Dogma

William Donohue of the Catholic League lambasted the film, and publicly protested against it for months, without actually seeing it. When his office called View Askew and requested a special screening so he could "speak about it intelligently," Kevin Smith responded "So what has he been doing the past six months?"

Protestants usually acknowledge that Mary was a virgin only until after Jesus' birth. Four brothers of Jesus are named in the Bible: James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. However, Catholic tradition insists that these four (and some sisters also mentioned in the text) were cousins of Jesus and not siblings, thus maintaining the Perpetual Virginity of Mary. Since Bethany only knows Catholic doctrine, the news that Mary had other children comes as a surprise to her.

Opening text: Disclaimer: 1) a renunciation of any claim to or connection with; 2) disavowal; 3) a statement made to save one's own ass. Though it'll go without saying ten minutes or so into these proceedings, View Askew would like to state that this film is - from start to finish - a work of comedic fantasy, not to be taken seriously. To insist that any of what follows is incendiary or inflammatory is to miss our intention and pass undue judgment; and passing judgment is reserved for God and God alone (this goes for you film critics too...just kidding). So please - before you think about hurting someone over this trifle of a film, remember: even God has a sense of humor. Just look at the Platypus. Thank you and enjoy the show. P.S. We sincerely apologize to all Platypus enthusiasts out there who are offended by that thoughtless comment about the Platypi. We at View Askew respect the noble Platypus, and it is not our intention to slight these stupid creatures in any way. Thank you again and enjoy the show.

The UK cinema version altered a line of dialogue to receive a 15 certificate. All video and DVD versions restore that line.

Edited into Heroes of Black Comedy (2002)