WORLD & CULTURE Storytelling is the primary way we as a culture and people pass
along our values and history down through the generations. Jesus was an incredible storyteller, and the Bible itself is full of incredible stories. More times than not, stories in the Bible require readers to think and dig for deeper meaning. The verse I feel exemplifies how film, and media in general that
calls itself Christian should emulate is Matthew 13:44; “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” But typical “Christian film” can be a broad, heavy sledge hammer.
It’s not clever or inventive and I hesitate to even call it art. Art is a subtle tool that draws people in and causes them to reflect on their assumptions and beliefs. When you walk out of a good film, you want to talk to your friends about it. You want to write about how good it was on your Facebook page. You want to tell anyone who will listen, “Go see this movie!” You certainly don’t need a character in the film telling you to “hop on Twitter and use the hashtag God’s Not Dead!” Having said all of that, the
Christian films I’m referring to do serve a purpose. I don’t want to sound like those films are worthless. I’m just drawing the line between art and propaganda. When people ask me what my favorite Christian film is, I rattle off
a few films that I believe embody the message of the Bible, but do it in a way that is subtle and causes you to think. Films like “Man of Steel,” “The Matrix,” “The Book of Eli” and “The Lord of the Rings” all have very strong biblical storylines and Christian symbolism in them. My hope is that we can stop using
phrases like “Christian filmmaker” and “Christian film.” And instead say things like, I’m a filmmaker who is also a Christian. I’m hopeful that before my time on earth is over, we as Christians stop chasing secular media, and we ourselves become the trendsetters. After all, we serve the God that created creativity. We shouldn’t be trying to catch up to what everyone else is doing in that realm. We should be paving the way.
REBEKAH BUCHTERKIRCHEN (Development Events Coordinator)
Christian music, entertainment and media can be encouraging and uplifting for Christians in a world often full of negativity and lacking conviction. I especially respect and support Christian film or music artists who are able to share their faith to a broad audience that includes both the Christian and non-believer. Joy Williams is a great example of an artist who branched out from
being a small Christian musician to then joining the band Civil Wars. This band took off and expanded her platform as they performed with big name artists like Adele and Taylor Swift. As a Christian, she is able to be a light for musicians in the secular world while not wavering in her beliefs.
In the same way, Lecrae
is someone who isn't under a Christian label, but whose music is rooted in biblical truth. Rappers have welcomed him, secular awards shows have honored him, professional sports teams have asked him to be their chaplain, and this is how he has been able to be in the world, not of it. I pray there will only be more and more Christians who make a name for themselves in the mainstream entertainment industry to share the Gospel and do it well.
ED JONES
(Bay Area Development Officer) I fear that all too often, leisurely Christ followers use lack of quality as justification for different actions. If secular music or other media is produced better it does not mean it is beneficial for us spiritually. Scripture states in Philippians 4:8:, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." As a youth pastor, I would often have discussions about music with
teens who felt lack of quality in "Christian" music justified listening to whatever they wanted. Don't get me wrong, I listen nostalgically to secular 80s music. But, quality does not trump using scripture as a filter for what we listen to and watch. One reason for the movement toward Christian labeled production
is that many people who are trying to follow God, feel that much in secular society tears us down and does not build us up. So, the pendulum swings and we have a "Christian" movie produced in an effort to build up other believers and offers an alternative to much in media that tears us down.
JESSUP MAGAZINE 17
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