Elizabeth Prata of The End Time reviews the Christian film “War Room.” In part 1 she sheds light on some of the glaring theological problems with the film and also deals with other Kendrick brothers’ productions, such as “Fireproof” and “Courageous.” The brothers may have good intentions in making “Christian” films, however in so doing they have shown a stunning lack of spiritual discernment. I’ll let Elizabeth explain why Christians should not invest their time and money in “War Room.”
For Christians seeking family friendly faith based movies either as entertainment or as ministry the Kendrick Brothers movies from Sherwood Pictures have been the go-to series for many. Originally from Athens GA, the Kendrick Brothers are Shannon, Alex and Stephen. The latter two attended college, were ordained as ministers. Alex accepted a call to Roswell Baptist Church as staff, then later to Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany GA as associate minister of media. Stephen joined him there two years later. Shannon completed college and accepted a job at IBM.
It has been a lifelong dream of Alex and Stephen to make full-length Christian movies, and at Sherwood Baptist that dream came to fruition in 2003 with the independent production of their first film collaboration, Flywheel. After that came Facing The Giants, a huge hit in 2006,Fireproof in 2008, a bigger hit which starred their first bona fide professional actor Kirk Cameron, and then Courageous in 2011, yet another hit with secular validations of climbing the NY Times Bestseller lists and gate take to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. Movie #5,War Room, is due out Aug. 28, 2015.
After this the brothers split from Sherwood Pictures/Sherwood Baptist as their base for production and formed their own company, Kendrick Brothers Productions. Shannon, the eldest brother who had been working at IBM all this time, resigned to help his siblings with the management of their new company. Along the way much merchandise has been sold under the auspices of each film, notably the Love Dare and the LoveDareTest among LOTS of other merchandise from Fireproof, and the Courageous Resolution from Courageous, among LOTS of other merchandise from the aforementioned film. (2 Peter 2:3)
Many folks are pleased that faith-based honorable movies are being made which they say honor Christ, and are even more pleased that much merchandise is available to re-stock the movie company coffers so that these movies can keep being made. Churches who have been relentlessly pressured hype the films and in their church sanctuaries host previews, events, marital retreats, Courageous ceremonies, and ‘bible’ lessons accompanied by all the paraphernalia and curricula associated with the movies. Marriages are being saved. Fathers are returning to biblical duty. It’s all good.
Isn’t it?
I’d like to offer a different view.
My first introduction to the Kendrick Brothers was as a newbie Christian, hapless bystander of the waves of hype when Facing the Giants was released. The Baptist church I’d been attending at the time heavily promoted the film and everyone was encouraged to attend. No doubt, the movie was a tearjerker, a feel good movie that seemed right with Jesus- on the surface. I was discomfited by the thread throughout that when one submits totally to God is when things begin to work in your earthly life and all your temporal wishes will come true, like winning football games and getting a new truck. It seemed to me a kind of slick Christianity. But I was new to the faith and more to the point, new to church life, and didn’t know for sure.
Yes, it’s true that when one submits to God, we will be blessed, but the biblical Stephen was ‘blessed’ with a vision of heaven before the last killing stone crushed his head. Paul was ‘blessed’ with a thorn in his side which tormented him God called sufficient grace. Peter was ‘blessed’ with a long career preaching in a persecuting world that ended with martyrdom on a cross. Facing the Giants bought into and promoted every Western Christian cliche imaginable. I would like to have seen the coach get fired even if he had won the championships. Or what would have happened to their faith if they hadn’t won the championships. Or if they never had gotten pregnant. What then? Would THAT kind of faith hold true? But Facing the Giants isn’t that kind of movie.
Then Fireproof came out and I was more discomfited. The hype was louder and tsunami-like this time. I can’t tell you the pressure at churches when a new Kendrick Brothers movie is issued. It’s like the second coming and this movie is gonna solve everything. I am not exaggerating. It was almost as if I would be blaspheming if I said that I didn’t want to watch the movie or if I said that I didn’t like it. There were parts in Fireproof I enjoyed but my discomfort with the doctrine in Fireproof was more coalesced this time.
First, I hated Catherine.
I was aghast at her adultery and more aghast that it was never addressed. I was stunned that her act of filing for divorce with her signature on the decree was never addressed as unbiblical. She was never shown as repenting. Much was made of the male actor’s pornography viewing but not of her flirtatious adultery in lining up the Doctor as husband #2. I was sorry that her withholding of sex from her husband, unbiblical as it is, was never addressed but all the fault lay at the husband’s feet with his porn, anger issues and distancing himself from her. It takes two not to tango, but the woman’s culpability was never seen as an issue.
Worse, it was not clear from the hype, plot synopsis, or posters that Catherine was not a Christian. The husband, Caleb, might not have been but it’s more sure that Catherine wasn’t. The movie took the stance that it was a movie about Christian marriage but if it was, the writers would have to address being unbiblically yoked. If neither was saved when the movie began then it wouldn’t have been a Christian movie. Did you realize that? That one or both marital partners are not Christian in the film for most of the running time? Continue reading
Related:
Lazy Writing, Cheap Restoration by Kenneth R. Morefield, Christianity Today
its not a question “withholding sex” its a question of he turns her off. its a question of he is not the sort of person anymore that she feels anything but physical revulsion for not the kind of person he presented as when courting that she would want to have sex with. essentially he has abandoned and cheated her. people like you talk like sex is some kind of machine like thing. she’d probably feel dirty inside if she did it with
someone like that.
There is this book that guides Christian values and principles. Your comments demonstrate that you obviously do not allow it to speak to you or inform your sexual ethic in marriage. Dirty? Sex is never dirty when it is between married spouses unless that is, you have swallowed hook, line, and sinker, American feminism which it sounds like to me you have.
Wow. For a review that purports to be biblical it is full of bias and attribution of motives that clearly weren’t there. It reeks of Tertullian bias, that’s for sure, as in women are bad, women are evil, women are all liars with evil motives. Let me show what I mean.
Claim: Catherine was “withholding sex”. Oh, PLEASE. Sexual intimacy is about trust, safety, respect and love. None of those ingredients were present in a marriage where Caleb was already an adulterer long before she became one . I mean here is this guy who thinks his wife should worship the ground he walks on while he is treating her like dirt; Caleb Holt clear had a male privilege mentality which is far different from the servant leadership modeled by Christ and taught by the apostles even in marriage.
Caleb was guilty of adultery and perversion already with his online porn viewing, which appeared to involve sex chat as well. Jesus made that clear when He said looking on a woman to lust for her was adultery sure as shooting. So women are supposed to serve up sex to a man no matter how badly he is behaving and how he is treating her, even if he is unfaithful? That’s treating your wife like a prostitute, not a cherished life partner and fellow heir. What about self respect and legitimate self protection?
When Paul said not to withhold sex from each other, except when you come apart for prayer, I am pretty sure he was talking about a normal relationship where one partner isn’t involved in ongoing unrepentant sin, which would move the partner in line for church discipline and then if it continued, disfellowshipping as an unbeliever. I realize neither Catherine nor Caleb were saved in the movie but they are being judged by biblical standards and I don’t think they are being applied quite biblically. Paul’s instructions were not to use unjust means of controlling or punishing each other when ordinary difficulties arise. Quite different from what was going on in the character’s marriage here in this movie even if they were Christians though arguably they are not.
Claim: Catherine was working her charms on a married doctor as her backup plan. What? Did you actually watch the movie? It’s clearly shown that the doctor is a sleazy lothario and a male version of the wayward adulterer of proverbs. Catherine wasn’t pursuing him, HE pursued her aggressively, Intruding on her personal space, asking her to call him by his first name rather than his hospital title, flattering the daylights of her, telling her how special she was, inviting himself to join her at her lunch table, posturing at caring about her aging parents needs by making a token donation towards their situation. In every way this predatory male moved in on a vulnerable women at a time when her guard was down and her heart was vulnerable to temptation. What a cretin.
If anything, its a good depiction of how specific and dirty the enemy fights and how carefully planned his trap was, targeting all the areas that were issues in her relationship with her husband. Catherine’s relationship with the sleazy doctor was wrong but she was not the initiator, he was. She was vulnerable to it by virtue of her marriage failing and her husband choosing to pursue fictional relationships with online women rather than his wife. In one scene it is clearly demonstrated that the doctor masquerades as a single guy, keeping his wedding ring in his desk drawer. After Caleb confronts him, using his wedding ring as a means of making a statement about his commitment to his wife (renewed ), the doctor momentarily toys with the idea of going straight and doing the same, but quickly cools to the idea of honor and fealty and puts his ring back in the drawer.
Claim: Catherine’s adultery is never called out. Again, what? Did this particular commenter actually watch the movie right through? In the movie, Anna, an older believer, sits down with Catherine and very tactfully but directly, draws Catherine out, addresses what she sees unfolding in the hospital hallways. Catherine falling into a trap dressed as real respect and understanding that meets all the needs of her parched and raw heart but will actually lead her to being just as sleazy and selfish as her husband and the doctor. Anna boldly points out that if this man is willing to romance her when she is still married, how does she know he won’t cheat on her too? She also points out to Catherine that she should consider how her husband might feel about this. Catherine is too hurt and angry and sees this new relationship as justice served on her ex husband, and has closed her heart so she doesn’t take too well to Anna’s getting so personal at that time. But seeds of truth are planted and truth is definitely told as to what is really what.
On the positive or agreement side, I agree that there was too much ” follow Jesus and your life will all magically work out and go your way, and material blessings will fall from above thing. I’ve heard of things like this actually happening, but they are still usually only possible in a very affluent society. In fact, one thing that has always bugged me about Christian movies and even bible studies packaged and sold to churches, is that in almost every case, the believers shown live affluent lives in big, fancy homes. I am not against someone being successful but even so, I think there is something wrong with a believer who is willing to live like a fat cat way beyond what meets their needs and provides for some comfort and pleasure while two thirds of the world starves and dies for lack of food medicine and safety. Even if one has such wealth, it is grossly insensitive to those who have less, in any way create a seeming link between being blessed and loved by God and being wealthy.
The brand of faith often taught and practiced in most churches today is very shallow formula oriented stuff aimed at folks who grew up in homes like Dr. Dobsons. I am not sure the problem is the faith message per se, as in what’s possible when you truly believe God. I think its more that films like this fail to show what it looks like to apply God’s principles in hard situations and how God sometimes answers believing prayer. For a Christian trying to sort it all out, its bewildering and one feels caught between the letter of the law orthodox crowd and the charismatic, magical faith name and claim it types. Each claims to be speaking the whole biblical truth but are they? For a person wholly sold out to God, and consecrated AND walking in real faith, the most outrageous things are possible. But its not magic for our own uses. Perhaps its Simon Magus, who wanted God’s power for his own purposes and the Pharisees who were sticklers to the letter of the law meanings of things but utterly blind to the heart of God and His intentions and to their own hearts? Neither option seems very real to me.
I don’t know. One cannot address all possible theological issues in an hour and a half. Still, I think the Kendrick bros. would benefit from fine tuning their movies so they are both more biblical and more faith filled, not less. In Facing the Giants for instance, Alex Kendrick’s character says ” You honor God by honoring your authority”. Scripture is replete with this principle. But what does it look like when your authority is corrupt, perverse, abusive or evil? Many Christian messages, sermons and films talk as if everyone, non Christians included, come from homes where really evil stuff doesn’t happen and its all mom and apple pie and the American flag. Yet a vast majority of the world knows family violence, perversion, corruption, deceit, adultery, child abuse, etc. I’d love to see a TRUE story put to film of how someone obeyed God in that circumstance and applied principles like honoring God by obeying their authority. Show us, tell us. Perhaps this is why such movies are appealing; people are looking for practical examples of how to live it out because the institutional, cold, air conditioned Christian country clubs for nice decent people from Dobsonesque homes ( no disrespect to that man by the way intended ) that we call churches today teach such a weak, watered down hothouse brand of faith that the “hungry sheep look up and are not fed”.
Good afternoon Anonymous,
I did not see film, but I read the review and your synopsis, I will not comment on the validity of the movie, but I do think you hit the proverbial nail on the head when you said, “a seeming link between being blessed and loved by God and being wealthy.” That is the crux of the problem, people are being taught to “believe in Jesus and you will be rich’, you see this on TBN all the time with the money preachers. What’s never taught is the opposite, Jesus said are we willing to count the cost of following Him. Given today’s rapid changing society, the acceptance of sin under the guise of love we can see what Jesus meant.
The theme of this entertainment movie was Prayer and not theology. Shame on you for not supporting. It’s entertainment, no matter how you look at it…
“Shame”, yes how dare anyone not “support” anyone or anything that evokes the name of “Jesus”…
I don’t know about anyone else, but nitpicking about how true a movie is to “the book” is common. The Bible is no different. However, we were not put on this earth to judge the works of others. That said, stop nitpicking and getting so detailed. For the new or non Christian, Kendrick Brothers films are a great starting point for conversation on becoming a better Christian. For non Christians who simply don’t like heavy sex, violence, and foul language Kendrick Brother Films are perfect. Wish I had discovered them a LONG time ago. I got tired of watching kids movies to be able to watch a “G” rated movie.
I am very saddened to see this review. The judgement of how they are sharing their faith is between them and God. There are many ways God blesses, some look like blessings in the beginning and some look like thorns. I was diagnosed with an incurable neurological debilitating disease at the age of 35. We have 4 children, there are times we have not known how to put food on the table, how to make our next house payment, this last Christmas, I took money from my kids, that they didn’t know about (that I knew would be returned) so I could put a Christmas present under the tree for each of them. We patiently waited for God and sometimes impatiently, because we are human, for things to get better. My husband got a huge promotion at work, which was a wonderful gift from God and helped in some ways, but the facts remain, we will most likely spend at least $10,000 a year in medical for the rest of my life. We are lower middle class, sometimes things will look good in terms of a new home, but the cycle will always change. People will show up to help out and I learn a whole new way to give back. There is enough religious/Christian prosecution these days, I think the least of those worries should be about how a couple Christian brothers chose to end their feel good movies. They are still human and will make mistakes along the road, so will I and so will you. I pray that we as Christians can unite matter if we are Baptist, Methodist, Protestant, Berean, Catholic, Lutheran, E Free…….. and work together in this world. God Bless.
I sorta understand where this guy is coming from, in that perhaps he’s saying the “weightier issues” should be addressed as well, to give the movie more credence when it comes to the Word. I don’t think it’s nitpicking, more like staying true to God’s Word, especially in light of what’s going on in our society today (when infidelity is rampant and the world could care less).
Seriously???? The number one movie in America. I think you really got it wrong.
I ,just Not believe how Negative people said somenthing bad about the movie.I Belive that Movie is Excellent.If people ” Pray ” That way,This Actor’s Did On the Movie ,”The World Be Change for God’s Glory ” Blessed All the Director’s, The People Work On this Movie” Hugs,My Loves to All ❤️
Hi
My name is Constance and I would like an email address.
The reason is I would like to be on your prayer team.
In Canada I had seen many miracles on our prayer team.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
In Jesus name.
Wow! Someone may not have been very clear on what Facing the Giants was about. It wasn’t about “submit to God, and everything is perfect,” it was about how when we submit and recognize that we can’t do ANYTHING without God’s help, He sees that and blesses our effort and desire to serve Him.
Secondly, in Fireproof, why did they have to be Christians in the first place. There’s this thing called Salvation, not sure if you heard about it. The important thing, is that they showed that marriage has to have Godly foundation for it to ‘work’.
I love how she said ‘it’s tricky to review Fireproof negatively’ Then why are you reviewing it negatively?! Catherine DID humble herself, at the end of the movie, remember! She apologized 18 times or whatever!
I do not want to judge her for where she is, but I honestly don’t know how she calls herself a Christian. Everything she says contradicts something else she said, or contradicts something that IS true (see Men’s Resolution)
It’s sad how little people think these days!
Thanks for clarifying that ‘The point of the movie is to make us realise that without God’s help we can do nothing’.Now I get it I wont lie I some how had a different point as in they mean all that we ask we get it just lyk dat.U knw der r smtymz we dnt get wat we ask for coz God has a different plan.Thank you
All I am saying is, you just said you didn’t want to judge her, but then followed up questioning her salvation? Discernment and judgement are quite different. You just judged your sister in Christ, while she was merely trying to give an opinion she has and maybe where Jesus may have given her discernment. We are to judge everything and weigh it to the Word. Period. Not our perceptions. Not people. But every teaching that bears the name of Christ, to The Word of God! And I notice the comments, seriously, everything should be about doctrine. This is why there are so many false gospels because everyone wants a Jesus that conforms to them. What about being transformer!Ed by His Spirit and His Word? What about unity in the Spirit, not religion. Judgement from the Lord first starts in His house.
I could not disaprove of an article than this one! It is not factual to begin with. Facing the Giants deals with frustrations and overcome adversities and has a happy end. However, War Room shows the man being punished by his misdoing…
It is a movie, an art, and the biblical presentation of the gospel is in it (Courageous has better than anyone!)
More than that, the brothers were blessed by Sherwood Baptist Church to move ahead with their own production and imply anything else besides that is not good honesty!
More, our family personally met Stephen and his family. He is not the person this article trys to present. More, he is a humble and kind man, came to talk with us, and until the very end of our long time with them, we did not know who he was!
Finally, using the scripture to supose attack the selling of materials related to the films are poor judment, perhaps the author still a baby Christian… Yes, Bibles are sold, like it or not, all kinds of them, for all kind of prices. And we have the freedom to either buy or not it. In our case, we did not have that choice! When SBC realized that we were missionaries, they gave to us, totally free of charge, all that they produced for those movies and what were not produced by them we pay the cost price (like a t-shirt and a heat that I liked!)
By all means, being a mature Christian is more than write sour articles. It is the ability to aggree to disaggree with someone. Excuse me my mispelings, English is not my first language!
I love the fact that these films are sparking up conversations about the Word, therefore, I respect your opinions of the Kendrick brother films. However I think your analysis is a little far left. Just because things worked out perfectly for one season of someones life in movie does not mean that it goes against christianity. As we walk this life we have multiple seasons, so whose to say that things would not get bumpy for those characters latter on down the road.
Also, Catherine’s adultery was addressed. It was addressed by an older woman before she even had the chance to follow through with the act. The film makes a point to show that her feelings towards this doctor are wrong and dangerous, and she is pulled back from that
mistake before she can make things worse.
To address your last statement. The movie was about MARRIAGE. Not “christian” marriage, “secular” marriage or even “Hollywood” marriage. Because God is the creator of marriage all marriages go back to Him whether we realize it or not. He is the source on the success of our marriages and the lack of Him leads to the failure of our marriages. Caleb was not a christian in the movie. he actually did not become a christian until the last 15 minutes or so, as a result of his transformation, and the godly love he showcased to his wife, Catherine soon found herself walking over to the “light” side.
Like I said, I respect your opinions, but they do seem a little far left. It would be great if you could truly grasp and meditate on what is before you, pray on it even, before you discourage other from viewing something that could change their whole outlook on their faith for the better.
Being passionately in love with the Lord & His matchless Word, I am once again saddened at how “Christians” degrade other “Christians”. The evening before He was crucified, Christ gave us all the very overlooked commandment to love one another as He loved/loves us (John 13.34). It literally means we are commanded to love one another to the extent that we would die for one another. Is it any wonder that the world sees “Christians” in such a disgraceful way? The world is not ignorant; they know we are supposed to love one another and not degrade each other (John 13.35).
In II Corinthians 10, Paul is gives the order to capture every thought to the obedience of Christ (the Word) (vs 5), because the believers in Corinth were thinking/speaking negatives about him, the Godly man sent by God to teach them Godly Truths. IF WE DON’T CAPTURE OUR THOUGHTS, THE ENEMY WILL (vs 4). If you haven’t noticed, he is running most everyone’s mind for them…with the added effect that everyone is really thinking for themselves (been there, done that).
The first & foremost commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, MIND, and strength. Try it. Blessing God with all your thoughts will change your life. THAT’s what the “new creation” is all about. The Aramaic (& the Greek [kainotes] as well) meaning of “newness of life” in Rom 6.4; 7.6 is “Newly made, different from the former & in the place of. The new man”. The Northern Aramaic meaning of “born again” in John 3.7 is, “to change one’s thoughts and habits. To become, like as a different person, in thought, word, and actions (Nicodemus spoke Southern Aramaic and did not understand Jesus, as Jesus spoke Northern Aramaic).
Eph 5.19 (Psalm = a song of thanksgiving. Hymn = a song of praise). You will LOVE it! And above all, HE will love it!!!
Love your movies! They are scripturally backed. Keep on with the good work!
I am also disappointed with thus review.
In my opinion all these movies give hope to people cause we all know that it doesn’t matter who you are sometimes hope is needed.
And if things ended badly in any of these movies how would that seem attractive to a non believer? I bet these movies have broughtpeople to know Christ.
Isn’t that a great thing?
No God may not fill our needs with what we think it should be but He fills our needs the way he sees fit in His time and in ways that will benifit Him the most. That’s all that matters.
Jesse,
Your response reflects such a departure for true Christian teaching it is shocking. The gospel of Christ is not “attractive” to unbelievers. It demands that they repent or else. That is the first problem. To create a movie that contradicts 1 Corinthians and Paul’s clear description of what an unbeliever will think about the true gospel is not the right course of action for any Christian. Most of the time, things don’t work out. People divorce, babies die, spouses die, we get fired, lose the house, have to start over, regardless of how much we pray. That is the simple fact of the matter. The only kind of prayer God answers is the one that says “nevertheless, your will be done.” And many, many times, maybe even most of the time, God’s will is not the same as our desire.
The movie gives a false impression of prayer and of God, not to mention numerous other issues. Most of these movies are just simply based on very bad theology, charismatic sort of theology. True converts are made by God alone through the true gospel alone.
The lack of biblical aptitude among modern Christians is nauseating.
I agree although some of the wording may have caused offense. But, it is the Father that draws men to Himself. Is changing the reality of Christ character, and purpose changing Jesus? If no servant is greater than His master, why aren’t we making movies that are more realistic? Praise the one who saves not the movie. We are baptized into Christ’s sufferings, we are told through many tribulations we enter the kingdom of heaven. Paul was shipwrecked, hungry, poor, stoned, Better yet the One True God took on human flesh to save His people from their sins. He was stoned beaten forsaken slandered spit on cursed at slapped by His own creation, It is His gospel and I intend to Honor Him, the Truth.
i am really astounded at how someone can minimise such a great work put forth by our brothers, for our generation and the younger ones. when our Lord Jesus said ”beware of Dogs”, its because the dogs are inside the house of God, not outside.you have nothing to say concerning the secular movies with all the foul language and everything else, which have no meaning, except that killing another human being for revenge is ok. but when anointed people of God seek to make a movie that your children can comfortably watch and learn something, that’s when you start talking. my dear, please use that energy to encourage the children of God, unless of course you are not on their side. choose what side you’re on, and fast
Wow! This write up against the Kendricks’ movies is one of the most satanic things I’ve ever seen. You obviously don’t have any idea how many homes and lives have been won to Christ through these movies. I watched War Room and my prayer life took a different turn and you castigate these?!
To me, these are not just movies; they are sound tools for evangelism. How cheaply you’ve submitted to the devil as an instrument of criticism. He blinded your eyes to the blessings in the movies and opened your eyes to the flaws the he alone made you see. Now you’ve become one who sees no good in good! That’s not the Spirit of God at work in you. It’s only the devil that can misinterprete a good message to you. Not surprising but very sad. You remind me of Oprah Winfrey who intepreted “God is a jealous God” as God is jealous OF her.
I pray you wake up from your death sleep and celebrate the revival God is working through these movies in Jesus Christ’s name!
the pharasee’s of Jesus time said the same things. they too were wrong and completely missed the point.
by the way the movies are great!
It’s amazing how many lives have been touched by these movies. You sit in judgement of men that positively effect the world. We all have sinned and made mistakes. Jesus is clear.
Love your enemies and don’t judge. We will all sit and be judged someday. I would rather answer to God for the movies I made and the live impacted in positive way then th letter you published condemning their work.
I believe we can be critical of almost everything, but let’s really look at the context. I have watched only 2 out of the Kendrick brothers’ movies; Fireproof and WarRoom.
Both movies teach us that we need to rely on God; thru prayer and doing our part, as God has called us to do, to make our marriages work.
God bless us all
The movie might not meet up to our expectations but it has a good theme-prayer. We do not always get everything we ask for but the world would be a much better place if we prayed that much. The movie emphasises a relationship with God too. I must commend the brothers and what God is doing through them. War room has taught me to pray especially as a struggling christian youth.
we do not need ur wolf hidden in sheep skin reviews. if you want movies to say negative stuff, go watch american pie, crank or any of those illuminati movies
All the movies are amazing! They DO encourage people to grow in Christ! Im SO thankful for these Christian men that are STANDING ON THE TRUTH and pushing forward!!
The stories of David and Mary Magdalene must be very upsetting to you as well.
I have not fully read the entire article but do have an opinion of what I have read.
the first point is that while there may well be holes in each of these stories from a “christian, biblical, and theological” point of view they are still well done movies. Considering some of the trash that passes for movies I believe that these men are doing a wonderful job and filling a void that needs to be filled.
The next thing I would like to point out is the fact that none of us are perfect. And since Jesus himself is not behind these movies it would stand to reason that neither will they be perfect.
With that in mind would the collective naysayers suggest that these movies should NOT have been produced?
Wishful thinking on my part if I was obscenely rich I would pony up the funds to allow you to rewrite the script and produce any one of these movies as you saw fit just to see if you or any of the other critics could make them better. Interesting thought, no?
It is easy to criticize someone or something. The world is full of armchair quarterbacks and coaches yet none of them is out there “doing”. Lord knows I am much to critical about the many things in life.
While not being theologically perfect I believe these movies sow some seeds of exploration. I think they hit nerves out there that like the elephant in the room need to be addressed.
Yes, as I read the article I could easily see some of the holes I personally missed. But I don’t think that the intent was to fill every crack in our sinful lives. I think the intent was a “big” picture. I also think that there are a great many movies that are good and wholesome that could and should be produced. I believe that we need more men and women like the men behind these reviewed movies. I have read a great many “christian fiction” book and the majority of them would make for some really good movies if only there were someone to produce them.
I love the war room. It is powerful. It is not really all about a man and woman relationship as husband and wife but it’s about trusting in our Lord God and having faith in him to fight our battles how to pray and be a positive force for others in need of help. There is a God we just need to trust and believe. When it comes to War Room it made me feel as though I need to be more prayerful it made me repent my sins and ask for God’s Grace and mercy. Thank you Lord of Lord’s for the Kendrick Brother’s.
No one is perfect, and these movies show how God can work in the lives of imperfect people. God can use all things to the good, of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. Romanso 8:28.
With all the sin in the world and all the horrible movies that are out there, it is a breath of fresh air to watch a movie that gives glory to God, and not to man. These movie are a work of fiction, but I know many people including myself, who can relate to them. God loves us, no matter what our struggle. He is alive and working in the hearts of his people. I have known people who have gotten divorced, found christ and remarried their ex’s.
God might not make our lives perfect, but he always gives us hope.
Praise God for these brothers for bringing up Jesus name. The person who wrote the article is definitely one of Satans agent.
Think of this when you finally started believing God and Jesus Christ was anyone hounding you for your bad decisions that you may have made before you came to Jesus Christ I bet not
I don’t think you actually gave your life to Christ because if your salvation was real you will understand the true love of God and how it works. The movie is breeding amazing testimonies in my country, women are seeking God’s face in prayer and broken homes are being mended. I will answer you like Jesus answered John the Baptist when jealousy drove him to doubt Jesus being the Messiah. Go and tell John the amazing things you see and hear, the blind see, the lame work etc Mathew 11:4-6.
A movie like this that teaches and affirms certain beliefs and practices must be judged based on the teachings and principles clearly deduced from Scripture, not pragmatism. A mended marriage in and of itself is not testimony to the power of God. Unbelievers reconcile all the time, as do people in false religions and cults even. The fact that people are engaging in the religious activity of prayer is no proof that the movie is honoring to God. Mormons and Jews and Muslims pray too. Finally, Jesus was raising the dead and opening blind eyes, and he was actually God in the flesh. How on earth could you possibly think there is even the slightest comparison to be made between the ministry of the Messiah and a product of Hollywood?
I agree, this is American Christianity.
The major theme I saw in this movie, ‘war room’ is that God answers prayer and when God answers that prayer He chooses how [GOD IS STILL GOD]! Well, I am not in agreement to the ‘Berean Research Review’ of this movie. For the wages of sin is surely death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life in Him. God does not do ‘retributive judgement’ and/or punishment. The war room movie just wanted to highlight a glimpse of God’s power in our earthly life challenges, in this case a challenge of ‘pride’. Remember before the fall cometh pride, and Satan himself desired to rise above the Holy one of Israel before the fall. The beautiful couple in this movie were at the edge of totally annihilation due to their pride and ‘lukewarmness’ as Christian. Temptation itself is not sin however opening or yielding to it is sin. Tony’s actions were wrong, and even the consideration to cheat, and if we trace his problem, it all started by the deceit he started by cheating the company that employed him. Sin makes our senses numb to the biding of God and eventually he lost the love for his family. Sure enough, his deceit was exposed and the right step he took meant that God took charge of his life. Tony did not get his job back but GRACE covered his sins. It is practically impossible to address ALL theological points that need to be stressed out in a movie or sermon. This movie left a huge impression of what PRAYER can do in our lives and more importantly, that GOD is sovereign and He will fight our battles if we totally surrender ALL to Him. Stephen, Paul etc etc, had God answer them the way He saw fit. War Room was on point. Can anything good come out of HOLLYHOOD, certainly NOT. The Kendrick brothers have broken that bond with hollyhood, and as an object lesson, God wants us to produce our material in the church so that we can use them for teaching. I am sure we watch sermons, lessons etc etc. I stand to be corrected!!!
This is why the body of Christ is so divided because of every believer that nit picks at every little thing instead of being glad these are good clean movies! Wake up body and think about how you are dividing the body by putting down a movie that is based on God and faith regardless if you disagree!!
It is difficult to imagine someone being in Christ for very long at all, being filled with the Spirit for very long at all, and not being able to discern the disturbing doctrine behind this movie. Christians are commanded to judge everything, to hold fast only to what is true. You, on the other hand seem think Christians ought to judge nearly nothing, and hold fast to whatever makes you feel good.
I still watch these movies often and will continue to watch them!!!! Fireproof and courageous are my favorite!! God bless them for making them!!!
Tickle tickle. Feels soooo very good. Man of Faith? You sound more like a Man of Feelings.
Came very late to this discussion I did. But I’ve seen 2 of the Kendrick movies and I will say never again will I allow myself to be persuaded to watch another one.
Fireproof was the first one. I hated that movie, but in the interest of seeing whether it would redeem itself at the end, I forced myself to watch it all the way thru only to be disappointed. My main objection: Catherine isn’t much better than a prostitute looking for the highest bidder. Some have said she wasn’t saved at the start of the movie, I don’t care, there is no justification for glorifying unsaved prostitutes anywhere that I know about, only today’s culture does that, but the movie follows our culture anyway. She solicited that doctor while she was still married to another man, there are no two ways about that sin. Some say she was saved at the end, but I say salvation from sin doesn’t happen without repentance and remorse. Neither of which is shown on Catherine’s part. In other words, she was shown sinning, but she was never held accountable for her sins that we could see, let alone shown displaying remorse and desire to repent of that sin. Fans of the movie excuse this by telling us “oh it’s only a snapshot” or “it’s not that important, what’s important is they got back together again”. Well that is a lot of baloney, sinners are always accountable for their sin, not just men, but also women have agency as well. By that standard, Catherine gets off way too lightly. Execrable. Being a real Christian is hard, Jesus never said it would be easy. Women shouldn’t get a pass from that difficulty, that is the disservice performed by the Kendricks, they gave her a free pass.
Another objection: Caleb is shown in a rather poor light from the beginning. Yes he sins with porn and that is bad, that is a mortal sin, but so sorry, not divorce-worthy as it is only lust in the heart, not real life. In any case, the movie shows very little respect for Caleb’s position whatsoever, this isn’t redeemed until the very end. If I took a message from this movie, it would be that the Love Dare as written is very poor at persuading a wayward wife if she isn’t participating. It takes two to get together.
When Courageous came out, I couldn’t be talked into going. What I heard and read about it led me to believe that was the correct decision.
When War Room came out, I was told this isn’t like the other Kendrick movies. So I went and I ended up deciding this wasn’t quite as bad, after all it was the first time I know about that the Kendrick brothers actually had a woman holding herself accountable for her part in the current state of her marriage. However there are still problems with this movie. First, I did not find the line “submission is lowering your head so God can hit your husband” to be funny at all. It was definitely not biblical. Second, we don’t find deliverance from Satan by addressing him directly, we find deliverance from Satan by turning away from him and toward the Lord in prayer for that deliverance. See Ephesians 6:10-18. Third, prayers for secular wishes are too often shown as having instant or near instant effect. Ok it is Hollywood stuff. But it is a pernicious idea that mostly does not happen in real life. Best we can often do in prayer is to be thankful for what we have. Fourth, there is that bit about “the closet was a prayer closet”. This is supernatural stuff not biblical. Fifth there’s Beth Moore in there. ’nuff said.
Umm, mortal sin? Scripture clearly states all sin starts in the heart. So trying to fool the Lord doesn’t work out to well. For He judges the hearts of mankind. So, that is why the pharisees are in hell because they believed they were righteous and didn’t need Jesus. They rejected the Messiah, and Jesus indeed called them white washed because they looked perfect on the outside but there hearts where full of wickedness. Caleb and Catherine where both sinners and unbelievers. And I believe they did represent Christ and the Church..alll of us…everyone is missing the point. I do not believe they accurately, depicted many things. However what I seen is to Love your wife like Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself for her. Your speaking about submission without proper wisdom. After all did we not get off to easy? Jesus, God in the flesh died for us. We didn’t deserve it nor can we ever do anything to merit this priceless gift. We simply offer a life and heart that is wholly submitted to Him as living sacrifices
PS. Jesus is perfect and never sinned. Caleb after he repented I meant demonstrated in a very modest way compared to King Jesus, laying down your life to be a vessel that brings others to Christ. In this case his wife in the movie
I was searching for the love dare and came across this and although I have not seen this movie it’s important we stay unconditionally objective. What works for one person to awaken their soul to the a Holy Spirit vs another will differ. For me I was innocently attracted while leaving church to purchase fireproof your marriage which lead me to the Love Dare. I whole heartedly did each dare and felt great mostly because I was learning to love without expecting anything. 30 days into it I sat at a wedding and got the surprise of my life. The air was filled with LOVE it was everywhere as if heaven opened before my eyes I was showered in Gods unconditional love according to god which grows within me. People talk about the Holy Spirit but I never expected to be showered by heaven. So sometimes a movie or book may not be biblical perfect just as we are not God wants us to look for Gods truth in everything. God has many surprises for us in the midst of an imperfect world. It’s important we open our hearts to gods truth.
The war room movie played out like a true life story, nothing biased about it. It has changed many lives and it is still changing lives. Its an eye opener to a better life (inner peace).
Personally it has helped my spiritual growth.
I love the movie! God bless Kendrick brothers and team.
More inspiration for you in Jesus name!!!
Anita,
The War Room had more to do with witchcraft and feminism than biblical Christianity.
Those movies are made for profit and fame and doesn’t help anyone’s spiritual growth.
You need to take your meds for it had nothing to do with either and you missed the whole message
to lyn
quoted from your post
The greatest need is to get out your bibles, get on your knees and seek Him while He still may be found.
Did YOU even watch Fireproof? If you did then you did not understand what Caleb was doing AFTER HE BECAME A CHRISTIAN
He
1. Destroyed his computer to stop his porn searching
2. WAS on his knees praying WITH his Bible next to him.
3. Changed his habits when at home from doing nothing to help Catherine to doing the work she complained that he never did.
4. Was emotionally crushed when he received the divorce papers.
to name a few.
You need to get involved with the ministry of helping others that are going through these types of problems. Like reaching out to street people or those going thru divorce proceedings.
quote from lyn
Movies like these serve no purpose to the soul. They are merely forms of entertainment.
This movie (Fireproof) turned 1000’s of marriages around and brought many others to the saving knowledge of CHRIST. I know because I have worked in ministry for over 51 years. I have seen a time of restoration because of these movies. I have seen some fall back into sin but I have seen many who have become ministers to those around them going through the same problems they had gone through.
It really makes me wonder about a person’s comments when they say things like
quoted from the article
Paul was ‘blessed’ with a thorn in his side which tormented him God called sufficient grace.
This person needs to go back and read the Bible again. God did NOT call the thorn sufficient grace. God did NOT call the thorn anything.
God said “My grace IS SUFFICIENT for you (Paul).” Meaning Paul was not going to have that thorn removed from his life. The Bible does not tell us what the thorn was only that it would remain a thorn for the life of Paul.
Misquotes of the Scriptures like this makes me wonder just how often the author reads the Bible.
“Facing the Giants” is not a true story based on the life of any one person. Interview with Pastor Kendrick:
Aware that this moving story was fictional, Pastor Kendrick was quick to point out that everything in the film had actually happened.
“It’s kind of an amalgam of real events, even though they didn’t all happen to one coach or one team.
But in our church, we’ve had couples that were told by their doctor that it was medically impossible for them to have children. And after we prayed with them, two or three couples ended up having biological children. Now that hasn’t been true for everyone. We have some people that are still having trouble with infertility.
But we’ve seen God work miracles in that arena.
We’ve also seen a kid kick a 50-yard field goal, like in the movie.
A coach really was given a car in Bainbridge, Georgia.
We wanted to incorporate things we have seen God do in the lives of our church membership or people in our community. Being a movie, we had to condense many things and incorporate those miracles into one team and community.”
from https://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question98550.html go and read it.
In my own church one of the associate pastors introduced his miracle child. His wife was unable to ever have children due to the fact that she had no ovaries and without these a woman cannot ever have children, EXCEPT when God says YES.
You say. Facing the giants dont happen well your wrong, when we got on fire for God and was doing his eork and living in his will i had a car wreck totaling out our mini van and we are a family of 8 and only had a dodge ram that fit 6 so we prayed lots and 3 month’s later we were givin a 2005 chevy suburban 4 wheel drive in realy great condition for free!!!!! And my wife had 14 miscarriages and 1 still. Born and 3 live births and after our last miscarriage we were told that it woyld never happen to give up, well we prayed on it and now just in less than 3 weeks away we are going to have a baby boy!!!!! So see it can happen like the movie
Disceenment bloggers are against everything. It’s become a beat down to read y’alls stuff and take it serious. There’s a devil behind every bush and lurking in every corner. Everything is bad. Yawn
Most professing Christians want a ‘feel good’ religion, one that produces the warm fuzzies. They want an experience, and nothing more.
These types of feel good movies play on the emotions, but what good is that? The bible is all the follower of Christ needs for daily living. It isn’t the emotions that need to be dealt with…it’s the heart. Sin, repentance, judgment are all truths that are no longer considered to be essential. God loves everybody, so just keep on doing as you desire. There couldn’t be a greater lie.
Movies like these serve no purpose to the soul. They are merely forms of entertainment. We are entertained to death with this garbage! The greatest need is to get out your bibles, get on your knees and seek Him while He still may be found.
I am so sorry I am on this mailing list, and ashamed of it!
Please, if you don’t like something, you can just turn off or live it alone all together.
Now, watch it so you could, “with your expert opinion” point out what is wrong, let me give a Bible principle to you: go and tell your Brother, not a social media!!! Yes, you feel like by all of your points that the Brothers have done wrong, so you go first to them and deal with. That is BIBLE 101 for you. Anything else is just trying to get attention to yourself over the expenses of someone else. Please, save your resources, your time and my mail box: don’t even try to give us a second part, without taking the first step: talk to them first!
” go and tell your Brother, not a social media!!! ” So, it’s okay for YOU to use ‘social media’ to reprimand others?