What does it mean to call something Christian?

Putting the label of “Christian” on to something, what does this mean? One of my favorite Christian films is “Chariots of Fire”, written by Colin Welland.  It’s a Christian story made by non-Christians, however it is our story.  I loved it when one of the main characters, Eric Liddell, was in a scene with his sister. She is pestering him about how she feels it’s wrong of him to run in the Olympics knowing that God has called him to be a missionary. His response was something like, “I run, because I believe when I do – God smiles on me…” God created him to be fast. And God created him to run as well as to become a missionary, both were in fact true. And his purpose as a runner was not to evangelize, but to be the best runner he could be. God created him with the ability to be able to run fast. By running fast he in fact pleased God. He did what he was created for. And by doing that he testified to the good, all encompassing purpose of the Creator.

As a Christian employee of a hamburger restaurant, when I make a hamburger does it become a “Christian hamburger”? Well obviously not, but when it’s made well and someone else enjoys the burger, because that is what the hamburger was intended for, to be enjoyed. I worked hard, created a delicious hamburger, and that, I believe, glorifies God. As the Bible says, “we are to do all things to the glory of God.” A friend told me of how his grandmother made sweaters, and though she prayed over each one, she knew she was successful when on a cold day, they commented how her sweater kept them warm. It pleased her that it was a great sweater.

This is SPARTA!

A touch of innocence.

I substitute teach from time to time, and got called in to teach HS Chemistry – fun. As the students finished their work, I began talking to a small cluster of students about movies. It turned to funny things we’ve all done, and one of them actually fell asleep during the movie “300”.

“300” I gasped!

Off to my right, was a boy who is autistic but is highly functioning. On hearing this he arose and took on a new persona. There off to the right with no other students’ eyes upon him, and quietly at first, he began to quote verbatim the King Leonidas speech at the start of the film. “You bring the crowns and heads of conquered kings to my city steps. You insult my queen. You threaten my people with slavery and death! Oh, I've chosen my words carefully, Persian. Perhaps you should have done the same!” He still was not fully looking in my direction.

I couldn’t resist…he was doing so well, and as if calling me forth to engage him – here he was quoting one of my top movies. I played my part well. “This is blasphemy – this is madness!” I replied with vigor.

Suddenly is eyes transfixed onto mine – with a crazed look in his eyes – he was no boy – I gazed upon King Leonidas himself, “Madness…” he said. And then yelling to the top of his lungs! “THIS IS SPARTA!!” – immediately he performed a supurb air-kick.

I was a little bit taken aback by the mere volume and the class was now completely still – eyes upon him. I knew I should say something…I was the teacher!

But…he…he was King Leonidas….all I could do was rub my hands together looking down at my desk while shaking my head and saying, “Nice…”

And King Leonidas…well he casually returned to his seat.

The right question...

I believe for film there is one question: Will the film find an adequate audience? The measure that answers that question is positively whether the film turns a profit. This may come off as a “love for money”, but that’s not my point. It’s when films have an agenda that they come off as preachy and unrealistic, a definite turn-off for an audience. It takes a lot of money to make a film as we all know. If you produce a film, you have made promises to investors to return a profit, not to just make a film that some may or may not see, with an agenda that may or may not be heard or embraced. By saying we make a film to turn a profit, I am really saying that we fulfill our promise to investors and make a film that meets the needs of its audience, not our own.

Christian Film?

In reference to the question, ‘Should there be such a thing as Christian Film’ I think the majority can fall into two camps. And it seems that most decide their camp, based upon the definition of ‘Christian Film’. Some would say that this means where Christian values or themes are shown. Where the story does not revolve around the issue, but it simply fits within the storyline. Many Hollywood films can fit into this category, such as “Chariots of Fire”, “The Ten Commandments”, “The Book of Eli”, etc. Others would say it’s more overt, it’s Rated G (PG at worst), and often has an evangelical message in it.

Some have tried to argue or questioning if there is even such a thing as a Christian film? I believe there is.  Now, whether we want it to be or not, may be another question. But, we and or society have created a genre for niche films that are “Christian.” The very fact we are discussing this shows it’s there.  It’s not whether or not we like it or acknowledge it. There is certainly Christian Music. Whatever the case, Hollywood definitely believes there are “Christian films”. How we define this is a tough one, and is this even the right question?

Should there be Christian film?

For many years, I’ve thought long and hard over this exact issue.  I still don’t know that I have settled one just one answer.  However, I do search with an honest heart. My goal is to start a healthy, but honest, discussion - a place for Believers to have an honest debate over something in a healthy way. I always get nervous in my human attempt at the Divine, but I do try with an honest heart.