I was a pastor for a few years as well, and I know that most of the time the pastor is preaching to the Believer. Our goal is often to encourage, nourish, and get the Believer picked up off the ground, to dust them off and put them back in the fight. I’d say most of my messages were to the Believer. Of course I did preach a salvation message, everything has exceptions, but my point is that neither is wrong. We don’t need to apologize that the pastor is mostly speaking to be Believers. It is the Believer who goes back out to witness to his sphere of influence. The pastor is there, like a coach, ready to assist, and encourage when and where needed.
How should we use films? Some say that if Jesus was here today, He would use film; as He used parables. At first glance this sounds perfect, but in breaking this down, I feel it can be a flawed perspective. Yes, Jesus used parables. And Yes, I do believe Jesus would use movies. However, let us not forget it was the fact that He was there with them, caring for them, loving them. He only used parables to illustrate his points, not to just give His point and then walk away. In fact, the 12 that were with him the whole time still did not understand many of the parables. Films should not be used to just give a point, but to offer things as an illustration. In fact there are many great films, that I can find strong biblical truth in them. Are they Christian films? No. Atleast not on the surface. Can we use them to start spiritual conversations - absolutely.
What films do you see like this?
Glad you asked the question! In this world I don't get to dictate what films get produced and distributed, but I've been attempting to contribute something of my own that could be worthwhile to CHRISTIANS. I wrote such a script. Unfortunately, I've been told the script was too Christ-centered. Duh. That is what I want for me and that is what I want for my children. The world has plenty of movies to choose from, not so the conscience-laden Christian.
ReplyDeleteI want my movies to be thought-provoking, teach a moral standard, uphold a Christian world-view with no hocus-pocus about the afterlife ("Hereafter"), no evolutionary lies ("X-Men:First Class") and no rooting for unbiblical ideals even if it is told in a heart-wrenching manner("Broke-back Mountain").
I also do not want a Christian film to be extra-conscious that it is Christian. Yet, I don't want it to shy away from the real brokenness of man, the reality of sin and consequences and the wretchedness of a life lived without Jesus. I think it can be done creatively and imaginatively without incorporating coarse words or profanity, nudity, or even rigidity. The bottom line is: Christian movies should be for the believer. To uplift, encourage, admonish (a word we don't hear often enough), glorify, and purify. I think it can be done and in a way to compete with the mainstream.
We need people with MONEY, courage, boldness and imagination utilizing innovation and edginess (without provoking sin) to bring visual media to the next level. We are children of the King -- our work should reflect that!
I'm of the opinion that Luke would have been a screenwriter while Paul would have been a producer/director. Paul would have innovated technology to reach the world with the good news and he would not have miscarried it mimicking the world and trying to produce a cross-over film in the process.
I love that analogy Charmaine at the end with Luke and Paul - I think you are spot on. :)
ReplyDeleteI also really appreciate your response and your heart! I totally agree with you.