Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Related: Thor (2011), The Avengers (2012)

Much of what was discussed about the first film applies here, especially how the false gods of the Norse pantheon are glamorized into superheroes. This movie should be avoided because it is filled with profanity (at least 9 instances), blasphemy (God's name is taken in vain at least 5 times), presents immodesty as normal and something to be laughed at, and involves and/or promotes sexual immorality, polytheism, and disdain for authority. Since its heroes practice sin, this movie conditions viewers to substitute evil for good and good for evil (Isa. 5:20) by praising evildoers who ought to be despised (Ps. 15:4; Pro. 28:4).

In the first film, Thor treated his father shamefully, but afterward learned his lesson. However, in this film he's back at it again, only this time without any remorse. He deliberately chooses to defy his father and his king. Speaking of his father, Thor says, "He is blinded … by hatred and by grief," and then says, "I see clearly enough." This influences children, who want to be like Thor, to dismiss parental oversight in favor of their own perception and judgment. Not content with that, Thor recruits others to follow along with him, leading them to become guilty of treason, and to break solemn oaths they have sworn. The Lord Jesus Christ pronounces a double woe upon those who lead others into sin, warning that it would be better for them to be drowned in the sea with a millstone chained to their neck, than that they should lead one to sin (Lk. 17:1-2). Thor willingly leads people to sin just as he has always done for centuries from the Norse pantheon.

All of this sin, oath-breaking, parental dishonor, and treason are justified in that these antics are what enables Thor to ultimately save the day. And the audience is hereby moved to rationalize, dismiss, take pleasure in, and laugh at what the Bible condemns as serious transgressions against God and his law. We are told that covenant breakers, along with those who are disobedient to parents, are "worthy of death" according to the judgment of God (Rom. 1:30-32). So too are all those who "have pleasure in them that do them"—which directly applies to the audience.

Violations of God's Law

Defiance against God

This movie violates the First Commandment. God explicitly forbids the entertainment of any other god in his sight (Ex. 20:3) and requires that their names are neither mentioned nor remembered, except with abhorrence and detestation (Ex. 23:13; Ps. 16:4; Zec. 13:2; Deut. 12:3; Hos. 2:17). This movie, however, honors the memory of false gods by glamorizing them into superheroes, to be loved and idolized by children and adults.

• This movie recognizes the Norse pantheon, whose deities are not merely imaginary comic book characters, but demons (1Co. 10:20-21; Deut. 32:17) who have enslaved and been worshiped by untold multitudes among the heathen (and even by many still to this day); and so influential and embedded has their false worship been that even the days of our week bear its imprint.
  • The false god Thor is glamorized as the main hero of the movie. In one scene he commands the rain, making it stop (something only God can do)
  • The false god Odin is glamorized
  • The false god Heimdall is glamorized. In one scene he claims he can see "nine realms and 10 trillion souls"—essentially claiming omniscience
  • The false god Loki is glamorized. In one scene he tells Odin, "I went down to Midgard to rule the people of Earth as a benevolent god."
• At least one appeal to luck

Blasphemy and Profanity

This movie violates the Third Commandment. God has warned that he will not hold guiltless those who take his name in vain (Ex. 20:7). God requires oaths to be sworn by his name (Deut. 6:13).

• Jane, Thor's love interest, takes God's name in vain at least 3 times
• Loki and Erik each take God's name in vain at least once
• Profane references: hell (4), damn (2), holy (2), among others

Disdain for Authority

This movie promotes violations of the Fifth Commandment. Those who disobey parents are worthy of death according to the judgment of God (Rom. 1:30-32); those who despise government are likened to brute beasts who will be condemned (2Pe. 2:10-12; Jude 1:8-10).

• Thor derides his father as being blinded "by hatred and by grief"
• Thor persuades Heimdall to help him defy his father and king—"treason of the highest order." At the end of the movie, Jane makes light of it: "He had to figure some stuff out with his father. He kind of committed treason on our way out."
• Feminism
  • Frigga, a false goddess of the Norse pantheon (after whom Friday is named), is shown fighting and briefly prevailing over the male antagonist
  • Sif, a false goddess of the Norse pantheon, is depicted as a female warrior fighting throughout the film

Immodesty and Sexual Immorality

This movie violates and promotes violations of the Seventh Commandment. The Bible warns that those who do not repent of sexual immorality will not inherit the kingdom of God (1Co. 6:9-10), but will be judged by God (Heb. 13:4). We are commanded to "flee fornication" (1Co. 6:18).

• Thor (Chris Hemsworth, married) and Jane (Natalie Portman, married) are shown kissing
• Ian (Jonathan Howard, unmarried) and Darcy (Kat Dennings, unmarried) are shown kissing, in one scene meant to provoke laughter
• Erik is shown running around completely naked (crotch and buttocks are pixelated). In another scene he is shown hugging Jane while in his underwear (briefs) in a scene meant to provoke laughter.
• Thor is shown shirtless
• In a scene meant to provoke laughter, Richard recounts how he was in a relationship with a woman who "kept sleeping with other dudes"

Deceit

This movie promotes violations of the Ninth Commandment. The Bible warns that all liars, whom God hates (Pro. 6:16-19; 12:22), shall have their part in the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8).

• Frigga notes how Odin isn't good at lying
• Loki states he is impressed with Thor for lying to him
• Ian lies about being Erik's son in order to get him released from a mental institution

Sinful Content in Thor: The Dark World

Warning! The following table contains direct quotations from the film, which include instances of blasphemy, profanity, and other vices.