Christian films, music and books?

NCWA welcomes Michael Kostov.

 So what is a Christian film? (By the way, I hate that term).  Is it a film about Jesus, the Gospel, a Bible story? Is it a film on Christian worldviews, a story of a missionary family that impacted the world?  Or is it about a fallen, broken vessel that struggles, makes mistakes and never seems to really get it together?

Over the years. I’ve thought about this, talked about it and yes, even argued over that question.  My conclusion – the answer depends on the audience I’m having the discussion with.

A few years back, I went to pick up my daughter at the mall.  I showed up early to see the movie Amazing Grace the William Wilberforce story.  It was sold-out.  So I decided to wait in the food court and “people watch”.  As I sipped my iced Hazelnut Americano from Starbucks, a family from church walked up.

They were off to see Amazing Grace – I quickly informed them the rest of the showings were all sold out and recommended they see Pursuit of Happiness.  No sooner did the words come out of my mouth,  the dad adamantly said, “There is no way I am letting my kids see that vulgar film!”

I was stunned.  Actually, I was speechless; which is rare for me. I sat there, staring into space as I fast-forwarded through the movie in my mind.  But for the life of me, I could not figure out why in the world he would say such a thing.

Just as I started to say, “Are you sure we’re talking about the same movie?” it came to me.

He must be referring to “the teaching moment” scene, where Will Smith pulls his young son aside and informs him that “We don’t use that word”.  (If you haven’t seen the film, I’m referring to the scene where they walk past a tagged wall with the “f” word spray painted on a building).

As a dad, I’ve gone through those “teaching moments” with my kids. And I thought the scene was handled well.  It wasn’t gratuitous, it fit and it was real.  The situation came up, was dealt with and the film moved on.  Just as in life.

Here’s a film that shows real life with all of its problems, failings and struggles, yet is one of my favorite “Christian” films .  It doesn’t  “preach”  at the audience.  It lets them experience and relate to the character in a real way, and in the process, shows how a deep faith can help you get through the rough times.  It shows real people, real life and real faith. Just the way Jesus taught.  But because of this one scene, they missed out on this uplifting and touching film.

Really – no wonder Hollywood thinks we’re loons.

So, was this a “Christian” film, or was it a film produced by a Christian?

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Views expressed are solely those of the author. NCWA blog does not endorse nor promote opinions on media.

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Michael M. Kostov will be guest speaker at NCWA’s January 9th meeting.

Michael is an expert media producer with a long history of learning new media technologies and combining them with his creativity and vision into award-winning projects. His company has been producting telvision commercials and corporate videos for over 25 years. Michael’s website is Kostov Productions.