No. That’s not what I’m saying. However, I’m not opposed to it at all.
What I am saying about myself, my faith and my dream is simply this: I am a Christian who wants to make films and work in film/video production as a career, and that my hope is that my faith will shine in my work and touch people on and off screen.
God has been showing me more and more Christians working in the entertainment industry, and it’s quite surprising, even to me, how many successful Christians there are working in this capacity. What He’s made even more clear is that it’s not so much about reaching more Christians, (ie. making Christian films or music) at least as I feel in my calling, (and so have others) it’s about reaching the non-Christians.
I find this whole mentality of Christians to stay so confined to their world is in great opposition to Christ’s Word. Matthew 28:19 says, ” Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” Jesus’ words, not mine. How exactly can you make disciples of all nations if you confine yourself strictly to Christians? My favorite contestant on Fox TV’s “On the Lot” is Jason Epperson and I love what he says about being a Christian filmmaker – echoing how I feel, “I am a Christian and feel that God has blessed me and put me on this show for a purpose. I don’t consider myself a Christian filmmaker necessarily, but a Christian who wants to make positive films.” More on Jason Epperson There’s that word again…purpose. Jason realizes that his talents and where he is all correlate with God’s purpose. And millions of viewers, Christian and non, are seeing him, his work and his witness as an open Christian! Beautiful!
I’m definitely not bent on making evangelical films riddled with Biblical scripture and preaching what we (Christians) should already know….to ourselves. Preaching to the choir, anyone? I really like how Lacey Mosley of Flyleaf put it in an interview with MTV, “If you’re a Christian, it affects everything in your life. So if you’re a plumber, does that make you a Christian plumber?” and “it’s part of who we are, so it comes out in our music, and it’s the fuel for what we do.” This really sums it up. I want to make films and me being a Christian doesn’t define or confine what I do, it drives it! This should be true for all Christians in ALL aspects of their lives. Let Christ fuel your life…don’t allow religion to box Him in!!
So, no, I don’t necessarily desire to make Christian films. I am a Christian that desires to make films. My faith and my witness will shine on and off the set. Whether it is a subtle message of the power of God’s love that resonates in a few moments in one of my films, or it’s a discussion of faith on the set, the main concern is that I continue to reach those in need of Christ’s message. Scott Derrickson (Hellraiser V, The Exorcism of Emily Rose) can find ways to insert Christian themes into his mainstream films without being preachy and confining his stories to Christian audiences. Sure it’s a fine line to walk, but it’s not impossible. Nothing is, if it fit’s God’s purpose!
We as Christians are warned of the dangers of entangling ourselves in the secular world, but that is only to ensure we challenge and strengthen our faith. Because, at the end of it all, it is the secular world that needs His Grace. We already have it. Keeping my faith in check ensures that I have the strength to face secular temptations and be a strong witness, but it’s a constant battle. Be reminded that no amazing Biblical accomplishment was made without a great test of faith! Fortunately there are many artists out there willing to accept Christ’s charge and bear witness to the lost world, even when ridiculed or that the cause is a lost one.
I feel that my calling is to join them! And I accept that call joyfully!
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