Some are like a refined and exquisite platter of food, meant to be cherished and lingered upon while contemplating their deep and wonderful flavors. Others seem more like a cheeseburger off the 99 cent menu at Wendy's. No matter your taste or preference, there is one thing many of us have in common. We love movies.
For thousands of years, humanity has had a steady love affair with the "story". Throughout the ages, cultures have been defined and memorialized not only by their accomplishments, but by the stories they told. Stories explained love, life, and every other magical thing that they encountered. Today, filmmakers like Steven Spielberg tell stories that remind us to continue to see the world as a child. Before him, Shakespeare told stories that made us marvel at the workings of love and hate. And even before him, Jesus told stories to show us what the kingdom of heaven is like.
Every day, millions of people crowd in front of film projectors, home movie theatres, or video iPods to consume a steady diet of story from Hollywood and the like. And although the motion picture is relatively new to society (only about a hundred years old, compared to books and music), it has quickly become the mainstream vehicle of story for the masses.
I believe that there is no better way to understand and critique the world around us than through film. For that reason, movie watching groups within the Church has become a popular and important way to understand and connect with the culture we live in.
Art in film has become a reflector of our society. For example, the award winning film "Crash" addresses racism and prejudice that still exists in society today. Although this film is rated R and has very tough subject matter, it creates an opportunity for those in the Church to not only to increase their awareness, but also engage in conversation about racism. More and more films are bringing awareness to social justice issues. In the upcoming movie "Trade", the audience will be exposed to the problem of sex trafficking of young girls through America. Films like these can become a call to action, inspiring Christ followers to do something about these issues.
A theme found in many blockbusters is simply a re-telling of the grand story of good overcoming evil. We relate to these stories because in them is found the very same story of the Gospel - of a great evil overcome by a true good. In fact, when we look closely, there is a very real thread with all great stories - the one true story - the story of redemption. We see it when Dorothy goes home after defeating the Wicked Witch of the West. It's there when ET finally makes it to his ship. The very same story we as Christ followers are meant to communicate is being told over and over at the box office - if we take the time to find it.
The story of the Gospel is all around us. It's in our favorite films, with our favorite characters. As Christians, it is our responsibility to understand the world around us and find redemption in the media that has become a part of our lives. If we were to understand this, we would then speak the language of culture fluently, and for the cause of Christ and the redemption he brings.