I have to admit that I can be quite judgemental about certain things. One of those things being Christian films. They annoy me to no end! Honestly, I'm pretty sure that I could do a better job at portraying a character than some of the actors in Christian films. The last time I acted was when I was 12.
Firstly: Terrible actors. Don't they just make you cringe! I've seen Christian movies that are laugh worthy - I've laughed at the actors when they're ultimately trying to get a strong point across. Sadly all I've ever taken away from films like this is how ridiculous they look put up against box office movies.
Secondly: Predictable plot lines.
You know what's going to happen. They unbeliever is going to believe, the family will be reunited, the kids will make peace with the parents. If there is romance, its whole, Godly, and pretty passionless. (Note: I think that whole and Godly romance is great. Not bagging on it at all. Just the way its portrayed.) A lot of these films are just dying for a twist in the plot, or an intervention of some sort! The story lines leave a lot to be desired.
Thirdly: This will probably bring much contradiction. But it pains me the way they portray conversions. Most Christian movie films that I've seen, where a character gives his/her life to the Lord, go a little something like this:
"Oh, I'm such a sinner! I've done to many bad things! *sob, sob*"
(Godly mentor) "Yes, you are! We all are! God is a good judge and on the last day we will stand before him and he will judge us according to what we have done. But he is also a loving God and that is why he sent his son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for us. All you have to do is believe and you will be saved."
"Yes. *hangs head in some sort of shame for his past* I will believe. *head keeps hanging while he pleads for God's forgiveness*. I know that it won't be easy, but I will the live the rest of my life for God. I will try my hardest to please him."
Ok, so this isn't the most accurate. But its how I see most Christian movie conversions. For starters, I don't like the whole 'lets make the unbeliever feel as guilty as we can for the bad things that he's done.' I mean, where's the assurance of God's love? Where's the acceptance of God? Where's the part that says "God loves you no matter what, you are his child whether you believe in him or not, God accepts you and is pursuing you with no concern of your past."? Its kind of missing.
It always seems to me that this newly converted character gets this determination to 'please God' and 'obey God's commands'. This is great, don't get me wrong. Christians do strive for this. But really, can we humans please God? He's perfect! Only perfection can please him, and we are not perfect. We can never please him. Ever. Thank goodness we don't have to. Shouldn't the character come away with more of a peace and love, knowing that they will make mistakes but that God loves them and will not judge them for it?
So I have a few issues with Christian films. Obviously.
All this being said, the other day I watched Courageous and was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't half bad! Sure, some of the acting was a little dodgy. And sure, sometimes the way they weaved God into the plot was a little clumsy. But overall, I really actually liked this film. There were parts where I jumped, laughed, cried - everything a good box office film should have. There was action - there were people who made mistakes, who weren't perfect. It mirrored real life, with real Christian people making real mistakes. To top it all off, the plot had twists and a very powerful message.
Maybe my view on Christian films will start to change. Maybe I won't be so cynical and judgemental.
Who knows?
Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. :)
Gracie
Firstly: Terrible actors. Don't they just make you cringe! I've seen Christian movies that are laugh worthy - I've laughed at the actors when they're ultimately trying to get a strong point across. Sadly all I've ever taken away from films like this is how ridiculous they look put up against box office movies.
Secondly: Predictable plot lines.
You know what's going to happen. They unbeliever is going to believe, the family will be reunited, the kids will make peace with the parents. If there is romance, its whole, Godly, and pretty passionless. (Note: I think that whole and Godly romance is great. Not bagging on it at all. Just the way its portrayed.) A lot of these films are just dying for a twist in the plot, or an intervention of some sort! The story lines leave a lot to be desired.
Thirdly: This will probably bring much contradiction. But it pains me the way they portray conversions. Most Christian movie films that I've seen, where a character gives his/her life to the Lord, go a little something like this:
"Oh, I'm such a sinner! I've done to many bad things! *sob, sob*"
(Godly mentor) "Yes, you are! We all are! God is a good judge and on the last day we will stand before him and he will judge us according to what we have done. But he is also a loving God and that is why he sent his son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for us. All you have to do is believe and you will be saved."
"Yes. *hangs head in some sort of shame for his past* I will believe. *head keeps hanging while he pleads for God's forgiveness*. I know that it won't be easy, but I will the live the rest of my life for God. I will try my hardest to please him."
Ok, so this isn't the most accurate. But its how I see most Christian movie conversions. For starters, I don't like the whole 'lets make the unbeliever feel as guilty as we can for the bad things that he's done.' I mean, where's the assurance of God's love? Where's the acceptance of God? Where's the part that says "God loves you no matter what, you are his child whether you believe in him or not, God accepts you and is pursuing you with no concern of your past."? Its kind of missing.
It always seems to me that this newly converted character gets this determination to 'please God' and 'obey God's commands'. This is great, don't get me wrong. Christians do strive for this. But really, can we humans please God? He's perfect! Only perfection can please him, and we are not perfect. We can never please him. Ever. Thank goodness we don't have to. Shouldn't the character come away with more of a peace and love, knowing that they will make mistakes but that God loves them and will not judge them for it?
So I have a few issues with Christian films. Obviously.
All this being said, the other day I watched Courageous and was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't half bad! Sure, some of the acting was a little dodgy. And sure, sometimes the way they weaved God into the plot was a little clumsy. But overall, I really actually liked this film. There were parts where I jumped, laughed, cried - everything a good box office film should have. There was action - there were people who made mistakes, who weren't perfect. It mirrored real life, with real Christian people making real mistakes. To top it all off, the plot had twists and a very powerful message.
Maybe my view on Christian films will start to change. Maybe I won't be so cynical and judgemental.
Who knows?
Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. :)
Gracie
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