Orphan

There's a new horror film that opens this Friday called Orphan. This film follows a couple who loses their unborn child, then choose to adopt an orphan girl named Esther. Esther puts on a sweet front, but has violent tendencies.

Okay, I know some of us love horror films, but somewhere along the production path, someone should have put an end to this one. I'm very concerned about the impact this film will have on the public's perception of orphans and the adoption process.

Focus on the Family shares my concern with this statement:

"Orphan reinforces false and negative stereotypes about orphan children and adoption. With more than 127,000 kids in U.S. foster care awaiting adoption, many of whom have endured all-too-real abuse and neglect, the last thing they need is to be the subject of a film that uses violence for entertainment value. What they need and deserve are adoptive families who will love them unconditionally. Focus on the Family will continue to educate people about the needs of real orphans and encourage them to explore how they might play a role in meeting orphans’ needs. Hopefully the entertainment industry will join us by telling stories that value
orphans and celebrate adoption."

The Bible repeatedly instructs us to care for, defend and support orphans. This film doesn't do any of these.