So, a few hours ago I had a really wonderful, complex evening.  My Son, Sam and I went to see “God’s Not Dead.”  We bought more popcorn than any two humans could ever eat in a single setting.  We drank so much soda that, well he was unaffected, but I had to pee three times and won’t sleep for four days.  Having shared that I saw the movie, I know what I will be asked, “How did you like it?”  Well, it’s complicated.

Anytime I get two uninterrupted hours with my 16 year old son, it is a great day.  Also, I loved watching how “into” the story my son was.  I loved having him see a story that was based around a young man standing up for his faith and, for a change, to see a positive image of a pastor in film.  I am so glad he had the chance to see, and then think about, what a healthy, young, romantic relationship should and should not look like.  Well done.

Then comes my challenges.  There was so much in the movie that was reductionistic and dismissive.  I found myself wanting to stop the movie and start a discussion about love and how love is more powerful than anything else.  To ask; if anyone else noticed the complete absence of love, as an ethic, a command, a way of life?  I wanted to ask the group if they could see how the complexities of life were not represented in this story.  To ask, “In your lives does God move so quickly, clearly, and consistent with our plans?”  But I didn’t.

I wanted to leave.  I almost did.  I need to tell Sam, “There may be a few Muslim fathers who would treat their daughter in that way, but not all, not most, not more than a few.”  I need to tell him, that there are Muslim families who love one another and who support one another.  I need to tell him that it is always the easy road to perpetuate stereotypes rather than represent complexity.  I need to tell him that if we are to understand one another, appreciate one another, love one another – as Jesus commanded us – then, we must respect one another.  I need to tell him.

I did tell Sam that professors are not like that.  In the seven years of higher education, each of which while serving as a pastor, I have been blessed to experience I have been taught by many people who were atheists and they have all been respectful of my beliefs…and I hope, me of theirs.  I have been challenged and encouraged to be open to other ways of seeing the world, but I have never been treated as portrayed in this movie.  I said to Sam, “Professors are not really like that.”  His response, “Gee, I hope not.” 

How should I say this?  To be a witness to Jesus Christ you should never engage in emotional manipulation.  In the “big moment” of the movie when the young man is challenging the professor, he uses the professor’s pain (the death of his mother) to “win.”  I cringed.  Jesus called us to be witnesses, to testify to what we have seen and heard.  To share the power of love in our lives.  To share the soul-shaping grace of Jesus.  Not to take advantage of another person’s pain.  Jesus never…never put one person down to raise another up.  In 1^st Corinthians 13 Paul describes love.  The love he describes is a love that builds up and does not tear down.  I wanted the young man to put his arms around and share love with the professor, not beat him down.  What kind of moment would be created if a showing of love created a moment of hope and peace? 

We should remember that Jesus did not demonize anyone.  Yes, he challenged people.  Yes, he called people to account.  But no, he did not demonize others as this film did (“left” media, professors, Muslims).  We should remember that Jesus hung out with people who were different than himself. 

All that said, I am glad I went.  I am glad I was with Sam when he saw it.  Just my thoughts. 

So, a few hours ago I had a wonderful, complex experience.  Anytime I get two hours with my son, it is a great night. 

Shalom,

russ