Why Christian Movies are BAD | The Problem with Christian Media

[@seanpaulmurphy4447]

As the screenwriter of a number of PureFlix films, I could hardly agree more with your perspective. I grew up watching indie films of the 80s and 90s, those filmmakers managed to make art with small budgets because they had a passion for the medium. It's not the budgets. It is a disregard for the art of filmmaking. And faith films will not get better until the audience demands something better, but they tend to evaluate films solely on the message itself. As for the counterproductive hatred of atheists and other non-believers, I tried to buck that trend. In Hidden Secrets, the first film produced by PureFlix (but its second release), my co-writer and I sought to create a fuller, more sympathetic portrayal, and, if the following review is any indication, we succeeded: "But don't dismiss Hidden Secrets as The Big Chill rewritten from a Christian perspective. It has the nerve to make one of its most appealing characters, a stem-cell researcher played by John Schneider, an atheist and the least appealing a scripture-spouting hypocrite. While its proscriptive tendencies might not sit well with some moviegoers, it does strive to distinguish between sinner and sin. Even the death merchant and the homosexual - played by Arkansan Corin Nemec - are worthy of love and respect; it's their actions that God despises." Nowadays, however, the audience reward films that fight the Culture War for them. It is easier to generate anger than compassion. I have no interest in that. As for the muddled purpose of Christian films, I think you will appreciate my recent blog: seanpaulmurphyville.blogspot.com/2017/09/building-faith-based-film-ghetto.html

[@Josh_Keefe]

Sean Paul Murphy Thank you very much for watching the video and for your comment. It is indeed a shame that that it is easier to generate hate than compassion. What has baffled me is why most of it is being done by Christian filmmakers. I sincerely hope this changes, it could result a golden age of artistic movies connecting its audiences to the divine through spirituality and relatable truths. Thank you once again for watching.

[@alixinthemiddle]

i'm an atheist. i do appreciate that you try to not paint all atheists as demon hellspawn. if you ever need an atheist perspective on something, there is plenty of us who would happily answer genuine questions.

[@dudeist_priest]

I was really happy to hear your perspective on atheists as well. I'm fortunate to have very understanding family and friends, who despite their beliefs, don't condemn me for my own. Everybody should be so lucky.

[@simonduchesne4467]

this is more, and more is an understatement, I say more than untrue

[@shadenox8164]

No Brian, it means we don't believe in a god. That is it. Everything else will vary from atheist to atheist so you'll have to talk to them to find out what their beliefs are, sounds like you think atheists are nihilists.

[@Bigguyherodude]

Ok, being a Christian and having watched lots of Christian movies, I can say that most of them are bad. But, prince of Egypt..... NOW THAT’S A BANGER

[@axeld2150]

Because it was made in the golden era of DreamWorks.

[@brokenearth7079]

100%

[@medexamtoolscom]

the original 10 commandments with charlton heston as moses was ok too. As long as you only watch it once in your entire life.

[@DraconicDuelist]

Probably because it was adapting an interesting and compelling story, rather than making a modern-day preach fest. Which is more interesting? A grand story set in the past when miracles were supposedly all over, with drama and grand conflict; or a small-scale no-risk argument with poorly written characters and pathetic resolution...

[@jaybrittain2428]

I think that honestly the movie was good because it was not aiming to "send a religious message" but was just trying to tell the story. It hit quite a few religiously accurate points because they consulted scholars from all 3 major religions that share the story.

[@QBG]

"Can't you see you're not making Christianity better? You're just making rock and roll worse!" - Hank Hill

[@jonothandoeser]

Hahahaha!!!

[@randybarnett2308]

Well said

[@joelgordon7814]

Pretty much.

[@raguel4416]

Stryper tho 👀

[@frankfletcher_1]

Laughs in Sabaton The Last Stand

[@ieLindy]

“The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.” Martin Luther

[@happyoneforme]

Lindy Baker ❤️❤️

[@thethirdsicily4802]

I may not think of him in a good light, but yeah, that sort of hits the nail on the head with that quote.

[@ieLindy]

@@thethirdsicily4802 What causes you to think of him in not a good light? Just curious.

[@_Gaby_950]

Not the best of men, but at least he got a few things right.

[@tridonstrident6785]

@@godefroydebouillon1440 A heretic?

[@Levyaton]

As an atheist, it is quite refreshing to see a Christian such as yourself. Keep on beeing you, my dude!

[@loturzelrestaurant]

Ngl, if there was ever a Reason to learn about Atheist-Content and the valid Criticism of various Sorts they give for Religion, its now. If there wasnt a Reason always, then now there s: Now that Politics fused with Religion, bringing us whats called Trumpism.

[@TheSpacePlaceYT]

@@loturzelrestaurant !?!?

[@Charky32]

?@@loturzelrestaurant

[@brayerkh]

@@loturzelrestaurant ¡¿¡¿¡

[@Waltyworld]

Agreed

[@isaiahwilliams2642]

Veggietales is the only Christian Media worth anyone's time. EDIT 3/14/21: And Prince of Egypt, too. My Bad.

[@sho.thatsit]

Oh yeah, definitely!

[@Anna-tk7ui]

Prince of Egypt: Am I a joke to you?

[@Mar0nSun]

I F Y O U L I K E T O T A L K T O T O M A T O E S

[@TheProfessor230]

and you can learn tax evasion too!

[@azurerogue3633]

any veggie tales made in the last 3-5 years is utter trash. after big idea flopped and was bought out VT dropped in quality really bad

[@rchow8051]

I’m not religious at ALL, but... the Prince of Egypt is a timeless masterpiece that makes me get emotional every time I watch it

[@obitosenju3768]

It is an masterpiece but a not fully religious and that is good. Movie lets you decide and it does not shove it down your throat

[@posthumously]

that’s because it’s not a Christian movie 😭 it’s a Jewish movie EDIT: yes, guys, i know that christians can also relate this movie to their faith. i was making a lighthearted joke, the point of which was that this is a story about a group of jewish people more than a thousand years before jesus was born, so i wouldn't exactly call it a Christian Movie™

[@Hudah425]

Same

[@CharlemagneGuy127]

Same, especially with its creativity liberties and animation.

[@nightninja1595]

@@posthumously Christians and Jews believe the same thing up until the New Testament. Its kinda both.

[@springinfialta106]

Jesus is the Light, but most Christian movies can't even get the lighting right.

[@ameenahsf]

SpringInFialta 😂

[@TimGraceAndFaith]

Haha I died.

[@springflowerblosomnorris9721]

SpringInFialta There's a big difference between Christians and believers . Christians have the name Jesus in their life. Believers have the spirit of Jesus in their life.

[@Ashes2Ashes_Blush2Blush]

SpringInFialta AHAHAHAHAA

[@dosmastrify]

SpringInFialta HA!

[@queenofcats9240]

This video honestly made me feel so much better about my opinions on Christian movies. I grew up in a Christian household and I’m still a Christian. When I was in youth class, my youth pastor showed us a ton of Christian movies and I always thought they were very poorly directed and unrealistic. I’m glad though that my parents taught me to respect everyone’s beliefs and to mind my own business. A lot of other parents at our church would judge my parents for telling us that because they thought that if we hung out with kids who grew up with different beliefs, we would become like “Them” sheesh

[@gardener68]

I grew up in a fundamentalist community, too, but in the '70s and '80s. I would be obliged to watch a lot of Christian films back then, and the one constant from then to now is that these films were NEVER good. While poorly made, a Thief in the Night was especially traumatizing to a child, particularly when you realize that the film's purpose was to frighten the viewers into never straying from the faith lest they suffer the horrors depicted in the narrative.

[@queenofcats9240]

@@gardener68 I’ve heard of that movie. I’m glad my church never showed it to us because a lot of the older people in my church did say that it sent chills up their spine when they first watched it. I feel like even now, as a 24 year old, I probably would still get scared by it

[@Doflamingowithacat]

I can relate but at least my mom allowed me to watch violent anime like Demon Slayer or Attack on Titan cause she really doesn't care

[@NoahOD_22]

While it’s true that we should respect others’ beliefs, that doesn’t mean that we should “mind our own business” all of the time. We are called to spread the Good News and to be always ready to give a defense of the Faith. This will often involve telling people that they’re wrong. And though many would perceive this as disrespect, it’s not; we are called to do these things in love, but never at the expense of truth. The truth, unfortunately, can hurt. It’s especially dangerous to think close association with unbelievers is harmless. Now, surely we should still associate with unbelievers-for how else could we share the light? But one mustn’t be ignorant with regard to the pitfalls of sin. Bad company corrupts good character. Using discernment in matters of choosing fellowship is vital. That is to say, it is quite literally a matter of life and death. Will your loyalty be to the world (and therefore death), or will it instead be to God, in whom all things have their life?

[@gardener68]

@@NoahOD_22 And, congratulations. You just demonstrated to all of us what's wrong with the world. I used to be a Christian, and the very attitude that you just exhibited is the main reason I left the faith. Calling other people potentially dangerous merely because they don't share your religion is hateful.

[@livialiu3365]

Jesus is fine, but his fandom makes some weird fanfiction. I must say.

[@mimisaur5000]

hehehehe

[@5winder]

I'm His biggest fan, and I can tell you --- there's nothing fictional about Him.

[@christianalbertjahns2577]

@@5winder you're quite certain to yourself. Be careful so that you don't deny Him three times before sunrise

[@dracosol4415]

I mean can you blame them? Have you SEEN all the Jesus statues? He looks like he hits the gym 8 days per week

[@livialiu3365]

@@dracosol4415 Not gonna lie, kinda get the hype

[@glorifyenjoy]

"You're not making Christianity better. You're making Rock n Roll worse." ~ Hank Hill, King of the Hill

[@Zak-bv4qm]

Oh yes lol.

[@mysterykiddo2167]

Facts

[@LarsPallesen]

What's particularly hilarious about the first God's Not Dead movie is that the strawman atheist professor isn't even an atheist in the movie. He believes in God alright, he just happens to be angry with God because of something that happened to his wife. That's not an atheist. That's a bitter and angry theist. If you think a God is responsible for everything that happens here on earth you're a theist, not an atheist.

[@denaoc]

His mother died of cancer when he was a child.

[@fnln3011]

The professor was a misotheist. Misotheism being a hatred of God/the gods

[@grahvis]

I think many ardent believers simply cannot imagine how an atheist can go through life without any thought of God ever playing a part, how they don't need an invisible friend.

[@rae5425]

The God That Failed.

[@AlexfromNorway]

most atheists seem very angry with God..

[@JoeArant]

As a Christian, you have correctly diagnosed one of the main issues with modern Christian cinema. Notice I said ‘modern’. Ben-Hur and Jesus of Nazareth are both masterpieces in their own right.

[@Th0mat0]

One word: Protestantism

[@JoeArant]

@@Th0mat0 Certain flavors of it maybe…

[@slaslatantofaz3282]

@@Th0mat0 have u seen "The Chosen"?

[@johnpatterson4816]

Don't forget "The Nun's Story","The Hiding Place";"Lillies of the Field"and Johnny Cash's "The Gospel Road". Plus "Two Mules For Sister Sarah with Clint Eastsood a d Shirley MzcLaine.

[@christianalexander579]

As a Christian wtf kinda sentence is that 🤦🤦😂😂

[@witchlightsands]

My church took the youth group to see a Christian movie. We were expected to talk about it afterwards. I was the only one who didn't like the movie, and when I brought up my criticisms of it, call me an English student but I went straight for the fact that the movie was inconsistent in how it told its story. Long story short the movie was about a boy who was mad at God because his mom died. Over the course of the movie, he learns through his girlfriend and struggles that he should trust in God's plans even when they cause him grief. At the end of the movie, his brother dies. And he just... gets over it. There's not even a single scene of him grieving his brother, and their relationship was the most important thing in the movie. When I pointed out that the message of trust God was undercut by the fact that the main character, who had spent an ENTIRE MOVIE questioning God about the death of his mother, wasn't even going to have a single moment of being upset about the death of his brother?? It undercut the message, it disregarded characterization, and it honestly was unnecessary. The brother dying accomplished nothing, since it happened at the end of the movie, and thus the only thing it did was give the main character a reason to look like a hypocrite. Ugh. I hated it. I hated how they just tossed the brother away for tragedy and then never resolved it, never let the main character grieve, or even have a scene that established he now understands God's plan sometimes involves hardship. HE JUST GETS OVER IT. I pointed this out and every single other person talked about how beautiful it was. It's not human, it's not beautiful, and it doesn't make a good movie. It doesn't even make a good sermon. It was just dumb. Also the brother was disabled so it was an extra slap in the face to kill him for no reason.

[@blackfalcon3752]

This is pathetic. This movie is so bad.. Who made it.

[@shelbinicole4192]

What movie is this? It sounds awful

[@armellebiampamba4257]

Run the Race?

[@agustinaprasanti5117]

Reminds me of this one Christian movie my high school class had to watch once. The main message is basically drugs are bad and don't ever do drugs. Most of it is pretty stupid and generic and the production is crap, but the ONE THING I cannot forgive is the fuckin BULLCRAP of an ending it had. TLDR the kid got addicted to drugs, he goes into rehab, finds himself again through a spiritual awakening in the church (of course), and then he decides to try to help his former drug buddies get some help. At this point, I loved the movie. Best Christian movie I ever watched (which isn't saying much). AND THEN THE KID DIED BECAUSE OF SOME BULLSHIT GANG REVENGE RIGHT AT THE END AND I JUST- It was unnecessary, the kid had a fuckin BEAUTIFUL character arc and the writers just THREW IT ALL AWAY for no good fuckin reason. It's basically sending the message that once you do drugs it stays with you for life and no matter what you do, you can never get away from it, and even if you DO get help and get away, you'll just end up dead. Which is a bullcrap message if you ask me.

[@Rolando_Cueva]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/maiTZIafeJuKotk

[@StarmanGhost]

"All art is propaganda, but not all propaganda is art." -George Orwell

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Eric Blair knew what he was talking about.

[@mannenop3149]

"I always have diarrhea but diarrhea dos not always have me." -My Intestine

[@politereminder6284]

Agreed.

[@politereminder6284]

@@lordofthebeltsthereturnoft1127 propaganda ≠ politics.

[@gspotcyplick]

starmanghost and what exactly was so political about Jackson Pollack or Salvador Dali?

[@DelfyDaun]

In my church we watched JUMANJI... the preacher stopped every 10 minutes to tell us what the things happening had something to do with Christianity but honestly I think he just wanted to watch JUMANJI 😂🤷🏼‍♀️

[@darth_autismo]

F

[@michellesmith9256]

Delfy Daun LMAO.

[@HannahBoo]

😂😂😂 I have no idea how Jumanji has anything to do with Christianity .

[@mariusm957]

Tell him to repent

[@androidfolife1179]

Tell him to stop being part of this world! That movie is satanic! God says the father is not in you if your part of the world in my own words!

[@Stardweller1]

This is one of the reasons I love The Chosen so much. Even the Pharisees and the Sanhedrinists and the Romans - antagonists who we’re not supposed to root for - are still depicted as human beings with complex thoughts and emotions. They’re not simply caricatures that we’re supposed to despise; they’re actual people!

[@cursedtails1249]

The only good Christian media: Veggietales The Prince of Egypt

[@spooderman6312]

Narnia 321 penguins (not the best but had potential)

[@nietzscha5056]

I would add the Disney short "The Small One" to that list. Maybe I'm just getting old, but even as a non-religious person I watch it every year around Christmas, and it gets me every time.

[@jeant6502]

What about: The Passion of The Christ Ben Hur Silence The 10 Commandments Hacksaw Ridge The Last Temptation of Christ

[@pssd-ff-dth-grps-fn8797]

The Excorcist is technically a Christian movie

[@jeant6502]

@@pssd-ff-dth-grps-fn8797 It's not. just because it has a priest in there won't automatically make it a christian film.

[@BardFromEntry]

"I have cancer." "This couldn't wait until tomorrow? Grow up, Amy."

[@matthewburgoyne1379]

Yah Amy grow up

[@danielrudenas]

C'mon Amy, grow up.

[@AirsoftTim92]

I love how the unspoken meaning behind his tone is basically, "Grow up, Amy, if that IS your real name."

[@bamma4]

grow the f*ck up amy

[@Vlad-ri8hb]

Yeah Amy so Unconciderat you're not a kid -if I did a spelling error sorry im German

[@SilverTigerPower]

That actually seems like it would be a really compelling movie, a Christian who believes his sole journey is to "defeat" every atheist, using scripture wildly out of context as some have to their own destruction, and at the end finally gets that they're not as "holy" as they thought they were and as they are humbled, that's when they truly find God and peace

[@JamesMC04]

That could make a very good story, if it were made by people who knew what they were doing. If that film were well-plotted, had good development of character, good production values, and was an all-round well-made, well-crafted piece of work (and therefore, avoided being heavy-handed), I would watch it.

[@parodypaul]

someone make this

[@aaronprimus1300]

@@parodypaul yes plz

[@apolloandwarrior_3229]

Well You've got an Atheist to help out with real and accurate depictions

[@Zamstein]

That’s basically what happened to me in real life lol

[@nothark]

Used to be a Christian, forced into it by my family. Left because my agnostic friends were more family than my actual family.

[@alvanegra253]

♡

[@vittoriacolona]

You were never a Christian to begin with. Being a Christian is a personal relationship with God through Christ. It is a revolution and change of character. Not a social club.

[@JohnDoe-e4i]

@@vittoriacolona Who are you to decide that over the internet? What a poor Christian you are claiming someone's faith was false based on a few words. Shame on you. Clearly you are not a "real Christian" either because no good Christian would be so quick to judge. You are not the judge for Christianity that is up to God.

[@jfzzlc]

​@@vittoriacolona Christianity is a religion. One can lawfully leave and reenter a religion if they so desire. If you cannot leave your religion, then it's not a religion. It's a cult. Let people find themselves the way they can and feel inclined to. Stop putting a bad name on actual Christians, and grow up.

[@cecilarthur3579]

:(

[@SharpZStudios_gamedev]

Veggie tales looms in the distance, a singular cucumber and tomato laugh at the rest of the pretenders to the throne

[@ewptyewpewp]

If you like to talk to tomatoes....

[@coltonc8562]

Weed eater 💯

[@mmetruffle100]

I'm not a Christian and my daughter loves veggie tales. It's the best. If it manages to convert her then so be it

[@subscribee9792]

I loved veggie tales when I was a baby 🥒🍅ヽ(｡◕o◕｡)ﾉ.

[@delilililaah]

@@subscribee9792 still love it now 🥲

[@whysoserious6030]

I like how this video doesn’t condemn Christians, It just states the quality of Christian movies are not very good.

[@thecapitalg]

As a christian, I know right.

[@DonVigaDeFierro]

As an atheist, I like that too. Christian bashing makes all of us look like idiots pretending to be "critical thinkers".

[@ortezac.5339]

What makes it even funnier is that my atheist classmate just sent me this link... And as someone forced to watch some of these movies at the dinner table, I wholeheartedly agree with how sketchy the movie quality is.

[@strikeforce1500]

Agree!, I am not a Christian, nor religious person myself, but it's great when an art and artist (or in this case a group of people) are separated

[@kobushauman3310]

Yes... as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ I completely agree, and I'm thankful for the fact that the criticism is aimed at 'low quality movies'. I am thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ for that, and God, and His Holy Ghost. Sometimes when I try to tell people about Jesus I think I come across as saying they are wrong somehow (...perhaps not, but I'm always SO afraid of coming across that way). All I want is perhaps for someone to think about this Jesus guy FOR THEMSELVES. But it is amazing how many people have a very strong opinion about Him, without reading the 4 books by His crew that describe His life and words. These books were written by Matthew Mark Luke and John. There are even versions where His words are in red so it takes about 3 evenings to read all of His words ever spoken. Read. Be informed. Decide. Easy.

[@frogfrog725]

Lmao I told my mom my faith is wavering and then the next day she called me an anti-christ while my sister called me a demon. If that isn't traumatic then I don't know what is

[@10pmmemes88]

If you're traumatized by literal words, then it makes sense that you're ideologically confused. Weak constitution.

[@frogfrog725]

@@10pmmemes88 lmao what

[@jimenahernandez9558]

I would gladly give you advice as a fellow religious person, if your faith wavers don’t let go of it so quickly. I’m sorry about your mother, sister, and random comment condem you for being weak if the faith. It’s saddening that they can’t try to be more open and understanding. Being harsh on someone’s wavering faith brings one away from it. It’s okay for your faith to waver and question it but try to see the source of why you want to leave. I hope you are help to be guided in this hard time of being rejected. I know I’m just a comment but I pray that you be well.

[@indiascarlett]

Wow, that is awful. I find that cultivating a relationship with God is the most important thing in faith. So many people have religious trauma from other humans using the Bible and Jesus as a battering ram against one another. It's not okay what your mom said and it's none of our place to judge so harshly. Faith wavers in everyone, it doesn't make you a demon or the antichrist. I will be praying for your mom to treat you better. Call out to God for answers in whatever you are questioning. I've been right where you are, and I hope you have a blessed day!

[@blue1584]

That’s awful, I’m so sorry that happened to you. And contrary to what the the first rude reply said... words _can_ in fact be traumatic, especially in the form of parents belittling or disparaging their children like that. Verbal abuse and emotional abuse are real and can be seriously damaging. It’s okay and perfectly normal to question your beliefs or have wavering faith. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, in fact I’d argue that it’s healthy to question these things and how you feel about it. I think that if you choose to practice a religion, it’s much healthier if it’s because you genuinely want to, not because you feel like you _have_ to, or because your family forces or shames you into it. So if you no longer have faith in a religion then that‘s perfectly fine, it’s up to you and they have no right to judge you for it. You can believe however much or however little you want to of any religion, it’s an entirely personal choice/personal philosophy

[@pisces2569]

In my opinion, the best Christian movies were the ones that interpreted Biblical stories in an unique way without getting preaching for example, Passion of the Christ, The Nativity Story, Joseph: King of Dreams, The Prince of a Egypt, The Ten Commandments, The Little Drummer Boy, and Noah

[@Jking0005]

The stories God told are better than the ones we tell, go figure.

[@phil6748]

Girl: “ I have cancer“ Guy: “this couldn’t wait till tomorrow“ “grow up Amy” No one talks like this.

[@bigj1905]

You sure? I always yell about why I hate god and react negatively when people tell me he is real.

[@kaydwessie296]

No instead he'd say she should have prayed harder and he'd blame it on something she did like getting a tattoo

[@nunyabusiness168]

@@bigj1905 you and me both

[@nunyabusiness168]

I would if I wasn’t paying attention and was drunk

[@iheartlreoy8134]

@@kaydwessie296 lmao yes my family blamed SIDS on a tattoo

[@notdonaldtrump8447]

As a Christian I've been more impacted by films like Hacksaw Ridge, Silence and Prince of Egypt than any of those other ones. A lot of these movies are just a big circle jerk and portray atheists as evil and greatly exaggerate Christian "prosecution" (if you can even call it that).

[@zacharysiple629]

Those are 3 of my favorites- POE is my favorite movie! :)

[@blackmber]

Hacksaw ridge had a memorable impact on me too, but I also wished I hadn't watched it, and read the stories instead. I watched it with a group of people and missed the clip that showed the rating; otherwise I wouldn't have watched it because violence is too triggering for me. I wonder if there would have been a way to present that story without getting so graphic, to make it more accessible to viewers who steer away from mature content ratings. I was under a cloud for the next 24 hours and decided it wasn't worth it to watch R-rated movies. It's a tough decision because those raw depictions have a strong impact, and maybe the film would be less effective without them, but more people would be reached as well. It takes creativity to depict harsh events in a way that brings the same weight without crushing sensitive viewers. Desmond Doss' challenge was analogous to that of Christian filmmakers today: to enter the battlefield without shedding blood.

[@cyborgchicken3502]

@@blackmber I don't think you could make a War film without violence....War is most definitely a violent endeavour, even more violent than the films it's portrayed in...making a war movie where there's no gore or blood wouldn't be accurate...the beauty of Hacksaw Ridge is in fact it's violence....the fact that one man, in the midst of the violence and hatred of war, was still able to show kindness and love even for humans that were meant to be his enemies....since in real life Desmond Doss even saved a few Japanese soldiers

[@probenfetchak8076]

Truthfully there are good atheists and bad atheists it depends on the person but I do know that your beliefs isn’t what makes a good person a good person and a bad person a bad person

[@blackmber]

@Amy Thomasson I haven’t seen Passion of the Christ and I don’t watch war movies anymore either. I do read about horrific events in the Bible and it’s better because the images aren’t splashed in my face.

[@toprandom4150]

As a christian im often embarassed by really dumb cringe things that represents my religion ...bruh

[@ziggystardust2435]

i think im in love with you

[@pvdreves]

Same here for sure! I think the more God gets religion/ self righteous attitudes out of the church the less we'll cringe.

[@agent_8167]

Bro sameeeeee

[@moirarusaw9567]

Yes. It really hurts my soul sometimes

[@TurtleReefReal]

i'm christian and totally agree, but there's actually one show that's amazing imo that i would say is worth checking out. it's called "the chosen," and it's REALLY well made and actually has good acting and dialogue. other than that yeah our religion doesn't have good movies/shows.

[@Pedro1936]

This is actually why, as a vegetarian, I disliked going to vegetarian restaurants for a long time. Many times they were run by people who were passionate about vegetarianism but not food.

[@Steveobrine_Official]

As a Christian, most of these movies are an INSULT. They almost never portray anybody for or against religion correctly, and they’re just… poorly made. Really hope we can get something better in the future.

[@tristantheoofer2]

and apparently they potray athiest ppl (like myself) as if they hate god but atheism i think is literally just being indifferent to god lol

[@connorwojeckowski7288]

@@tristantheoofer2 most atheists (that Christians can remember, mind you) are the fedora tipping “if God good why bad happen?” People trying to debunk thousands of years of theology

[@patchwurk6652]

@@neotoad456 ... Dude if you weren't trying to come across super fucking creepy, you massively fucked that up with that edit of yours.

[@OfficialDenzy]

@@neotoad456 weirdo

[@kingsmas8340]

The Chosen is a really good one it depicts what the Bible says not just made up people with made up stories but rather the actual people stated in the bibile

[@orangeanarchy235]

when the guy from gods not dead said “i hate god”, i immediately got super pissed as an atheist because how many times do we have to tell you we don’t hate god we don’t even think he exists. That shit turns us away more than anything. Understand us if you want to make any ground with us Edit: So many people have agreed with me, and i’m happy for it, but i would like to thank believers who understand and support us the most. You are promoting honest intellectual discourse and i thank you.

[@SinclairGarcia]

Your right man

[@seijin4426]

An anti-theist?

[@orangeanarchy235]

No I am not an anti theist. You can believe whatever nonsense you want, as long as you don’t disrespect our lack of belief. Leave me alone, and i leave you alone

[@leahmaier1272]

As an atheist, I agree with you. It doesn't piss me off necessarily, but it's just a shame how people and movies see and portray us as that.

[@sayven]

Yeah I watched that movie and I... just don't get it. They're arguing the whole time against an atheist only to reveal him to be a theist?

[@lauras.9294]

What I as an atheist find especially problematic about these films is that they don't even seem to understand what atheism is. They depict the atheists not only as pure evil but also not as real atheists. They depict them as people who ultimately know that there is a god, but are filled with contempt towards them. This is completely wrong and the exact opposite of what we are. Atheism is not a hate towards god, it is a lack of belief and therefore, an indifference to a god. Atheists do not in any way believe in god and to depict us as believers who simply hate him shows that in the christian community, there is a lack of understanding what the difference in our positions and beliefs even is.

[@charissa6648]

They do not even portray Christianity accurately or Christians and purport more of a political ideology rather than a biblical one! It is a depiction of christians always being perfect, knowing everything, without struggles or suffering, and always making the right decisions! These movies are dangerous and awful! Yes! Athiests were portrayed inaccurately, and I can only imagine how infuriating it is!

[@1Tako1]

Yeah, those people aren't atheists. They're Christians who hate god.

[@fernmiranda]

My very favorite thing is when a Christian accuses me of worshiping the devil. Like, dude, I don't believe in him either. Next.

[@lauras.9294]

@@fernmiranda Yeah, that's just so funnyXD

[@crowdemon_archives]

@@fernmiranda That specific group of Christians are just infantile at best.

[@SentinelPrime675]

As a devout Christian I’ve always stayed away from religious media outside of Sunday school, because most of it isn’t about telling you Jesus, it’s about selling you Jesus, with as little effort and talent as possible. The prince of Egypt is awesome though, and the chosen is pretty great (Doesn’t make you pay or watch ads)

[@slevinchannel7589]

Atheist-Youtubrs have often agreed iwth you and so has Hbomberguy

[@cal1believer]

Wow. Dude this is real i had to read it alot, i think i just had a wake up call. 😂

[@Jhontay84]

“Hey Scottie, Jesus man!” I forgot this existed 😂😂

[@generalstaal7075]

I think the Cinema Snob at Stoned Gremlin Productions did a video review on the movie where that came from. I definitely recommend it (the video, not the movie itself).

[@Heliocentric]

What movie was that from ??

[@generalstaal7075]

@@Heliocentric I think it's called Second Glance (1992)

[@Heliocentric]

@@generalstaal7075 thanks. I'll illegally download it tonight. Should be fun(ny).

[@a.d4874]

i actually want to watch it😂

[@kdurston1]

I find that most explicitly "christian" films are too afraid to honestly deal with the complexities of people's sins because it can't be wrapped up in tidy moral at the end.

[@Eforero83]

This is interesting, thanks for sharing

[@manzanito3652]

Becaue if they actually thoughg or reflected on the complexities of the sins and the morals they teach, half of them wouldn't be Christians any more.

[@alejandropreciado1814]

@@manzanito3652 I disagree. a lot of them would probably have a stronger foundation in their belief. Christianity is quite cemented in reality and logic when it comes to the sins it wants it's believers to avoid. see Carl Jung or Nietzsche for proof on this.

[@theresaortego2674]

There are some more compelling and complex Christian Films. I always recommend starting with the Vatican Film List.

[@allanbard6048]

You want to see something? Track down "A Thief In The Night." Careful, it has a boatload of triggers. I was shown this at 13. Haven't felt safe since.

[@judithvanderlee9919]

Ok but i do think prince of Egypt is pretty sick

[@legomaniacsss]

It slaps to an extreme degree

[@classicjbear8409]

I love that the non Christian studio that is DreamWorks put out the best Christian movie ever made. Pureflix, step it up.

[@judithvanderlee9919]

Trueee omg

[@maxmillianwiegel1643]

It is. But that’s because it’s not “really” a Christian film. There’s a really good review on KZbin that explains it.

[@giraffedragon6110]

Definitely top 5 favorites of all time

[@Seydaschu]

Someday, I wanted to make an actually good Christian video game. An RPG with a moral alignment system, where the object is to save others. However, if you demonize others, they will be literally demonized! They'll turn into monsters right before you, and you'll have to kill them. You'll then be permanently unable to save that person, hopefully the player will realize on their own that you can't save people by demonizing them.

[@SerMattzio]

It's genuinely pleasant to see a Christian actually noticing that these films are blatant propaganda and the portrayal of atheists is ridiculous. Good video :)

[@Wolfmasterpixel]

Haven't seen most Christian films but Atheists are often extremely ridiculous

[@TexasBoy13]

SerMattzio, they the always make atheists seem like there satans son

[@shaunclark425]

ABSOLUTELY - BUT AS A CHRISTIAN AND MARALYN MANSON FAN I DO GET SOME GRIEF......BUT (IF YOU HAVNT SEEN IT) I DO NOT RECOMEND YOU WATCH DOGMA AND GO STRAIT T OA PRAYER MEETING - IT WILL SCRAMBLE THE BRAIN....HOWEVER DO WATCH THE FILM AT SOME OTHER TIME - ITS A MASTERPIECE OF MADNESS...

[@kueapel911]

either christian or atheists, both sides are often filled with ridiculous people... why? Cause we're human, duh... not every human are some kind of bill gates nor jesus... ofc we're often extremely ridiculous. Just that the other side is kinda less suicidal than the counterpart... though I can't say the same with the 'other' religion whose name nor prophet shan't be named nor painted lest you get murdered...

[@koendiepen7400]

Most ppl are not ridiculous, they might act ridiculous sure but not all the time. Most ppl are just normal, they want to be safe, they want to be happy and they want to be free, No mater their worldview. That is what's wrong whit gods not dead. (appart from compleetly missing what Nietzsche was talking about). It's not framed by what we all have in common, it's framed by what makes us different. It's hateful and untruthfull, i would say it's not christian at all.

[@carsonwall2400]

What Christian art used to be: Bach's St. Matthew Passion, Paradise Lost, the Sistine Chapel, The Brothers Karamazov, Tarkovsky's Andrei Rublev What Christian art is now: God's Not Dead and Left Behind

[@thomaskole9881]

Yeah consumerism and religion don't really mix that well

[@GuadalupePicasso]

The Brothers Karamazov is my favorite book of all time❤

[@niconiconichan2098]

The Brothers Karamazov was really good.

[@GuadalupePicasso]

@@niconiconichan2098 I’m reading it right now, for at least my 3rd time.

[@maztergamer1016]

Don't forget the seventh seal while it is a very religious movie it is very well made and doesn't treat christianity simplistically like some movies do.

[@XxHUNT3RN4T0RxX]

The DOOM games are the perfect form of Christian media in my eyes.

[@zerz4617]

yes

[@ataraxia1789]

Based and red pilled.

[@brandonsaquariumsandterrar8985]

One of my favorite fps games

[@news_internationale2035]

Don't forget Spear of Destiny.

[@SeaSerpentLevi]

Christianism at its peak hahaha Deliberately go to hell to kick demons ass yourself That reminds me of a mene of a firefighter who was a master at it, but was bad to everyone all his life. But it was his plan all along so he could do the ultimate firefighter quest: go to hell and extinguish the flames of hell lol

[@JustaCARTOON234]

As the priest at my church always says, the church is for the broken, not the perfect.

[@kargovroom7701]

As a Christian, finding good Christian content is hard. All I can recommend is the Chosen, it's really good, but that's for you to decide.

[@zacharysiple629]

I didn't like that it wasn't Biblically based and I was bored, but it is pretty popular. My sister's Godfather recommended it.

[@simoneangeliquemaloney3990]

Then may I recommend an excellent Christian book called the Bible... By the way the Chosen is pretty cool

[@noahmalcarne890]

@@zacharysiple629 I mean I don’t know exactly what your talking about but the chosen is as bible based as you can get without them reading the versus straight out of the New Testament

[@zacharysiple629]

@@noahmalcarne890 Is it based on historical accounts or something? I admittedly enjoy The Last Temptation of Christ since it's a fascinating take on Jesus's human side, but other than that when people add stuff to Bible stories, it just gets boring and heretical. Take Noah, for instance. One person joins Noah's family when no one does. Rock monster- fallen angels help build the ark. The bonus person eats some of the animals. Noah doesn't want to save his neighbors, and that was part of the PURPOSE of the boat! Noah thinks that he is supposed to die in The Flood too, and that God only wants to save the animals. Then that Emma Watson having a baby on the ark thing is a whole other can of worms. The Chosen may not be like that, but I just couldn't get into it.

[@noahmalcarne890]

@@zacharysiple629 I am happy to report that it is not any where close to Noah

[@GeeVee1978]

As a Christian, it's legitimately refreshing to see you calling out just how bad the vast majority of Christian movies are. These people want so desperately to spread a message, but they somehow fail to realize that when the message is communicated so poorly and in such a shallow manner (especially with their insulting demonization of atheists), the message fails to land in any meaningful capacity. Also I highly recommend the Miracle Maker, a beautiful stop-motion animated film about the story of Christ that is easily one of the best Christian films I've ever seen. It's surprisingly bursting with creativity, and it has one of the best depictions of Jesus I've seen in a while.

[@aaromotivestudio3869]

YESS YESSSS YEEEESSSSSS! Miracle Maker is probably the best depiction of the life of Jesus that I’ve ever seen.

[@elsakristina2689]

I love that movie!

[@jameswest6232]

A good book or film: tells you a story - Propaganda: Beats you over the head with one

[@canguian]

I was working in a research institute surrounded by scientist they were spiritual beings but not Christian. They are seeking God but through deep insight, self reflection and meditation. But they can't just believe in Christ because a book says so, they want to find God but through mathematics, really they are spiritual in the sense that meaning in life, and believe it or not, they are very decent, is really stupid believing because you are not Christian you are full of hate and inmoral ...surprising the most hateful people weren't the scientist but Christians

[@kalinora3901]

@Musically Talented How better to do that than by studying nature and what it's made of? You don't have to have some religious or spiritual title such as "Christian" to acknowledge God.

[@ThaStikman]

“The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon.” ― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings

[@mayalynn8629]

Can I just say...I stumbled across your channel today. And as a student majoring in Film (who's also Christian) this is gold. Thank you for your content. Please keep making more. Especially the ennegram segment :)

[@jamiethatlady]

Sameee. I was just like how about instead of complaining about the poor quality of Christian films or the vulgarity of secular films I use God’s creative genius + formal education and get to work! 📝

[@mayalynn8629]

@@jamiethatlady Right?! What field are you in?

[@yourfavperson3748]

I'm not majoring in film, I'm still in hs but next year my friends and I are gonna make a film (for fun) may I ask if you have any tips...

[@nucleartuesday5218]

A self aware Christian, you’re harder to find than affordable healthcare.

[@alesbrewery]

Chicken Nugget *Laughs in Canadian*

[@gregorymirabella1423]

@@alesbrewery *laughs in depression*

[@PlaneBoy2520]

Ale's Art *laughs in 15K of debt because of one broken leg*

[@PlaneBoy2520]

CJ P. Actually they wait less than most Americans

[@tsidkenuo]

I am a Christian and I am self aware

[@annalisemininger8166]

I am a Christian and this is the exact reason I am studying film. I’ve noticed a disconnect between the message and the quality. I want to portray my perspective of the Bible in an authentic, high quality story that is meant to move you while also being realistic.

[@kobushauman3310]

Oh wow. Check out Ruben Uitenweerde. He is my cousin. Also studying film. You may find his KZbin interesting (I hope). God luck to you. Edit I wanted to write Good luck but I'll just keep that for now. It seems appropriate.

[@annalisemininger8166]

@@kobushauman3310 Thanks so much I’ll have to check it out!

[@Chris-bw9ji]

As someone who’s interested in a high-quality portrayal of the Bible, will you be including the many darker passages too, or will you only cover the picture-perfect sections that jive with what you want to believe in?

[@annalisemininger8166]

@@Chris-bw9ji That’s one of the biggest issues I have found with Christian movies: they are sugar coated. People don’t want that. I for one want to focus on the real side of being a Christian. Also as someone with anxiety and bipolar disorder I think we do a poor job of talking about mental health in the church. That is one of the main things I want to focus on as a filmmaker. But yes, I agree that ALL parts of the Bible are directly from God and therefore no parts should be glossed over.

[@feebee6810]

I'm also an aspiring writer director and I also wanted to make films portraying the bible in a realistic and symbolic way but then I became an atheist lol but hopefully you succeed and show the world an interesting portrayal of religion

[@uncannydanny5682]

"I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christains, because those Christians are nothing like Christ." -Mahatma Ghandi

[@pilaracevedo2078]

@Denmark Empire They don't even speak Hebrew

[@grimuk3817]

Expecting ordinary, weak, fallen and inherently flawed humans to emulate a God that walked among men is ridiculous. And the comments attributed to this original comment are equally absurd and derisory.

[@liviwaslost]

@@grimuk3817 lol its a joke

[@grimuk3817]

@@liviwaslost Right. A direct quote from Mahatma Gandhi ... Coz he was totally known for his 'jokes', right?

[@liviwaslost]

@@grimuk3817 I meant the other comments.

[@clearjoy-wo4fp]

As a Christian, I fully agree. Give me more Prince of Egypt-type films!!

[@aidan-ator7844]

The two Christian movies which I enjoyed were prince of Egypt and the passion of the Christ.

[@GoldieDoggy]

those aren't technically christian ones though, they're jewish/hebrew. that's why you need subtitles for Passion of the Christ

[@yashbspianoandcompositions1042]

I loved Ten Commandments movie

[@chelsgo8675]

The reason Prince of Egypt was good was because it focused on the characterization of Moses and Ramses and the relationship between the two and the religious elements were secondary.

[@nguyenb704]

Hacksaw ridge is also another good Christian movie

[@couldntthinkofayoutubename6498]

.....and bibleman

[@ingloriousMachina]

Even I, as a Christian, cringe at how unsympathetic and unempathetic they portray non-believers in movies. They're struggling just like we are. And I don't think Christian movies should be squeaky-clean and feel-good. They should be willing to shock people, challenge even our own beliefs, and show the realistic, harsh realities of the world.

[@montevids6167]

I was thinking the exact same thing. I’m a Christian and want to be a filmmaker that actually can make an interesting and challenging film while still acknowledging the gospel.

[@RecipeRepository]

There's a clip in the video, a news anchor saying something like, "The real extremists we need to be on guard for are Christian extremists." It's trying to portray her as a terrible atheist or whatever... but that's actually a great plot for a Christian movie. Facing the real world and the fact that power can corrupt even the faithful; that those in power can abuse the word of God and through that abuse someone who believes they're enacting the righteousness of God can commit terrible sins. An atheist can live closer to the intent of Jesus' word than some Christians do. That disagreeing with religious leaders isn't blasphemy, it's a normal part of belief itself. It'd be amazing to see a Christian film wrestle with difficult ideas like that. Imagine seeing a Christian film that tackles head on the fact that the strongly religious are more likely to follow other propaganda, to embrace dangerous ideas. It doesn't do any good to bury your head in the sand. Art is a way to explore ideas, especially ones that make you uncomfortable. It's a shame that the true potential of the art form isn't being used.

[@dragonk234]

Watch silence

[@cheddarurchin3844]

they're probably are so worried about trying to convert people, that many of the media comes off kind of like a sales pitch

[@NebulaBubbles]

yeah. atheists are diffrent in real life and im ok with them.

[@amanda021174]

I totally agree. Working in retail, you see A LOT of "so-called" Christians being as rude & inconsiderate as Hell. Here is an example. There was this guy I had a MAJOR crush on for years. He called himself a Christian. When he finally asked me out on New's Years Eve, I thought I had hit the lottery. We met & talked. He expressed that he finally "found his place" in God's ministry. I, however, told him that since I had endured many health problems & broken hearts that I lost faith in GOD, & I'm OK with that. We went to his house & things were going WAY TOO FAST & I felt very uncomfortable. I told him to stop, but I literally had to fight him off. He said "All I need to do is ask for forgiveness. You are already cursed to Hell so why are you resisting?" I stormed out of his house, & never looked back. Also, it amazes me how many "Christian" men think Atheists women are supposed to be "easy." & I'm just not. The hypocrisy is real.

[@annanas9122]

...And that's exactly why I despise it so much that religion always tries to monopolize morality. Being atheist doesn't mean you're immoral, yet that's exactly the message that at the very least big monotheistic religions are spreading and weaponising and I absolutely hate it.

[@PhantomationTV]

Holy shit.

[@fadel_rama]

God damn

[@garden.of.thistles]

Jesus Christ!

[@mc12358]

I'm a theist, but I detest hypocrites that use the name of a religion to get what they want. Religion is about sacrifice and love, not greed and personal gain. I have far more respect for an honest atheist than I do for a dishonest "Christian".

[@CooperHudgins]

I experienced something similar to this in a few points of my life. I’m a Nondenominational Christian and have been all my life/as long as I can remember. Even though I went to a Baptist school from the time I was 4 til I was 14, I always knew that different religions existed and never saw them as inferior to mine. I was never told to disrespect people of different faiths, and I still don’t to this day. It makes me feel ashamed to see people being persecuted for their faith, whether it be Christians like me or people of other religions. I’ve never tried to dumn down people’s faith with science. Even though there’s things I scientifically believe/know that don’t actually hold up in the Bible (like Earth only being 6,000 years old instead of OVER 4 BILLION years old and dinosaurs walking alongside humans), it doesn’t sway me from my faith and make me believe that it’s all just lies. Since I was 3, I’ve been obsessed with biology and how the natural word works, particularly the prehistoric creatures of Earth (mainly dinosaurs). Even though Earth is well over 4 billion years old and life has existed since 3 billion years ago, it doesn’t make me believe that God didn’t create everything. I know evolution exists, as there’s proof of it, but there’s also proof of Biblical events too and I’ve never been swayed by that. Like I said, I don’t and try not to disrespect people because of their faith. But, I have seen people be disrespected for their beliefs. When I was in 8th Grade, our history teacher was a Christian who used to go to my Church. I was an old friend of her daughter too. Almost every day, we’d start off class by reading a certain chapter or so of a certain Book in the Bible. One of my classmates was an atheist, but I never called him an idiot for not believing. My history teacher didn’t either, she respected his opinion. One part of that came down to her not forcing him to read the verses everyone else read. Then one day, we had a sub. She wasn’t aware that my friend was an atheist, and so asked him to read. When he refused, she got mad at him. Everyone else tried to explain to her what was going on, but she refused to listen and had him sent to the office. I thought to myself, “What just happened?” That same year in 2018, I had been going to Church for years, but then my older cousin invited me to go to Youth Group with him. Youth Group at my Church is a Wednesday night event from 6 : 30 - 8 PM at my Church for all the teenagers to have a night every week to see eachother, hang out, and have more experience to get to know God on a personal level through our Youth Leaders. One of them who I’ve known for years is practically my best friend, and even though I’m technically too old to be a teenager at Youth Group now (I’m almost 19 as of the time that I’m writing this comment), that doesn’t stop me from talking to him or any of my other best friends from Youth Group. When I first started going to Youth Group, I was also told about CIY: A one week trip where Christian teens from across the country would get their Youth Groups together and head to college campuses that were open in summer just for us. The one me and my Youth Group went to is in Salisbury, Maryland, and I was absolutely HYPED to start going. When I went and came back, I knew I’d be going next year. And guess what? I did! CIY was and still is amazing for me, a week to get away from all the pressures of life at home and come together with your friends and hundreds of other people to share the love of God. When COVID hit in 2020, I was devastated that I couldn’t go to CIY that year or the following year. I did, however, have the chance to go in Summer 2022, the last time I could go as a Student (I was 18 1/2). It made me upset to know that, at 18, I could no longer be a Student at CIY or in Youth Group, but it made me happy to know that I could still be with my friends again. This time though, I witnessed something strange. On a few nights this time around, we would have a message at the end of the day talking about people suffering in a certain country around the world from many of the problems in that country, but the religion of those people was always listed as a problem as to why they were suffering. To say that a people’s religion is a reason for their suffering, to compare it to prostitution, drugs, and gang warfare, was not only insulting to me, but to my whole group and probably many others. We had talks afterwards on those same nights concerning the ethics of saying a message like that, and it made me wonder as to why anyone in the 21st Century of Modern World would sound so Christian supremacist in their message. I know that there’s things that I don’t yet understand about my religion, but I know that one of them is not to villainize and demonize other people for faiths. If Christ said to speak with love, to love your enemy, than why should we be taught now to hate them?

[@joelcarter2535]

Well the bible does teach a young earth

[@pacificostudios]

The best Christian-themed film is "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (1965): A film about Christianity that is actually written to help Christians be less materialistic and better Christians.

[@zacharysiple629]

And Charles Schultz was actually an atheist! :0

[@pacificostudios]

@@zacharysiple629 I didn't know that. However, the script is written for Christians with Linus reading from the Gospel.

[@zacharysiple629]

@@pacificostudios Sure.

[@news_internationale2035]

@@pacificostudios He changed his religious views over time.

[@razony]

Better Christians? Guess that's where hope comes in.

[@lyndonlives638]

Imagine how cathedrals would have ended up over the centuries if those who built cathedrals to glorify God had zero interest in the actual craft behind their chosen 'artistic medium'. They would have ended up as shoddy wooden shacks or something - which is comparable to what we have with these 'Christian films'. Sad.

[@daltonbedore8396]

Lyndonlives and modern churches ....

[@shaunclark425]

WELL SAID.

[@El3ctr0Lun4]

Yeah, but in those cases they would contract actual architects, sculptors and painters. But that also happened in a period when the Church had enormous political power throughout Europe and almost everyone was Christian unless they'd be tried and killed for heresy. But there is no one Church institution with a power even resembling a fraction of that today. An interesting tidbit is that the Protestant Reformation started because of the monk Martin Luther being so appalled at the fact that the Church was selling indulgences through missionaries all throughout Europe as a means to raise money for a massive church project, the construction of St. Peter’s basilica.

[@hedgehog3180]

I mean take a look at modern megachurches, they're eyesores.

[@eliasD4]

As a non religious person, the Prince of egypt is one of my favourite animated films.

[@nou3188]

Yeah and when I watched veggietales I didn't even realize it was religious until much later

[@fos9698]

It relied on story and art and put the moral message aside if favor of the former. That's the important part. I believe Jesus told parables for a reason, and not to give Christians a reason to justify story. But because story as an art form will always organize the chaos around us and point to a truth of some kind. There's a reason there's only half a dozen forms of story, I mean, *good* story. Because those stories are telling the history of the world from beginning to end, organizing a long line of random events and weaving them together to show us the bigger picture. Story perfected, without agenda, will always have a more powerful message of truth than any sermon composed into a movie.

[@someguy2594]

Sheev Palpatine same, you don’t have to be religious to learn about religion.

[@ThatOneGuy_James]

I thought you believed in the Sith religion

[@gringerandom5872]

Wait what is that a christian movie? I LOVE it evrn if i'm a non christian...

[@thundercat9427]

I really agree with you. I am a passionate Christian and I love doing art. And I know that this is what God want me to do. But at first I was afraid to do christian art, because I thought I had to restrict myself, because all of Christian fiction I knew were those mostly awful Christian movies. I was grasping on the little we have, but God had to show me at first that this is not the case, and there is so much I can do! I had to go through a spiritual crisis to understand this.

[@derphyn]

Thanks, Thundercat. We seem to have similar paths. Being an artist is hard; being Christian is hard; put the two together and it's exponentially hard. Works by Francis Schaeffer, Sr. have helped me a lot, as well as connecting with Gutenberg College in Eugene, Oregon, USA, a great books liberal studies micro college. Fortunately, we are not alone. Go in peace.

[@thepylonperspective]

“Hey Scotty, Jesus man.” I have no clue why, but this is just so goddam funny…

[@masbucket3083]

Idk it’s just funny

[@louiseleite3866]

Next time use your mother's name + dam.

[@sudeepjoseph69]

Louise or he could say it's so hitlerdam funny

[@thepylonperspective]

@@louiseleite3866 Alright, I got you, it’s pretty Joan of Arc-damn funny

[@andrewtodaro2874]

You’d expect to see some sitcom end credits at the freeze frame!

[@charlesbridges8718]

"There are more good Christian songs than there are good Christian movies." I agree, but only because there are so many more Christian songs out there. Being Christian doesn't mean we have to accept poorly done creative work as masterpieces just because the subject is pro-Christianity.

[@tombingham7455]

Page

[@zenokiller2420]

but christian songs suck

[@justsomeplantcells-]

@@zenokiller2420 some of them are actually good. Some.

[@enbyrogue3740]

@@zenokiller2420 Eh, gospel songs suck ass but there's been a few good Christian songs. I point to the Awake album by Skillet. It was an entire album of christian songs, but they're all about the lead singer's personal religious journey so they don't come off preachy and there are some bops in there - Sincerely, an atheist

[@fredithegeroo906]

@@enbyrogue3740 I have that album! I got it for Christmas years ago. Definitely my favorite

[@lawannalw]

The problem with the majority of Christian films is the lack of reality. Most of them are dark and lifeless. Pretty soon I will show everyone how it should be done. Just hold on!

[@onerandombruh]

Please keep us posted. I'm not bullshiting, by the way.

[@octoberviberations233]

@different pov dark as in either vague or empty

[@octoberviberations233]

Yeah indeed! I feel like soon it will be time to tell Christian films with depth and a lot of love

[@FactStorm]

The whole cult lacks reality, so what do you expect? Lmao..if the source is flawed, you expect subsequent productions to be valid & truthful? What a joke.

[@annetan5038]

yess!! cheering for you

[@lovest3ven]

Prince of Egypt Joseph: king of dreams Joyfull noise The sister act They don't make movies like these anymore.😢

[@mastereon895]

There’s only one good christian movie (and it could be called a Jewish movie), The Prince of Egypt

[@angelbarajas9180]

Ikr it is like one of favorite movies

[@greenergrass4060]

Its everyones movie!!

[@julianbufarull7602]

Ben-Hur? The Ten Commandments? There are lots of good holy book films that have nothing to do with Christian propaganda.

[@needmeachillplaylistforstu3495]

@@julianbufarull7602 that one recent movie with adam driver as a missionary is also p good

[@Revenant-oq9ts]

Well, there were also the Almighty movies. Which cemented Morgan Freeman in Internet fame as God.

[@blacktuesdayfilms8636]

Amy:I have cancer Random Guy: Grow up Amy i'm sorry but i laughed so hard at this, who talks like this??!!?

[@DrDolan2000]

Actual demons

[@stilekropfilms6610]

Grow up I cant i have cancer Oh yeah....

[@ltlmissscareall]

apparently that's what Christian's hear when an atheist talks

[@joachim595]

”I definitely have breast cancer”

[@experiment248isgr8t]

@@DrDolan2000 Same bro!

[@yveltalpoderoso1303]

They focus more on giving them a message rather than a coherent and good story

[@simoneangeliquemaloney3990]

If you build a story around a missage then both the massage and the story fails...

[@masonr.powers7196]

Exactly. The way I see it, if you focus on constructing a cohesive story, the message will build itself.

[@Robert-zx2ir]

Tyler Perry is a Christian playwright, director, actor and filmmaker and while he’s no Spielberg, he doesn’t put a all his focus on projecting a message. He focuses on all the facets of filmmaking as well as wanting to make the audience laugh and let’s the message flow just naturally and emotionally. Perry’s films aren’t “Christian movies” by any means, they’re movies made to be entertaining with a spiritual theme/message at the end

[@KiyoKiyoshi277]

To be fair, that's pretty much the problem with a lot of recent movies, specially the ones that have a social background

[@IgonDrakeWarrior]

There’s a few that don’t follow that formula and turn out good

[@tacos4me584]

As a Christian I can even say you are 100% correct

[@tacos4me584]

Christian film writers (one’s who actually have a passion for film as well) need to make more movies. For instance the chosen is fantastic

[@zed6234]

There is nothing more painful than knowing my mother watches Christian movies and Hallmark Channel movies unironically.

[@experiment248isgr8t]

Oh yeah everything on Hallmark is wholesome. I witnessed the channel myself. It's okay.

[@nationalgiographic9186]

My Mom Watches Hallmark Hallmark isnt bad

[@PlaneBoy2520]

Zed bruh hallmark movies are the best, especially around Christmas time, you can always guess what’s going to happen next since they are so predictable 😂

[@stillikeike1086]

Is she okay? Should we send help?

[@mylesgxtreme2106]

Mine two

[@CooperHudgins]

As a Christian who believes that A LOT of our media is hot garbage, it’s nice to hear and see fellow believers talk about why that is and how we can and should improve on it. There’s still gonna be hardcore believers who won’t listen to people like you, but those of us who do understand this.

[@shortangel333]

As someone who isnt Christian, the few Christian films I have watched, I watched with friends to make fun of. Not because they're religious films but because they sometimes fit the so bad its funny category. With things like bad acting and bad writing, like Troll 2 and Llamageddon. Awful Awful films, but they're really funny to laugh at. Then I came across a film that I just thought was going to be bad, the premise is: It's 2025 and Christianity is illegal and the world is taken over by one government that forces communism. So from that I thought it would be hilarious. It was the most boring thing I have ever witnessed. It had many scenes of just characters talking in their basement and then one scene at the end where the main character is in a car chase and then executed for being Christian. Although two films, that are actually on KZbin, well they're films about the Catholic faith and they're are my two favourite films ever. All I'll say is its called Karate Nun and its about a Lesbian nun with a thirst for vengeance and she must save the catholic faith from Nazis, the Illuminate, the Illuminazis, Communists and Evolution/Karate Charles Darwin.

[@ToothedKrux]

I believe that the problem with most Christian movies is that they are not (only) Christian movies, but Evangelist ones. Their main goal is to convert and strengthen a person's belief, rather than to tell a story. This rather utalitarian approach just messes with the film's quality, as the goal is put front and center, rather than the story. However, it doesn't mean it has to mean that every Christian movie is bad. I mean, a more popular movie is Bruce Almighty, which talks about the problem of theodicy, an often overlooked topic. Another good, yet lesser known Christian movie is Adams aebler, a danish movie about a Neonazi who has to do community service by staying at a remote church for other troubled adults. In that movie the pastor of that church is reliving the story of job. It's a really good dark comedy that also offers an insight into how people generally see suffering and how we could see it to make it more bearable, if you take your time and think about why the pastor does these things that way. In conclusion, what we want are not Evangelical movies, but Theological ones. After all, a good story entertains us, while a great us can teach us something that will stay with us.

[@DiademAce]

@@michaelmurdock4607yeah it felt natural and you didn’t really have to be Christian to watch it. It was funny vegetables giving life lessons.

[@petrakurnia6772]

I'm an atheist, but I like some christian themed anime, they're so cool. Even Japan made manga / anime / drama where Jesus & Buddha are buddies and have vacation in Japan, it's wholesome

[@PaulBrower-qr8hf]

@@ToothedKrux Indeed, look at the movie Angels With Dirty Faces. It is clearly pro-Christian (OK, the hero is a Roman Catholic Priest) who saves boys with problems from lives of crime. It's not so much about faith as it is about the Straight and Narrow as an objective, but that coincides with Church teachings. Life is tough for Irish-American and Italian-Americans in the 'ethnic' slums, but criminality is shown to lead to a very bad end. Corruption, greed, and ostentation lead to murder and the electric chair. The acting is great and so is the writing and the filming.

[@jj1529]

Veggietales and The prince of Egypt took that personally

[@cheddarurchin3844]

I forgot how great Veggietales was

[@sherifflasso]

@@cheddarurchin3844 Prepare to un-forget.

[@cheddarurchin3844]

@@sherifflasso

[@spooderman6312]

Well i cant curse here so God, i love Veggietales, it was the sh** It was what made me like god in the first place, and it always feels good that *someone* actually had thought and care into this piece of art

[@sherifflasso]

@@spooderman6312 PREACH!

[@kingdomcomeproductions8962]

I've seen some great Christian/faith building movies the last few years (at least for a Christian like myself), but I totally agree. I'm an aspiring filmmaker myself, but not only because I want to convey a message. I love the art, and my background is in the theater. I love the process of creating and exploring, working with the actors, discovering the magic that light can do and so on. I'm not interested in just saying the same things one could more easily say in a sermon or in an anecdote. I desire to go deeper and discover that deep that can touch each person, whether they are Christian and not, and reveal some universal truth, that hopefully can bring them closer to see who Christ really was and is. I just made a short film about my own struggles in building a Christian focused filmbuisness, and sent it to a Christian film festival. My animist friend from Nepal saw it and said afterwards: this is not for Christians only, this is universal. That was a great compliment, even though I know the production quality was not that high. In the end of the day it's not whether the film has the highest quality in light and cinematography. You can forgive a lot of that. It becomes preachy when it's not transperant, not honest, when you feel that the journey is already made. I have a goal and I have a standard, but I wanna learn, explore and discover on the way, and be open for God to take me to new, unknown places. And my respect for the truth and experiences of other people will be one of my guides. That's what challenges us and helps us grow.

[@k3nree]

Is there way I can watch your short film ?

[@Ob1tuber]

Give these guys the budget of Disney and they’d still make a terrible film

[@CJ_Brim]

ironic considering Disney is family friendly

[@Gitsenberg]

@Work and Stuff Cough Joseph: King of Dreams (dies of asthma)

[@ericandre4713]

Disney is making bad movies lately tho lol

[@sarak6883]

hah, Disney managed to make Mulan 2020...this shows budget really isn't the problem. it's compassion these people lack

[@ravencarino6115]

They'd give their money to priests to build bigger churches to {redacted} I'm a Christian but Catholics are whack.

[@MOTHMAN225]

Best Christian Films -Life of Brian -Silence -The Ten Commandments -Hacksaw Ridge -Passion of the Christ -Prince of Egypt And the list ends

[@CII-studios]

Watch gifted hands. That's a pretty good one

[@Rhomagus]

I liked Darren Aronofsky's Noah.

[@thouartdust7464]

Warroom

[@oppressedamphibian8522]

Pulp Fiction

[@christianalbertjahns2577]

I like you for including "Life of Brian" in "Best Christian Films"

[@tammymahoney7928]

I’m a Christian and I have to say you really humbled me with this, thank you. I will make sure I am extra thoughtful and respectful of others free will. Jesus told us to love one another not judge, not hate, not criticize. I’m also going to be A LOT more picky when it comes to the movies I watch. I’m so shocked (and not) at how easily lead we can be. Again, thank you for the wake up call.

[@varisugocsay1152]

I think is criticizeing is a improtant thing, because you can detect the heretics (people how lead you astray) and you can help other people development, I think criticisem and judgment not the same thing.

[@hellatze]

@@varisugocsay1152 what is heresy and what is not ?

[@cuac5869]

@@varisugocsay1152 you just ruined the whole mood of the comment. While he was being empathetic you went back to the same old "I'm right and you're wrong so we have to make everyone else believe in what we do" mentality.

[@varisugocsay1152]

@@hellatze Oh, it's a interesting question, I think about a lot and I think maybe I understend what the meaning behinde the word heresy. I think the meaning of the heresy is that when you misinterpret something in good will or for selfish resions and in the name of the morali good you are misleading the people hows after thet make they life and others more miserable than neccessery. Enexample in the cathar heresy they said you don't have to be a humble and piest human because the chatar religous leaders make it instead you, baseicly they said that the chatar leaders equel Jesus and mislead the people who after that maybe lived a immoral life where they can't botherd other suffering. I think is a good example for a heresy and why is bad, but I don't belive in teological ortodoxy but you have to be carefull when deal such difficult subject such the religioun, the Bible, or any other holy text.

[@varisugocsay1152]

@@cuac5869 He? Oh, I'm sorry, I'm thougth his question was serious to me, I just thought he is interested what I meant in concret. I dousn't want to be That Guy or something. Oh, I just understand that you speek about the my first comment, my bad, but I thought is imprtent it to critisze think, if you want help someone you have to be hard and straight when you speak with them and you have to humple and honest. The other things what he siad is good and admirible and again, sorry, I doesn't wanted to be nagging or annoying.

[@Blackgrass1]

You're right as rain. Same issue with music. Every Sunday morning incompetent "musicians" massacre even the best songs, claiming they're leading worship when they're only want to be entertainers. But they're not entertaining either.

[@rrealjam3348]

As an atheist, I don't hate God, and I don't believe he's dead. I don't believe in him, it's simple. I frequent church because of my family. We watched God's not dead in church and I got so uncomfortable seeing how they portrayed atheism.

[@lanes7410]

Lol, but the fact that God tells his followers to do what that do as if they are serving Him says a lot about how they serve him I don't personally know their relationship with God but still👀...

[@Raztiana]

It becomes obvious that they have never actually had a conversation with an atheist about atheism. They only have their non-founded ideas, where they clearly can't imagine anyone not believing in their god. Something like that quickly becomes uncomfortable.

[@justasinnersavedbymercy]

God is real though. He formed you. He knows you. You have to build a relationship with Him to know Him. Follow Him. Atheists might not hate God but they are not on the path to Heaven.

[@Raztiana]

@@justasinnersavedbymercy, threatening us with not going to heaven is like telling us we're not getting gifts from Santa this year. Just like we don't believe in your god, we also don't believe in heaven or hell. Your god is one of about 2500 gods in the world. There's nothing special about yours.

[@justasinnersavedbymercy]

@@Raztiana There is nothing threatening about the statement. Its the truth and it says it in the bible. All the rest of the gods are false and inadequate compared to God. He is above all else. Try reading 1 Kings chapter 18. There is nothing special about the other gods of this world. God is the only true God and the only One who can save and deliver. He is sovereign and all-powerful.

[@danidandans]

As a Christian, I agree that Christian films aren't good. like, i dont even watch them.

[@thatweirdo5048]

Same they portray people with different beliefs as evil, e.g. gods not dead. I hate that movie, if you remember their was a Muslim girl who found god and her parents essentially said we hate you. And her father beat her for being Christian, I believe that that is so harmful especially when you are growing up. As a ten year old boy if you watch you will develop a hatred and dislike for people of altering beliefs and believe that you are better. This is due to the pot rail of Christians all being god serving amazing people who do no wrong. That is a god complex that no one should bare. Yet this is exactly what Christian movies give kids

[@GoldieDoggy]

@@thatweirdo5048 aren't there different types of muslims though? one's that would be that strict? they definitely did not have to use the strict ones, but they did...

[@albenizaesdrassousa9421]

@@thatweirdo5048 Exactly, as a Christian myself, i think that we should respect EVERYONE but these movies seem to do the exact opposite. (sorry for the english)

[@latinmoses8417]

@@albenizaesdrassousa9421 spread the Gospel though

[@albenizaesdrassousa9421]

@@latinmoses8417 yes, of course

[@estern2019]

As a christian who is also a filmmaker, this video makes me happy. Never really thought much as to why christian movies are so bad, but it always bothered me. Now i know why. God is creative, and we can be too.

[@kobushauman3310]

You go, Ester! There is someone else in the comments after yours who studies film too. Good luck to all. May your work testify to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ God and His Holy Ghost.

[@jonothandoeser]

The thing is, I've seen shorts by film students with literally NO budget at all that were amazing! I think he's right, it's not the money, it's the wrongness of their vision that makes the movies so bad.

[@sophiamura9484]

yes! i want to study animation and my goal is to change what the media thinks about christianity. the prince of egypt is a great example of this. the reason why christian movies don’t work is because they are usually made by preachers who want to convey a message but don’t know how to do it effectively and usually just don’t have a passion for filmmaking 😕

[@jonothandoeser]

@@sophiamura9484 AS long as you preach the true gospel in movies, they will be an offense to the world. Nothing will change that dichotomy.

[@sophiamura9484]

@@jonothandoeser i guess there’s no avoiding that. but from what i’m aware, the prince of egypt was pretty well received by christians, jews, muslims, and atheists alike! so i think that’s what i’m going for and that’s how you know a good movie was made

[@viccym]

That's why i appreciate 'The Passion of the Christ' so much, it feels real, as if you're seeing the real thing play out before your eyes. It gives you a glimpse of what Jesus would've been like, it doesn't seem fake like many of the other movies that show Jesus' life and death. The Passion makes you sob your head off, feel the pain of the characters and the immense beauty and power in the story ❤‍🔥

[@definitelynotobama6851]

I'm still mad that people are so uneducated about what Nietzche actually meant by "God is dead". If anything, it was part of a mournful reflection on modern attitudes toward religious faith and the causes behind them.

[@megelizabeth9492]

Basically what he was saying was how the scientific and philosophical revolutions of the enlightenment, created a new understanding and conceptualization of the natural world based on human reason and empirical observation, rather then coming from divine agency or power.

[@1221-o7e]

@@megelizabeth9492 which should be in my opinion fully transitioned

[@louis8487]

All I know of Nietzche was a funny punchline in the show Lucifer. Lucifer: *mimicking the words of someone else back to them* "The trial of my dad's killer." Lucifer: "Nietzche!?"

[@phyokyawkhaing2251]

@@megelizabeth9492 Yes, he also argued that that was a bad thing as the iconic phrase "God is dead" was actually said sorrowfully instead the gleeful portrayal by the media.

[@cadenflynn1587]

@@1221-o7e a poor opinion

[@arkhamjamesv]

As an atheist, I've always thought that Jesus would just be a cool guy to hang out with. A lot of his philosophies are still very insightful, and I feel like more atheists could respect him as a person, even if we don't believe he's a god.

[@feywildheart2878]

Swell chap that fella, my favourite symbology has to be him riding on a donkey, not a warhorse or a chariot. Something humble, noble, but loving. The old testament, and some of the new feels weird to me, but this chill dude who befriended prostitutes and stood against church exploitation is heartwarming

[@megelizabeth9492]

In that vain, another thing that often gets lost in translation and time, is that Jesus himself was a Rabbi and practicing Jew.

[@sailorquestion3229]

@@clutchthecinnamonsergal8493 God? I would say certainly. Killing kids you created is very sick. Jesus? Dunno, what exactly Jesus did that was bad?

[@wolfbones666]

You I like.

[@Vitorruy1]

My problem was never Jesus himself but the way he is put on a pedestal over other equally insightful people.

[@hoganstroud801]

Dang, I know I’m late to the party, but I just got recommended this video and it’s spectacular. I’m a Christian and was shown the first God’s Not Dead and a Christian summer camp in middle school. I didn’t realize until watching your video how much propaganda there is showing atheist as “evil” people. By choice, I never watched the other movies, but a few of my friends (I feel the need to specify “Not Christians”) and I like to watch them and make fun of them. Not because of Christianity, but because the filmmaking, writing, acting, etc. is awful. I absolutely loved everything about it this video, and have taken it to heart. Thank you for having the courage and strength to make it!

[@cadenserrador8276]

lets just say the execution of these movies is a lot like the execution of jesus, unsuccessful

[@Bluecolty]

That's genius on multiple levels

[@vgsdomingo1]

@Caden Serrador His execution was successful or He could not have died for your sins and risen from the dead. Who cares? It's all myths anyway.

[@cadenserrador8276]

@@vgsdomingo1 you must be real fun at parties

[@vgsdomingo1]

@@cadenserrador8276 Not as bad as you are at at cracking jokes on KZbin comment threads. You gotta admit that you really dropped the ball there.

[@cadenserrador8276]

@@vgsdomingo1 so your comeback consists of you saying that my jokes are bad, classic

[@lux4925]

As a Christian I honestly never liked Christian movies because almost all to them portray atheists as jerks and I have tons of friends who are atheist and respect my beliefs.

[@Sora-ud6dp]

omg YES. Ugh... everything just paints TRUE Christianity in a horrible light.

[@kaitlynkarol4600]

- Ditto! I have had more empathy & support/ love from atheists and agnostics at many times of my life vs my own Christian counterparts. I love this video b/c he's saying the exact same things I am always saying about this topic. Christian movies are mostly bad b/c their 'filmmakers' are not artists. If you want to preach, just make movies for your church like they do plays in church for their own congregation. Movies are supposed to be a medium for the public so if you 'go there' you should respect that and find BALANCE in both your art & your spirituality. Also - most of the 'new' atheists that tend to be far Leftists on the lunatic fringe of liberalism - are just as bad/ immature and unevolved as the Christian fundamentalists - b/c fundamentalism is fundamentalism despite where it comes from. And liberalism is also about having too much freedom when you abuse it and Christians - though thought of as conservatives - are really liberals when they're fringey-fundamentalists b/c they take their liberty of expressing their faith so far that they act superior & judgemental - same thing far L is doing w/ their hardcore relgious new-age obsession too. When you act 'religious' about your spirituality, you miss the boat - even fall out of it. Both extreme groups of fringe-thinking one-dimensional people w/ the 'us' v 'them' attitude are so full of PC and are easily triggered at anything you say so it's hard to criticize these people and their movies -whether it's the Hwood hard L & how they constantly preach about witchcraft to us in almost every film (from Disney's 'magic' Harry Potter types to adult fare) or the Christian preachy far R. There are not many true filmmakers left in this world -art is being destroyed as they 'tell' us instead of 'show' us. No form, no design, no sophisticated purpose, no depth. A little fact most ppl don't know or get: Jesus was a centrist who tried to teach us balance who was the greatests artist of all time - he made us, he created the world - and he showed us form, design, depth, a sophisticated purpose and total truth. And - the ONLY way to complete, whole 'total' truth is through balance - not through extreme fringe thinking. Balance cannot exist when there are too many hipsters and cliques - in churches, on the theater screen - all over the place - and this is what is destroying culture. There are two kinds of separation - right and wrong. We need to separate ('rightfully divide') v. be a part of the hive-mind (WRONG division through Marxist-collectivism).When we rightfully separate the person from their behavior and the artist from the preacher, this is where the artist's journey begins, but this takes time and patience and most are too busy chasing their next text msg on their high-radiation cell phones to have the slightest interest in that!

[@anhhuynhkimnguyen6793]

I don’t care much for religions but if someone follows it , I’ll respect them and move on,

[@joshguest1104]

Which it is. Its also an outdatted bigotry cicle jerk of an organization, only existing to brainwash the population

[@TfwNoGiantGF]

@2012endofanerror Or don't get offended by it?

[@calebdonaldson8770]

I see Christian films the same way I see Christian music: A. complete lack of meaningful substance B. doesn't tell you anything you don't already know C. generic and trope-ridden D. flat-out boring Keep in mind that this is coming from a Christian who isn't afraid to admit that Christian media is terrible.

[@maria1606]

Hey!! Actually, there's a lot of good Christian music that you should totally give it a look: Jonathan Odgen, Montell Fischl, Phillip Shibata, there's this channel on KZbin called: Good Christian Music Blog and it is awesome! I find the popular gospel songs very cheesy, so this for you it will for sure be lovely. Here it is! kzbin.info Enjoy!

[@calebdonaldson8770]

@@maria1606 Well thank you for the recommendations! I will be sure to check that out and hopefully it will be a refreshment to my ears. I do know a ton of classic Christian songs and hymns from all my years in sermon, bible study, church camp, etc. My personal favorite is One Tin Soldier.

[@johnnydasuper]

Listen to House of the Lord by Phil Wickham and Phenomena by Hillsong

[@calebdonaldson8770]

@@johnnydasuper Sounds interesting. I will.

[@johnnydasuper]

@@calebdonaldson8770 they are bangers haha

[@ultrazombieYT]

You can't be mad at a blind guy for walking into you, just like we can't be mad at atheists for walking in the wrong direction

[@electragoob]

Speaking as a Christian writer/artist, it is really sad when you want to use the creativity God gave you and your Church support group continually tries to box you in to a small set of jobs. “You’re making a comic? Wow! You are using those God-given talents! Oh, it’s not like Narnia with clear connections to the Bible? ok that’s cool. But maybe you should use your talent to make children’s story books that can be sold in our Church bookstore!” It’s one of my biggest hang ups when trying to put together my series. I want to make a coherent story that is compelling, but I also want to be that “light” that points to Jesus. And when those thoughts come to mind, I remember J. R. R. Tolkien. He was a wonderful Christian and helped lead the author of the famous Narnia series to Christ. But he also convinced his students of the existence of leprechauns by bringing tiny shoes to his lectures, went to a non-costume party dressed as a polar bear, and chased people down the streets of his college town dressed as a Viking. Christian creativity is not dead, it’s just trapped by the stuck up “holier than thou” people who put a mile-wide line between the Sacred and the Secular.

[@thefiringsquadtfs6392]

Did you know that acdg to Tolkien, LOTR is also a Christian alegory? Search it, it's all over YT.

[@crowdemon_archives]

"God gave you 2 hands and a functional brain with boundless creativity and imaginations to use at will, and you're using them for half-assed products??" essentially. 🙃

[@MetalTaffer]

@@thefiringsquadtfs6392 Nope. Here's a quote from the man himself: “I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done so since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence. ... I think that many confuse applicability with allegory, but the one resides in the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the author.”

[@dude9318]

Yes i know that sometimes is anoying . Some Christians think if you want to write ,and it isn't something from the Bible its sinful .Like for me that limits our creativity and imagination . I mean you can create a story but it can have Christian messages in it .There is nothing wrong with that it doesn't have to be direct stories from the Bible

[@Blueoriontiger]

@electragoob, that's so true. Most of the people who like my stuff are non-Christians, the few that are Christians are more friends than fans. I often get dunked on because of "sci-fi", aliens or I write capable female heroines (with a little bit of anime flavor). A person I will not name finally started publishing stuff, and was in a community full of Christian writers. When said person started publishing supernatural fantasy, most of them excommunicated them and have stopped talking to her. I will admit very few things I do have a Christian message that's obvious, and that's usually not the reason i write. But one of the reasons I do create is to provide something for a Christian audience. It may not have Christianity in it, but it was written by someone with that viewpoint.

[@queenofcute72]

God is not dead was HORRIBLE. I watched it while questioning my faith with my traditional Christian mother, and seeing how she bought the whole “Christians are oppressed” theme simply because it gave her something to give me a speech about faith over, it did NOT help me with my already deteriorating views on Christianity as a black, queer child.

[@christelleilmet3601]

Christians are oppressed not in American but in the Middle East. Rn in Afghanistan for example. Also coming from a black Christian what made you question the faith and or leave it?

[@rdoogan1259]

@@christelleilmet3601 The Bible is both racist and homophobic.

[@fo3858]

@Denver John so you suport a message of hate? Not very christian of you

[@giogioorjojo8421]

@@wanitalll hey, so.. actually the bible was actually homophobic, I mean, it was against every human being, in a whole, specially the old testament that God was a cruel being who just killed for fun e no absolute reason.

[@lucaslixoso5420]

@@giogioorjojo8421 God killing for fun? where does it state?

[@ob2kenobi388]

These atheists were depicted so badly that they're not even atheists anymore. That guy said that he hated God, which is not the case-we do not hate God, because we believe that God does not exist.

[@floyddog2283]

He was more anti theist than anything

[@bp4freak]

@@floyddog2283 Not even close to that. That guy is an angry Christian. An antitheist is an atheist who is actively against religion.

[@wesxd5292]

Ikr You cant hate something that doesn't exist

[@ob2kenobi388]

@@wesxd5292 In the same way, we don't love Satan because we believe that Satan doesn't exist

[@TenyoS]

I think that was the point. They want to believe that atheists aren't what we say we are. That we really believe, but are lying, either because we think we stand to gain something by lying, or because we're angry.

[@Phase52012]

I'll be blunt. I live outside of the USA. And "christianity" in the USA is extremely weird. Dare I say annoying.

[@trinity_leigh]

I recently became a film student. I've also been Christian for my whole life. It's one of my goals within my career to use the gifting and passion that he's placed inside of me to go and create art that actually reflects him. And by him, I mean the most creative being in the universe. It frustrates me to see films like this. It's why I adore films like the Prince of Egypt, that have actually harnessed the majesty of God's power and love in an utterly beautiful way. Rather than trying to preach at the audience or defend itself for existing, it simply and unapologetically tells an amazing story, treats its audience like intelligent people, and lets them do with it what they will. I want to make films like that.

[@trinity_leigh]

Why did we stop writing psalms? Since when did aesthetics and excellence equal superficiality?

[@trinity_leigh]

@@Trooper-d2t haha i didn't realise :P

[@janemorriss4548]

Good luck to you

[@sophiaredwood5825]

YES! I completely agree. I’m a Christian, and I’m a writer. I have a few ideas that address faith, but they’re not created for the sake of spreading a sermon. I’ve been hesitant on even writing about faith in the first place because I grew up being trained to make every expression of my faith manufactured and advertised. I’ve only just managed to consciously break that habit. When I write about faith and weave it into my message, I don’t want it to be a sermon. I want it to be art, and I want it to be real.

[@trinity_leigh]

@@sophiaredwood5825 Love it!

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

_"You can speak with spiritual eloquence, pray in public, and maintain a holy appearance. But it is your behavior that will reveal your true character."_ *~ Dr. Steve Maraboli*

[@pauloalex4899]

Actually, Jesus already said something like that (Matthew 7:20-24)

[@spooderman6312]

@@pauloalex4899 Steve marboli clearly read the bible

[@pauloalex4899]

@@spooderman6312 I just didn't know Steve.

[@spooderman6312]

@@pauloalex4899 ik not a lot of people know him

[@pauloalex4899]

@@spooderman6312 Thanks.

[@randomknowledgeperson2872]

I'm honestly embarrassed as a Christian with he whole 'branches of Christianity' thing. Jesus taught togetherness and yet we have divided amongst ourselves!!! WHAT THE HELL GUYS YOU HAD ONE JOB!!!!

[@marinewelsh9927]

It’s okay to have differences in belief. What you’re against is just infighting and toxicity among Christians

[@AndreaDiaz-rc3iy]

hahahhaha okay but the you had one job made me laugh bc yeah basically our work is to love others but somehow is the least that some people do

[@ne0nmancer]

Christianism itself branched out of Judaism, though. Conflict of ideas is natural and good as long as its goal is to reach better knowledge. What we can't have is Christians trying to convert one another from this to that denomination as if one was better than the other.

[@randomknowledgeperson2872]

@@ne0nmancer no growing out of each other is great but doing that and fallowing a leader of sorts more than Jesus is what paul said was wrong. so he’s basically bashing Catholicism, Mormanism, Islam, things like that.

[@tiffanyswartz1064]

@@marinewelsh9927 most atheists of the internet start crap now days

[@0zerios0]

Yeah, there's this ingrained mentality in our culture that teaches you to hate those who are different from you. I live in Mexico, where about 90% of the population is Catholic, and I was also raised Catholic myself. I remember as a child, whenever a KZbinr that I liked or someone I admired turned out to be an atheist, I would get genuinely sad and disappointed. I didn't hate them, but my opinion of them went down, like, how could they NOT believe in the almighty GOD? It was just insane to me. A few years later, my own sister told us she was an atheist, and it was truly an eye-opening experience. She never tried to convience me of anything, but the fact that my dear sister was now an atheist made me question if the whole atheism thing was as bad as I though, and as a result I opened my mind. I started to actually listen to people who thought differently from me and tried to reason what they said, which later led me to become an atheist. Nowadays, I'm an agnostic, and I recently discovered that my dad had always been one too, it was just that my mother forbade him from even mentioning it to us, but the majority of the peope who surround me are either Christian or Catholic, and I never look down on anyone as long as they treat me with the respect they preach.

[@jonsjunkmailonly]

And it's not just that atheists are portrayed as cold hearted and apethetic, these movies also strawman the atheist position itself. So in the movie the christian always gets the final word and makes the better points and destroys the atheist with reason and logic. The problem is, that's just not what happens in the real world and the only reason they win all the arguments on the screen is because it's impossible to lose an argument when you control both sides of the debate. Christians take lines from these movies and try to use them on actual atheists and are totally taken aback when the atheist doesn't follow the script like the character in the movie did. They end up woefully under prepared for the dialog that ensues.

[@מוטיבני-ס1ת]

I agree. Humanism, naturalism, scientism have had at least 400 years to evolve. The preaching of the gospels should have evolved with it as well. I really think that a deeper understanding of the gospel and christ is required nowdays. Either this, or just to a stubborn unrelenting preacher, who bruteforces his way to the heart of people, which can happen, but never without the willingness to serve.

[@aldiascholarofthefirstsin1051]

@@מוטיבני-ס1ת l

[@danieltakawi9919]

@@מוטיבני-ס1ת I agree. I was surprised that John crying "The Time of God is coming! Repent!" Worked because it does not work at all nowadays. Yes the Bible is eternal & so is our responsibility to preach, but we have to do so understanding who we are preaching to & the world we are preaching in. One of the most important things to do is to know your enemy, & thus we need to know how Satan (our only enemy, for we only have spiritual enemies), is attacking the world in our time. In order to save the world, we need to know how its suffering.

[@patchwurk6652]

@@danieltakawi9919 "In order to save the world, we need to know how its suffering." Probably a good place to start is just with normal people's practical problems. I mean spirituality is fine and all, but while people are in horrible economic situations and their infrastucture's burning down and their culture's tearing itself apart.... ...I mean people can't eat faith or shelter themselves in belief. They need food.

[@snappycenter7863]

"The only reason they win all the arguments on the screen is because it's impossible to lose an argument when you control both sides of the debate." The same can also be said of works endorsing any cause, including pro-atheism works (just look at anything by Seth MacFarlane, Gene Roddenberry, Phillip Pullman or Garth Ennis on the subject).

[@mrmeowsermoney]

*reads title* This man has clearly never seen veggietales jonah.

[@brokenearth7079]

Jonah was a prophet (ooh, ooh) but he never really got it (sad but true) he did not get the point

[@alinastanescu4430]

@Ramkkingk And they predicted the future, that humour will be randomly generated

[@dr2d2]

@@alinastanescu4430 Weed eater

[@coolingheat5644]

Alina Stănescu h

[@darthestar8791]

I don't think he was referring to that when he made that title.

[@xWhiteRice]

As an atheist, my biggest gripe with God’s not dead was the end of movie conversion of the professor. None of his questions or problems with God were addressed. He converted out of fear of death, after an hour earlier saying Christianity preyed on the fearful. The movie, in a a last ditch effort to convert the inconvertible, literally proved the atheist right. Christian movies, in addition to the things you mentioned, oversimplify atheism in order to avoid addressing the hard questions.

[@jeremypeterson705]

I've never had a debate with a Christian about Atheism without them straw-manning Atheism or me. At best, their arguments come from ignorance; at worst, their arguments are malicious and intentionally dishonest. This is reflected in Christian cinematography.

[@dosmastrify]

Will Wells as a Christian I agree, it's highly improbable... Much more likely the teacher would wrestle with it for months at least.. Maybe years, and still maybe be unconvinced. I haven't seen the film because I thought the whole idea was silly... The real problem is much more like racism, few today are overtly racist but many more in general population have slight bias and preconceptions which overall do far more damage than the remaining outright racists. Let me be clear: I'm not making an equivalency between religious persecution in the USA and racism, merely saying the main thing to fear from both isn't like Sorbo's antitheist character or a tiki march, it's more hidden and often not noticed by the person holding slanted ideas. More like Something like when somebody tells you they are religious and you instantly think something like "oh.. They aren't quite as smart as I thought they were". You still respect them... Just not quite so much... Somebody close to me is a college professor and whenever she does bring it up among colleges there is that vibe about half the time..... And sadly in some (maybe many) cases you do have very sharp people using very dull and sometimes nonsensical defences for why they believe... I would be remiss to not acknowledge that fact... The culture of Christianity today is one which preaches science is our enemy, don't embrace it, embrace blind faith, don't be like Thomas. when actually it's naturalism, and not science that we should be disagreeing with. (and this view of So called "doubting Thomas" is incorrect IMHO also. He asked for proof and was given it, then told there will be others who only have testimony/eye witness accounts to go off of... Tangent sorry.)

[@dosmastrify]

Jeremy Peterson that is a shame. On of the more honest Christian apologists is at coldcaseChristianity.com he does admit when the opposition has a good point, and also the limitations of arguments used by theists. Str.org also seems to have a more reasonable group in the forums. (of course every bunch has a butthead or two but that's everywhere)

[@Chaosmancer7]

The part of that scene that left the worst taste in my mouth (and I saw via a review, since I've never seen the whole movie myself) is immediately following his death, they say "This is a good day, a man has been saved" or something to that effect. A man died. Potentially a cruel man, or a misguided man, but multiple tons of metal and plastic smashed his body into pieces, leaving him in agony, and he died. Yet, today is a good day? That single line bothers and haunts me, because it is impossible for me to fully snuff out the idea that he couldn't have been converted without dying, and therefore for it to have been a good day he necessarily had to die. Second worst part was that complete @#$^%^&%# who yelled at his fiance for ruining dinner by telling him she had cancer. What kind of human trash has a reaction like that? Yeah, they try and explain it because his mother in incredibly ill and he can't handle the news, but that is zero excuse for what happens in that scene. It has to be one of the most disgusting depictions of a person I have ever seen in cinema. And that, is a bad sign.

[@seanhartnett79]

I agree with all these comments.

[@skeletonsquid6233]

I always had a idea for a Christian movie that's about a Christian family that is divided because one side or one family member found their own path as a Buddhist or some other religion. And a character from the Christian side of the family trys to convince the rest of the family that when Jesus said love thy neighbor and thy enemy that they aren't succeeding in what Jesus himself said. Netflix I'm accepting director roles

[@spooderman6312]

Huh, can't believe almost no one talks about Narnia, a great film with Christian messages

[@Alverant]

Secret as in "subtle as a chain saw".

[@odd-ysseusdoesstuff6347]

The Lotr has subtler messages.

[@evita.v]

@thaumaturge_ yeah lol it is, i'm glad it didn't influence me as a child since i did't even realize that is was about christianity

[@johnnyferalcat896]

@@evita.v so people can't put religious themes in the books? If it had Buddhist themes in the book, would it still be indoctrinating?

[@justyouraveragecorgi]

@@evita.v I never realized the Christian messages when reading it so

[@thewonderstorm4555]

It’s not coincidence, these types of movies are just a rallying cry for the “faithful” which is fine. It’s just a pep rally. They don’t actually convert.

[@jiralishu]

@@dixonhill1108 But want to pretend they do like movies.

[@alecmullaney7957]

It's a cash grab

[@FanboyFilms]

They convert ticket prices into studio revenue. Sounds like a prosperity ministry.

[@ricky_or_robin2]

my dad's a pastor and even he hates christian films

[@zacharysiple629]

Are there any that he enjoys? Like Passion of the Christ or Prince of Egypt? I'm sure some of his church members criticize him for not watching Christian movies. How does he usually respond?

[@neovagras980]

@@zacharysiple629 you know Wondered the same thing

[@neovagras980]

@@zacharysiple629 well people tend to shame anyone who dares to criticize the Pastor Even though the Bible clearly states don’t believe everything they say

[@zacharysiple629]

@@neovagras980 What verse is that?

[@neovagras980]

@@zacharysiple629 forgot but I know it’s in there somewhere It was about false prophets

[@Dj.D25]

Agree. Many Christian movies I watched also had very cheesy dialog or seemed afraid to be brutally honest. Also I feel too many Christian movies are either a Bible story come to life or about someone who needs to find God and gets saved. What I would like to see are more movies where it's the Christian who struggles with personal struggles related to Christianity or exposes corruption with a Christian viewpoint, sort of like what Sound of Freedom did. If I had the talent of a film maker or director I would be trying to create movies such as: A Christian young man dealing with sexual temptation over and over. Except he's not interested in dirty magazines or websites. Instead, many women, even Christian women from all walks of life keep showing interest in him and making his life difficult, while he waits and searches for the right Christian woman. It can be implied that the devil is doing all this on purpose. A girl dealing with abuse from an extremely strict Independent Fundamentalist Baptist family and church, who believes all other Christians are wicked and they go overboard in trying to protect her from the world. She's tempted to give up on Christianity. And she meets a man she eventually dates and marries who is a serious Christian but not insane like her family is. A young man who leans Baptist who often gets into arguments with his strict Pentecostal family. A Christian band who struggles to be relevant and often is tempted to compromise or risk offending people for what they believe. Possibly a comedy style movie showing how silly the extreme Pentecostals and Charismatics look, somewhat mocking them? Basically I feel we need more Christian life stories. And they would have great writing, acting and cinematography. Would there be an audience for these kinds of movies?