Jesus at the Movies
Mark Moring
July 1, 2007
Christians have come a long way in finding creative ways to use even mainstream films to reach out. We've gone from boycotting Hollywood's objectionable fare (remember the picket lines when The Last Temptation of Christ released in 1988?) to making use of theological nonsense (The Da Vinci Code in 2006) as an outreach tool. The thinking goes like this: If our unchurched friends will be talking about a movie at the watercooler on Monday, we should join the conversation, not simply bash the film while citing chapter and verse. To carry on intelligent discussions about current films, and not just movies that are categorically "Christian" or merely "safe for the whole family," we need to watch, or at least learn about, what much of the world is watching. That is not to say we should head to the megaplex for every R-rated slasher flick or sexually charged saga. We still need discernment. But it's good to pay attention to what others are discussing, and even to think ahead and anticipate which films might be hot topics. Take this summer's roster, for instance. We didn't have to wait for the box office results to know that "threequels" for Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean and Shrek would be hugely popular. We could easily guess that Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix, Evan Almighty, Ratatouille, and The Simpsons Movie would be big hits. So it's a good idea to "go to school" on such films even before they release, reading their synopses and looking for themes that might take those Monday morning conversations to a higher level. For example: Spider-Man 3 features Peter Parker wrestling with demons (figurative and literal) and a darker side reminiscent of Paul's description of our internal battles in Romans 7. All three Shrek ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
