Facing the Giants: more than just a movie

I had heard that the movie “Facing the Giants” was a great, Christian film that everyone should go to. I was happy to hear it was good and was interested in seeing it. Then I got pumped watching the trailers, and HAD to see the movie. Then I finally went to see it in theaters, and came out with my eyes red from crying and all excited about where this movie might lead.

Sadly, when we see a movie that has only a few swear words, gory sights or passionate kissing scenes, we can compare it to the majority of full-out sin playing in movies and call it “good”. But good or okay just isn’t enough, and apparently Americans are starting to realize that. Facing the Giants was a low-cost, volunteer cast movie which made $2.75 million in the first 10 days of showings in theaters. And it’s not hard to imagine why; the reality of everyday struggles as well as the unique message sending hope and peace is one that can be attractive to an audience who has become tired of the shallow, ever present theology; “just believe in yourself”. For many people may have tried this, and found that it doesn’t work.

It’s amazing how much television influences our culture. But when Americans spend hours and hours watching TV everyday, one can easily see why and how the standards of our society have stooped so low. This is why the breakthrough of Christian filmmaking is so important. Our society is changing every day as technology replaces the need to spend time with real people, using the TV or computer. We need to make sure that those who do not have the moral strength to resist such temptations can still see real live, hopeful, and helpful things as they flip the channels.

Through such events as the Independent Christian Film Festival, Christians are being encouraged and enabled to make a difference through movies. Just as Grant Taylor faced the giants of "fear and failure" in the Christian film, so we can face the giant of a liberal culture and impact our nation for good.