Some “faith-based” movies are as subtle as a Mac truck. So, I wasn’t the first in line to buy
tickets to “Heaven is for Real” or “God’s Not Dead.” But since both movies are now “on demand” from our television company,
we watched them. The first was actually better than the book, upon which it is
based – but I was not a fan of the book. The second movie was not based on any
book – but upon the experience of dozens students whose faith has been
challenged on university and college campuses. 
More so, than “Heaven is for Real,” “God’s Not Dead”
presented scriptures, and references to philosophers’ arguments for and against
God. Its premise is the encouragement that faith in an infinite, personal
creator-God is not intellectual suicide – and that this faith is not just a
feeling, but also a commitment that often comes with a cost. “Heaven is for Real” carefully
avoided the question of the God’s justice, and stressed His love.
One distinction I sensed between the two movies was that
more people of faith in Christ were involved in the production of “God’s Not
Dead.” Initially this film seemed
realistic – but became platform to present the debate over God’s existence, and
magnify Christian concerts and celebrities. But it didn’t become pedantic.
Its several characters were believable, and the stuff of
their lives often painfully realistic: Adult children caring for disabled
parents, selfish lovers who quickly discard their partners at the first sign of
trouble, disease, and death – the characters struggles were not overblown. The characters
that represented the church, a minister and his visiting missionary friend,
were consistent, compassionate – and their conversations, again the platform
for “messages,” were credible as they coped with big and little trials.
I am glad I saw
them both – especially since more people may view these messages than go to
church. I am glad filmmakers are tackling topics flowing from religious faith. Both movies respected the Lord Jesus –
and those who follow Him, and those who do not. Both were more restrained than
the scare yourself into heaven movies
of the ‘70’s – both were unafraid to tackle thoughts that plague humans – is
this life all there is? If not, how do I live? One says, feel God’s love; the
other encourages us to reason what faith means.
One standard by
which I judge the artistic defense of Christian faith is a sermon by Dr. S. M. Lockridge who described hope
in Christ, and the reasons for following Him. You might enjoy listening -- That's My King.
May God meet you, dear reader, and me right now – and enable
us to confess Him as alive, and loving and ruling.
1 comment:
I saw God's Not Dead and enjoyed it! Didn't watch the other one yet. Thanks for your thoughts =)
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