Once someone decides they are going to make a Christian film, meaning it will be agenda driven to try and save the lost, I believe, we may be trying to force film to become what it was never meant to be. It would be more direct, and often more honest, to preach a sermon or write a non-fiction book on the subject. We should create a story and allow the story to show, not force a message.
What concerns me is the division a conversation like this seems to cause among believers. With people stating finalities, such as “THERE IS NO OTHER WAY!!” in all caps. Such conclusiveness seems a defensive response that is intolerant and keeps us from being able to discuss things civilly. All in the “name of God!” “I’ll tell you the way it is and if that offends, oh well the Cross is offensive…” These statements can be used as an excuse to bash people like so many unbelievers fear and have had done to them by believers. This is more of my concern. The Apostle Paul loved to debate; it’s how he got things started. A two-way dialogue is healthy, being unwilling to see another’s point, even if you still disagree with his conclusion, is intolerant.
Just a thought...
Going to have to agree with you that a "Christian" film will contain a message or theme like any other film produced in the world. So if the story is told and the film is done properly (meaning overall quality) then there would be no need to "drive" the message home. My issues with a lot of Christian films is the quality, most are hardly palpable. If the intent of the film is to save non-believers then why make a film for the believer? The point is, make a quality film with a great story , that will plant the seed , and allow God to fertilize the message!
ReplyDeleteI think films can be a great TOOL...that's how we should think of them as. Tools to start spiritual conversations. But, they will know us by "our love" - meaning we must 1st have a relationship with them, that gives us permission to speak the truth in love to them.
ReplyDeleteJust yelling "God loves you" - sounds like someone yelling...