Is There Such A Thing As A Christian Film?
Mike Parker Guest Blogger for HOSFU
The release of the big budget, post-apocalyptic, action-adventure film, “The Book of Eli,” has generated a firestorm of conversation among Believers. It seems a number of the members of the mainstream press are referring to the movie as a “Christian” film.
Some of the Faithful are embracing “The Book of Eli” with a full body bear hug while others would prefer to keep the stark, violent film at arm’s length. There are valid points made by both camps.
“Eli” is indeed a stark and violent film. Some guys get their hands chopped off. Women are subjugated by men. Violence reigns. The profane have inherited an earth where the Word of God no longer exists. “Whatsoever things are pure…think on these things.” Who could blame Believers for covering their eyes?
Yet, as always, there is a remnant. In the devastation of a post-nuclear holocaust, one man carries the Word of God. Eli is a mystic. He has heard the voice of God and he is on a mission. He walks by faith, not by sight. He knows the power and protection of God.
But the evil one also knows the power of the Word of God, and would gain that power to wield it over the weak. People, he says, will believe the words if they come out of That Book.
The result is a battle between good and evil of Biblical proportions.
But the question remains: is “The Book of Eli” a Christian movie?
I say, no.
Not because “The Book of Eli” is violent or at times profane. But because I don’t think there is such a thing as a Christian movie. Or a Christian novel. Or a Christian radio station.
I think Christ died for people, and only people can be Christians.
What we do with the art we create, be it a painting, stage play, sculpture or film, should be a reflection of the redemption we have experienced. It should be good art; art that deserves a place at the table of cultural relevance.
Unfortunately, most of what we get from so-called ‘Christian’ art is explicit art, and most of the time it is not very good.
No, I don’t think “The Book of Eli” is a Christian movie. But I do think it is a good movie, and I think it is good art. Just my thoughts, what about yours?
Is there such a thing as a Christian film?
Phillip Gibb
Erik
Mike Parker
Jean-Pierre
cjpowers7
Clarice Johnson
Dave
David Martin
David Twitchell
E. J. Irish
I am a comic, actor, songwriter and screenwriter who happens to be a Christian. I am a member of “The Christian Comedy Association” and have penned “Christian” songs over the years.
That said – I agree with Mr. Parker. There is no such thing as a “Christian” – creative artwork effort.
I think there are creative works that, unfortunately, feel pressure to be labeled. This comes from generations of well-meaning Christian artisans who have felt the need to “Christianize” their craft as if the more “holy” our effort, the more it will please God. I understand this – but I don’t agree with it. God is interested in the HEART, more than the ART – right?
Recently I have been struck with a personal desire to be less about FITTING IN (to culture) and more about finding CONNECTING POINTS with culture – aka: being in the world but not of the world. I don’t need to “fit in” to what’s going on around me – I simply need to find ways to “connect” with those around me – and what better way than through the arts?
Maybe we can be less “preachy” and more “reachy” in our creative efforts…? Something to ponder.
Yes, there is such a thing as a Christian film. I’m a Believer and a filmmaker. A Christian film by my definition is one that teaches Biblical values and gives God glory. Mainstream press does the job they’ve be assigned. Period. They can’t report about what they don’t know. Have they been washed in the Blood? The real question should be: Who are the filmmakers serving when they make a film?
Making a film is such a risky business proposition that filmmakers and the parties who are financially responsible feel the need to please everyone. Life is violent and sometimes profane. Because God’s grace is so wonderful, and I’m not worthy—but enjoy the fruits through a relationship with Jesus Christ I seek to make GOD’S MONEY as a Christian film.
And because I’m also an experienced marketing consultant, I’ll give investors and Hollywood the box office both need. However, I’m not slack about my purpose, which is to glorify God.
I’ve always called myself a filmmaker who’s a Christian… not a Christian filmmaker…
Having produced 7 feature films… all secure… I’m coming to a point where I’d like to make a faith based film… for Christian viewers… but I like to also make more what I’d say is a cross over film…
Putting Christian values in films… such as The Blind Side and The Book of Eli… ironically both from the same production company…
Which is why I’m writing two films at the same time… the faith based one and an action film with again Christian values…
Hi Gary – I read your post on the “Is there such a thing as a Christian movie” discussion board and think you may be interested in my book which is currently being adapted into a screenplay for the upcoming Gideon event.
I am trying to reach secular audiences rather than “preaching to the choir” with both the book and perhaps, God willing, a movie.
Please feel free to contact me if there is an interest.
My facebook profile says basically the same thing – I’m a Christian led to acting, not a “Christian actor”. Then I rant about what I would and wouldn’t do, but essentially I prefer to stay in the realm of “faith-based” art. The Steve & Kathy Show bills itself as a “faith-based” show, and I think that works well – at least for now. I’ve also recently posted on Facebook that I think the tag “Christian ___” puts people in a frame of mind that excludes believers, whereas the “faith-based” appellation seems to actually draw the unchurched.
In short, the genre tags for all “faith-based” art could use a good mulling over.
From my involvement on two Christian filmmaking forums I have come to the conclusion that a Christian filmmaker is a filmmaker who happens to be a Christian who makes all kinds of different films but I believe that a Christian film is a film that specifically targets and is marketed to Christians. So a Christian film to me is a genre of film. There are many Christians who are working in Hollywood who aren’t making “Christian” genre films but they are being salt and light there.
The music industry really has a similar thing going. Christian music is a genre of music that is specifically targeted to Christians but some Christians are members of bands and music groups that are not specifically considered “Christian” but rather “mainstream”. We’re seeing the same thing in filmmaking.
I guess in the strictest sense of the definition, only people can follow Christ and therefore only people can be defined as Christian. So, since “things” like movies or books, etc. can’t follow Christ, they can’t literally be defined as Christian.
However, what label, or classification does one put on a movie, book or any art form that points people to Christ? By “point people to Christ” I mean to to point to Christ not only for salvation, but to find meaning in life, as the solution to lifes troubles, for wisdom, guidance, etc. I have used the term “Christian” to define movies, etc., but have recently found my self simply stating that they have a Christ-centered message, or Biblically accurate message. This type of message runs counter to the message of many movies, which point to everything but Christ.
Those are my thoughts.
I agree. It’s also sad that most Christians assume that if a believer is a filmmaker then they automatically have to be making films with a Christian message for a Christian audience. My brother just wrote a blog post about that: http://www.andydarnell.com/?p=2293
I guess the question for me is whether or not films in the Christian Film genre provide any actual benefit to anyone. For the most part they are evangelical in nature, but only watched by Christians. If all your pastor preached were salvation messages, you’d probably start looking for a new church where you’d actually be encouraged to grow.
It’s high time filmmakers working in the Christian Film genre stop deluding themselves into thinking their films are going to convert secular audiences to the faith. Instead, their films need to mature and explore deeper issues of faith that encourage the Christian audiences they do have to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Thoughts?
“…high time filmmakers working in the Christian Film genre stop deluding themselves into thinking their films are going to convert secular audiences to the faith..” Amen Josh! The time is coming, the time is now for filmmakers indwelt by the Spirit of the Living God to use the supernatural gifts they’ve been Given for His purpose and His glory.
Paul saw the statue of the unknown god and instead of calling it blasphemous and idolatrous, used it for God’s glory.
Filmmakers rise up and do ye likewise!
I understand his point, but I think Mr. Parker is parsing words. By his reasoning a film cannot be called a “Murder Mystery,” because there were no real murders/murderers involved. So we are faced with calling this “Christian” genre by a new name in order to classify the content.
There is divergence on what should or should not be included in a “Christian” film.
To wit:
Should every Christian film have a Salvation/Conversion scene. Would the absence of one disqualify it as “Christian.?”
Can a “Christian” film just contain Christian values and content, but only be entertainment? So Christians can watch without be offended, or take their families without fear of worldly/fleshly words or images.
Just some random thoughts.
I believe “Christian film” is a specific genre, and one that has real value to a specific target audience.
I think the problem becomes when some Christians begin to believe that value of film to the Kingdom is strictly defined by the presence (or absence) of certain narrative elements – language, sensuality, violence, theological correctness, etc. – and that films which meet the genre requirements in these areas for the Christian film genre are the only films which have significant value.
Cheers,
Calix
(…but I only think it’s a problem for those who see Christian film as the only God-pleasing genre…)
I am not a filmmaker, I am not an artist and frankly if I was I would be a starving artist but I do think that Christian art is real but then again not real.
in the sense that a man was inspired by god and the love he brought into his life that he wishes to share it with every one, thus he calls his art Christian since it is based upon Christian ideals then yeah sure the art is Christian.
but in the sense that the art holds any form of Christ and has any power to actually change a person then no. by this i mean that people can take what ever they want out of art, books, and films. as soon as the peace is out it is open to interpretation. then if your a Christian you will see the points but if you are secular or Muslim or anything else then you will miss the artist original point about it all.
this idea goes both ways though. for example I took one of my Hindu friends to see passion of the Christ and when the rest of use understood that this was our savior on the cross, all he could say was “this is really gross” with total discuss. while i had a camp leader one year who told me that fight club was a Christian movie because it held the message that we have to rise above our own evil selfs, and the only way to do that is to let it go and to hold on to god.
so the artist can call it Christian, but at the end of the day it is open to every one interpretation and understanding
I have to say that the artist’s side of this makes sense. Mike, Josh, Tom and others, I can understand why you don’t want your art to be put into a box that will limit it’s reception or set expectations for what is and isn’t allowed in YOUR art. I approach this from the sales, marketing and distribution side of things. For our part, we evaluate products based on the question “Could this sell well in a Christian bookstore?” “Does the content of this film distinguish it as something that would market well to some portion of the body of Christ?” “Will it alienate our customer base?” “Is it appropriate for young teens?” and questions like that. I haven’t seen Eli yet, I’m guessing I’ll love it as a moviegoer and as a Christian, but it doesn’t mean that we should sell it on FamilyChristianMovies.com.
Mike, I think your point “I think Christ died for people, and only people can be Christians.” is clever, but I think of “Christian Movies” as movies that Christians would buy. I agree with many of the points here that many “Christian Movies” are ineffective at both entertaining Christians and reaching the lost, but I don’t thing that means we should dispense with the genre. On the contrary, I think the most positive things in the industry are the ways that Christians in film are banding together and challenging one another to make better films and to evaluate who the real target market is for their films.
The lesson of the book ‘The Long Tail’ for our company was that there is power in niche marketing. It seems like a distinction like “christian movie” would be a limiting factor; on the contrary it connects a film swimming in the sea of thousands of films made each year to a very specific market that is loyal and actually anxiously awaiting new products in it’s genre. It allows films that would never be made otherwise to have a market to sell in. My argument is that to dispense with the distinction of “Christian Film,” Christians may actually limit the films being made by Christians in the long run.
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I am comfortable with a Christian film genre when used as a marketing term. I think that is what Calix was talking about above. I have no problem with a company making films that appeal to a Christian audience. In a sense, the “Christian film” genre has more to do with the values of the production company and their target market. The films will have certain elements in them to appeal to that market. In the same way that a company that produces horror films is going to target a specific niche, a company that makes Christian films will have a very specific niche (that probably looks very different than the horror niche).
Now, if someone were to say that a Christian film is the only acceptable film, or films made outside of the Christian genre can not be God-honoring, I would disagree. A film like “The Book of Eli” is a perfect example. This film was not made by an explicitly Christian company and has not been marketed as a specifically Christian film (though they have tapped into the Christian market), but it has a very strong Christian message.
I would like go on the record as saying that I am in no way attacking, denigrating, condemning, or casting disparagement on those involved with making films with specifically Christian themes and targeting those movies toward a church-going audience.
I understand the cultural and often denominational constraints that create tightropes for filmmakers working in the genre (‘touch not, taste not, handle not’). It is hard work to make a film that will be palatable for everyone in that audience. To those who do it well, my hat is off to you.
As far as ‘parsing words,’ perhaps it is a bit of semantics. We tend to like things that fit into a neat categories. It makes life easier to navigate. So hanging a label of ‘Christian’ on a book, or CD or movie may give us a point of reference. The problem is, it is a point of reference that is floating on a buoy in the middle of an ocean with no anchor. What does it mean? Does anybody know?
Example – Sixpence None the Richer was a Christian band. They were on a Christian record label. Their music was played on Christian radio stations. One song on one of their Christian albums, which was written by the Christian founder of the band was called, “Kiss Me.” It was a sweet, romantic song about the love between a man and a woman – certainly a Christian concept. The song got picked up on the soundtrack for a popular secular movie, became a hit on secular radio and blew Sixpence into the mainstream spotlight for a while. The Dove Awards roll around and feathers fly as the discussion ensues – ‘we can’t nominate this song for a Dove Award; it’s not Christian!’
Really? I mean…really?
I just got done acting in a video Bible series along with around 30 other actors. We depicted the Triumphal Entry, Pentecost, The Stoning of Stephen, and the Ascension. From my conversations with the other actors I would say that at least 75% were not Believers in Christ as savior and lord. So…not a Christian video?
Just my thoughts.
I agree with Mike. Of course, people who know me would think that is because I am his wife. However, my family would know better than to think that; Mike and I have passionate discussions over the smallest thing.
David commented, “Can a “Christian” film just contain Christian values and content, but only be entertainment? So Christians can watch without be offended, or take their families without fear of worldly/fleshly words or images.”
My question is, ‘Whose’s Christian values?” As entertainment reviewers since 1995, Mike and I have received some interesting comments from believers who were offended that we recommended a film/song/book because it didn’t fit theiridea of Christian values. Mike was lambasted by a believer who was shocked of his review of “Happy Feet” because of the sexual content in the movie; “they discussed laying eggs,” this person stated.
I know of several people who were shocked that I recommended “Nanny McPhee” and said it had strong spiritual overtones. These people saw Nanny McPhee as a witch; however, these same people thought “Mary Poppins” was wonderful.
Let’s go back to when most Disney films were generally family oriented. I’ve known people who didn’t let their children watch “Bambi” because a mother was killed or “Lady and the Tramp” because there was a bully.
‘wordly/fleshly/words or images’? This might release a firestorm of response, but what about The Song of Solomon? Or numerous passages from Proverbs? What about Lot offering his virgin daughters to the men of Sodom? Or the man whose concubine was abused until she died and then he cut her body into 12 pieces?
It appears that sometimes people equate anything related to Christ and Christianity as being ’safe for the whole family.’ While that is a nice marketing line, it doesn’t fit reality.
Technically, a ‘Christian film’ would be a reel of 35mm film that accepted Jesus.
;)
We really need to cease buying into this notion that there is secular media and Christian media. ALL MEDIA BELONGS TO GOD…it’s that we have allowed the enemy to have control over most of it. We need to STOP seperating ourselves from it and infiltrate film and TV once again in a collective mass….and take back what the Devil has stolen by pooling our resources, spending money wisely but not being cheapskates about it and make some TV and film worth watching. We can do it if we park our egos and our territorial instincts and just DO IT.
ALL OF MEDIA BELONGS TO GOD!!! If the current system won’t receive us….then let;s make our OWN system and take it back by force.
ANY TAKERS????
Mark S
I do believe personally there is such thing as a Christian film. Film is an art form yes, but part of that art becomes the message which is why we can say a film is Christian or not Christian. People, meaning filmmakers tell different types of stories for different reasons. Christian films are undoubtedly trying to turn the tide in respect to their stories. I do believe that path of telling the Christian story is a difficult one for the artist. There are so many variables that must be taken in account. Christian films above all else must teach and uphold Christian values. This becomes much more difficult to define as many of us could come up with our own personal definition of what Christian is. Some people think if they hold a belief in a God they are Christian. The definitions must be biblically rooted. We must also be very careful when we make the claims that God called us to make this film. I have seen time over time this being done. I truly do believe many artists hold a personal belief. I myself prefer to hold back and give God credit intelligently. We have films like “Dangerous Calling” being called Christian which is very disturbing. Many Christian group, organizations supporting these works and by no doubt will continue on to make more. In the Christian film industry there is a lot of self-examination that must be done before it is considered to be truly Christian. Content has a lot to do with it in regards to the qualification process. Of course how can someone who isn’t even a Christian author a Christian film? This is a debate for another time. I feel me must first look at ourselves, our own ambitions and more importantly our heart before ready to become true authors in this very small but important genre.
I believe that because of misconduct in the Churches and among those who call themselves “Christians,” that people are sick of anything “Christian” in this country- but they will never tire of all that Jesus taught. So I believe that we need to get away from Christian films and instead focus on Faith Based Films and that those films should be based on Biblical principles.
I really prefer to call this film genre “faith-based”. There are several Christian sects. The importance of these films is that they be wholesome and uplifting and promoting certain decent life values. Eric Highland is right that Christian films will not convert the secular audience. We lead best by our example as we can do in what we put forth in film. Then people can come to us and ask us questions about our faith. We don’t want to aggressively put people into a corner and demand to know if they accept Jesus Christ as their savior. The films gently guide people to thinking about important questions and issues they face in their real day to day lives. Really, I think if we leave out calling such films “Christian films”, we can avoid separating our brothers and sisters and be united in the core values we share. Faith-based films can also incorporate the more specific religion’s topics, but I would prefer a faith approach rather that religious. Paula Parker’s remark above “who’s Christian values” begs consideration.
I have written a modern Rock Opera using 80% scripture called, “Son of David”. It is the Gospel put to music and all dialogue is sung. I think the ‘Christian Film” genre preaches a message. “Facing the Giants” and “Fireproof” show a NEED for Jesus/God and because of that they had happy endings, happy because of “Christ” endings, hence a Christian film. “Son of David”, like “The Passion” is more a biography than a ‘Christian Film”. I always thought “The Passion” was an epic, like the 10 Commandments. I never thought of that as a religious film.
Is there such a thing as Christian music? Is there such a thing as Christian dance? Is there such a thing as Christian communication? Is there such a thing as the Christian life?
If there is nothing more to your life as a Christian, than a tag that you add on when your with another set of Christian peers, then what meaning does Christianity have? I personally believe that Being a Christian means that I am peculiar, or to put it another way….. Different!
Many people believe that the only way to demonstrate the Christian life in art is by the addition of elements. I believe the difference is not just in adding elements but in omitting elements as well. I don’t think every “Christian film must have a theological message, or an altar call, but I believe we have a responsibility to look for ways to add content that is uplifting, edifying, and truthful, and the same way we have a responsibility to omit content that is perverse, offensive, or vulgar. How we define those lines as a Christian will depend on how we interpret truth, edification, perverseness, and vulgarity.
As a song writer, actor, writer, who is a Christian, I find I am constantly looking to the bible and searching my soul and conscience for those guidelines that both permit and restrict the content that I can include in my art. Some Christians feel that all art must contain elements of theology, others view it as simply entertainment and limit the use of sexuality, language, and violence. Others feel there are no boundaries and as art it removes all Christian responsibility or sensitivity!
I would find myself as a Christian who accepts aspects of art as entertainment and holding that in balance I do not include perverse elements of language, violence, and sexuality. Of course I draw those lines based on my interpretation of the bible and what my conscience dictates. There are those who hold more conservative views and those who are more liberal. I for one would like to see the bar raised in Christian film making as far as quality, story, and content, but I can ultimately only control what I do and participate in.
In Christ
Nathan Nasby
I think that a Film is Christian because of the explicit message of Salvation in the story. It could be argued that if the film is very strong in Christian values and has been made by Christians then it is a Christian Film. However I do believe that the fact The filmmakers are Christian does not necessarily have anything to go with the Film begin Christian.
Some collected thoughts:
When many people define a “Christian film” or “Christian music” they often rely upon a distinction between “sacred vs. secular” that is very unhelpful and, in fact, unbiblical. A consistent Christian worldview affirms that Jesus is the Lord of every area of life. To act in a Christian way is not merely to belong to the Church, believe in Jesus, and preach the gospel, but to follow his commandments in all things.
In that vein, a “Christian film” is one that, whether intentionally or not, obeys and represents the Reign of Jesus. It need not preach an explicit gospel message, or even mention God – recall that many of the proverbs do not mention God, and that the Book of Esther does not contain a single reference to God! But yet we would still call them very biblical, and very Christian.
Cinema is an area of life just like economics, politics, plumbing, dentistry, etc., and can be done in a godly or ungodly way, whether or not it is specifically used as an evangelistic tool. Personally, I do not feel that film works especially well as an evangelistic tool anyway, but it is a fine way to expand people’s minds to metaphysical possibilities and to the beauty of creation.
Also, though many people will disagree with this, I don’t think Christian filmmaking should be considered a “ministry.” Ministry, biblically, is preaching the Word, partaking of the Sacraments, and caring for the widows and orphans. Filmmaking, rather, is an occupation – just like dentistry, plumbing, architecture, etc., and should be pursued as such, still within God’s all-encompassing kingdom, but distinct from the special activities of the church.
Those are just some thoughts.
I like very much where you’re going with this line of thought Dave. It makes sense and your biblical precedents are incisive.
It’s also important to work toward biblical limits on content.
Many Christians feel that we should limit violence in films, but the standards given are always very arbitrary. Movieguide.org gave “Lord of the Rings” a fine rating despite its violence, while giving “The Departed” a very negative rating due to violence. So why is it okay to show someone slicing a dragon’s neck with a sword, but not someone shooting a gangster in the head?
Now there is such a thing as gratuitous violence, but a Christian filmmaker need not avoid depicting violence if indeed the story warrants it. The Bible has David slaying Goliath, Abraham fighting Chedorlaomer, Jael nailing a tent peg into Sisera’s head, the Amalekites being utterly exterminated, etc. Not to mention the divine judgments depicted in Revelation.
What about sex? Sex is different because the depiction of sex will often require the actors to actually engage in indecent activities (unlike cinematic violence, which is fully simulated and doesn’t require the actor to actually attack someone.)
That being said, we should not shy away from sex as a plot element (for the Bible certainly has plenty of sex) but we need not depict it graphically. If a story calls for a teenager to be pregnant before marriage, by all means, include that element in the story – just don’t include any scenes which would require the actress to perform indecent acts.
OF “CHRISTIAN” PLUMBING AND “CHRISTIAN” FILM
The great film pioneer D. W. Griffith, despite some brushes with racism, is still unchallenged as a great filmmaker and innovator for his day. Griffith once said that he thought God had been behind Edison during the invention of film and that the primary purpose of film was to help fulfill the great commission of Matthew 28.
HARD TIMES AT DISNEY HIGH
Fast forward seven decades and the Hollywood of the 1980s had not evolved into something exactly Christian-friendly. When I worked at Disney it was a time when our small group of Christians working at a highly secularized Disney proposed animated Bible theatrical releases that eventually morphed into Prince of Egypt and Joseph, Prince of Dreams at DreamWorks.
We also proposed to Disney production management doing an animated version of all seven books in the Chronicles of Narnia series and we worked for months in secret, meticulously sketchboarding the first proposed film project.
However, because of Disney’s worldview during the 1980s, it would take years before these projects could actually achieve enough traction in Hollywood to become actual production. We started a prayer group among the believers at Disney, and I believe those prayers mounted for years until finally God made the breakthrough!
CHRISTIAN PLUMBERS MAKE PLUMBING CHRISTIAN
That said, I agree with Mike Parker’s basic premise. I have been saying for decades that there isn’t such a thing strictly speaking as “Christian music” or “Christian film” or “Christian art” anymore than there is such a thing as “Christian plumbing.”
Instead, a human being who is a plumber by profession demonstrates the authenticity and maturity of his faith by producing reliable plumbing with good materials at a fair market price. If you don’t believe this is something really righteous, just go for a vacation to Moscow or many other parts of Russia and experience the effects of bad plumbing.
This kind of a plumber does his secular work as working unto the Lord (Col 3:23-24, Eph 6:5-6) by the quality and craft of his workmanship and by his attitude and dealings with others. In his relations with the general contractor and other plumbers working with him he makes the plumbing “Christian”.
This type of demonstration of our faith is very powerful. As filmmakers who are believers wanting to glorify God as well as to work in the highest professional circles of the trade, even aspiring to winning awards, we would be wise to keep this reality and this standard before us, “See a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings” (Prov. 22:29).
KINDA LIKE WATCHING PAINT DRY – DEMYSTIFYING FILMMAKING
I think sometimes we may tend to mystify film and filmmaking. Robert Wagner once turned to me when I was visiting the set of “Hart to Hart” during a shoot, and said dryly, “It’s kinda like watching paint dry, isn’t it?” I laughed, as did he, his co-star Stefanie Powers and Director Ted Mankiewicz.
Wagner was talking as a veteran, not just of some television productions where someone might arguably think the final result might have indeed felt like watching paint dry too, but as an experienced actor who had appeared in many Hollywood productions like “Beneath the 12 Mile Reef (1953), The War Lover (1962) with Steve McQueen, and The Longest Day (1962).
Many Christians have felt excluded or have actually been excluded from the mainstream of Hollywood production for decades. So this too can contribute to making film into almost a social cause or some kind of spiritual quest when attempting to reintegrate ourselves into the production process. At times anyway, actual production can be fairly mundane, kinda like plumbing, even if we’re hoping to make something that could be an academy award caliber classic.
THE INTEGRITY OF THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE
The integrity of the internal structure of the construction, an honest work ethic, and respect for the construction foreman as well as follow workers is the best gauge for evaluating how “Christian” plumbing is or is not. And I think the same criteria works well in gauging how “Christian” film and filmmakers are as well.
There has been some tremendous discussion of this topic and I greatly admire the wisdom and eloquence, as well as the civility, with which arguments have been made on both side of the equation. I am particularly intrigued with the comparison of filmmaking to plumbing – being faithful to be the best steward of your talents in your field of expertise.
This brings up another thought. Without wishing to muddy the waters too much, I would also pose the question: is it acceptable for a filmmaker (and I would include all the ancillary occupations of makeup artist, costumer, set designer, gaffer, cameraman, FX creator, stunt co-ordinator, etc) to work on a film that contains decidedly non-Christian elements? Can a Believer bring Christ into a dark place and by his or her work ethic and demeanor bring redemption to that place?
If you say, ‘No,’ what would you say to the Christian check out clerk at Wal-Mart who has to sell cigarettes or alcohol? Or the guy who works for the local 7-11 and has to sell Playboy?
Or the pharmacist who has to sell condoms (depending on your religious view regarding all forms of birth control)?
Just wondering.
I would say it depends on the person. I’d have a hard time working on a film with heavy sex and nudity, but I know of a very committed Christian AD who has worked some shows that include that type of content. He said he prayed about it and felt like God wanted him on that set to make sure those women were respected even though they don’t respect themselves. He was being Christ to those women.
It’s the same with the guys at XXX Church. I personally wouldn’t be able to go hand out Bibles at a porn convention, but I think it’s great that they do that. I met with a producer yesterday who has some credits that would cause a lot of Christians to judge him, but he’s a very solid Christian that is being used by God to influence people that would never know the love of Christ if he weren’t working where he is.
I think a lot of Christian filmmakers see their mission field as the people who watch their films. Myself and these guys I mentioned, we feel called to show the love of Christ to people in the industry. That’s probably going to mean working for projects that have objectionable content. I think it’s up to the individual to pray about where God wants you to draw the line.
I can’t speak about the Book of Eli or Avatar we didn’t go to them because of the content of the films. We did see To Save a Life thinking it would be a good Christian movie but after seeing it I wouldn’t call it Christian because of the way most the girls were dressed inappropriately.
I remember when I was first asked this question some time ago. I was so use to throwing the phrase”Christian Film” around, that when I was asked the question, it immediately made me realize that I had some thinking to do.
I believe there is a such thing as Christian film, but not in the broad sense of a film about values. Those values of love, peace, forgiveness, righteousness, etc… have been around long before the formation of the Christian faith, and have been told in stories for ages. Would we dare be so bold as to say every story in the bible is a Christian story? The Jewish faith would probably have something to say about that.
To me, it is best if we categorized this into a genre. For example, for a film to be classified as a Horror, it would require a certain amount of fear and supernatural elements, as well as a good deal of fatalities. A Romantic Comedy usually consist of a love story with some humor. A Christian film would consist of a film that dealt primarily with the Christian faith, that being believing in Jesus Christ. A film like the Passion of the Christ, or say a film about the life of the apostles and their quest carry on the cause of Christ would be in that category for me.
So in short, any story, where the foundation is Jesus himself or living for and try to be more like Christ, there’s your Christian film. Films about doing good, standing up for what you believe in, values, morals, principals, and such, in my book, not Christian film.
I don’t want to comment on this until I have time to read the whole conversation, but for those who are interested in what a mix of Christian and non-Christian screenwriters are saying, there is a thread on this topic on Blake Snyder’s forum. I do think this is a fairly subjective topic.
Very interesting discussions. What is a Christian film? What is a Christian filmmaker? I don’t know that there is a definitive answer anyone would entirely agree upon. In the marketing world it varies from Christian retailers as to what is acceptable and what is not. Who decides where to draw the line between “too Christian” or “too secular”? I would venture to say that even the target audience will have disagreement as to what they consider acceptable. As much as film is a craft that requires integrity and work ethic it also has the power of conveying ideas and messages that may or may not be interpreted the way the filmmaker had intended and therefore faces criticism. Romans 14 Let’s not be to hard on each other:)
This has been an interesting discussion. My conclusion is that for the most part, everyone is right and everyone is wrong. A lot of this goes to a hot issue right now, i.e. what does Christian mean? The word means different things with used in sociology, politics, archeology, theology, etc. To make it more confusing, it can mean one thing as a noun and another as an adjective, which so many here have ably demonstrated.
In the overall issue, many have stopped using the word altogether and for themselves have adopted Believer, Follower of Jesus, Child of God, etc. But this is a temporary fix since these can just as easily be manipulated. Others cling to old, singular definitions as if they were the only ones. They aren’t, and sadly many who do this look down on and question the spiritual integrity of those sincerely struggling with the issue.
I’ve practiced law for more than 30 years and in that time I’ve been described as a Christian attorney, partner of a Christian law firm, Christian who practices law, etc. And I’ve heard these from a variety of people, organizations and industries, including Hollywood and the film industry where I’ve negotiated various contracts over the years. But here’s what it all comes down to…
Be the best at what you are. Do the best at what you do. Build, maintain and protect your integrity – the truth about you. And then others – those who believe as you do and those who don’t – will respect that.
I haven’t been called to evangelize, but I have been called to live a certain way, and that way is vastly different from what the rest of the world sees on a daily basis. Often they want to know why. They ask and I tell them. The title “Christian” is not what’s important. It’s the way we live. Are we doing what Jesus has commanded us to do? Does our life reflect Him?
The world will call us by many names, most not complementary. That comes with the territory. Don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about being blacklisted in a secular industry. And don’t worry about being judged by those who are supposed to be on your side. Seek God and His Kingdom. Follow Him. That’s plenty enough for anyone.
Chuck Graham, Exec. Director, Ciloa
“Child of the Father, Friend of His Son, Light of His Spirit……and second to none”