The Movie SAVED!
You know who you are.
You’ve dismissed Hollywood Jesus as being a liberal website. I know who you are too. We’ve argued together in the forums for The Passion Of The Christ. You’ve declared that Hollywood is a place full of sin and decadence and that the film industry is under Satanic control. You may have spent endless hours praying that the Lord would open the eyes of the Hollywood Jesus reviewers so that we would not be allured by the sin presented in worldly movies. And, in your latest attempt to reclaim our backslidden souls back to Christ, you’ve declared Saved! a blasphemous film that is a complete and total mockery of Christianity in America.
(Chris Utley"s full review is here)
David Bruce says: Hot topic! Let's discuss it at the roundtable where others can post their reactions.
You’ve dismissed Hollywood Jesus as being a liberal website. I know who you are too. We’ve argued together in the forums for The Passion Of The Christ. You’ve declared that Hollywood is a place full of sin and decadence and that the film industry is under Satanic control. You may have spent endless hours praying that the Lord would open the eyes of the Hollywood Jesus reviewers so that we would not be allured by the sin presented in worldly movies. And, in your latest attempt to reclaim our backslidden souls back to Christ, you’ve declared Saved! a blasphemous film that is a complete and total mockery of Christianity in America.
(Chris Utley"s full review is here)
David Bruce says: Hot topic! Let's discuss it at the roundtable where others can post their reactions.
Note: You can also read responses to this Roundtable here —Forum
posted by Greg Wright at 11:18 AM
8 Comments:
Mike Furches mike@furches.org: Well, “as for me and my house,” I hadn't planned on seeing the movie -- but we will now! In all seriousness, I will probably think about the movie in the same way that the other reviewer* does. Don’t know though. I do know that we live in a society where it is “cool” in many ways to mock Christians and Jesus. Maybe I should say to mock what people perceive as being “Christians” and Jesus. Unfortunately, I sometimes wonder what kind of job other Christians -- and certainly I, myself, -- have done at being an adequate reflection of Jesus and showing His love towards others.
Many who call themselves Christians are responsible for oftentimes acting just like the people in Saved! who call themselves Christians.
Greg Wright hjpastorgreg@hotmail.com: Now, I haven't seen the movie, but here's my responses to some of the critic's observations:
Mountain Christian High School, where Jesus' name is spouted as if He's a popular soft drink
Now, things may have changed in the 25 years since I was in high school, but that sounds like an apt description of the Christian schools of my day...
"Getting saved" in Saved! is a flip decision that a three-year-old who knows no better may make.
The last I checked, that's an accusation that various Christian sects toss around at each other all the time. Why should we be surprised to have the very same charge leveled at us in a satire?
True repentance for sin, freedom from its bonds, and laying down one's life for your friends are none to be seen here.
And little enough to be seen in real life. I know I haven't laid down my life for anyone lately. You guys?
one could easily get the idea that calling yourself an evangelical Christian puts you in the categories of judgmental, rude, violent, and stupid.
It often does. Of course, that's because we're human, not because we're Christian. But that doesn't make the charge any less valid.
We watch Mary reject God while looking at a cross and trying out several profane words for the first time, defying God to prove His existence to her.
Anyone else besides me remember doing pretty much the same thing? I remember the first time I said, “My God!” while staging battles with G.I. Joes. I expected a thunderbolt from heaven. When it didn’t come, I started secretly reveling in “taking God’s name in vain.” And I can laugh about that now that I know how much bigger God is than my childish defiance.
Christians are depicted as notorious gossips.
As a former church elder, I can vouch for the veracity of this charge.
Pastor Skip begins an affair with Mary's mother, who also professes to be a believer.
I can provide first-hand accounts of plenty of church-wrecking affairs by pastors, if anyone fails to come up with some of their own. I mean, really, this is no secret, is it?
Christians, especially leaders, are depicted as liars, adulterers, and hypocrites.
We're certainly not exempt from those failings.
Christians are portrayed as violent and devious.
Well, I'm pretty much sure that the Iraqis -- and the Muslim world in general -- are convinced of that.
it appeals to Americans who, according to most polls, believe a God exists but can't agree on whether He has called them to live according to any standard.
According to my experience, that describes the attitude of most people in American churches. Hasn’t anyone been paying attention to what’s been going on with controversies in the Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian churches? They’re certainly not alone.
there has been a new wave of worldwide interest in Christ because of Mel Gibson's The Passion... Saved! feels like a backlash
I have a different theory, one that I’ll be talking about at the North American Christian Convention this July: that Christians have for many years now been successful in doing what David Bruce and others advocate -- finally coming out of the churches and integrating themselves into our culture, sitting at the same table with prostitutes and tax collectors, as it were. So, as some of the old stereotypes (which Saved! portrays) begin to collapse, the spiritual battle will begin to escalate.
My attitude about Saved! is: Why should we be surprised when satires like this -- based on very justified stereotypes -- come along? And why get worked up about it? The world will know we are Christ’s disciples by our love, not by nice, clean little movies that depict Christian high schoolers and teachers like the plastic little saints that we know they’re not. In my book, the church has got a lot more to account for than films like Saved! Can’t we save our harshest judgment for ourselves? God knows we deserve it.
Benn Becker: AMEN Greg! I think it’s time we all get honest and real rather than create some fake plastic image ... the rest of the world does that enough that I think people appreciate honesty and genuineness. We’re never going to make the world perfect!
Lyn Mellone: Greg, you’ve hit some pertinent nails right on the head, and it's painful to have to face the truth. But then, I don't think that any of us would want to see a “nice clean little movie that depicts Christian high schoolers and teachers like plastic saints”?
For Saved!, I will be looking forward to reading the kind of reviews that are posted here at HJ, where the focus is on “whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.” Reviews that find points with which to establish dialogue with those who do not yet know our Jesus.
[Note that true is not necessarily “nice” and pleasant.]
Chris Utley: I tell you, when I saw the trailer, my wife and I were laughing out loud and giving each other high fives! Why? Because in one little 3-minute movie trailer, we could relate to every situation presented!
With the exception of a few (very few) Christians that I know, here are three golden truths:
1. The world is dying and headed for hell.
2. A lot of Christians don’t give a darn about that.
3. Those same Christians are more offended by my second statement than the first!
Christian Spotlight may see “mockery.” I see the kind of holier-than-thou evangelical Christians that some people now label as “holy rollers.” My wife says “holy rollers” are Christians who are “so heavenly minded that they're no earthly good!” I loathe and detest that “holy roller” attitude. No wonder sin has gotten into the Church! We say we love the Lord and want to be used by Him, but when a brother or sister is caught by sin, or even just tempted, we don’t offer compassion or understanding, and we don’t show any grace. We do exactly what’s in that film: toss a Bible upside their heads and condemn them. We call it “taking a stand for Holiness!” But instead, we’re feeding them straight into the arms of Satan.
Mike Furches mike@furches.org: I get many emails regarding reviews. Today I had one regarding the review of Dawn of the Dead from Christians who blast me regarding my desire to see a movie like this.
By the way David, it makes me want to say that this is one more reason to make sure that this review is on the front page. It may be time to keep the holier-than-thou folks ticked off. But then again, that is just me. If it is reaching folks, great. I also realize on this one that I have some attitude things to work out myself. To love like Jesus still takes work from even me, and man how I know that!
One question today from the guy though,
"Don't the Holy Spirit ever convict you about seeing trash like this."
My response, which took 2 hours, reminded him of Romans 14. I spoke of the fact that Christ came to seek and save the lost, yet so many Christians take a “screw you” (although I didn’t use those exact words) attitude and couldn't care less about finding ways of sharing the Gospel with the millions who choose to see horror films or any other genre. Don’t get me wrong, as you can see from my review of Troy it is okay to not like a movie. But it is high time that we learn to find value in showing others the love of Jesus, at all costs.
Greg, I really appreciate you brother. Your words and comments are inspirational and make me say, “Yay! Thank you, Jesus -- someone else gets it.” If you were here, I would hang my head on your shoulder because you have reminded me that neither I, nor the others who love the ministry behind Hollywood Jesus, are alone.
I have to say I think it’s a shame that it takes “non-Christian” movie companies to see the value in something like this. While the purpose may be only profits, I frankly don’t care, if it provides the opportunity to get the message of Jesus into the hands of those who don’t know. Flannery O’Conner, and others, for years understood this approach, but for some reason we have forgotten it when it comes to putting it into practice. It is a shame that Christian companies have not seen the value in reaching people by whatever means necessary, as opposed to living in their own little bubbles.
I also will say this: the more we stand up for Christ, and this position, the more ridicule and negative attitudes we will see from “the church.” Expect it. It happened to Jesus and it will happen to us! For some of us, it has already started, and thank God that there are other ways that we can now glory in the message and ministry of Jesus.
Hi. I'd like to comment on the movie SAVED! (For those curious on my personal background, I am a biblical Christian and an evangelical-Gospel centered-Lutheran)
Although I have much to say regarding this movie, my thoughts will be brief (so if my comments seem long, just realize they are actually brief!).
I really enjoyed watching this movie, for numerous reasons. I do also think it has some danger to it, though.
Firstly, I think this movie was accurate in its portrayal of many American evangelical churches (whatever title you give them, non-denominational, local, etc).
Everything had the sense of authenticity. This is also what made it, not merely enjoyable, but also thought provokaing and disturbing.
Also, I personally believe the movie was made by, or written by, non-Christians WHO HAVE LIVED AMONG CHRISTIANS FOR EXTENEDED PERIODS OF TIME, maybe like the Jewish girl in the movie who attends a Christian high school?
It was too authentic to be a typical Hollywood bash against Christ's Church. For example, compare the wacked-out version of Christianity in the movie Constatine (not the science fiction parts, but the religious aspects) to this movie and notice the radical differences in how the Church is portrayed. They are very different, indeed. The movie SAVED! is as close to the truth as you can get.
It was this accuracy that was also so distrubing. The movie was less a mockery of American Christianity, than a satire on it.
I thought the writer WAS a Christian...until the ending, that's how accurate I think it portrays "us." Even though I think that although the writer is proably NOT a believer, the movie has some things to offer the Church, if viewed as a satire.
I have many thoughts on this movie, as I said, but I'll only add a few...
1. The high-school "cool" youth teacher (played by Donovan) was almost laughable, IF it was not for the fact that SO MANY youth leaders are like him. During this movie I kept saying to myself "so true."
Even the way he prayed in public, with soft voice and folded hands held to his mouth, are things I've seen many times.
I know that many times in my life I have been in this "Cool Christian" category.
I think this whole category of the "cool" believer started after the 1960's and took off in the 1980's when everone seemed to be a rockstar who rocks out for Jesus but never fornicates, never gets drunk, and never smokes pot.
A good example from the movie is when Mandy Moore's character says, while at the high school lunch table, "Hey let's show those unbelievers how much fun we Christians can have. Start laughing!" Such satire! So insightful! I am serious.
I admit, this Cool Christian category has been a nice place to be, many non-Christians feel comfortable with me, and I don't think I am compromising my faith either. It has been a 'useful tool' in daily evangelism. In the last few years, though, I am moving away from it.
One reason I am moving away from it is the way this character (played by Donovan) acted at the end of the movie, he was totally conflicted! Again, satirical truth.
I think Cool Christians actually believe that this sort of conflict is good, almost as if they are saying to the world (by non-verbal behavior) "I am TRYING to be a good guy and be your friend, but still be a faihtful Christian. You can understand, can't you? I'm TRYING!" Almost like a hidden form of seeking acceptance from the unbelieving world.
Donovan's character was 'Mr. Christian Life' while simultaneously carrying on a sexually questionable, even probably immoral, relationship with a Christian single woman.
At the end, he is seen carrying flowers to the hopital room of a gay Christian boy, then he turns away in frustration, then turns back again. This is so symbolic its amazing!! As I often say, non-Christians see right through Christian falseness, even if we don't.
I think the "cool Christian" role looks OK outwardly, but inwardly people like this are (in my opinion) deeply conflicted over spiritual and carnal tendencies.
I, as I said, was in this role for a long time, so I am not judging anyone. My outward, visible life was OK, but inwardly I had conflicts.
God looks at the heart, so this ought to challenge all who want to be Cool Christians. A thought: Are Cool Christians maybe a bit like the Sadducees, instead of the Pharisees? The Sadducees were a bit liberal in their beliefs and more in touch with the Roman occupation and "the times."
Modern Cool Christians are never totally liberal, but just a bit more flexible than their so-called intolerant brothers. But Jesus condemned both Sadducees and Pharisees as "not getting it."
Now, to comfort my HollyWoodJesus friends...Yes, I have Christian freedom, I assert, I watch R-rated movies, etc, etc if I want. I agree with you here!
That's not my point, my point is "the heart." Am I (or you) seeing a movie because of my (our)Christian freedom OR because I'm (we're) a Cool Christian(s)? I ask you all to consider this! God sees the heart and the motive. God is less concerned about outward behavior (as Pharisees usually think), as in the heart.
Remember, Jesus, our Lord, tells us in His Word that we cannot love God and love the world. It's one or the other. This shows up to God IN THE HEART more than in the life.
2. The ending, or "solution," to the film, was clearly NON-Christian and UN-Biblical. This is what made the movie so deceptive and possibly seductive to a post-modern generation.
Notice that, while the movie does a good job pointing out modern American Christian hypocrisy, the solution is not God, Jesus, or above all His grace, mercy, and forgiveness, but tolerance an acceptance of "difference." A very modern American ending and solution, not a very biblical one.
The REAL PROBLEM IN THIS MOVIE IS HOW THEY SOLVED THE PROBLEMS POSED BY THE MOVIE!! This movie, being a satire, it also shows us how the Church of Jesus is FAILING to answer the BIG ISSUES of the day.
How do you deal with teenage sexuality, pregancy, single motherhood, temptation, and homosexual urges, etc, etc? Really these questions are not new, but old, yet they have been dealt with in different ways, such as ignoring them, denying them, or as the Chruch does today: EXTREME MORALISM, that is, trying to be good for God (even though even Jesus says "no one is good except God alone").
This movie shows Christians TRYING to go fill-out for God-pleasing morality, yet still having underlying problems. Example: The Mandy Moore character, who desires to stay a virgin till marriage, target shooting a poster of a man in the groin with her 45, is hilarious and ought to be revealing to many Christians.
So WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? It is not Phariseeism, nor Sadduceeism, it is neither being a conservative or a liberal, it is not being a Cool Christian, tolerant, accepting, or any other option, in fact, it has nothing to do with me, you, or anyone...anyone except Jesus! THE ANSWER IS THE GRACE OF GOD FOUND ONLY IN JESUS! Grace! Grace! God accepts sinners apart from works! Yes, APART from works. That's the answer of the Bible.
Whatever problems people face, the answer at the end of SAVED! should have been (for the truly saved) God is gracious to you! He is not suprised by your sin, nor sickened by it, since the blood of Jesus long ago removed the offense. He does not want you to accept your sin (as the movie ending suggests), not be guilty about it (as Pharisee-types suggest), not tell others its OK to keep living that way, nor any other human answer.
He merely says, the Father and I (Jesus) are gracious. We accept and keep on loving you! As God said to St. Paul, said "My GRACE is sufficient, for My power is made perfect in (your) weakeness."
What has been done wrong is forgiven! Where there is temptation, He'll give gracious strength! But above all, He'll keep on loving. Grace means that there is tolerance and acceptance and love...in God and Christ! Grace, grace, grace: This SHOULD have been the answer of the movie and its problems, of the world and its problems, of your and my problems.
I enjoyed this movie, but also am aware of its dangers. By using it as a satire, it may be a perfect "lead-in" through discussion (as HollyWoodJesus is doing) to the True Answer (and true salvation), the GRACE of Jesus Christ.
3. I enjoy HollywoodJesus and all your work and comments (I have followed it from the beginning), but at times I have seen the Cool Christian approach used on it. I say this with no judgment, since I was in that role once myself.
Hey, maybe all my thoughts are merely a reflection of me and what God's taught me about grace and about no one else, but somehow I doubt that. I think others may understand what I write and I hope it helps them.
I enjoyed SAVED! not because I agreed with its solution, but because it made me examine myslef and once more turn to the GRACE of God.
Thanks for sharing. You definitely write with a lot of passion and understanding of Jesus.
One correction, however:
"At the end, he is seen carrying flowers to the hopital room of a gay Christian boy, then he turns away in frustration, then turns back again. This is so symbolic its amazing!!"
It wasn't the "gay Christian boy" whom was in the hospital. It was Mary, the main character in the film. (SPOILER) She had just given birth to her baby. The flowers were presumably for Mary's mom as an act of apology for his earlier behavior (when he suggest that she send Mary away to a group home). Nothing too symbolic there.
Regarding the ending: I think the film ending the way it did was symbolic of the writer/director's own struggle with Christianity. If you read up on the making of this film, you'll find that the director actually went to a Christian high school and that was his inspiration for the film. It's clear through his tone during interviews for "Saved" that his view of Christianity has been tarnished thanks to his experiences. I suspect that, after having been burnt by his fair share of real life Hilary Fayes and others in the church, he's now trying to find God/Jesus outside of the regular, orgainized religious structure.
Saying all that to say: I think it's because the director hasn't found the Answer himself that the Answer was absent at the conclusion of this movie. Just a thought.
Post a Comment
<< Home