"There are no good movies in Hollywood anymore."
"The film industry is messing up our culture and influencing our children in a terrible way."
"We should only watch movies made by Christians."
Have you heard these phrases said before? Have you even said some of them yourself? If so, you may want to consider the fact that lots of wholesome, biblically themed material is in our cinematic culture and is just waiting for you to discover it.
For example, the theme of equality between people of all races is a biblical concept that can be found in many films today. God makes it very clear in the Bible that people of all races are created equal in his eyes: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). In addition, Christians of all sorts will be in heaven: "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, all kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb" (Revelation 7:9). This theme of equality can be seen in several wonderful films such as To Kill a Mockingbird, Remember the Titans, and Amazing Grace.
Sacrificial love has always been one of the main themes running throughout the Bible, constantly proclaimed by Christ himself: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34-35). Though many films today present a very shallow, selfish view of love, there are many that present a beautiful, supportive, and caring view of love, such as Up, The Blind Side, Radio, and Breakfast at Tiffany's.
These movie gems and many others are not always suitable for children of all ages. The best way to approach any movie you are considering showing to your family is to first watch it yourself and think critically about its message afterwards. Ask yourself questions such as
- "Was the theme in line with biblical messages and ideas?"
- "Does the movie present accurate portrayals of life and the nature of good and evil?"
- "Was the content, good or bad, there to advance the theme?"
- "Is this content worth consuming because it will help my walk with God and realize the truths of His world?"
Once you decide to show a film to your family, start up a discussion afterwards and ask your children the same questions you asked yourself. You might be surprised by how perceptive children can be when it comes to matters of right and wrong when they have a strong biblical basis and a family willing to discuss the issues with them. The sooner children learn to biblically analyze movies for themselves, the better off they will be in approaching and recognizing the unbiblical messages and ideas that they will encounter in life.
Hollywood may seem like a dim, daunting cave that never lets in any quality light or ray of hope. However, there are a few priceless diamonds in the rough of Hollywood. It just takes some skilled diggers to be able to discern the imposters from the genuine gems.