NOAH: my Christian opinion.
11:02:00 AM
I typed this status today on my Facebook page and within seconds I received comments, messages and texts about how this movie, based on the character of Noah from the Bible was not biblical. How I should actually read the reviews on the movie before I go see it. (and I welcome these comments... you have a right to your opinion.) I have actually NEVER read the reviews of any movie before going to see it. And some may say that I should have before I chose to write this post... however I am choosing not to read the opinions of others until I see the movie for myself.
BUT I do want to address this one thought...
How many of you went to go see Frozen? Or better yet how many of you took your kids to go and see it and loved the fact that it was probably the best moral story that Disney has ever written. I mean the fact that true love was represented amongst sisters, instead of some random prince charming. And how about that Elsa overcame the curse when she casted out fear and allowed love to step in and take over her thoughts. And the Let it Go sensation that has engulfed the hearts of all young children in America? I mean it's one of my favorite songs to sing with my girls and I love teaching them that the opinions of others do not matter and that they can achieve anything if they will believe in themselves and let go of all fear.
But wait... did you notice that every time Elsa sings Let It Go and brings forth motivation to all little girls to dream that ice is actually coming from her hands? The Bible actually refers to this as witch craft. And witch craft is from the devil. But I bet no one really pointed that out as we danced around our living rooms with our little girls and boys as they dreamed big. Or the fact that Hans was actually going to kill Elsa just before Anna stepped in to stop him. Murder. And Olaf, created by sorcery who talks and runs around with his own snow cloud.
I bet none of these things were the topic of conversation when you watched Frozen. I know they weren't in my house. All I could talk about was how THIS was my new favorite movie and of all the good morals that my 5 and 4 year old took away from this fun-filled, creative film. I could not wait until I could buy it for myself. I mean the kids. We now have it in digital, dvd and blue-ray. And we have watched it a 100 times.
So why...
Here we have a movie about a man from the Bible who takes his family on a giant ark, through a giant flood and saves the next generation in order to create a better world, all at the order of God himself. This story takes up four chapters in the Bible and the movie is almost 2.5 hours long. I mean it's common sense to know that Hollywood is going to be a part of this movie. I am also pretty sure that there are going to be some things that are not taken from the Bible and are placed in the movie to simply bring in some dramatics and good flair.
I mean it's Hollywood. Their job is to make good movies and they use drama to capture the viewer. So my point here is not to argue Biblical principles about the movie that I have not even seen.
My question is, why must we Christians be the first ones to object one of the largest movies that represents a Biblical character but yet we feel it's ok to stand in line at midnight to watch the latest Twilight movie? Tons of opinions of Christians about the movie Noah have crossed my Facebook and Twitter feeds and even my morning news channel. But I have yet to see the same outburst over "Under the Skin" movie coming out this April about a seductive alien trying to take lost souls to another "afterworld". I won't even attach the link to such an awful movie... but yet "we" say nothing. Our attention is solely based on what Noah is not, rather than what it is. This is the third movie of the year to hit Hollywood Box Offices for the year of 2014 that have a Biblical plot (Son of God and God is Not Dead.) With another one (Heaven is for Real) planning to come out this Spring. I personally think that this is amazing and such a step forward in Hollywood.
So here is my idea... take it or leave it.
Why don't we as Christians support the efforts of these Hollywood makers trying to recreate a story from the Bible and show the rest of the world that we are FOR wholesome movies. Even if they are not 100% accurate. I can assure you that there is more "Christian" in this movie than any other movie at the Box Office right now.
What the world doesn't need to see is Christians constantly divided. They need to see us standing up for things that really matter such as Sex Trafficking, Poverty Issues, Corrupt Government and actually being the hands and feet that Jesus called us to be. Let's stop wasting our time on debating a movie and actually show the world that WE Christians stand up for justice and that we are able to turn the cheek and have some grace when it comes to Hollywood making a movie about the Bible and adding their own "artistic" approach to the film. Praise the Lord that they are interested in the story of Noah. And praise the Lord that a non-believer could actually open a Bible themselves after seeing this movie straight out of the interest created from this dramatic film. I mean if you actually read the whole Bible... It would definitely be an R-rated, drama filled, on the edge of your seat kind of movie! I mean think about some of the stories... you would have the non-believer thinking, WHAT?!? Murders, betrayals, curses, mauling by wild animals... Can you imagine?
So after my very long opinion, my hubs and I are very eager to go and see this new movie. I am sure that we will not agree with everything (just like Frozen) but I am also sure that this will be a movie that him and I can go see at the theater and actually enjoy a date together without the risk of nudity, extreme fowl language and fear coming into our minds. After all, that's why most people go to the movies... to be entertained and eat their weight in popcorn.
Disclosure:
I realize that this post may ruffle some feathers. However, that's not my point. But it is the reason why we are choosing to go and support this movie. So if I ignored your Facebook message and/ or your text, it's not because I do not respect your opinion. It is simply because I have my own and I am choosing to support this film.
And I'll be honest... I am a little nervous about the comments I may receive. But I am ready.
13 comments
LOVE THIS! Thank you so much for sharing this opinion, I think you're really on to something. Christians need to stop making so much noise about the petty things... we've really got to learn to pick our battles (like sex trafficking and poverty) and stop making the headlines over a $10 movie. Love this.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ashlin. I think my words caused quite the storm on Facebook... I only wish people had that much passion and energy towards the real needs of the world. :) I appreciate you reading this and your comments!! And if you are friends with Perren, which I think you are... she is AMAZING. I love her and miss her greatly.
DeleteLove this & totally agree! Kudos to you for putting yourself out there. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I think it's awesome that there are more movies coming out in Hollywood that are more wholesome. I personally can't wait to see "God's Not Dead". Love reading your blog & watching how God guides you & your family :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Amber!! I will say that the movie was not my favorite but I am glad that I went to see it. It had wayyyy more Hollywood than Truth, but I am still supportive of it because I know that the film, despite the artistic changes, will bring about a curiosity for sure amongst the non-believer. And it was at least a "clean" movie to go an see. :) :)
DeleteLove this post and your honest vulnerability. Love how you brought in to subject FROZEN! Great points!
ReplyDeleteThank you Leslie. It was definitely a tough post to hit "publish" on but I felt led to express my feeling toward I was choosing to see it, despite the major uproar of disagreement. I also think it is hilarious that this post about Noah was my highest viewed post up to date. lol. :)
DeleteWell said, Well Written totally going to share this.
ReplyDeleteThanks friend!! I wrote in the comment above how I felt about the movie. But still so glad I went. I know you share my same thoughts on this. Thank you for your support :) :) its a big world and there is a lot we can use our voice for.
DeleteA-men. Your points about Frozen and the Bible being an R-rated book? Funny yet super spot-on. I agree that we all need to spend more of our energy standing together on issues that truly matter; good for you for posting your beliefs!
ReplyDeleteThank you Chelsea!! Xoxo friend!!
DeleteI look forward to your comments after you see it and want to know if you can still applaud Hollywood for making a "wholesome" movie about a Bible narrative. To use "Frozen" or other non-bible-based movies as a comparison is not valid since they are fiction. The point here is that Hollywood attacked the Word of God with their non-recognizable and ungodly and evil fiction. They are attacking God Himself with this movie. Please write another blog after you see it because I really want to know if you still stand behind your above defense.
ReplyDeleteForgot to add that the things you did note about Frozen were a topic of conversation on some of my friends FB pages and the point was made that we are not "free to be me" or free to be whoever we want to be. We are created in God's image and He is the One we are to please and reflect. But "Frozen" was still fiction and while I would not take my children or grandchildren to see it, it is not the same as taking a true, God-inspired, Holy Spirit-breathed Bible narrative and manipulating its plot to make it an evil drama.
DeleteThank you for your comments and instead of writing a blog, I had chosen to write my "review" of the movie on my Facebook page, since that was the main source of my reasoning for writing this post to begin with. I did not like the movie... However there were some very positive things that were happening from it. Such as all the discussions that were taking place down the hallways at the theatre from Christians who were discussing the Truths vs. the Hollywood dramatics and that in my book was bringing some serious light into the darkness. I also enjoyed the fact that when I left, I was so intrigued to find out if they got "anything right" that I came home and read all 4 chapters of Noah and I have to believe that I was not the only one. I do still stand behind my words that I think there are more important things to get upset about and I am still glad that Hollywood is at least interested in the topic. I believe the fact that this atheist that has been interested in the story is a true testament that God has been tugging at his hearts door for some time and now that he has chosen to write this movie (even though he got it all wrong) is a sign that God can use ALL things. And NOW he has a gigantic amount of Christians praying for him and his disbelief in the Savior. Or at least that is what we are "called" to do instead of just bashing him for his sin. I am also glad that I saw the movie for myself and was able to form my own opinion of the film... now I am fully able to engage in a conversation with a non-believer about the real truths if one should arise. If you know me personally, you know that one of my giftings is to go in the darkness and my heart is for the unbeliever. Therefore, this is where my perspective comes from. Also if you know me, then you would know that using the movie Frozen was a light-hearted way for me to share my point without getting into theology and biblical truths (which would not have been right having that I had not seen the movie). I received countless emails that day on my Facebook post of "warnings" and this was my response back. It was personal and by no means was it intended to persuade the convictions of others. If you didn't feel the need to go see it, then you shouldn't. However, I did not have that conviction. Again... there are bigger things going on around the world that I feel we as Christians are called to. And I know you feel the same. I hope this answers your questions. Another blog post would only bring more attention to a movie that has had enough undeserving hype. It was my highest viewed post to date and I personally think that is a little crazy. I only wish my post about my personal testimonies of Gods miracles would receive this much feedback. You know?
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