My first time being on stage in a theatrical performance was in 6th grade. I was cast as the lead for the Vacation Bible School production of “All God’s Creatures Have a Place in the Choir” (I think that was the name). It was at least the title of the signature song we had to sing. We were all dressed as animals and I was Professor Owl.
As little as I remember about the overall experience, I somehow have always retained the lines to the chorus of that key song:
All God’s creatures got a place in the choir. Some sing low, some sing higher, some sing out loud on the telephone wire. And some just clap their hand, or paws, or anything they got now.
Somehow, these lines seem so very fitting now, when I examine an issue that has been hotly debated both personally and professionally over the last few weeks: Christian films.
A few weeks ago, there were a series of movie reviews that were published about A Matter of Faith by Rich Christiano. The reviews were very harsh and caused Dan and I to debate with listeners and friends about what our role is in supporting or critiquing Christian films.
Before this conversation, I suppose I had been pretty quick to pan Christian films. While the overall quality has been improving over the last several years, many films I’d seen had left me wondering why/how they ever got produced. The story often fell flat, the acting was sub par and the quality of production was noticeably poor.
Yet, in the midst of our radio/online debate, I was challenged in my way of thinking. I’ve come to realize that I’m not always (usually) the intended audience. Sure, from a financial point of view, these filmmakers would like every seat filled with any warm body, but the message isn’t always meant for me.
There will be films that leave me scratching (or shaking) my head, but someone else may be touched in a deep and personal way with a message that they needed to hear. Over the last weeks, I’ve seen more evidence to that end.
So today, when I had the opportunity to screen A Matter of Faith I went in trying to be open minded, but not having high expectations. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I never found myself cringing at the quality of the acting. The production value was good. The story (despite critical reviews to the contrary) seemed to be solid.
Is this film going to appeal to everyone? No. But, it is going to reach God’s intended audience with a powerful message about the reality that students are being exposed to the teaching of evolution as an undisputed fact. There are issues brought up in the 88 minutes of this film that are worth discussing around the kitchen table or proverbial water cooler.
The critics that slammed this movie come from the world of academia and uber intelligent debate circles. I’m not part of that world. Perhaps, that is why I enjoyed the film whereas they found reason to tear it apart.
Going back to my VBS song, all God’s filmmakers (assuming they are following the direction of the Holy Spirit) got a place in the choir. Some will “sing” low where others will “sing” higher. Every Christian should be doing their very best work in every field, but [again] assuming that these filmmakers are doing their finest work with the resources available to them, then I am satisfied to leave the outcome in the hands of the Lord.
If you ask me about a particular movie, I may need to honestly say “I didn’t care for it” but I hope I’ve learned my own lesson not to rip it apart. The other side of this same coin is, when we hear terrible reviews or learn of someone who strongly dislike a film, we need not assume it would be wasted on us. After all, God has used some very unique methods to minister to his children, and that “bad” movie may be something that you need to see.
Do we need to stand in support of every Christian film out there? I don’t think so. But we should always keep an open mind and watchful eye out for how God can use them for His glory and the betterment of His people.
