by Aaron Summers | Mar 27, 2014
From Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) to Superman (Dean Cain) and Willie Robertson to Newsboys, Pure Flix Entertainment’s release of God’s Not Dead seems to have it all. Based on a plethora of litigation, the storyline involves college student Josh Wheaton whose faith is challenged by his philosophy professor, who believes God does not exist. Throughout the movie several of the basic apologetic questions are raised and summarily defended. Such questions are:
- Is God real?
- Can the Bible be trusted?
- Can faith, science and reason survive in the same playground?
- How can God allow evil?
- How did the universe originate?
- How does evolution fit in to Christian belief?
First Things First
I purposely did not read any reviews of this movie prior to the viewing. I wanted to see it with as few distractions as possible. I knew the basic synopsis, which sounded a lot like a sermon illustration that floated around a few years back. I went in a bit skeptical having watched several other Pure Flix productions and being underwhelmed by the quality of production value. With tickets and Diet Coke in hand I entered the theater.
Q & A
Apologetics is a branch of Christian theology concerned with proving the truths of Christianity. The word “apologetics” derives from the Greek word apologia, which was originally used of a speech of defense or an answer given in reply. In ancient Athens it referred to a defense made in the courtroom as part of the normal judicial procedure. After the accusation, the defendant was allowed to refute the charges with a defense or reply (apologia). The accused would attempt to “speak away” (apo—away, logia—speech) the accusation.
Josh (Shane Harper) refuses to sign a declaration that “God is dead.” In so doing he raises the ire of the professor who then makes a deal with him. He can either sign the paper or give 3 partial lectures to prove the existence of God. After mulling it over for a night, he remembers a quote from C.S. Lewis that “Only real risk reveals the quality of one’s belief” and chooses to defend his faith in the existence of God. Josh addresses the issues surrounding Big Bang Theory (not the TV show), Theory of Evolution, and Existence of Evil. In each, positions are presented and simple conclusions are drawn.
Logistics
The intertwining of characters and their stories was well crafted. The strength to stand for one’s belief is found in Ayisha (Hadeel Sittu) as she stands up to her non-believing father. The existence of God and His working in us is found in the comic relief of the ministers (David A. R White and Benjamin Ochieng). The existence of pain, suffering, and evil are expanded through Mina (Cory Oliver) as she deals with her mother’s dementia and Amy (Trisha LaFache) as she faces death by cancer as a young women recently dumped by her boyfriend (Dean Cain) who is Mina’s brother. The fleshing out of the simple answers provided by the student I found to be refreshing and well-done.
I do, however, believe that a college freshman would not be as well-spoken, savvy, and quick-witted as our lead character. While I completely understand that the Holy Spirit can fill a man’s mouth and guide his tongue to speak eloquently, it just seems a little over-the-top. With that said, it makes for great drama and entertainment. Outside of this, the character development was on point and the quality of cast and script made for a believable presentation.
The end of the movie wrapped up quickly but poignantly. One finds faith after a car accident. One finds faith in the midst of cancer, while others continue a life of rejection and rebellion. Because there were some who still refuse faith, this film was kept honest and real.
Conclusions
In a world of skepticism coupled with a deep desire to find meaning in life, this movie honestly addresses real questions of millions. “God’s Not Dead” provides the framework for deeper and far-reaching discussions around water-coolers, in coffee shops and dorm rooms across America. The world of apologetics is far richer than presented but is on sound footing here. While some apologists might argue that the answers were not presented strong enough, let us remember a word from one of the final scenes that “It simply comes down to a choice. You either believe or don’t.”
I believe this movie is worth the price of admission.
I believe that God and Science can play together.
I believe that the presence of evil is a result of our own freedom to choose.
I believe God’s Not Dead!
by Aaron Summers | Mar 5, 2014
Movies for my wife and I have been a staple in our relationship since before we were married. After the ice and snow melted over the weekend, we braved the weather and went to see the latest from Roma Downey: “Son of God.” I watched “The Bible” series when it came on last year and was excited to see this movie. We arrived early, and I made sure we had our Diet Cokes and Popcorn before entering the theater. Can you taste the butter? My keyboard is starting to get greasy!
Initial Reaction
As we watched the previews, my mind wondered a little. How would this movie be in comparison to the “Jesus Film” or “Passion of the Christ”? It may not be fair to go into a movie with that in mind, but having seen the other two several times it comes with the territory. Could this be used like “The Jesus Film” for worldwide evangelism? Is this “The Passion” but without the anti-Semitism accusations? Could I take my kids to this? I sat back, munched on my popcorn, drank my Diet Coke, and watched with eager anticipation as John opened up the narrative. For the next two-plus hours, I was well-pleased.
Manners and Customs
For the most part, the manners and customs held to the setting of first century Israel. Filming in Morocco provided the right feel. The cruelty of the Romans seemed shocking in the first scene, but after reflection, was probably more accurate than our Western reading of it allows. Throughout the movie, I felt that the portrayal of Jesus’ teaching was so natural and organic. Teaching out of lifestyle and surrounding needs models for us the type of discipleship needed today. However, there were a couple of interesting choices. First, Thomas is basically blonde with blue eyes. The culture of the day was not nearly as mixed as we are, so Mediterranean should have won the day. Second, how in the world did everyone have straight teeth? Seems odd that first century people would all have orthodontia. This stuck out to me as odd, but really did not detract from the story itself. Maybe the budget was spent on location and clothing.
Biblical Accuracy
The church has always struggled with dramatic licensure and Biblical accuracy. “The Son of God” does a good job of this balancing act. I really liked that they started from the beginning. Too often, the Gospel is relegated to a few cliché statements and an emotional push toward a decision. The Son of God is presented from “Let there be light” in Genesis to “I am coming soon” in Revelation. The thin red line that flows throughout scripture is well-presented in this drama.
The synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) present the Gospel in a particular way. When screenwriters take the elements of the story and remix them, preachers get fired up and pulpits usually light up! The script does this very thing in “Son of God,” but stick with me here. Is the order of the synoptic Gospels chronological, or did the three authors just write it that way? With that in mind, we must ask ourselves if the presentation of items is anti-Biblical or anti-traditional? I choose to view the whole presentation and how it shows us Jesus as son, friend, healer, miracle maker, food distributor, and crucified Lord who rose from the dead in an accurate and wonderful way.
One question comes to mind regarding the omniscience of Jesus. We believe in this attribute for God the Father. If you believe in the omniscience of Jesus, specifically after His Baptism, then this movie will disappoint you four times. Jesus looks surprised on four occasions. Why would He be surprised? Maybe the actor meant to look oddly dismayed and was just confused. To me, Jesus looked surprised. How could that be if He is omniscient? Was it the humanity that looked surprised but the divinity wasn’t? He looked surprised at the amount of people to be fed. He looked surprised they would call him king in a mob movement sort of way. He looked surprised at who would betray Him. He seemed like he received a direct message when hugging Peter and told him he would deny his Lord.
I do have a couple of issues. First, Jesus was too pretty. Read this to find out why. Moreover, when #hotjesus EVER is trending, we have a problem. Second, I appreciate dramatic license, but Nicodemus comes to terms too late in the story. Also, it is mentioned that Jesus had not come to Jerusalem before Palm Sunday. However, John 2 and 5 also say Jesus was in Jerusalem. This may not be huge, but it was obviously an oversight. Finally, Mary Magdalene is portrayed as a part of the inner circle of disciples. At times, she is considered one of the disciples. For the highly conservative, this will be a little unnerving. She is in every scene with the disciples, even the Last Supper. There was never anything weird, romantic, or discussed. She was just present at everything.
Conclusions
This was a beautiful film. The Gospel was clearly and accurately portrayed. We see beginning to end in just over 2 hours. When asked by Peter, Jesus responds with “We will change the world.” Message received. At the end we see the disciples looking at each other saying, “We have work to do.” This movie has the ability to impact like “The Jesus Film.” It is better than “Passion of the Christ” because it presents the fuller Gospel, especially with respect to the resurrection and final 40 days before ascension. It is rated PG-13 and is true to that rating. I do not believe children are prepared for the graphic nature presented. While the story is not unfamiliar to children, their minds are not ready. Otherwise, I fully recommend you see this film. Take a friend. Discuss over coffee after. Enjoy.
by Aaron Summers | Feb 4, 2014
Have you noticed how thin models are these days? They are paper thin, it seems. Or are they? I accept that there are many women who are too thin to be healthy in the modeling world today. However, I also believe that many women on the covers of magazines today are being altered digitally. One outspoken victim is Kate Winslet who is one of many overly-photoshopped cover girls.
What’s a dad to do?
We are not exceptionally tall people, my wife and I, but there are tall genetics in the family. Our daughter, whom we call Brownie in social media, since she is under 13, is at that pre-teen difficult time. We stand in line at grocery stores and superstores often enough that the magazine covers are noticed. At school, the girls are already splintering off into the “right-size, right look” and “wrong-size, wrong look” groups.
What’s a dad to do?
I love my daughter because she is God’s gift to us. I don’t care what she looks like and whether our culture deems it right or wrong. Out of the love my wife and I have, God created her. God made her.
“For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began” (Psalm 139:13-16).
Here are a few things I wish to embed in my daughter’s mind. I can only hope she will accept them. I can only pray our culture would do the same.
1. God loves you. God formed you just the way you are, using the genetics hidden away inside your mom and me. Please do not regret how God made you. He has a complete plan for you and very little, if any, of that has to do with your body type or shape. God loves you just the way you are. Jesus died for your heart and relationship not your measurements.
2. I love you. My love for you is not based on appearances. I love your spunk and your sass, though I do not want you to know that yet. I love your desire to help others. I love that you take time to make new people feel welcomed. I love that you are kind, though not enough to your brother. I love that you are creative. I love your smile. I love you.
3. We eat right and are active people. You are at a time when everything is changing. Everyone does this at different rates and ages. You are healthy. The reason we do not let you have too many sweets and cokes is because they are not healthy for you. We want you to be bright and healthy, so that you are prepared for whatever God has in mind for you. You will notice that we are not obsessed with either but make it a part of normal routines of life.
4. Be your own woman. Fashion does not define you. Some things just don’t fit and that’s OK. Wearing what everyone else is wearing is a part of childhood; trust me I get it. However, setting the trends is leadership. In the end, wearing what makes you feel pretty is more important than wearing what makes others happy. You can’t be happy trying to be someone else. Be you. I love you and wish to see who you become not you as the imitation of others.
I am sure there are many other things that will need to be said. But I want to reinforce God’s love, my love, smart habits, and independence. What would you add?
by Aaron Summers | Dec 20, 2013
My kids have recently turned in their Christmas lists. They tell me they still believe, and I am not arguing at this point. Soon enough, all childhood fantasies will melt away into the reality of adulthood.
I wish I could read bedtime stories to them forever, but that will end. I wish I could keep them innocent, but puberty and “life education” tears that away too. Hormones are going to hit, and soon my wife and I might not even recognize them for a period of time.
I can’t have them as children forever. I can’t magically travel back and enjoy this again later. For this reason, I have my own grown-up Christmas wish. While the sentiments in this song are nice and popular, I have one thing I wish for my kids. In fact, I have one wish for everyone I know.
Every night I read from the Bible. At first, it was Bible thoughts. Then we read Bible stories. Now we are reading the Bible. My son listens from his room now, but my daughter still wants me to read every night . What? You thought I would say no? HA. One of her favorite books is Daniel. As I read the fiery furnace story last night, it hit me that the response of these 3 young men is the response I would wish for all of us to have.
As you might recall, the King had established an idol (of himself) and demanded that everyone bow down and worship what he had constructed. In order to be politically correct and accepted, everyone did except for these three. In a city of thousands, three stood up. In a city filled with exiled Israelites who claimed to worship Jehovah God only, only three stood up. Needless to say, the king was angry and flew into a rage. He brought these three to him and gave them a chance to recant. He offered them an opportunity to “do the sensible thing” and just bow down. Here is the reply:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
I have so enjoyed the childhood of my children. I have enjoyed the dreams and beliefs. I have enjoyed hugs at the door, snuggles in the chair, the giggles and laughter. I know that will pass at some point, and I will be sad. Yet, if my wife and I can instill this one thing, if we can see them embrace what these three had, it would make a world of difference. Here is my one wish:
I wish that all the followers of Jesus would respond with confidence in God, the courage to speak out, and the conviction to die if necessary.
That’s my grown-up Christmas wish. What’s yours?
by Aaron Summers | Dec 5, 2013
From Billy Joel to Bon Jovi to the Box Office we have been encouraged to keep the faith. Billy Joel reminisces about an earlier time. The video sets him on trial to determine whether he is keeping true to his music, youthful morality, and the message he is sending. He summarizes his argument in the song stating that, indeed, he had “bad boy” tendencies and had no reason to stop. Bon Jovi, in this 1992 release, marks a different tone for him and from the Billy Joel argument. Bon Jovi seems to be seeking a change in his life, though there is no real power in it. He seems to want to keep the faith, whatever that is defined as, in that which he had been taught as a child. He is frustrated with societal trends but offers no solution. In the movie, “Keeping the Faith,” the writer deals with religion and romance. He juxtaposes the two and works it out through the 128 minutes.
What does the Bible say about keeping the faith?
There is an interesting dialogue that occurs in John 4. In this passage, Jesus is thirsty and wants some water. Unknown to her, the woman at the well is thirsty too. Through this conversation and the ensuing ones, we see how faith develops and strengthens. Here are the stages of faith from this episode in Jesus’ ministry.
Scared – The woman has been raised with a certain fear and loathing of Jews. Being a woman of a certain mind, she also has a problem with men and the way she is treated. Jesus begins with a simple request that is culturally acceptable and conversationally allowed. Her response shows that faith and fear are intertwined for a time in everyone’s life. The moment that you choose to let faith be stronger than fear is the same moment you can move forward.
Skeptical – Jesus talks of water but has no bucket. She begins to question His sanity, though He is questioning her spirituality! So often, people move from scared to skeptical. Fear lingers. Faith and reason have often been set in opposition. For some, many questions must be answered before they are ready to move forward. A recent report reveals that for those raised in church, 85% make a faith decision before 18, if raised in church. For those not raised in church, obviously they come to Christ must older and in fewer numbers. Tragedy and transition mark the best times for people and faith. May we be as patient as Jesus was in this moment.
Saving – Through this conversation, the woman accepts that Jesus is the Messiah. What does this mean? It means that she realized and readily accepted that He was to be the ruler of the world and her own life. She turned away from leading her own life and turned to Jesus. She left her old lifestyle and forged a faithful new one under the leadership of Jesus. Have you done this in your life?
Sharing – The woman runs back to town in excitement to tell everyone she knew about the great news she had just received and believed. Many people believe because of her testimony. What if she had not shared? What if she had simply enjoyed the personal moment and kept it private? What if she has compartmentalized her life and never let others know? She could not help but share. The joy and relief she felt was so overwhelming she HAD to tell someone else. Do you feel this way? Why or why not?
Secured – The people of the community listen and believe for themselves based on the testimony of the woman. They believed in Jesus, not the woman, and were excited also. However, they wanted something the woman had…time with Jesus. They made their way out and met Jesus. As a result, they were more secured in their faith. The woman moved to this point earlier. Now the others would say they believe more firmly. There is nothing like meeting Jesus!
You might resonate with one or more of these progressive points. Maybe you are near the top of the list and still wondering. You are reading this because you know me, or because you found it on a search engine and something led you to stop. Others of you might have a saving faith but are not sharing it or feel secured.
So many people I know are shaky because they have believed but have ridden the coattails of parents or grandparents. It is possible that the shaky ones are riding the faith carpet of their teacher or pastor. Let me encourage you to read the Gospel of John and meet Jesus! Get secure and keep the faith!