TheMorningFive 01/05/10
Hollywood Gets More Religious
The Washington Post has an interesting story about how religious Hollywood has gotten in the last year. The story notes how many movies openly discuss issues of faith—some praising religious values others questioning, or even openly mocking, aspects of religion.
In the article, HollywoodJesus.com editor Greg Wright is interviewed and says, “Hollywood gives audiences what audiences want to see. If people don't want to see movies with certain messages, they won't buy tickets.”
To a degree, I think he’s right; film studios are businesses. Sure, there are producers and filmmakers that have their own agendas and messages they want to convey, but at the end of the day, their goal is to make money. And, most of the time, this means making films that appeal of large audiences.
But, as far the openly religious content in many of today’s films (like The Road, The Blind Side, The Invention of Lying, and Avatar, as noted by The Washington Post), I don’t think it is as much of an indication of American values, as it is the evolving standard of social correctness.
Talking about religion publically used to be taboo. But, in era where politicians, musicians and public figures regularly cite their faith, openly discussing issues faith isn’t uncommon.
And, whether directly or indirectly, religious values and faith have always been a part of films—even if they weren’t openly discussed. Great films always showcase a deeper truth; and often, what makes great movies stand out, is their ability to show it a way that reveals the deeper consequences of truth.
There’s a pastor I like who said, “All truth is God’s truth.” In other words, God is the author of all things that are good—as creative as they may be filmmakers, actors or screenwriters didn’t invent the truth they sometimes portray. Justice, love, forgiveness, family and consequences are regular themes in many movies. These truths may not be openly “religious”, but they are deeply spiritual.
You can go here to read the story from The Washington Post
In the article, HollywoodJesus.com editor Greg Wright is interviewed and says, “Hollywood gives audiences what audiences want to see. If people don't want to see movies with certain messages, they won't buy tickets.”
To a degree, I think he’s right; film studios are businesses. Sure, there are producers and filmmakers that have their own agendas and messages they want to convey, but at the end of the day, their goal is to make money. And, most of the time, this means making films that appeal of large audiences.
But, as far the openly religious content in many of today’s films (like The Road, The Blind Side, The Invention of Lying, and Avatar, as noted by The Washington Post), I don’t think it is as much of an indication of American values, as it is the evolving standard of social correctness.
Talking about religion publically used to be taboo. But, in era where politicians, musicians and public figures regularly cite their faith, openly discussing issues faith isn’t uncommon.
And, whether directly or indirectly, religious values and faith have always been a part of films—even if they weren’t openly discussed. Great films always showcase a deeper truth; and often, what makes great movies stand out, is their ability to show it a way that reveals the deeper consequences of truth.
There’s a pastor I like who said, “All truth is God’s truth.” In other words, God is the author of all things that are good—as creative as they may be filmmakers, actors or screenwriters didn’t invent the truth they sometimes portray. Justice, love, forgiveness, family and consequences are regular themes in many movies. These truths may not be openly “religious”, but they are deeply spiritual.
You can go here to read the story from The Washington Post