Left Behind
Fireproof
Facing the Giants
"Why did Jesus speak in parables? Why was He subtle, indirect, and secretive/ Because His message wasn't merely aimed at conveying information. It sought to precipitate something more important; the spiritual transformation of the hearers. the form of parable helps to shape a heart that is willing to enter an ongoing, interactive, persistant relationship of trust in the teacher. It beckons the hearer to explore new territory. it helps form a heart that is humble enough to admit it doesn't already understand and is thirsty enough to ask questions. In other words, a parable renders its hearers not as experts, not as know-it-alls, not as scholars...but as children....Human kingdoms advance by force and violence...but God's kingdom advances by stories, fictions, tales that are easily ignored and easily misunderstod. Pherhaps that's the only way it can be." Brian McLaren (The Secret Message of Jesus)
To those who have ears to hear...-Jesus
Soren Kierkegaard, the eighteenth century Danish existentialist philosopher and theologian, also believed that identification is the means through which advocates influence people. He specifically addressed the “Christendom” problem-in which many people who live in a “Christian country” believe in Christianity but do not live by it and do not see the contradiction and they live the “illusion” that they are Christians! ...A “direct” approach to such people, Kierkegaard observed, arouses defensiveness and is counterproductive. So he recommend “indirect” communication approaches that engage peoples imagination, such as through narrative, that “wound from behind” and help people to “discover” truth. He exclaims: "The method must be indirect…All the old military science, all the apologetic and whatever goes with it, serves rather—candidly speaking—to betray the cause of Christianity. At every instant and at every point the tactics must be adapted to a fight which is waged against a conceit, an illusion." (-The Point of View by S. Kierkegaard) (The above was taken from chapter 5 of the book: The Celtic Way Of Evangelism by George Hunter)
I would submit to you that the emerging generation needs poets...more than prophets today.
I imagine there is a place for the above films, and if they have accomplished good, than I leave it up to God and the readers to sort that one out. But just because some good comes out of something, doesn't mean that is the method, institution, the book, the band or the person...should be embraced. If that was true...than Mormonism, Islam, Republicans, the Fab Five and Oprah should all be welcomed with non-discriminating arms, simply because peoples lives have been influenced, changed or bettered by them. Heck, even Playboy has good articles. ;) so I've heard...
My desire isn't to undermine the goal of these types of movies; but to challenge film makers to explore their craft with broader, deeper, more engaging means and methods. To trust the medium of art more than the temptations of message heavy movies that start to feel like fundamentalist propaganda. To think, act, write and produce art, with a Christ like, parable form of sharing truth.
Don't make it so easy. It cheapens the pearl of truth when you cast it out into the pens of swine. It's indecent, stop showing so much...leave something to the imagination. The lure of what is underneath is far more seductive than letting it all hang out. There's too many muffin-top movies out there...please for truth's sake....learn the art and beauty of message modesty.
Can someone get fed off a greasy, heart clogging, fat dripping burger? Yes, but just because a sincere person cooked it up and just because someone satisfied their hunger pains from it...should we serve it up for the multitudes? Should we discourage aspiring cooks from studying the culinary arts because we already have fast food?
It's my opinion that the "Christian" entertainment industry produces more fast food than culinary art.
Is there a place for fast food? Some would say yes, others would strongly disagree.
11 comments:
This post reminds me of the television program from a few years ago titled "Joan of Arcadia", I think this often contained all of the above.
Wish it were still on.
Love Dad
Jesus spoke in parables and indirectly AND he also spoke clearly and directly. Both modes of communication are important. If we look at how the apostles communicated in Acts and all the other small books after....I don't think there is much of this indirect, sly, 'creative' talk. I'm sure that Hunters book brings up some good points but I think if we simply look to how the followers of Christ communicated in the Bible we will have the BEST model. The church exploded back then and they didn't have any dang movies to do it with.
The Christian film industry is making better and better films just as Christian music has evolved. I think we should encourage the work that is being done because it is only going to get better as we support what is.
I think it is ironic and sad to show so much biting criticism for Christian film in a country when the majority of Christian are being entertained by boobies, horror, sex, and all kinds of evil that is being called 'good' in media and movies.
And yet in the previous post it seemed we were critical of those purist Christians that won’t watch R rated movies. Well if you’re going to error....I know you would be better to error on the side of purity. I have no doubt that Jesus would be in many of our houses like he was in the temple angry with what we had allowed in our homes, before our eyes, in our ears.
We can engage in an R rated world without purposefully filtering the smut through our eyes and to our soul.
If what comes out of a man is what defiles him then we cannot then separate what went in to influence what comes out. If all a child hears is verbal abuse growing up (thats what is going in), then he will likely become the person who has all kind of 'evil' coming from his tongue towards others. It is pretty logical to me. Coming from a girl who was encouraged by YOU to rid myself of negative, immortal secular music and movies early in my discipleship, it is really difficult to relate to your new take on this topic as of recent years.
I truly don't understand. In the below post someone commented about the positive impact of fight club in their lives. Surely this is not the fruit you want in your encouragement of 'true or good art'....that Christians will feel justified and comfortable watching crap like this? Paul said he watched this in High School and that it had a 'loud sex scene'.
I understand that we can benefit from a host of movies that are not exclusively 'Christian'. but this needs to be balanced with an emphasis of self control, discernment and the childlike pursuit of purity as our guide when we decide what movies to watch.
Fireproof, End of the spear, and the Passion were not fast food. We recommended Fireproof to non-Christians, who watched it and on their own accord then wanted to do the 'love dare' book together. There are millions of couples living in the reality of the pain portrayed in the Fireproof marriage. I am so thankful for this kind of work to encourage them and benefit those who have strong marriages as well.
I think the critisim is misplaced and counter productive to Christian mission.
Let me first say, that I am not sure why the dialogue about the "quality in Christian movies" and the validity of "criticism"; has turned into personal judgments overtones about me.
It seems like I've angered you in a way that has turned the semi-vigorous debate over film issues into a trial over my pastoring, past discipleship methods or perspectives etc..
I am perfectly open to dialoguing about the issues you have brought up but I dont desire to spend time justifying myself or trying to defend myself from accusations that are aimed at less than understanding each other.
If I offended people because I personally dont like anything that I have seen of these three films, I am sorry, but we can agree to allow each other the freedom to partake or not.
If Fireproof or Fight Club is being used to speak to issues in peoples lives...who am I to say what God can or cannot use to speak to people?
I am glad that marriages are being touched but that fact doesnt invalidate my positions on the issues of craft.
Which obviously do not matter too much to some people...and do matter to others.
As for the positions towards culture that I espoused in my youth pastoring days...I no longer share those views in the same way I did then.
The "Garbage in--Garbage out" paradigm isn't one that I embrace in the way you might be using it.
For me...my interaction with the gospel has repositioned me theologically and missionally in regards to some of those matters.
These are deep issues, that in my mind are not easily laid out in short simple statements. Sure I can throw a scripture at you to "justify" my life, message and methods. But these issues are rooted in a broader discussion than one or two verses yanked out of this or that chapter can explain.
But...I feel that I have laid out this journey pretty clearly, honestly and biblically in this blog. Pointing at one or two blog posts doesn't represent that journey fairly.
I appreciate your passion for your positions...and I am sorry if who I am now...somehow disappoints you....
peace and grace.
Well, at least I can come at this now from an "I've seen it" point of view...
I have, in my possession, MANY Christian movies, done by Cloud Ten and others. I now have seen Fireproof.
My inner fundamental Christian LOVED the movie. The message was awesome in many ways. Would I recommend it to couples struggling in their marriage, I believe I would. Would I whether they were Christian or not? not sure....
I am sure my post on "R" movies will somehow define my position but please consider the following:
Within the first 10 mintues, MANY people, probably NON Christian, who enjoyed movies for their art, for their entertainment value, etc. would likely walk out simply because the acting is at the very best, poor. There are scenes that are done well, and there are many redeeming qualities but you have to sit through the entire movie to see them. Unfortunately, there are WAY TOO MANY cliche moments that completely cheapen the experience.
If the message was all that was important, then only Christians should see movies. Going to see a film is an experience, to be discussed, shared, remembered, and enjoyed.
Moviegoers critique for many reasons, but they go to see a film just like art lovers go to an art show or a museum.
They don't need a bigger budget, they need to spend more time crafting their work into the quality the message deserves.
SO MANY scenes could have delivered a much more believable message if they would have worked harder at making it real. How about an acting coach, a script supervisor, and direction that makes sure each scene is delivered with excellence.
MANY of the lines were less believable than Chuck Norris because they rushed.
The comedic relief of the neighbor was funny, made me laugh a few times. BUT, when the emotions were JUST beginning to hit home, that first moment of actual RAGE, (in my opinion the best acting in the movie) when he exploded, was great and could easily draw at your emotions, hit home, pull at your heart strings, but then, immediately they cut to his temper tantrum, then the neighbor, to give a cheap laugh to what was supposed to be a VERY emotionally charged scene.
The issue is not the message, nor is the argument whether or not God can use it. OF COURSE he can and is using it, but what if they tried a little harder? What if they worked a little harder at getting into character? What if they had an acting coach and script direction that molded and changed, and performed scenes over and over and over again, until it moves from cheesy to real?
That is the biggest difference. I have a son who has worked on more than 14 major motion pictures, and he has worked with many big name actors. He works for a movie company here in town that gets all Hollywood movies that they film here. He is working on a movie right now, downtown, where they are filming a New York set right this minute. They sometimes work 23of 24 hours, and will shoot the same scenes for days or weeks until they are real, beleivable, and can pass the rigorous inspections of all the critical acting coaches. They ensure adherence to script while paying attention to the art and allowing to mold and change and shape to the feel that is the scene being shot. They pay as much attention to the art as they do the message.
That is what is lost in most Christian films like this. With a little more work and effort, it could be a finely crafted work of art instead of a snap together model. There is a reason why models like cars or ships come in stages of skill.
You can get a snap together - fast to build, looks ok when your done. But the skill levels with the most attention to detail offer a finished product, that with effort, time, practice, and honed skill become works of art worthy of trophy and display case.
These messages are not about boobs and murder death kills, they are about challenging the Christian film makers to work a little harder at their craft so that they are not perceived as snap togethers, but rather as skillfully sculpted works of beauty and art...
the thing i don't like about these kinds of movies is.....just like most Christian music, for the most part, ONLY CHRISTIANS SEE THEM! i listen to bands that don't get played on the Christian radio station for the most part...i have my son even ask me sometimes, "this is Christian music? it's pretty good.."
Why can't movies be made like that too I think is all anybody is saying here....
Yes, aspects of who you are now....that differ drastically in my mind from who you were 'then'....do dissapoint me. I wish I had the old Eric back, but I know thats not how it works. THe irritations I have with some of your positions....well I don't think I will ever see eye to eye with you.
But I also know that I would be hard pressed to find another pastor in all of Spokane with the compassion, and genuine love you have for the lost and the church. You have perservered through hard times and are so faithful and fervent in your service to God. I would rather have 1 million Erics in this country then 1 of the old ERics even if that meant I could be apart of your work.
-K
Well, here's my two cents.
When I watch most Christian movies, I feel like a mom at my Kindergaten child's play. I'm proud of him, and what he's doing is good. I don't really expect more from him because that's where he's at. Would I invite my co-worker or neighbor? No. They wouldn't appreciate it, or have grace for the childlike presentation because they are not family.
Family applauds family just for being family.
So...I applaud all Christian projects.
However...please, please, please, please....remember that your audience hopefully will include those who you are trying to reach. Non-family members, who by conditioning and the other media available, will expect quality. As Jim said, they will walk out if the cheese scenes are thick. I'm sorry, but the above films don't hold a candle to some of the Christian stuff I've seen - which are usual small indie films like Bella. GO SEE THAT FILM - you will see clearly the difference.
LeeElla
Thank you "K"...I appreciate those words, they mean a lot.
Good analogy Lee, well said. Funny too that you mentioned Bella, that movie has come to my mind several times during this discussion. Also, The Visitor.
-Dan
Okay, sometimes, after I read a post that I love, I don't comment on it right away because I want to see if I'm still going to be thinking about it a few days or weeks later. If I am, if it had that much of an impact, then I'll come back and comment about the impact it truly had for the long haul.
THIS post, was an answer to prayer straight from the gates of Heaven. Especially those first two paragraphs.
I'd been wrestling with the battle I've seen in our Awana club... The kids seem to memorize scripture like they eat their broccoli. Dry, no flavor, no joy, no zest, no meaning, no LIFE! I wanted to share stories with them that would capture their hearts and their attention. But when I suggested the idea, people seemed less than enthused... after all, the whole idea of the club is instilling God's Word in their minds and hearts. I agree with that, I truly do, but making them memorize scripture when they really don't want to is like trying to push a seed into dry hard ground--impossible.
Stories till and moisten and soften the ground of their hearts to make it possible for the seed to be planted deeply and take root and bear fruit for the long haul.
It was right after this post that God brought the book "Story" into my life, like a divine exclamation point to emphasize, "Pay attention! I'm trying to tell you something important."
While I was laying in bed that night meditating on all these things, God reminded me that even David, the man after God's own heart, had to have his heart softened by a story first before he was ready to hear the blunt truth from the mouth of the prophet Nathan regarding David's sin with Bathsheba.
There is power in stories. Power to change the world. Power to change the offices we work in. Power to change our families. And power to change ourselves. I pray that people will have eyes to see and ears to hear what God would say to them through all of the stories out there.
"The kingdom of God is like..."
"The once was a man..."
Camels crawling through needles...
Boys eating in pig pens...
Finding buried treasures...
Dragons, four faced-multi-eyed angels,
gates of pearls, cities without suns, dead people coming alive, naked people having picknics in the garden, people eating thier children, old folks making babies, talking animals, men going to the bottom of the ocean in sea creatures bellies, flying pegasus of fire carrying prophets into space, fortune tellers, witches and ghosts from beyond, sordid love affairs, heart breaking murders, vile sinners and inspiring saints...
I think you are onto something Mel ...
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