Faith in Film

In 1839, English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton coined the phrase "The pen is mightier than the sword." That is as true today as it was then.

Ideas are a powerful force, and when wielded correctly can be a tremendous force for change. Physical oppression for most is difficult, but ideological oppression becomes unbearable. It was, in part, because of ideological oppression that our Founding Fathers rebelled against England, creating America.

Today, ideas continue to flow freely through all our art forms, including mainstream movies, songs, and TV shows. Sometimes those ideas are inane, sometimes they are meant to convey a view of the world the creators hope to share. But the hard part is, I think that often people don't realize the ideas being presented to them.

When you learn to open your eyes to what is being presented, you see film in a different way. Even ideas that don't conform to your view of the world can have a powerful effect in your life if they cause you to think deeply, consider the message and refine your own thoughts. I believe we should never be afraid of encountering ideas and viewpoints, even ideas and viewpoints contrary to our own. It is by facing that which you do not agree with, considering why it troubles you, and forming a counter argument that you can grow as an individual.

One week from today, on June 7, I will be starting my Faith in Film class. Many of the ideas presented in the films we'll be examining run contrary to the truth found in Scriptures. But those are the ideas that are too often embraced by the world around us. We can't hope to reach people until we can consider and counter those arguments.

Thankfully, we serve a God that never changes. A God of action. Recently, when Graham was speaking about the "Shalom of Moving Forward" he read the passage in Exodus where God said "I Am Who I Am." And that's a message he carried forward in the New Testament as well.

In John 8:58, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I Am." In Hebrews 13:8 it says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Now that is a powerful, comforting idea!

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