By Kenny Doberenz
God’s Not Dead is one of the most popular examples of a Christian movie. And that’s how I know there is something wrong with Christian films. Since the start of the 2010s, the Christian film industry has released a number of films based on Christian principles and biblical lessons. Many viewers don’t necessarily have issues with the content, but with the low budgets, poorly written, and weakly performed feel that the films seem to bring. God’s Not Dead seemed to have a higher budget than previous faith-based films, yet it lacked a strong script. I mean, the film practically paints the atheist as the antichrist, it shows a man completely rejecting his girlfriend because she has cancer, and of course, a cheesy ending scene where everyone comes together to rock out to some Newsboys! These are all very big red flags that show me, as a filmmaker, that it lacks quality storytelling.
I have spent the last three years in film school, studying how to write for the big screen. Mind you, while the film school I attend is a part of a Christian school we are not fans of Christian films. These movies tend to take all the beauty and intricacy of cinema out of a film and paint it with very loud and blatant messages. Art is a painting of the Last Supper, not a canvas with the word “Jesus” bedazzled onto it. My issue is not that Christian films are being made, but with their low standards and quality. Jesus told parables that were subtle, but with powerful relatable messages. Most Christian films are the complete opposite of that.
There is No Such Thing as a Christian Film
So here’s what Christians need to know about filmmaking: There is no such thing as a Christian film. Nor is there such a thing as a Christian filmmaker. A thing or job cannot be Christian, only a person can be a Christian. As a filmmaker myself, I aspire to write and direct films as a Christian, and since it is a part of my identity, my faith will influence my work. Yet I personally will not make what people describe as a “Christian film” because my faith doesn’t demand that every story is super obviously Christian. One of the ways my faith influences me is in the way I try to make really good stories, not just stories that have a neat and clear message at the end.
Christian films tend to attract a Christian-only audience. Why do we choose to be so exclusive? Why do we create films about Christians converting people when no atheist is going to watch it? Especially if the atheist is considered the bad guy! In reality, one of the best faith-based films out there is actually Lord of the Rings–and Pureflix hasn’t even come close to it to create something on that level (and I don’t just mean because of budget restraints). It’s an intricate and fascinating parable where one can glean more Christian lessons in just those three films than 20 movies in the Christian film industry.
Films are supposed to challenge us and allow us some sort of reflection, just as a sermon might do. But typically films are less direct. So why don’t Christian films make us feel something real or even teach us anything new (as opposed to validate the opinions we already have)? God’s Not Dead certainly taught me that if I stand up for my beliefs, my youth group girlfriend will dump me because she’s embarrassed– but it’s okay because my Professor, who I challenged to a debate, will just get hit by a car and I can feel better at a Newsboys concert. Do you begin to see the problem here? Why don’t more Christians watch films like Martin Scorsese’s Silence about Portuguese Missionaries in Japan in the 17th century and the struggle to remain faithful in a country that has outlawed Christianity? Or even the R-rated Hacksaw Ridge about a Mormon soldier in WWII who refused to go against his beliefs and kill, but served as a medic to save many peoples’ lives? Or even the film Spotlight, about a group of journalists who discovered corruption in the Catholic church regarding molestation?
Films with Faith
These films are beautifully made and handled correctly, though not produced by explicitly “Christian Artists.” They brilliantly tell powerful and dark stories about real-life issues that Christians should learn from. Why are we so afraid of being uncomfortable that we hide behind poorly written and acted films, all while we refuse to acknowledge secular films with powerful faith-based themes? Sometimes Christians reject powerful films simply for their R rating.
Faith is easily found in “secular” films. We, as an audience, just need to know where to look. You can find faith in films like Indiana Jones, A Quiet Place, Lady Bird, Bridge of Spies, The Hunger Games, Horton Hears a Who, Les Misérables, Walk the Line, Wonder, Harriet, The Greatest Showman, Chariots of Fire, Hotel Rwanda, Up, Groundhog Day, Star Wars, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Good Lie, The Lion King, Unbroken, Gravity, Captain Phillips, Saving Mr. Banks, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, 12 Years a Slave, The Book of Eli, The Truman Show, Taken, The Departed, and Good Will Hunting.
See more: God Speaks Through Everything: Finding Faith in Creative Media
J.R.R. Tolkien, the creator of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, teaches us that good storytelling is a valuable way to explain powerful themes. There is truth in all forms of media. Tolkien wrote “Inevitably the myths woven by us, though they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the true light.” and “Our myths may be misguided, but they steer however shakily towards the true harbor…” The man was a believer and he wrote arguably the most famous and beloved fantasy series in history. He was a storyteller and, as creative Christians, we are also called to also be storytellers, conveyors of myth, whether they are subtle or loud, but they must be beautiful and constructed as a piece of art for the glory of God.
Kenny Doberenz is in his last year studying screenwriting at Lipscomb University. He has been creating stories almost from birth, and from a very young age decided to become a filmmaker. Occasionally, Kenny posts funny videos and movie reviews on his YouTube channel. You can also follow him on Twitter @Doberenz_k.