. Played by Marcia Gay Harden, the Christian woman resembles the Fred Phelps folks from the Westboro Baptist Church who protest at troops' funerals and shriek our troops deserve to die because of our sins. This woman echoes them and blames the plaugue of the mist (and the monsters it spawns) on our sins. Among them, she cites abortion and stem cell research. And she causes the murder--the "sacrifice"--of innocent soldiers. Just like the Phelps team.
themist.jpg

Um, here's a newsflash: Conservatives and religious Christians detest the Phelps crew of protestors. We don't agree with them. And we're not like them, no matter what Stephen King thinks.

Yup, the evil conservative Christian preaching against abortion and stem cells and sexual promiscuity is America's greatest villain, in the eyes of this movie.

Sad that King can't find a more believable enemy than that. Looks like the mind of King has gone feeble.

Posted by Debbie at November 16, 2007 03:04 PM
Comments

Debbie, I don't know if Stephen hates Christians but if he does it's not a recent thing. I read this story over twenty-five years ago in an anthology and it's unchanged and unedited. My guess is he doesn't. If you've ever read "The Stand" his basic theme in the novel is one of good vs evil and the main hero of the story is an old woman named "Mother Abigail" who is a devout Christian.

Posted by: Rich B [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 16, 2007 03:32 PM

Since most of King's stories are based in Maine, it's going to be hard for him to find a reason to insert a Nazihomoislamofacist into the narrative, Debbie.

But quick, hop into the wayback machine, and go back to 1979 and have him try!

And convince him to change the part about the military weapons test causing the mist to having a Democratically-led Congress passing pro-Mist legislation.

Posted by: The Klute [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 16, 2007 03:46 PM

It is an old short story of his.

*** SPOILERS FROM STORY ***

The army guys commit suicide because they know what the mist brings. The lady spouting off was fairly minor in the book. She didn't do much more than talk before the main characters decided it was time to get out of there. King only hinted that people were going to start looking for scapegoats. If I remember correctly, the male lead had a sexual encounter with the lead female although he was married. The next day they try to get to his wife but can't. It sounds like typical Hollywood changes.

Posted by: Terrahawk [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 16, 2007 04:28 PM

Actually, it was more than a short story. It was a novella. Not quite long enough to publish on its own. The woman in the story was one, if not the main antagonist. She did demand a sacrafice of the male charactors son and she was a fundalmentalist nut. In the end of the story, before the main charactor and his son make their break, the woman gets attacked and killed (my memory is hazy on that one). Her name was Mrs Carmody if I remember right. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. From the trailers I've seen they have tried (somewhat) to remain true to the novella. I last read this over twenty years ago so I may be off.

Posted by: Rich B [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 16, 2007 05:22 PM

I don't know if he is anti-christian, but don't think he is exactly pro-christian either. I too, have read a lot of King's stuff. But it kept getting stranger as time passed by. I don't mean strange in a good way either. In fact, it became downright lame.

Posted by: Rocky [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 16, 2007 05:41 PM

Those Fred Phelps people are VERY SCARY!

Posted by: LoveAManInAUniform [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 16, 2007 06:19 PM

in his NIGHTLINE interview 11/16 he was asked his opinion of religion.
he stated that organized religion "gives him the creeps."

Posted by: louielouie [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 17, 2007 01:09 PM

If King wants to rant about religious fanaticism, he should first look at Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the middle-east and see how rape victims and homosexuals are handled but he won't look because he is blinded with contempt and disdain towards Christians. What makes him think he is more tolerant than them anyways?King is too busy attacking ministers for condemning same sex marriage and rampant sexual decedency but has no words to reprimand Achmadinejad for hanging gays on a crane in public or stoning women to death who were alleged of illicit promiscuous behaviour/rape.
Admittedly,I only read one of his novels. Maybe I'll do a political assesment on each novelist before reading his/her book from here on.

Posted by: Jew Chick [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 18, 2007 07:47 PM

Jew Chick,

The story "The Mist" was published back in 1980, which means it was probably written in 1979 or earlier, which predates Ahmadinejad by, what, 22 years? But you're right, he should have hopped into the TARDIS and saw Iran would be like before he wrote this horror story set in Maine.

"Admittedly,I only read one of his novels."

Which obviously qualifies you to... oh wait, it doesn't.

Posted by: The Klute [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 18, 2007 08:22 PM

I didn't read the novella, but I saw "The Mist" at a free preview screening in NYC two Friday's ago. Needless to say, I thought the anti-military, anti-religious screeds in the movie were waaaaay over the top. The ending was also telegraphed when the father, son, woman, older woman, and older man, escaped to the home of the 'hero', searching for his wife. Plus, Andre Braugher's character (an actor I enjoy) was absolutely silly, even for a lawyer. What lawyer wouldn't want to see proof, except for maybe an ACLU one? Glad I didn't pay for this dreck, even as a rental.

Posted by: Rick [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 19, 2007 11:59 AM

I've read almost everything King has written (except the Mist and one or two others). He's not particularly anti-Christian; not any more than any other liberal novelist; but he does occasionally lampoon them. I'd say he views religion as part of the Establishment, which he, as a good lib, opposes.

I've loved lots of his stuff, but he's losing his touch, in my opinion. The last few books were retreads, snoozers.

Posted by: kishke [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 19, 2007 12:00 PM

"he stated that organized religion gives him the creeps."

Being a typical Lefty Boomer that he is, the "organized religion" that creeps him out, is only the Western religions, of course( Christian,Catholic,Baptist,Seventh Day,Mormon,etc ),but never makes even a peep about Islam.And if he ever did, he would ,undoubtedly,throw in the old "The devil made them do it" excuse.

Posted by: OldSchoolW [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 19, 2007 01:47 PM

I watched "Misery" the other night, one of King's best movies, and though I don't remember it from past viewings I was struck that from the very beginning of the film the villain was wearing a crucifix. It was so “in your face”. In light of this discussion I have to wonder if it is not so much Stephen King, he did write “The Stand” after all, or is it Hollywood. That would not surprise me at all.

Posted by: Esbiem [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 19, 2007 02:03 PM

"Being a typical Lefty Boomer that he is, the "organized religion" that creeps him out, is only the Western religions, of course( Christian,Catholic,Baptist,Seventh Day,Mormon,etc ),but never makes even a peep about Islam."

"Of course he actually said no such thing. He said organized religion creeps him out. He didn't specify any exceptions. When are you Christianists going to get a grip and stop inventing things to hate??"

It's Old Leftist Doubletalk. In all the years I have experienced Leftists like him spouting off on religions,they have you assuming they mean all religions,but when they get specific,they never attack Islam. Believe me, they mean ONLY Western religions.And they will never attack Islam, just as they never attack any enemies of the West,as they haven't for the last few decades.

"It's Old Leftist Doubletalk. In all the years I have experienced Leftists like him spouting off on religions,they have you assuming they mean all religions,but when they get specific,they never attack Islam."

Old rightist lies and doubletalk.

Have you never heard the likes of Christopher Hitchens or George Monbiot criticizing Islam? I have, as would anyone who cared to listen.

The likes of you don't listen of course, because you can't cope with anything that doesn't mesh with your prejudices and hatred of your fellow man.

that's why conservatism is the greatest force for evil in the world today. it teaches people to hate, and to refuse to listen.

I read the story as a kid. I think I will have to revisit it. The Mist emanated from The Shop; the mystery CIA-like shady government/military organization. I think it represents the fact that we don't know alot of what goes on in government, and is a recurring theme in many of his books. In fact their are plenty of dirty little secrets, known and unknown. So I can't fault King for being critical of a government.
In fact, he can be critical of christian fundamenalists too. I don't care. If we think he is referring to all Christians, that's our baggage. And I don't think it will change any minds about Christians. Minds are already made up.
Also, for King fans, his stories (in my opinion) rarely translate directly to screen. King hated Kubrick's The Shining, but it was truly more terrifying than King's version. And I must say that the book was the only one of his that truly terrified me to the core (I was too chicken to read it until I was in my twenties).
I read King books over and over until falling apart. But after a certain point it did seem played out. I did finish all of the Dark Tower books, however. And thought the ending took some stones on his part.
He is a typical aging Boomer dealing with the reality that his generation will come and go. It's impact viewed as terrible, and as a footnote. I would feel pity if so many Boomers weren't such selfish jerks. Oops, that's MY baggage seeping in!

Debbie; Stephen King has an absolute anti Chritian message in nearly all of his films. This latest character has been downplayed as minor, but in fact its one of the main items in advertising for the film. The role is much larger than the single line in the film "Passion of the Christ" which was much maligned by jewish groups for stated that "his blood is on us" referring to the death of Christ by jews. A few of Many examples of Kings anti-christian messages in film: Carrie - with a nut case christian religous jealot mother who tortures and murders her daugher; The Lawnmower Man with a pedophile-like sadistic priest; Silver Bullet - the murderer is a christian pastor who justifies killing as doing good, and there is a scene in his church where the congregation is turning to monster; (have you ever seen a film with members of a synagog changing to monster or a Rabbi being a murderer??);Salems Lot - Father Callahan is dubious at best.
What we see in King is a need to portray any traditional values as suspect and negative, and those who run counter to those values as the heroes. Maybe it's some defect in his own life which led him to this. But you are correct, there is a bias in Kings works against Christians, never against jews or any non-traditional behavours.

Stephen King does NOT hate Christians. And why is everyone here trying to bash Islam? Islam is not inherintly evil. Radical Islam is, and I'm going to follow that up with so is Radical Christianity. You people (you know who you are) are hate mongers and you are just as bad as the Islamic extremeists who hate Christians. Jesus Christ preached to love your neighbor as yourself, not to hate anyone who is different or doesn't agree with you. I am both Christian and Republican, and I'm sorry to say that people like you make me almost ashamed of both of those. You're giving those of us out here who are truly living the gospel a bad name. Those are the Christians Stephen King speaks badly of in his novels. I'm also about to make you hate me with my next statement, but I'm also a Catholic (yes, you ignorant people Catholics are Christians too. In fact, we were the first) and Stephen King very rarely writes badly of us. Because we are tolerant, loving and live the gospel and you don't.

It sad that you felt this movie was a direct ploy at demeaning christians, i think the most important line in this film was the one in which the unorthodox biker states "i believe in god, just not one that asks us to pay for our sins with blood and gore" ...i think the point this movie serves is to show the hipocracy within us all...christian or not and how easily it is for any one to become a false prophet in harsh times..... i think this movie shows a deep love and respect for god and embodies how difficult it is for us all to make decisions.... In the bible god gave his only son in order to make things better...this man was faced with the same crisis... instead of feeling attacked sometimes its better to look at the puzzle from all sides and see that there is more than on message in everything....which is what this movie showed.... how everyone can mean well but become steared in diffrent directions in hopes of achieving the ultimate gift of "life" basically

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