Recent Christian Movie Reviews

The first half of 2014 has witnessed an increased share of Christian movies hitting the local theater. Predictably, these releases have created a lot of buzz in the evangelical community. For each of us, the Christlike virtue of discernment (Ephesians 5:15-18; Hebrews 5:11-14; 1 Peter 5:8) becomes vitally important as we evaluate the theological content, moral teaching, and evangelistic potential of these movies.

Fortunately, each of us are able to "teach and admonish" ourselves and our brothers and sisters regarding these unique movies if the Word of Christ is dwelling in us richly (Colossians 3:16). In the list below, I've linked to several helpful reviews of some of these hottest movies. Whether or not you see these films, I trust we'll continue to think discerningly, walk distinctly, and live missionally.

NOAH

• Greg Baker — I really appreciated my friend's comments about how to share the gospel using this movie as a springboard. However, he admits that he hasn't and won't see the movie. I wonder if he does, if he will have to rewrite this article. I would like to be able to launch into a gospel presentation using this movie as a conversation starter, but it tells such an aberrant story that it's hard to reasonably climax it with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I think I would have to say something along the lines of, "I'm glad you enjoyed the movie—it sure was a cinematic masterpiece. However, do you know that the real story of Noah is actually quite a bit different than Hollywood's version, and it ends a lot better?!"
• Al Mohler — He summarizes my thoughts well: "I expected to be irritated by the movie – but I found myself grieved."
• Answers in Genesis (a longer review here)
• Quick Thoughts — (1) It visually stirs you with what the wickedness of man is like, although it misrepresents the essence of sin (i.e., against nature, not against God). (2) It condones evolution and non-marital sex. (3) It teaches that mankind's destiny was ultimately left up to Noah not the sovereign plan of God, thus suggesting a deistic view of God. (4) It essentially misses the illustration of grace divinely pictured in that story (cf. 1 Peter 3:18-20; 2 Peter 2:5), thus making it hard to climax with what that shadow is supposed to point to—Jesus Christ (cf. Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 10:1). (5) As the above articles mention, it incorporates a lot of non-biblical, extra-biblical, and unbiblical elements.
• My Bottom Line (NOTE: my opinion, not Scriptural dogma) — Feel free to watch the movie and enjoy the cinematic entertainment. However, I stand by what I posted on Facebook immediately after watching this movie, "If you haven't seen the movie Noah, but know and love your Bible, don't waste your time and vex your spirit! So grateful that the true story of Noah is a picture of sovereign grace—'good news' indeed!"

SON OF GOD

• Tim Challies (also here)
• Matthew Hoskinson
• Andy Naselli
• My Bottom Line (NOTE: my opinion, not Scriptural dogma) — I haven't seen it, but probably will when it comes out on DVD. I'm sure that I will be frustrated with some of its aberrant details, but also expect to be encouraged at times. Regardless, I agree with Any Naselli that the 2003 movie, The Gospel of John, is a better Jesus-film to watch, for its script is the word-for-word gospel of John.

GOD'S NOT DEAD

• Answers in Genesis
• My Bottom Line (NOTE: my opinion, not Scriptural dogma) — I have not watched this movie, but have read some reviews and appreciate their concerns. Having listened to those comments, I doubt this movie will prove too helpful in evangelism, but I'm sensing that if watched with discernment, God's Not Dead can be a wonderful source of encouragement and strengthening.

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL
(and all other such books and movies on near-death experiences in heaven or hell)

• John MacArthur
• Tim Challies
• John Piper
• David Platt
• Luke 16:19-31 — I was surprised that none of the above reviews referenced this passage, in which we are told, "If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead" (v. 31). In other words, God's Word is sufficient for our understanding and faith.
  
• My Bottom Line (NOTE: my opinion, not Scriptural dogma) — I like how Tim Challies ends his review of the book, and I'm okay listening to his advice: "So reject this book. Do not read it. Do not believe it. And do not feel guilty doing so." Again, though, this topic being in the realm of Christian liberty, I am not saying that you are sinning or even being unwise if you decide to read the book or watch the movie. Do so with discernment and commitment to the integrity of, submission to, and proclamation of scriptural truth.

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