5 Things to Consider When Hollywood Calls
Today is the opening day for Universal Studio’s Evan Almighty, a new film where God asks a newly elected congressman to build an ark.
A CHRISTIAN FILM?
It is important to understand that a movie with Christian themes is not the same as a Christian movie.
I have not seen it, so obviously I am not an authority on the matter. However, a review by Focus on the Family does note that the film has crude humor, casual cussing, the Lord’s name taken in vain multiple times, and some inaccurate theology, including an implication to animism.
The movie reflected the morals and values and habits of many millions of Americans of multiple faiths that… are frequently absent from mainstream media.
Adam Fogelson :: Marketing Director :: Universal Studios
It is pretty clear that Evan Almighty is not a Christian movie but rather a movie with Christian and religious themes.
THE CONTROVERSY
Not surprisingly, there is some controversy surrounding the film. Some call it blasphemous, while other well-known Christian organizations support it.
Ever since Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ grossed over $600 million globally in 2004, Hollywood has been paying close attention to the Christian marketplace.
To generate buzz for Evan Almighty, Universal Studios launched two websites, Get On Board, an environmentally friendly website, and ArkAlmighty, an online resource that allows church members to help one another. According to The Advocate, about 7,000 churches have signed up.
Evan Almighty has also presented a Christian rock concert, flown airplanes with large banners on Sunday mornings, and given 45 churches $1,000 to try out ArkAlmighty and do community service projects.
They even bought a faux cover advertisement on the June issue of Christianity Today. And these examples are just the tip of the iceberg.
5 THINGS TO CONSIDER
Does Evan Almighty cross the line? In situations such as this, I think it is important that churches consider the following five things:
- Biblical Illiteracy
Is there anything in the movie that may confuse or misinform viewers about what the Bible really says? Earlier this year, USA Today reported on how Biblically illiterate Americans are. When half of high school seniors think Sodom and Gomorrah were married, do you really want to promote something that might confuse them even more? Pastors are supposed to educate people about the Bible. Why promote something that might counteract your efforts? - Reverence
Does the movie give God proper respect? Orthodox Jews respect God so much that they write His as “G-d” because they believe it is a sin to erase or deface the Lord’s name. It is a stark contrast from what modern culture has become. It definitely makes you reconsider, “What is proper reverence?” - Distractions
Does the movie distract you from your calling? If God tells you to do something, without question do it. But beware of incorporating something into your ministry just for the incentives. Incentives always come with strings attached. - Association
Could associating with the movie have a negative impact on your church’s image? Any positives? - Accountability
Are you willing to be accountable before God for the good and the bad of associating with a movie?
Considering these five areas will help confirm if associating with a movie is a wise decision for your church. Most importantly, pray about it.
THE REALITY
Keep in mind that Hollywood wants your congregation’s money and will go to great lengths to get it. It is nothing personal. It’s business. Although only 89 minutes long, Evan Almighty has already spent a $175 million to $210 million budget and is desperately looking to make a profit, according to LA Weekly.
There will continue to be more movies and merchandise that vie for pastors’ attention, which is why it is important that pastors know how to discern between good opportunities and distractions. We live in a world where pastors can win a London vacation and $1,000 for mentioning The Chronicles of Narnia in a sermon and where Rocky Balboa wants to be your friend.
So how far is too far? Every ministry is accountable for its choices, and this is yet another choice you have to make.
