Why I’m Recommending Christians See the Movie “Noah”
You’ve probably heard the controversy about the upcoming Paramount Pictures movie “Noah.” In the last few weeks, I’ve seen numerous blogs, social media posts, and commentaries on the movie – usually criticizing it and detailing how far it strays from an accurate Biblical portrayal. But as of this writing I’m one of only a handful of people who’ve actually seen the movie. Which is probably why I’m a bit bothered at the condemnations and protests from Christians who have never actually watched it. That’s why I felt compelled to write this post. Is the story an exact Biblical representation? No. For one thing, the Noah story in the Bible is remarkably short. We don’t know what happened inside the ark during the voyage. We don’t know what Noah was thinking. We don’t know the family dynamic. So the filmmakers added to the story. And honestly, there are “extra-Biblical” elements in the film. These are things that don’t line up with the Biblical account at all. If I had directed the film, I wouldn’t have added them, but this isn’t my film.
Last week, at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, three people who have seen it – NRB President Dr. Jerry Johnson, John Snowden, who was the Biblical advisor on the film, and myself (as an NRB board member) showed never before seen clips from the movie and led a discussion with hundreds of NRB members. This is Dr. Johnson’s response, and here’s John’s take. And from my perspective, in spite of non-Biblical elements in the film, and obvious reasons of concern for Christians, in a capsule form, here’s why I think Christians need to see the movie:
1. I’ve been on the set. I’ve talked to the Chairman of the Studio, as well as the producer, director, set designer, and even the star – Russell Crowe. Not once did I ever get the feeling they were anything but serious. They didn’t mock the story, went to great lengths to get the ark built to exact Biblical measurements, and did an amazing amount of research. In fact, writer Ari Handel and director Darren Aronofsky have been working on this script for 16 years.
2. This week, Dr. Jerry Johnson, president of the National Religious Broadcasters made an appeal to Paramount Studios to use a disclaimer on the film. He suggested that (like Dreamworks did in “Prince of Egypt“) they add a disclaimer to say that this was INSPIRED by the Bible story rather than a film of the story itself. Paramount agreed with the idea without hesitation (I was on the phone calls), and here is their joint announcement. While it was too late to add it to the film, they readily agreed to add the disclaimer to the movie posters, website, digital promotions, as well as all radio and TV commercials that haven’t already been distributed. This tells me that Paramount values the Christian audience and wants to work with us.
3) It’s an epic film. I’ve always wondered about the places where the Biblical account of Noah was silent. In this version, the filmmakers made Noah a complex character, and helped me see possibilities I’d never considered for how details in the story could have happened. This isn’t the Sunday School sanitized version of the story, and for that I’m grateful. After the screening, I thought of novelist Flannery O’Connor – one of my favorite writers. Although she died in 1964, the movie’s unabashed look at sinful, grotesque humanity, and the extraordinary saving grace of God reminded me of how she might have looked at the story.
4. For at least a decade, we’ve been asking Hollywood to produce movies based on the Bible. Now that they’re doing it, let’s be more encouraging. So far, they’ve proven to be serious in the effort, whether they miss the target or not. So let’s support it, not stifle it.
5. Our expectations may be unrealistic. Paramount Pictures is a business – a secular film studio. Should we really expect every Bible based film to be 100% accurate? I’m thrilled that Mark Burnett’s “Son of God” is much closer to the text. But to assume every movie out of the chute will be as accurate, is simply not realistic.
6. Whatever extra-Biblical elements there are in the film, that doesn’t overcome the fact that Paramount Studios is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to produce and promote a Bible story. This will be a national conversation that millions will participate in, and Noah will be water cooler conversation for the next 6 months. What an opportunity for the Christian community! Instead of condemning it outright, let’s join the conversation. Rarely does an event come along that begs us to present our side of the story. But if we don’t see the movie, we’ll be wasting the opportunity.
7. This is a powerful opportunity to share our faith. If you’ve felt awkward witnessing to a friend or co-worker, then what could be easier than taking them to a movie? Then go out and discuss what the Bible really says about the story.
8) It’s only a movie. As pollster George Barna remarked after Mel Gibson’s blockbuster “Passion of the Christ“: “Less than one-tenth of one percent of those who saw the film stated that they made a profession of faith or accepted Jesus Christ as their savior in reaction to the film’s content.” That was the biggest religious film of all time, and yet it didn’t spark a revival. Likewise, chances are a movie about Noah that deviates from the scripture won’t drive Christians away from the faith.
9) Do we as a Christian community really need to “protect” ourselves from a movie that isn’t 100% Biblically accurate? Would the Apostle Paul have run from the challenge? Rather than withdrawing from the discussion, I suggest that we seize the moment, turn the tables, and use this to our advantage. Pastors should be preaching messages on the Noah story. Let’s use the film to share our faith with friends and co-workers. Like the Old Testament’s Joseph, who rose to remarkable heights in an alien and hostile culture, let’s not shy away from these opportunities, rather, let’s use them to demonstrate the power of God’s Word.
Finally – remember that there are hundreds of serious, dedicated Christians working in the entertainment industry every day. These are professionals who – like Joseph – are working from the inside. When we launch attacks, petition drives, or boycotts, we’re damaging their ability to make change happen. As the Hollywood Prayer Network recommends, instead of making Hollywood the enemy, let’s consider Hollywood a mission field.
Perhaps we need to ask ourselves: When was the last time we prayed for a Christian professional (a “media missionary”) trying to make difference in Hollywood – the most influential place on earth?
Maybe it’s time to start.
Great post, Phil. It’s frustrating that people don’t consider your points before blindly agreeing with what others do/say.
I. CAN’T. WAIT. FOR. THE. MOVIE. TO. COME. OUT. I want to be one of the first to see it. I understand poetic license and films have to do that to some degree. Plus, Russell Crowe is one of my favorite actors. My wife and I will be there to see it. I will see it before I see the other one.
It’s not a good movie for Christians to watch
Once upon a time, John said to Jesus: “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he wasn’t one of us.” Jesus wasn’t nearly as concerned as John was and replied: “Don’t stop him, if he’s doing this work in my name he won’t speak evil of me. For he who is not against us is for us.”
I don’t think the producers, writers, actors and director of Noah are doing this to act against God. So, go watch the movie (hopefully on opening weekend) and speak well of God to your friends who also see it.
Good post, Phil.
Well said Joe!
Ps…. this picture reminds me of your long locks. ;^)
Go see it and be ready to discuss what the story of Noah MEANS in the Christian tradition. Of course, the movie won’t be accurate: who expects it to be? But then, there is a faction in the church who would rather accuse than teach, and this movie will be a problem for them. (Everything is a problem for them.) But the question is: do you want Bible stories to be made into major, big budget movies to expose people to the Word? Or not? See the movie: it’s a chance to discuss the Bible with people who don’t read it. What greater opportunity to evangelize can their be?
Great comment Fred. Maybe better than my actual post… 🙂
i too cannot wait to see the film. Darren is an artist who is willing to contribute to the discussion. Here is a great opportunity for us to engage in the marketplace.
This is one of your best posts Phil. Sometimes people just don’t see the bigger picture because they’re so focused on all the “faults” of a film or project. I applaud Hollywood for doing this film regardless of any inaccuracies. I see more positive than negative coming from this. Perhaps only those who like to engage in conversations can appreciate these kinds of opportunities handed to them. Thanks Hollywood, I can’t wait to see the movie.
Lets face it. It is always bothersome when people and especially Christians are quick to judge. We end up pushing people away before we even get to know them and it seams to me that we are doing the same thing here.
Almost no one has seen the film so how can we judge. So why are we? If anything we should be overjoyed that more biblical stories are being produced. It is more beneficial to us to watch the film than to boycott it. As DeVon Franklin Vice President of Columbia Pictures said, “We need to cast our ballot”. We need to let filmmakers know that we want more faith based films. So instead of boycotting something we haven’t seen…. let us instead pipe up about what we like and didn’t like about the movie after we’ve seen it. Then filmmakers will understand more of what we want and better content will be created.
Like you said Phil, let’s make it easier for Christians to influence the industry rather than make it harder.
Thanks, Phil, for a well-reasoned analysis. I found the link to John Snowden’s response in the second paragraph particularly helpful and commend it to other readers.
It seems so much of the storm that’s been brewing around this film the last few weeks has been a deluge not of water but of fear. God does not give us a spirit of fear.
I pray believers overcome the urge to judge when there will be opportunities to join conversations and engage communities we might never have had before.
I plan to be there opening weekend.
I agree Van. John’s perspective was worth reading for sure…
The involvement of Hollywood in Bible-Epics and Faith-Based film for the next 10 years will be decided on the success or failure of this film.
Its a no-brainer. Take it with a grain of salt and enjoy the fantastical creativity of one of the most prolific directors of our generation. Its a win-win for movie lovers and believers alike.
Very true Matt. Since this is so controversial, Hollywood will take a lot of cues from this…
And that’s the point. If Christians want Hollywood to make more (and more informed) biblically-based movies, will they be more or less inclined to do so if shunned by Christians? Why not go back to doing what they were before? At least there’s less pickets, protests & hassles, right?
People–please try to see the bigger picture.
Very well done, Phil! And here’s a tool for believers to use. http://www.amazon.com/As-Was-Days-Noah-Warnings/dp/0736961380/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389717695&sr=1-1&keywords=noah+jeff+kinley
Admittedy I am speed reading this, but THE criticism I have heard is that rather than the primary message of sin and salvation offered by God which is the primary point of the biblical narrative, this film promotes a message more along from the (radical?) environmental movement. Is that addressed here ?
What??? Speed-reading my blog? Shame… 🙂
Actually the environmental message isn’t an “either/or” thing with sin and salvation. Both are in and while the environmental message is there, it’s not a radical thing.
I’m not concerned about the extra-biblical elements. There is a lot that we don’t know about the Noah story, in fact. I personally believe that time before the flood could have been a time much like ours… with advanced technology and all. What I am concerned about is the overpopulation/environmentalist propaganda. Perhaps it’s not as bad as people have made it out to be. I do plan on seeing it, because the scenes that I have seen look great. However, if the propaganda is as bad as everybody is saying it is, I will only see it once.
Great points Brooke – but I don’t think it’s nearly as extreme as a lot of critics have made it out to be. Much of that came from a earlier draft of the script.
I was at the NRB for the screening and discussion of three different clips of the film. As with many things, people have different perspectives and Romans 14, as well as other passages of scripture, tell us that we have to be true to our own convictions and not to violate our consciences or participate in doubtful activities that we can’t do in faith. On that basis, each of us has to listen to the Holy Spirit as He speaks to us through his word individually about whether or not to see this, or any other movie. Beyond that, I don’t understand why the Christian community is asking Hollywood to produce films about the Bible when they are not enlightened by the Holy Spirit to discern things that unbelievers can’t understand. It is our job as Christians to explain truth to them, and to the non believing world, not vice versa. The danger I see in mixing biblical truth with fiction is that some will more easily classify it all as fiction. The book of revelation also warns against adding to or taking away from God’s word and I for one would be fearful of mixing the profane with what is holy. We should always seek ways to reach out to the lost in every walk of life, but not at the risk of compromising truth, or watering it down for the sake of “fellowship”. But that is my perspective.
Thanks for posting that perspective.
My only problem with this film is, I’m not in it 😉
Thanks for the insight, Phil. See you soon.
What about the Christians that DID see the movie and had significant criticisms? Why dismiss them and act like you alone know the truth? Are you looking for something to make the bible more interesting? to fill in your blanks? Why not disclose that the advisor was paid and has conflicts and bias? Why this rah rah?
Can you tell me who those critics who have actually pre-screened the film are?
Every advisor is paid on a film, so that’s normal for someone in John’s role. But neither Dr. Jerry Johnson or I have been paid or have any affiliation with Paramount.
Finally – This isn’t “rah-rah” for the film – since many people won’t like it (just like most movies.)
My problem is people who criticize, do petition drives, or boycott without seeing the film. That’s the issue here…
Further, THR spoke with several people who saw an early test screening in Southern California’s Orange County and who identified themselves as religious. One viewer, who declined to give his name because Paramount required him to sign a nondisclosure agreement, echoed the sentiments of others by criticizing the depiction of Noah as a “crazy, irrational, religious nut” who is fixated on modern-day problems like overpopulation and environmental degradation.
Beartooth – I can’t answer for the anonymous person, but I have seen the film about fifteen times in numerous iterations. There are absolutely no themes of overpopulation. And while there is degradation to creation, that is a visual illustration of the evil of man who has turned his back on the Creator. Why would they respect His creation? But as far as there being recycle bins on the ark or some overriding message of environmentalism, that too is not there. Hope that helps.
how can people come forward when they are forced to sign non disclosure agreements? are you arguing there are NO people who saw the film that have criticisms??
what about Comfort? – “Comfort doesn’t agree. “They have no qualms about sensationalizing the story of Noah in order to make it more profitable,” he says. “That’s their bottom line. But the movie strays so far from the biblical account that it omits its essential message – God’s judgment for man’s sin and evil.”
Ray Comfort has not seen NOAH. This I can assure you. And while this film doesn’t remove the core message of the Biblical story of Noah – God’s judgement for man’s sin and evil – we Christians do that all the time in how we tell the story of Noah to our children. We make it a happyrainbowanimal story.
May there be many more films of this nature on our screens today. What a great opportunity it offers to start the conversations that will lead people to Christ. Thanks Paramount.
Excellent Challenges, Phil. I agree with your principles. Those who are obsessed with “getting details right” like who closes the door on the Ark etc. continue to miss the bigger point. I have fantasy elements in my novel Noah Primeval , and make a lot of it up because quite frankly, we know more about the Flood than about Noah’s life.
The important points surround the worldview and meaning of the story. I read the early script, but I am hopeful that the environmentalist agenda that Aronofsky had even admitted has been pulled back. We’ll see. It is encouraging that they have listened to some of you Christian advisors.
Interestingly, there is so much more to the Flood than many realize, so, with your blessing, I am offering Noah Facts on my blog that will educate people, not about the movie, but about the book .
Also, since my blog critiquing the script went viral, I will be writing about my reactions to the movie when it comes out both what I like and don’t like. A lot can change from script to screen.
What I find intriguing here is your comment ‘Those who are obsessed with “getting details right” like who closes the door on the Ark etc. continue to miss the bigger point.’ and ‘we know more about the Flood than about Noah’s life. The important points surround the worldview and meaning of the story.’
It does all come back to worldview, including “God view”. If He is the author of the Genesis record of Noah and the flood, then the details that He has chosen to include in an account that is not given in great detail – must be considered to be of some significant importance.
And it is all part of the much bigger picture. Why one ark? Why one door? Why was God Himself the One to shut that door?
Does it fit with the entire bigger picture of salvation from God’s judgment, through the one way, one door, one provision of the Lord Jesus Christ?
In your mind do these things have anything to do with the worldview and meaning of the story?
Just wondering…
Good stuff.
Sometimes when a person insists that things be “biblical,” what they’re insisting is that repetitions of the story say only what the words of the biblical account say, adding nothing about possible motives, surrounding culture, the character of the individuals involved, or any of the other details that make a story live. That treatment leaves the story flat and meaningless, and invites the audience to overlay the story with their own cultural meanings and expectations. That’s practically an invitation to misinterpret.
The best bible teachers I’ve known stay aware of the possible human weaknesses and motivations that are implied but unstated in the biblical accounts, and can bring the story to life with plausible interpretations. Good script-writers do this as well.
Mr. Cooke, this is more than just a story for me. I grew up with a deep intrigue of Noah and the ark. When I graduated college, I set off to eastern Turkey to follow my childhood dream to search for Noah’s ark. Over the past decade, I’ve been on five expeditions to search for Noah’s ark on Mt. Ararat and through eastern Turkey. I’ve traveled through 40 other countries documenting global flood stories in different tribes and cultures around the world. I’ve spent more time thinking about Noah and the story of the flood than perhaps most would in several life times. I’m 34 years old.
I’m not saying this qualifies me anymore to judge the story of the flood more than anyone else who’s read the Genesis story. But, I can tell you Noah was far from how Russell Crowe describes him. Russell Crowe says of his character Noah, “he’s not benevolent. He’s not even nice!” But, God called Noah a “preacher of righteousness”. What does this imply? Noah cared for the people, their well being and had compassion for them. How can you be a preacher of righteousness and have no compassion? Characterizing Noah as a mean, selfish person distorts who God said Noah was.
This is hugely important because how Noah is characterized reflects God, since he and his family were the chosen survivors of the flood. He was a kind man, compassionate, loving and comforting to humanity. He came from a line of 10 generations from Adam and was given his name Noah, which means “comfort”. He comforted the people of his day by being a witness to God’s love, but the people rejected his message. It was because of Noah’s obedience that generations later we would receive the true ark of salvation in Jesus Christ. Can you honestly say the movie presents Noah anywhere close to who God say Noah was, “a preacher of righteousness”?
The last movie Aronofsky made was filled with lesbian sex scenes. And we think he’s going to get it right with a biblical story? The Church is not that gullible.
You said, “For at least a decade, we’ve been asking Hollywood to produce movies based on the Bible… So let’s support it, not stifle it.” Who’s been asking Hollywood to make movies based on the Bible? The Bible was given to us to share light with a dark world. How can darkness share light? It makes no sense. It’s the responsibility of the Church to produce these movies, not Hollywood.
I have talked with others who’ve seen screenings of the film and they do not share your opinions. The only difference is they haven’t received the same special invitations you’ve received to go on set or to be convinced by the movie director, producer and actors that the film has good intentions. Instead, they only watched the movie. They viewed the outcome of their work, which portrayed Noah as an environmentalist who didn’t care about the people. They’ve explained to fellow believers that according to the movie, God’s reason for the flood was because humanity was treating the earth badly. This is Hollywood at their best: distorting a Biblical story for purpose of their political agenda.
The courageous thing to do is to defend God’s word. Stand for the integrity of scripture. Don’t be deceived by the enemies strategy to mix a little truth with a basket full of lies.
You see, Noah is more than just a biblical character to me. He’s my great, great, great… grandfather. It’s a family thing. And I suspect if someone is talking trash about your family, you’d defend them as well. So, take this opportunity to defend Noah, warn the Church and sit this movie out. After all, you wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Noah’s obedience to build the ark. You owe him this one.
I’d love it if the church were making better movies Jeremy… 🙂
I also 100% support your right not to agree with this version of the story or see it for that matter. I don’t agree with parts of it either. But there’s no “political” agenda here, and more important, millions will be watching it and asking questions about it. We can live in a bubble, or like Joseph in Egypt, engage the surrounding culture. I watched the film because I want to know how to best discuss it with my friends.
Thanks for posting!
Yes, millions will watch it. Many of them will be unbelievers. Their worldview of the biblical story will be formed based on what the movie tells them. Very few of them will continue discussion once they leave the theater. The movie will solidify their opinion of Noah and the flood event. Most will leave with the impression that Noah was a mean, selfish man who cared only about his survival. That is a disgrace to how God described Noah as a “preacher of righteousness”. My guess is not a single scene in the movie will show Noah preaching righteousness. Am I wrong?
“The last movie Aronofsky made was filled with lesbian sex scenes.” – as far as I’m concerned, that makes him all the more qualified – he won’t make the film a preachy, “wholesome”, watered down bore.
We as Christians have earned the rap of just plain being mean. I’ll go see it for what it is, a movie. I hope it opens doors for me to share my faith.
Speak the truth in love. That is a biblical principle. I will be seeing this movie because if I comment on it without seeing it, that is not truth. It is simply jumping on a bandwagon with ignorance to the facts, with nothing of truth to back up an observation. This IS an opportunity to share what we know to be the irrefutable word of God. To share how and why this story affects our faith. Paramount has started a conversation, opened a door for us to tell and speak the truth in love. To me, it would be foolish to not take advantage of using the truth or the fantasy of this film to speak what we know to biblically correct, and most importantly, share the love of Jesus Christ and the faithfulness of God. Isn’t that what we are called to do on a daily basis anyway? We as Christians are so quick to judge, so quick to criticize. That is a waste of time and time is short. Get out there and as William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army said, “use any means necessary” to reach others for Christ!
I can say that I was positively inspired, as a very skeptical non-believer, by the TV miniseries, Jesus of Nazareth, by the gay Italian director Franco Zeffirelli around 1979 or 1980. I liked the story so much and it caused such an interest in Jesus that I started to read the New Testament. It was years (15) before I truly came to faith but I can look back and understand that that ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ was one of the seeds that the Lord used to bring me to faith. I can also look to such films as ‘The Robe’, ‘Ben Hur’, ‘Thomas à Becket’, ‘A Man For All Seasons’, as well as other movies taken from the Bible or about men and women of faith as seeds along the way. So if the Noah film leads someone to want to know more about God then so be it. I will watch it out curiosity and not for edification.
Very well put Kerry. Thanks for posting!
I’m looking forward to seeing it. And I can’t understand why Christians would criticize the film before it even launches–especially with some of the films that are currently being produced.
Any step in this direction is better than nothing. I’m also encouraged about the quality of actors that signed on for the film & the obvious investment they’re making to produce something worth watching.
Thanks for your insight here. I’m looking forward to seeing this movie. Unfortunately, some Christians measure holiness by how well they can criticize. Perhaps they confuse aloofness (?) with piety.
Phil Cooke, does the review of the screenplay I posted below accurately describe the movie? If not in which areas do they deviate and can you explain how?
http://godawa.com/movieblog/darren-aronofskys-noah-environmentalist-wacko/
Brian’s a friend and has commented on this post below. I would encourage you to check it out and with him directly. That post is two years old, and movies go through multiple versions of a script. I don’t think you’ll find it’s the same movie.
The final version was the directors cut. And here’s what the director said about his movie: “It’s about environmental apocalypse which is the biggest theme, for me, right now for what’s going on on this planet. So I think it’s got these big, big themes that connect with us. Noah was the first environmentalist.” – Darren Aronofsky
Thank you, I did see his post unfortunately he mentioned that he will not be able to see it until it comes out. I do find it comforting that it is not the same movie as the script he reviewed.
The main points I am concerned about does God want Noah to kill his grandchild in the movie and what is God’s reason for flooding the Earth?
I’m going. Thanks for all the good reasons!
Things which concern me are:
1. Pastors love to use any old ‘not-particularly-christian film’ as a sermon illustration, but yet we have ‘Christians’ actively criticizing an overtly biblical story made into a Hollywood blockbuster?
2. Jesus said, “Whoever is not against us is for us.” Mark 9:38 – 41
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+9%3A38-41&version=NIV
So, what’s the problem here really? Jesus said it dude!
3. Christians are prevalent when it comes to spreading unsubstantiated rumors, both via the Internet and prior to it. Pastors spread them from the pulpit, they are discussed at length at bible study group, they are written about in blogs and tweeted around the globe. But what they never are is checked at the source.
4. As Christians let us engage with the media, instead of being afraid of it. (Criticizing a film you’ve never seen is a sign that you are afraid of it, just like a child is afraid of the unknown boogeyman.) Phil’s #6 & # 7 are spot on – use this as a conversation starter… unless you disagree with friendship evangelism that is.
5. If we are going to be concerned about the theology in Hollywood films, then we should be more concerned with films like The Matrix, which appear to be a Christian metaphor, but are rather more akin to a Gnostic Gospel.
6. This one overrides them all: My mom became a Christian through listening to Elvis Presley sing gospel songs. If that can do it for her, then how much more can ‘Noah’ a bible story on the big screen do it?
Josh – your #6 reminds me of Luke 19:40:
He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
Perhaps another reason for Christians to become integrated professionals in Hollywood… have we been silent too long?
I know LOTS of Christians who are actively integrated professionals in the film and theatre industry, and I am one of them. Why do so many people assume that we can’t have an influence on the “secular” world from the inside out? Something about “in the world but not of the world”, right?
Exactly right! We need many more people like yourself.
Reminds me of Old Testament Daniel who was very much immersed in the ‘secular’ world, but stuck to his faith. He was even re-named after the king of Babylon’s own god (Daniel 4:8). In fact it was his faith which ultimately brought him tremendous success in the secular world.
These are the most pathetic reasons to watch a movie loosely based on the Bible that I ever have heard. To suggest that you received new and exciting insights about the character of Noah from this movie leads to the inevitable conclusion that you are ignorant of the work of the Holy Spirit in leading us to the way of all truth. I will pray for you while discouraging Christians I know from seeing a movie made by folks who care nothing for leading people to Christ, and seek only to merchandise God’s people. You have obviously sipped their Kool-aide.
Wow Joseph, judgmental much? Can you really claim that all the folks who were part of this movie “care nothing for leading people to Christ”? Do you know each of them personally? He wrote his opinion on the movie, and you call him “ignorant” and “sipped their Kool-aide” which is somehow an “inevitable conclusion”. Disunity, reactive thinking, and passing judgment like this is what’s been causing disunity in Christian communities and subsequently- driving non-Christians away from Jesus for centuries.
Gotta agree with you on this Jon.
Hey Phil! I hadn’t planned on seeing this due to having see other “Biblical” films that were hardly recognizable as such. The wife of a mutual friend of ours sent your review to me so I do believe I’ll go see it! Thanks for sharing!
You may not like it, but at least you’ll be able to discuss with with friends and others who ask. Let me know what you think…
You know I will. :). How does this compare to “Son of God”?
Excellent points about the movie and many good thoughts in the comments too. A couple of things jump to mind:
While I wholeheartedly believe the Word is worth defending (hence the field of apologetics), I am also fairly certain God really doesn’t “need” our help defending Him or His Word. (see https://bible.org/illustration/anvil).
And I seem to recall some guy named Paul said something like: “I am all things to all men so that by all means, some may be saved.” Or to paraphrase Stephen Hopkins, is this film so dangerous it can’t be *talked* about? Somehow I don’t think so.
I’m looking forward to both the film and the doors of opportunity it may open, just like “The Passion” and even the totally fictitious “DaVinci Code.” That didn’t have any solid Biblical roots and there were all kinds of doors opened. I pray that I will be ready with an explanation of the Hope I have when those questions come.
The Ten Commandments movie with Charlton Heston added elements. Son of God changed details. Hollywood is trying to make an entertaining film, not a scholarly work. Christianity has survived many inaccurate films. The film makers of Noah do not seem to be belittling Christianity in order to draw crowds. They seem to be trying to respect the concerns or Christians. I agree, the film can promote conversation. When TV did a 2 parter on Peter and Paul, my cousins were curious about its accuracy and asked me and we were able to have a conversation about what the Bible said. Let’s support this attempt to provide a respectful, entertaining film.
I remember walking past protesters to see Last Temptation of Christ. Imagine my surprise then when the movie portrayed the sacrifice of Christ in a way that I’d never imagined in all the years of Sunday school and services at my Southern Baptist church. It opened a window to understanding something I never had before.
The goal of evangelical Christians shouldn’t be to see perfectly accurate recreations of scripture (how do you then deal with contradictions everybody knows exist?) but to see the word spread in way that reach others.
To want anything else isn’t about faith, it’s about your ego.
Really? So we should be happy that Hollywood made a film about Jesus like the last temptation of Christ, which desplayed Him as terrible as it did? No when Hollywood makes a film to diminish and lie about the Bible it should be exposed as such. This movie of Noah depicts Noah teaching his children that some sort of evolution accured. That is just not true. and what contridictions are you talking about?
First of all, I will obviously be going to see the film. I look forward to it, and from what I have heard, it sounds very interesting.
What I find exceptionally irritating is the way Bible Belt God-botherers are getting hot under their dog collars about things like Noah getting drunk. Perhaps they’d prefer he drank grape juice? Thank goodness Aronofsky got final cut on the film.
As for the extra-Biblical elements, who cares? It’s called artistic licence. Besides, some of those gaps that are filled in may turn out to be uncannily accurate guesses.
At the end of the day, it can’t be worse than that dreadful version with Jon Voight where Noah gets attacked by pirates…
I have to wonder if anyone who’s not ok with that scene (haven’t seen it, just going by what you’re saying), has actually read the Biblical account? As I recall, Noah DID get drunk at one point, after the Ark… and things got a lot more than PG rated, too.
You bet, Phil. I plan to see the movie and enjoy the fact that Hollywood is using my favorite source material in the world for inspiration: God’s word.
Since Noah’s story arc (hee hee, pun!) is a little thin on detail, I’m interested to see what they come up with.
Perhaps the best course we can recommend to Christians is to; see the movie before criticizing it; find two things to like about it for every one thing they don’t; and, engage in civil, respectful, loving dialogue about it when the time comes.
Thanks for the info.
Thank you for this Phil. I am looking forward to seeing the movie and hope that it will open up many opportunities for great dialogue.
Wonderful argument for seeing the film instead of attacking it. I am looking forward to finally seeing it.
I have a great idea. How about we trust God! We trust that He is bigger then any movie Hollywood puts out. We trust that His plan cannot be disrupted by anything we can do. We trust His words when He says that he can use ALL things for good. Then we stop fighting amongst ourselves which only weakens the message that Christ did give us and that is to love God and love each other which includes our enemies. What is sad is that so many times our enemies turn out to be our brothers and sisters in Christ. Watch the movie then spend some time praying asking God to reveal to “you” how “you” can use it to further Gods reach into the hearts of the lost. Let God direct “you” how to speak to your lost friends, that is if you have any. My guess is that many of the people commenting on here are so ingrained in the “in the world, not of the world” mentality that you have lost connection to the world you are supposed to be reaching for Christ.
Oh by the way great article Phil.
Very well put Ron…
Thank you Phil for helping me through the process. I was one that was skeptical about seeing it but I will defiantly go see and engage in the conversation that follows 🙂
I’m miffed (and tho I adore Crowe) he is “demanding” a showing with the Pope – talk about arogance!!!
Where did you see a “demand”? I saw his Tweets to the Pope, and he was simply inviting him to see the film.
On this matter, the first question for me is: Which is more desirable, in light of God’s redemptive work in the world [through media]? 1) To have Hollywood movie versions of Biblical narratives that may venture out from accuracy and authenticity? 2) To have no Hollywood versions of Biblical narratives at all?
I vote for #1. Then, the second question is, should I see and/or support the art in question?
At that point, I believe it becomes a matter of degrees. For example, if we put The Last Temptation of Christ on one extreme end of a scale (the don’t see/don’t support end), and Son of God on the opposite end ( the see/support end), where does Noah fall?
Having read reviews from people [that I respect] who have actually seen the movie and/or clips, it would seem Noah tilts toward the Son of God end of the spectrum.
But as in all things that are not expressly forbidden by God, each of us has to follow the dictates of our faith and conscience, led by the Spirit.
Phil I’ll say this, you have an excellent way of framing the questions that all using media to reach the world for Christ need to wrestle with. For that we owe you our thanks.
Great to meet you finally at the SAVN.tv gathering at NRB.
Well said Gordon. Thanks for posting!
Well said. . . We should join cultural discussions, which films like this create. No, we don’t need to defend God or God’s word – who do we think we are? I’m ready to see it and have some good conversations about it.
AMEN. It’s time Christians stopped with the “I’m taking my toys and going home!” attitude every time someone does something they don’t like in the sandbox. Seriously folks. You want better films? GO SEE THE ONES BEING MADE. No company is going to produce films for an audience that doesn’t bother showing up! So, if you refuse to watch all but the most pure, Bible-based, theology-rich films, don’t be surprised if the mainstream movies aren’t to your taste, because frankly, you’re not the audience Hollywood is aiming for.
We are to be in the world, but not of it, but Christians in the current century seem hellbent on making themselves culturally irrelevant, which is NOT what Jesus would do, or did.
I was disappointed in the movie “Esther’ written by a Christian, Tommy Tenny…it did not stick to the Biblical account with something so simple as Esther fasting for only 1 day instead of 3?? Why not say that??
Oh, well. Movies are movies!!
I understand the need to elaborate and use imagination to fill in details, but why deviate from the Bible? Why not follow the Bible’s story as closely as possible? If I see something based on a true story, I want it to be as close to the truth as possible. It might make a good movie otherwise, but people come away with wrong ideas cemented in their heads. If Christians stood up and said, “We’re not supporting ‘Bible-based’ movies that aren’t really Bible-based,” then maybe, just maybe, Hollywood would say, “Oh, they really do care, so next time we’ll get it right.”
Can’t wait to see this movie. Thanks for your words Phil & for being willing to take a few bullets!
I can’t wait to see the film. I would have been shocked had they not deviated a bit. I mean, they’re trying to make an epic movie using a short story from the Bible. Even though the even twas not short, the account is. They may also be taking stuff from the Book of Enoch or other places like that, trying to round out the story that way.
I don’t have issue with that and I think the way that Christians bash every little thing all the time and are so negative and crabby about everything, even things that try to please them, makes Jesus look like an old cranky curmudgeon and doesn’t make anybody want to follow or embrace of beliefs. This is my commandment that you love one another that your joy may be full.
I don’t see a lot of full joy around the crank Christian crowds. There are joyful ones out there, but the cranky ones whine so loud, I’m going deaf.
As usual not a black face amongst them…..Devils telling lies and believing them!
To all of those moaning about Noah not being “Biblically accurate”, I would love to see a “Biblically accurate” version of Judges 19 – 21 – a story that begins with gang rape and dismemberment and builds from there to a full-on massacre. Paul Verhoeven would be the ideal director I think.
I wonder how that would go down in the Bible Belt? Hmmm….
1) thanks for the encouragement to see the movie. I have a lot of naysayer friends who discourage others from watching the film but I think I will at least treat it like I treat any other film. However, just as I don’t ‘support’ and endorse “Frozen” I can’t endorse this. Like you rightly challenged, it is ‘inspired by’ nothing more. Thanks.
2) most naysayers are upset that the film is not accurate because they don’t want the real story to be overshadowed. Ie Romeo and Juliet is a Shakespearean play that is widely considered a classic, so purists were upset when the movie with Leonardo dicaprio embellished on the story and might overshadow the original for casual moviegoers. You are right that most of us have not watched the movie yet so the verdict is still out if this movie’s storytelling will overshadow the original story for us.
3) I’d argue with only one point where you suggest the Passion by Mel Gibson was the biggest religious film ever. Perhaps by gross income it was, but you then try to measure the impact of the film by conversions. If that’s the case then I would argue that The JESUS Film is the most watched film AND has the greatest impact on seeing changed lives for Christ. Considering that you’ve even worked with them I’m surprised that you wouldn’t mention that yourself.
But overall, great post.
Great points Danny. I agree that there’s a difference between seeing a movie and endorsing it – and it’s important for people to know that I’m not pushing Noah on anyone. Just stating a case why we should consider seeing it. Also – regarding the Jesus Film, you’re exactly right. However, I didn’t use that comparison because the Jesus Film has been the beneficiary of an enormously focused evangelistic campaign for many years. Passion of the Christ, Son of God, Noah, and others are box office driven only, so the comparisons would be more accurate and appropriate.
Thanks for posting!
I just want to know why they shot the posters to make Noah look like Bane from the Dark Knight Rises.
Now THAT’S a solid criticism… 🙂
the point you make repeatedly is why I, as a Christian should be happy hollywood made a movie about a Biblical character, even though they “missed the mark” even though it deviates from scripture. Because, after unbelievers see this movie we Christians can then tell them the “real” story etc…etc…
As a Christian I do not need to contribute to making this movie a HIT to share my faith and the “real” story of Noah to an unbeliever. Your article is dedicated to convincing Christians to go see this movie and yet you gave numerous reasons not to go. You made it clear this is not the story of Noah but a hollywood version.
I wouldn’t watch porn just because they say His name a lot.
A few years ago I dropped all interest in seeing or making “Bible” films, when friend Tom McMahon wrote “Showtime for the Sheep”. I recommend it as a quick but solid read on the issue of Christians using modern films as “tools” to witness. I have zero intention of seeing “Noah” and plan to stand against it whenever the topic comes up.
Thanks for posting Brian, and I understand your perspective. But throughout the centuries, people have used sports, education, recreation, summer camps, social causes, and plenty of other “tools” to witness to people about Jesus. I’m all for whatever method helps open a conversation about how Christ can change someone’s life.
I think you are right, Christians who spend all of their time fighting against a movie are missing out on the opportunities that will arise to share the gospel with people who don’t yet know Jesus. Our fight is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers and the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places. Would Jesus have protested against this movie if He were alive today? I think that He, who ate and drank with tax collectors and sinners and received much condemnation for doing so, would go to the movie with people and would use this opportunity to explain to them the gospel starting with the story of Noah. We are meant to have the attitude of Christ Jesus as stated in Philipppians 2:5
It is not our job to judge or to condemn but to Love as Jesus loved.
When I first saw the trailer online months ago with my son, I got the chills and tears welled up in my eyes; it was so awesome. Later, I heard that the non-Biblical parts were excluded from the trailer. I’m glad to be prepared for that, but it won’t keep me from seeing the film. I’ve often wondered what it would be like to have been on that ark…. and off. Today when I watched the trailer for “Son of God” I had a similar reaction, and my son peered at my face, asking if I was crying again. Better save my pennies for that one too!
. . . I just finished reading your article on NOAH; to which, I give a resounding “Yes,Yes and YEEESSSSSSS!”
The Bible story of the man who built boat to carry earth’s only survivors after God’s judgment is becoming part of mainstream dialog through Paramount Pictures’ big-budget film, NOAH.
Starting on opening day this March, this Bible story will be on the radar around the world–in a big-budget-Hollywood-way. Now, it isn’t PASSION OF THE CHRIST.
It takes a different approach in bringing one of the most dramatic Bible stories to the cinematic screen.
NOAH is fashioned as a BIG ENTERTAINMENT, BLOCKBUSTER, HIGH CONCEPT film. Rated PG-13, it’s aimed at tweens, teens and families with an action-packed plot and twists and turns of epic measure befitting a worldwide flood and God’s judgment.
Not so long ago, everyone was familiar with the stories of the Bible. Adam and Eve, animals filing two-by-two into an ark, and the big fish that swallowed Jonah, were part of our collective knowledge. Even people who weren’t Christians, or classified themselves as agnostic or atheist, had heard and understood the basic teachings of the Bible. It was part of our cultural narrative. Not so today!
A lot of kids have never even heard of Noah and the Ark.
Your article/voice enlightens Christians about how “Christian missionaries” in HW (and Christians who support Bible story-telling through buying a ticket) can approach and serve as a light in a very modern “Babylon.”
I hope this film does very well! I believe your education to the Faithful is invaluable! Coming from 20 years in Christian television, I do understand, to some extent, how motley and
fiery some segments of Christendom can be. I hope Christians do not turn away from this chance to engage others in discussions about God, His word and a man like Noah, played by Russell Crowe.
This discussion heating up over a cinematic NOAH brings to mind Philippians 1:15-18. In prison, Apostle Paul faced two kinds of oppositions, both from within and without, in advancing the Gospel. There were those who shared the Gospel for altruistic motives and those who did so for financial gain.
None-the-less, Paul rejoiced that either way, the Gospel was being advanced! The take-away lessen is that it’s a glorious thing for the Gospel to be propagated and celebrated–even by a conglomerate whose sole interest is vested in box office bank!
Your article challenges believers that God’s story doesn’t just belong to us—to be patented and trademarked within the walls of a church. Are we (Christians) being a little possessive
over story rights? Indeed, God works in strange and mysterious ways to get His word out!
I would encourage anyone, and everyone, who understands the call to be a fisher of all men, follow Phil Cooke’s lead and see NOAH.
It’s very cool how God is moving in HW! Phil’s article reveals how God has His hand strategically—covertly and overtly—in many ways in this $130 million film.
Thank you, Phil, for your thoughtful contribution about how Hollywood is bringing the Bible to life on the big screen and it’s a good thing!
Tandi
I am encouraged by the release of Noah, “inspired by a Biblical story,” for no reason other than I am a fan of telling good stories. Noah’s story has too long been relegated to nurseries, and deserves to be told. Pastors midrash on Biblical stories all the time. I certainly do it. Whenever someone reads a Bible story and connects it to today, they are midrashing and adding/subtracting details. Jesus skipped verses when He quoted passages. It’s fine. Hopefully it’s a good story. Hopefully it helps me think about Noah more deeply.
Thanks for the perspective Phil!….Looking forward to seeing this production and the conversations that might result because of a story we may think we know, but to many it is less familiar than we may think!
Right. On. Get on the boat or get swept away, is what I say.
Adam to Deluge (Noah’s Ark is shut) is 1,656 time periods of 360 days, that is 596,160 days.
And 596,160 days cubed x 10 and cube root and /1,000 is 1,284.387785 days (3.516 years).
And counting from the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist at 8 am October 1, AD26 it is 6:03 pm Friday, April 7, AD30, which is the start of the Sabbath and the start of Passover. Which is 3 hours after the death of Jesus Christ.
So the time period from Adam to when Noah’s Ark was shut can be contrived to reveal the time period from the baptism of Jesus Christ to three hours after his death on the Cross, and the start of the Sabbath and the start of Passover.
So a relationship between the time period from Adam to the shutting of Noah’s Ark to the baptism of Jesus Christ to three hours after his death on the Cross.
What is your point? That last paragraph isn’t even a sentence. Also, you can “contrive” anything with math.
I don’t think you know the time period from the baptism of Jesus to his death on the Cross.
The Book of Daniel helps us with the time period. Because standing around the Throne of God (Ancient of Days) are 101,000,000 angels. And 101,000,000 x 2 squared and /1.5 and square root twice and /10 = 1,284.259745 days.
Counting from the baptism of Jesus Christ at 8 am October 1, AD26 (his 31st birthday) it is 2:59 pm Friday, April 7, AD30 and one minute before his death on the Cross at 3 pm. And during this period of one minute Jesus would have cried out,”It is finished!”.
Amen and Amen. I think it’s pretty great that Hollywood is moving in a direction that is willing to promote a Biblical story. I think of so many Christian films that are often a grade above (or below) a “B” movie status, where there is poor quality production and terrible acting. To see a Biblical story written, produced and directed at this level of quality is a very positive step. I say let the Spirit of God reach those in the audience who may come just out of curiosity. Sometimes we limit God so much, as if He doesn’t know what is going on in Hollywood. We Christians can always find things to criticize or boycott. Let’s instead pray that God will use these things for His purposes and trust that He has a purpose in the production and release of this move. Maybe God knows what He is doing…what a novel thought!
I’m still not watching it. You say, “Lets be more encouraging” “Our expectations may be unrealistic”and “It’s only a movie” More manipulation tactics than an actual argument…. What about the new age concerns or the “twisting of the Bible” complaints in the other reviews? What’s your answers to those critics?
Then by all means John, don’t watch it. This is just my reasons that I will. And regarding my “answer” to the critics you mention, I would ask what are they so afraid of? I worship a God that is far greater than a movie. From my perspective, many of those critics seem to be operating out of fear. They seem to be saying: “For I worship a weak and ineffectual God, who, without me, would be down for the count.”
But as for me, my God is bigger than that.
I have no qualms at all with the addition of “extra-Biblical” elements. It’s a short story in Scripture and there are a lot of blanks that would need to be filled in in order to present the story as a feature length film. No problem as long as these additions are plausible and are not in conflict with the original story.
Additionally I can live with errors in interpretation. If the film were to show dinosaurs entering the ark… I would be disappointed but would overlook what is IMO a misinterpretation especially knowing that others actually do believe that. While I would be disappointed in their inclusion, I would totally understand.
But go on to say that there are also “things that don’t line up with the Biblical account at all”. Creative license to fill in gaps or misinterpretations that are held by many believers are understandable. But I would have a hard time endorsing segments that “don’t line up with the Biblical account at all”. What bothers me about the post is that I’m not given any hint at what is being referred to. If we don’t know what the “things that don’t line up with the Biblical account at all” are… how can we evaluate your recommendation to us?
As I reread your 9 points in bold print, it seems that these points could have just as easily been made regarding a film like the Last Temptation of Christ. I deeply doubt that it’s nearly as problematic is that but I don’t feel that I have learned anymore to help me make that determination.
Sorry it wasn’t more helpful Stephen. I was writing under the assumption that my readers A) didn’t want me to spoil the movie for them, and B) they didn’t need to be spoon fed. Sounds like it’s not a movie for you. Thanks for posting!
Are demons (the “traditional” understanding of Nephilim as demon-human hybrids) cast as “good guys” in this film or not? If they are, that alone speaks volumes.
I too am wondering about that. After all that is the species God had to destroy off the face of the planet. It’s really the whole point.
“Brian’s a friend and has commented on this post below. I would
encourage you to check it out and with him directly. That post is two
years old, and movies go through multiple versions of a script. I don’t
think you’ll find it’s the same movie.”
Thank you, I did see his post unfortunately he mentioned that he will not be able to see it until it comes out. I do find it comforting that it is not the same movie as the script he reviewed.
The main points I am concerned about does God want Noah to commit infanticide in the movie and what is God’s reason for flooding the Earth?
I love how you can scapegoat the problem of truth with the way reality operates by claiming “accurate Biblical portrayal.” Hollywood’s portrayal of this movie is just as fictional as your bibles account. Where is the story about “accurate portrayal is physically impossible?”
WOW! do you always hang out posting anti-Christian comments on the internet all day, or is this a new hobby for you atheists? Seems to be a trend.
To answer your question, No I don’t hang out all day “posting anti-Christian comments.” Do you always generalize and assume? Let me demonstrate why your comment is fallacious. You said
ah okay. I completely understand your anti-religion standpoint, now that I know you’ve been a victim of the Catholics. Carry on, makes perfect sense to bash half the country for believing in God because of it, doesn’t it? Yeah, but we should leave YOUR rights alone. Got it. 😉
check your facebook other box.
Mr. Cooke,
I recommend ambivalance. Christians who don’t get giddy everytime Hollywood makes a movie and slaps a Bible title on it are not necessarily unenlightened isolationists (you never said this directly).
And what does the actor say about the man that God calls “a preacher of righteousness” and a God-fearing man of faith? The actor says, “He’s not benevolent. He’s not even nice.” “This is the dude that
stood by and watched the entire population of the planet perish.” (http://www.etonline.com/movies/134773_Russell_Crowe_Talks_Noah/). If that is who the story is about, I just assume they name it Gilgamesh, because it is not about the Genesis Noah. Noah happens to be a brother in the Faith. I don’t particularly like my brother to be portrayed with creative license by an actor who seems to hate him.
On a different note maybe they should name it “Superman.” Then someone can write an article on how all of the comic book fans should just chill out.
I agree with your point about the “Passion of the Christ” movie NOT sparking a revival. I think it DID help to flesh out the gospels and make them more real in our minds, but I have found that if you are in a “spiritual” frame of mind, the oddest movies can speak to you and set you free. For me it was “The Matrix” and “Antz”! Both spoke of breaking free from percieved mindsets. My hope for the “Noah” movie is that it’s well done and sparks a discussion about the truly unique circumstances this man found himself in.
Thanks for this! As a Christian entertainment industry professional in Hollywood, we need all the prayer and support we can get. I for one am looking forward to the film.
I have reasoned with so many people about the credibility of the Gospel — even keeping my argument restricted to a philosophical level to expose how sloppy their thinking is… and, in the end, the Gospel pierces hearts in one way and one way only: “If you raise me up…”
“Me.”
Not the soundness of your reasoning or the depth of your scholarship. But God nailed to a cross, which is “foolishness to the world.”
This is why Jesus asks if we will be ashamed…
Brilliant statement Brian, and so true. Thanks for posting!
No doubt this is going to be a visually stunning film. However, if the flood is the result of man’s environmental sins, then sadly, this one’s going to miss the boat, big time. Let’s see: “Hmmm, you’re messing up the planet, so I’m going to destroy the planet.” Makes sense. Not.
I do agree that, if nothing else, it’ll be a good opportunity to engage in discussions about the real story.
God never destroyed the planet. Just the creatures on it. That is why you are here… bc the world did not ever get destroyed.
Environmental sin? Not sure if that’s the basis in the movie, but it sure wasn’t God’s intent on earth. Man’s sinful nature run amok was the reason.
Unless there has been a change from earlier reports, (or those reports were false) this retelling of Noah has man’s abuse of the environment as the reason for the flood.
There are other videos you can watch and I believe it’s the one entitled Tyrant, where Anthony Hopkins’ character discusses briefly the wickedness of man. None of the trailers have anything about it being what man did to the environment, so I don’t know. Can’t wait for it to come out and then we’ll know 🙂
Here’s an updated video feature on the movie that might be interesting for you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InxsexEeIkc&feature=youtu.be
Thx so much for sharing & clarifying a number of points! I wholeheartedly agree! We need to look at the opportunities “Noah” presents & make the most of these while these movies are still coming out of “that” mission field. We may never know the detail of every jot & tittle in the Bible or the Tenach. So thank you for conveying to all to be a bit more positive to encourage this project. After all, WHO in this world ” “has it all right’ ” or knows it all?? Kudos to the writers, actors, producers and staff for taking the risk – with faith – to undertake this monumental project! May the naysayers lay down their stones as Yeshua said to the accusers of the woman about to be stoned by them. & Kudos to you for writing this well organized & articulate commentary! God bless you!!
I am a Christian, but I see the Noah’s Ark story as a myth. In this case not historically true but true in the sense that it transmits a message about our relationship with God. This ancient story was clearly adapted from other ancient near eastern cultures to tell the story of their monotheistic God. This God loves the creation enough to destroy parts of it in order to save it from man’s corruption. (admittedly, not a pretty story if taken as historical) The point is that God makes a way to salvation, ultimately through the historical person of Jesus.
As others have pointed out, this movie represents an opportunity to discuss scripture and God’s relation to us with people who never otherwise are presented with it. Plus it gives Christians still stuck with unfortunate Sunday school understanding of the story the chance to rethink it as an adult.
So where is the downside?
I don’t understand… If a “Christian” believes that parts of their own foundational text is a myth how can any of it be considered truth or credible, and by extension, how can their religion even be considered truth or real and not a myth? The two are inseparably intertwined. After all, Christianity is fully based in the Bible & the teachings of Christ as documented there!
The all or nothing approach is such a fallacy that so many Christians fall into. You have stated if any part of this compilation of books is myth or legend then we have to discard it all. First of all non sense and if that is your view then start discarding and looking for new meaning in life because there is no doubt that some myth and legend have crept into those accounts. The world is not that black and white. If you can’t see the parallels between most of the stories found in Genesis and other stories from similar eastern religions then either you haven’t looked at them or are woefully narrow minded. You sound like the “Christians” who yell and scream that the earth is less than 10,000 years old and that there were no dinosaurs when we have clear and overwhelming proof of the age of the earth being many millions of years old. Even if we want to discuss New Testament Gospel writings, how can you take direct quotes that were written by Luke – essentially an investigative reporter who was not even present with Christ – and then claim every single word is exactly correct and parse out tenses and meanings and have arguments and debate over it’s exact content. Or try to pretend you are the apostle John, and try writing down your accounts from the most amazing experiences in your life thirty years after they occurred and tell me if they are 100% accurate or have grown in legend or stature over time and then have them translated into every language under the sun by people hundreds and hundreds of years apart and tell me if the meaning changes any in the exact details depending on translation. All scripture is based somewhat in myth, but that doesn’t make it any less important. It is a great and holy text, but you have to look at it in reality. Have faith in an all mighty God, not in your understanding of a book written by flawed men. Your simplifying and drawing parallels to The Three Stooges is not appealing to a spiritually starved society who is looking for meaning in life. If they either have to accept your narrowly defined beliefs or none they will choose none every day; and who really loses in that equation? Remember Paul’s writing in I Corinthians chapter 9 about becoming all things to all people. Your writing sounds like all people have to become like you in order to experience life with the Father, instead of the other way around. Hope this is read in the spirit it was intended.
I never said I was christian or a member of any other organized ‘religion’.
If your religion is based in myth, in whole or in part, it’s a useless waste of time.
What if someone create a picture of your life and told to everyones that you do something you never do? «Hey this man tried to kill baby twins» and it is not true, because all of your life is an example of righteousness. This movie kill the life of this man! This NOAH movie do the same thing with the Bible true story of this right man of the past. (sorry for my bad english)
Christ is the foundation of Christianity. You are worshiping a book.
It is important for Christians to Unite so GOD’s power can move within us to attract people to His love and grace, so they can find Salvation… Acts 2 only worked because the believers were in one accord. Anytime Hollywood tries to do something good, please have mercy and support the effort… Even if there are inaccuracies at least GOD’s power is shown and maybe someone will gain enough interest to read the Bible to see how close the movies come to what has been written <3 Love you all, in Christ, Minister Carole Rothe Lilly, Bread Of Heaven Ministries, Roanoke VA
I disagree with this post completely. The Bible is the best-selling, most talked about and most shop-lifted book in the world. We don’t need a big budget movie to bring attention to it’s stories. Anyone who hasn’t heard of Noah’s Ark is living in a cave.
The problem I have with the movie is simple…the plot. I’ve read dozens of articles from pastors who have prescreened the movie stating that “God is angry at humanity for harming the environment” and that at one point Noah tries to murder one of his family members. This isn’t just “off”…it’s wrong.
This movie could have been just as spectacular while still maintaining the original, biblical plot. What effect would have been lost? Why not tell the actual story?
Point 8 contradicts points 6 & 7. If this movie isn’t going to be an effective means of bringing the lost to faith, than the “Christian” element of it is a moot point.
All this movie does is muddy the water. Thanks for trying Hollywood, but you missed it this time.
Thanks for posting Rob, but respectfully, when it comes to this generation’s knowledge about Noah, YOU might be living in the cave… 🙂
This may be the most Biblically illiterate generation in American history. I was in a jewelry store a few years ago standing next to a 30-something couple who were looking at cross necklaces. When they saw a crucifix with Jesus on it, they were perplexed at who “the little man on the cross necklace was.” I also see no contradictions on my list. “Movies” don’t lead people to Jesus, “people” do. And since hundreds of thousands will be watching this movie and asking questions, what a great opportunity to be part of that conversation.
If you’re uncomfortable with it, then I agree with your decision not to see it. But as for me, I’ll use just about any means to share the gospel with this generation.
Again – thanks for posting!
I appreciate the response Phil. I have to be honest, the illustration of a 30-year-old not knowing that Jesus was the little guy on the cross is a bit of a stretch, but I’ll take your word for it 😉
I’m glad that Hollywood is noticing the power found in biblical stories. It’s sad that it’s taken them this long. However, I’m afraid that some of these films (current company included) prostitute the Bible as a means of pulling in viewers and their money with no real intention of telling the biblical story.
Ken Ham noted that the film’s script “is not at all faithful to the biblical account in Genesis.”
I’ve read several pre-screeners who are saying that *SPOILER* Noah sees himself and his family as part of the problem and that they are only care-takers of the innocent animals. He also plots to kill a baby if it’s female so that his sons won’t continue humanity with the baby after it’s full-grown. Disturbed yet? I am. Anti-biblical.
I agree, people do lead people to Jesus. I don’t need this movie to accomplish that task.
I haven’t found the movie that is 100% Biblically accurate, so until then, I’ll use what I can… 🙂
It’s one thing when a movie changes a few minor details or adds events that are not mentioned in the Bible, but don’t contradict with Scripture and could have possibly happened. But it’s another thing when it portrays certain details in a way that don’t mesh with logic or Scripture (both of which can mesh with each other, by the way), twists the characterization of the characters into something that contradicts what is written in Scripture, and distorts the message and meaning of the Biblical story. I don’t know how long ago you went on that set, but if you didn’t think that they were doing those things with this movie at that time, then either things must have changed since then or you might have not looked deeply at what they were planning at that time, ’cause that’s what people who have watched the screenings have said and that’s what’s I got when I saw the trailer. Giving this movie our money sends Hollywood the message that they have our permission to continue portraying the Bible in this manner and possibly even worse. For the sake of the unbelievers and seekers who will be confused and likely dismiss these stories as fiction when they see these movies, we cannot afford to send Hollywood that message.
Actually, some who have screened the film indeed have said that, but more who have seen it have taken the other approach. Sounds like the best thing is to see it and make a decision for yourself.
Thanks for posting!
I too have a hard time watching a biblical movie that is not accurate to biblical truth. However, I say this because I am a follower of Jesus and desire all to know the truth. That being said, my interest in the bible and the truth came from seeing Jesus Christ Superstar. So, if that could bring me closer to God I have to assume that Noah and the Son of God may be the ticket for someone else. We need to be open to anything that may open the hearts and minds of those who do not know the truth. Then we can step in and fill in the blanks….
Hallo all, how about promoting Noahthemovie.com . this is an evangelical version of Noah story. This also is going to be released March 28th. Please check it out. pl promote this with your church and youth group. This is something definitely something to stir the nest in a positive way!
http://www.wnd.com/2014/03/hollywoods-biblical-epic-beaten-to-the-punch/
http://www.noahthemovie.com/producers.php
I am not sure if I will go see the movie or not…. I will however buy it on dvd when it comes out so I can view it myself at home and decide if I want to pass it on to others to see….
As Christians you should all know that Hollywood wants nothing more but your money and the devil wants nothing more than for Christians to argue over anything that may be Biblical…..
Now if a movie is said to be inspired by actual facts then I will want to see it.Only so I can see how actual the facts are…..
I do believe that Christians should take every opportunity to tell other the Good News of Jesus and if this movie gives you an opening to that… then use it…. You can use the Bible as your reference when people are saying this was a true movie…. you can then tell them the truth…..
Still unsure of spending close to $20 to go see the movie (for 2 people) opposed to waiting till it is on Dvd and watching it for approx $15 for a whole group of people…..
Here’s a good tip Carolyn – if you want to SUPPORT a movie, then I’d encourage you to view it on opening weekend. Because the results of the opening weekend determine how long the movie will stay in the theater. If you DON’T support a movie, then either see it later, or on DVD as you’re suggesting.
Would you recommend a movie about Martin Luther King Jr. if it depicted him as a crazy man who heard voices telling him to murder a baby?
If the Noah movie is like that, any person who has read scripture will dismiss it. Teh problem is (A) with people who have not seen the movie, and (B) people who have not read scripture.
Is your faith in your invisible man in the sky so shaky that you are afraid that a movie will somehow hurt or offend it? Then I think you should take a good look at yourself… seriously.
Good point, but read my post. Not everyone is shaky. Conversely, the world is very seductive… in a stealth way… you get sucked in incrementally until one day you wake up and wonder how you got where you are. In the 25th chapter, the prophet Isaiah cries out that all of mankind is under a veil and covered by a burial shroud that obscures the light of truth. That’s why the coming of Jesus was prophesied as “a light in darkness.” So it’s about sobriety, not fear. Problem is, if you’re blind, you cannot see.
I have a great idea, instead of yacking about this movie, why don’t we Christians, make some sandwiches and take them to the homeless, or go visit a prisoner in jail or perhaps, get to the job at hand, to let our light so shine, that others will see in us Christ, the hope of Glory….AND….why would we trust that Hollywood should do any work for the cause of Christ…the same mistake is made with how we trust politicians and other groups to “promote” Jesus…He doesn’t need them and we end up looking like morons talking about this stuff.
You’re right.
I watched “Last Temptation of Christ” before I came to faith, and it only quickened my imagination. In fact, I came to faith despite the Christians who were picketing the movie and turned away to shout at someone else when I asked if they had already seen the film.
I think anyone who is leaning forward to see God should not be inhibited for fear of touching something unclean. Isn’t that the indicting part of the parable of the Good Samaritan? My God, in his second miracle, Jesus touched a leper!
David Maine wrote a wonderful book called “The Preservationist” that imagines the story of Noah by filling in all the pieces that aren’t told in scripture. Is that blasphemous? I think not. It’s mind-expanding and invigorating. “Imagination is the gift God has given us to see the invisible.” That’s how Bill Johnson sums it up.
And I agree.
DISCLAIMER: I’ve not seen “Noah” yet, so my comments are entirely my own opinion, and are not related to the content of the movie.
Let’s turn the asbestos-suit flame levels down a little, peoples all. This post isn’t trolling, or even argumentative. It’s a clear and well thought out examination of the facts as Phil sees them. And you know, I agree with his points.
So what if “Noah” isn’t biblically 100% accurate? Neither is the white-wash Hollywood portrayal of muslim’s being terrorists, italians being mafia-related, Russian’s being vodka-infused drunks, Australian’s being “Crocodile Dundee” wanna-bes, marriage being something irrelevant, “Die Hard” being even slightly realistic, childbirth being sanitized and clean, and house fires being bright and survivable. So, instead of doing the “Chicken Little” dance, screaming that the sky is falling, and stabbing effigies of the movie makers, take a step back and look at the big picture.
God gave us all imagination. Some use it to see dragons where there are none, and attacks where none were intended. Some use it to add depth and shade to a story where, in all honesty, the lead character was later found passed out, drunk and naked, in his tent. Still others use it to believe the best of people, and cheer them on. In this, I wish I was as talented to be in the second group, but I choose to place myself in the third.
My kids play sport. Sports that, as a child and an adult, I’ve never played. I can encourage, cheer, and reinforce what the coach is teaching my kids. I can hold an opinion about how well the coach trains, I could even be one of those sideline heros that tell their kids to ignore what the coach has told them because “it’s all about you”. Those words, however carry no weight and no impression because the coach, the trainers, and the kids are the ones actually in the gladitorial arena having a go. And until that time that my hand has fused to the sword while _I_ am in the arena, my energy will be spent cheering them on, encouraging their efforts, supporting their endeavours. And most of all, standing shoulder to shoulder, defending the backs of the coaches from attacks from the armchair commentators.
The God that I believe in, have relationship with, is big enough, strong enough, to fight His own battles. Is God going to lose face because “Noah” may have some inaccuracies? I don’t think so. My own Biblical edict boils down to this: “Love God, Love People”. As long as the movie is not outright blasphemy, then I’ll support it. If “Noah” or “Son of God” or “The Passion Of The Christ” inspires a curiosity towards knowing God, or at least asking questions, then that is a worthwhile expenditure. Are we going to capture the imaginations and the thoughts of today’s adults with flannelgraphs of Bible stories? No, but we’ll certainly capture their derision.
I’m praying for the writers, producers, cast, crew and anyone associated with it – for their courage, committment and choice to give their effort and imagination to this work. But even more than that, I’m praying that people will be drawn to watch “Noah”, and come to ask questions, make a personal decision, and follow Jesus as their Saviour.
I’ll be the one you hear cheering till my voice won’t let me.
Refreshing perspective amid all the noise out there. I couldn’t agree more.
So if you haven’t seen the movie and you agree with promoting it, it’s okay, but if you haven not seen it, it’s not okay?
If you have not seen it, it’s not okay to say not to go?
No. If you don’t feel comfortable, please don’t go. I could have been more clear in that my problem is with Christian leaders who were advocating boycotts and petition drives. With Noah – and anything else for that matter – you shouldn’t launch a national boycott about something you haven’t seen or don’t know about. That was my central point in writing the post. But for individuals, if you’re uncomfortable, absolutely don’t see it. However, I do think it’s a great opportunity for evangelism since hundreds of thousands have seen it and are asking questions.
Nope. Both sides should see it and then discuss. It has significant problems that need to be argued. But you can’t do that if you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Hey Phil, one of my friends has been doing some movie reviews lately and I think he does a fine job from a Christian perspective. I’d like to also recommend his blog on this same topic. I think you two would agree on a good portion of this discussion.
http://wadebearden.com/noah-might-biblical-thats-okay/
He makes great points, and I would encourage others to check out his review. Thanks for the link Joshua!
I’m opposing. Reasons why are simple. Why would I want to go spend money and contribute to paramount who also produced wolves of walls street. ( and that’s just one recent example) In that movie they took our lords name in vain over 30 times and desecrated the biblical image of marriage.
Sure the Noah movie here is not biblically correct like the recent Son of God movie. Many things added for effect both visually and scripturally.. Actually there is a great release on youtube I believe on the 28 th of this month with a real biblical based depiction of Noah created by Ray Comfort.
Basically my thoughts are if paramount is so truly ambitious in wanting to promote God….. Then why do they produce films that blasphemy Him ???
It’s all about the $$$$$. You think about that.
I understand your position, but the truth is, when you travel, you probably stay in hotels that sell pornographic movies in the rooms, back at home you watch TV channels from networks who also own adult media companies or services, eat food from producers and distributors who also sell or distribute alcohol. Unless you live in a bubble you can’t escape coming in contact with the world. But it didn’t worry Joseph – he delivered a powerful witness in the midst of Babylon.
And regarding the “Son of God” movie or “The Bible” TV series it came from being Biblically accurate, as Jonathan Merritt posted recently, it’s “Biblically accurate” as long as you don’t mind replacing King Cyrus with King Darius. Or if accuracy includes giving the angels who rescued Lot’s family from Sodom ninja-style martial art skills. Or if deleting Herod from the decision to execute Jesus is accurate.
The world is messy, so instead of walking away, I’d rather use these things as a witness to His glory.
Odd… I don’t remember a biblical account of Joseph being a powerful witness in Babylon. 🙁
Let me guess, you took literary license in your post. 🙂
Ha! Touche’ Rev. Ellisor. Egypt it is. (Good lesson in responding on the blog too late at night! Thanks for the catch! 🙂
This article and your reply to commenters certainly did not age well.
Actually, I it’s the opposite!
Nice blog. I echo your thoughts 100%. I plan on seeing it, as well as “Son of God” ASAP. When my Christian friends start dissing these two movies and haven’t even seen them yet, i usually start by asking if they have a problem with all the Englische spoken in these movies. They usually look at me like i’m stupid, and i remind them that Noah probably didn’t know a lick of Englische, but i’ll bet that’s all he speaks in the movie. . . and they’re a bunch of white guys again! 🙂
Heck, we saw “The Last Temptation of Christ” while attending CBNU and while it when it was first out in theaters amidst all the hub-bub from folks who hadn’t seen it. Though we almost walked out a few times, we watched the whole thing, and it ended up giving me some new thoughts on how Jesus probably really was tempted. And there was a very clear disclaimer at the head of the movie for those who haven’t seen it – i recommend it. Truth is, unless a person’s own denomination/cult/sect is the one making the movie, most moderns Christians will boycott it and call it “heresy.” Such is the “body of Christ” these days. Too many modern Christian sects virtually worship the bible and they need to realize “the word of God” is far more than what has ever been written down. Thanks for the blog!
Thanks Tad! Always nice to hear affirmation… 🙂
Saw the movie “Son of God”, with my “Why Catholic Group”, we all loved the movie, and we plan on going to see “Noah” as a group also……..can’t wait.
Oh, thanks for your blog, I enjoy it.
Thanks Jane. Feel free to share it with your network….
Very good, very thoughtful. I hope I can find the money to see this film.
The main points I am concerned about does God want Noah to commit infanticide in the movie and what is God’s reason for flooding the Earth?
Here’s a really good perspective on the movie from someone else who has seen it:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/filmchat/2014/03/first-impressions-noah-dir-darren-aronofsky-2014.html
Why don’t you make a movie showing Mohammed shagging goats and tell the Jihadists to ‘get over themselves and come see the movie’ too! After all, can’t we all just get along?!
ummm… We should go see it because we need to support biblical movies? Except this is not biblical, it has NOTHING to do with the story of Noah in the Bible, it just happens to have the same name. We should shun this movie and encourage Hollywood to make real religious movies or none at all. Try this, get an adviser, they do for every other type of movie.
I assume you make these statements because you’ve actually seen the movie? Otherwise, I’m sure you wouldn’t make sweeping generalizations like this, right?
🙂
Personally, I think many of your points are not good enough reasons to go see the movie. I am sorry, but the word of God is not something that should be added too. It is living and powerful and from the few reviews I have read from those who have seen it, this movie is far far off from what the bible says. If there were not enough details to produce a closely accurate movie then they should have not made a movie at all. The bible does not need to be made into a movie and I don’t believe this movie is going to sell anyone of Christianity. It was made solely for entertainment services. Just comparing this to the Passion of Christ, it is very discouraging.
So I have some questions for you and please feel free to answer. You asked if we really need to protect ourselves from an inaccurate movie “based” on the bible. Is it not non-believers we need to protect from that and less Christians who know the true story? Why should we not be fighting for the salvation of others?
It is not just a movie when it claims to be based in any way from God’s living word. Do you think that God’s word should be mocked or twisted for entertainment purposes?
Why would we share our faith through false accounts from the bible? I am certain there are better ways to share God’s love like through kindness?
This movie is not 100% biblical. Paramount spent that money on a film they hope will sell. Again, if it is not 100% from the bible and God’s word should not be made into movies. If Hollywood believes it is okay to twist this story from the bible and we applaud them for trying, is this not encouraging them to falsify the bible? I know many people who would love to twist the stories in the bible to make Christianity look bad.
Yes, I expect any movie based on the Bible to be 100% accurate or not made at all. The bible is more then just a book of stories. I don’t think I need to express that again, but why don’t you believe this? Why don’t you believe God’s word is Holy and perfect the way it is? God does not need movies to save people. He has his body for that. An imperfect movie to promote the Perfect God is not okay.
You other three points are just about you and I don’t see a need to reply. If you want to see the movie for entertainment purposes, go for it. But it is not a movie I support nor will I. If twisting God’s word is what it takes to make movies that have any relation to the bible, keep the Bible off our screens. God will provide the truth for people.
You’re not asking questions here Angel, you’re making statements. And your statements have to come from the experience of actually seeing the movie, or you’re not being intellectually honest. How can you make such sweeping, negative statements about a movie you haven’t seen? I would never criticize OR promote a movie I hadn’t actually seen. I would encourage you to see it and THEN we can have the conversation. Otherwise, if you don’t intend to see it, what’s that point of your post?
Please write an honest review of the movie after you see it for all the people who may spend their hard earned money to see a movie you suggested they do. Good luck to you sir!
I’ve seen in Angel! That’s why I’ve written so much about it! I saw it months ago.
I find it interesting that all of my posts with questions with which your answers may cause any question to your post keep going missing. I will ask again, do you believe it is okay to change or add to God’s perfect word? Do you think that we should really take non-believers to this movie and share it as a symbol of our faith? Please, answer me that I may understand where your disagreement with my opinion holds any value to my opinion of this movie.
Of course I do! Did you watch “The Bible” TV series? The 10 Commandments? Passion of the Christ? Son of God? All took liberties with the story. All added or deleted scenes found in the scripture. It’s a MOVIE, not a sermon. And yes – I’m taking as many non-Christian friends as I can to see it. What a GREAT opportunity to share a movie, and then tell them the real story of Noah! I wouldn’t miss this for the world.
Okay, I respect your opinion but will continue to disagree.
Also, here is one of the reviews I am speaking about. As well as others. It may be Glenn Beck but he is being honest about it. I am educated enough through my own research to know that your points not good enough reasons to see and support the movie.
http://www.glennbeck.com/2014/03/24/babylonian-chainsaw-massacre-glenn-reviews-noah-after-attending-screening-in-la/
Great. Here’s another good one:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/filmchat/2014/03/first-impressions-noah-dir-darren-aronofsky-2014.html
I wish I could say this review changes my mind, but all it does in confirm the reasons I have against not seeing it. The article is a great read and from a film point of view, sure it is probably a good movie. But I disagree with how the movie portrays God and the story of Noah. I do not believe the Story of Noah is a myth. I may not know exactly how this story panned out, but neither did the everyone involved in this production thus making in invalid. It may be close-minded to think that if we cannot accurately translate the bible to film then it should not be but, and I will stand firm in this belief, God’s word is far to precious to be used for entertainment purposes.
The “Passion of the Christ” didn’t follow the bible to the letter either and was greatly exaggerated, especially in its insistence on extreme violence…yet so many greeted it with open arms. …the same type of folks who refuse to see this movie for similar reasons.
Are these kinds of embellishments acceptable as long as they’re favorable? Or were you critical of that film as well?
Your comment makes me laugh. I don’t feel it is okay to use the Word of God for entertainment purposes ever, period. At least the passion of the Christ did not twist the story completely into something completely different from the story. Violence may have been exagerated but none of us know that for a fact because we were not there. Jesus did not become a homicidal man driven to kill his family because God hates humans and favors animals. I am sorry but Noah the movie is a joke and it bother me because it is “inspired” by the Word of God and I can’t help but believe this is offensive to the creator himself.
I’m curious, is the extreme violence you are talking about during the beating of Jesus?
The reason I ask is because I was moved by a movie that probably was the closest to depicting what actually happened to Jesus. History records the type of beatings the Romans gave. They were cruel, and really did flay the skin and muscle off with their whips. Some people died before they received all their lashes. There are also descriptions of Jesus as being so badly beaten that his own mother wasn’t sure that it was him. I’m not an authority on these things, but I was impressed that the Passion really showed what Jesus went through to save a wicked and hateful race of people. Made me appreciate the gospel message more.
Can you make sweeping statements about porn without having seen it? Do you watch porn before criticizing it?
Surely you can do better than that Mark. 🙂
Porn is an entire industry. We know it’s effect. We have research that supports it’s damage. With Noah, we’re talking about an individual movie. Do you criticize your pastor’s message before he preaches it? Do you criticize a book before you’re read it? You honestly don’t feel the least lack of integrity criticizing something you don’t know anything about?
Would you make sweeping statements about pornographic movies you haven’t seen? I think one can discuss the movie and make statements about it so long as they have their facts straight.
Of course I haven’t seen it, but reading Beck’s take on it, I have to say. The bible is history, you might put in some fillers but to completely screw up history is just wrong. People already make fun of people of faith, and it’s no wonder if they tell the world we believe in rock people.
Susan, I agree with you. Christianity is under such scrutiny that we have to be careful what is considered part of the Truth we hold so dear.
I just wonder why Christians seem to be so upset at people for questioning the bible. The Old Testament in general claims God is angry, violent, condones slavery, murder, rape…While the New Testament is a little rosier, it still holds some very ethically questionable content in it (like women not being permitted to learn or speak in church, or again, how slavery is acceptable).
Honestly, I’m a little concerned that you haven’t taken your own religious text to task. Belief in God should not be confused as one in the same as belief in organized religion. It is a shame that you’ve been taught to believe you cannot have a personal relationship with God unless you subscribe to someone Else’s interpretations.
Birdie, there is either a God or there is not. There is either a plan of salvation or there is not. There are not 50 plans of salvation if there is a God and a plan. History tells us that men who had the power changed much of the scriptures to their liking. Many people try to interpret for themselves. Many people live righteous lives without organized religion, but I believe in Modern day prophets and revelation and that is why I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And that is why the bible is confusing, because of the interpretations of men without revelation. So believe the bible or not, if you are going to do a bible story, Don’t change it into something else.
I can appreciate that Susan. I never intended to start a bible story or create one, The items I listed can all be found, many multiple times, within the bible. I just wanted to impress upon people that there are some who question the extreme violence throughout the book, especially against women (in the name of God) in both testaments in the bible.
What baffles me is why people get upset at someone questioning why god would command men to rape an enemies wife, or murder their children. Women are demanded to don the role of “obedient servants” to their husbands, regardless of how he treats her.
“Belief” in something should come with convincing someone it is the truth (versus them just be too afraid not to believe), not beating them over the head with the book, insulting their skepticism and insisting they need to believe it “they can just burn in hell.”
To be frank, that wasn’t how Jesus brought people to know god at all. I don’t know why some Christians believe this method is effective or does anything more than push people further away.
Where was it ever said that God condoned violence on women? Or to rape women? Everything that was practiced was not condoned by God. Also, As far as men going to war and taking their women, If they had to go to war but didn’t kill the women, they had to take the women into their families, else how could the women live? Some practices were just law and not God’s law. For instance, If we make gay marriage legal that doesn’t make it OK with God or God’s laws. Too complicated for this post. But would love to share more with you, if you like.
The only thing this movie will actually accomplish will be to provide ammunition to the God haters who already take great delight in mocking everything we hold dear. I will not see this movie, I’m sick of Christianity being the only religion where it’s okay to mock and distort and openly disrespect everything about it and we believers are just expected to roll with the punches. No more.
God haters? You must be under the impression that if someone doesn’t drink the kool-aid of organized religion that they do not have a personal relationship with God?
What a shame.
No fool! I quite literally mean the scumbags you encounter on the internet everyday that delight in making a mockery out of my beliefs while having none of their own. The people that can’t pass up any article remotely related to Christianity without commenting on our “flying spaghetti monster”, or our “magical sky elf” or any of the other repugnant names they call my God while claiming to be tolerant, respectful, and open minded. I meant quite literally God haters.
I can see by you opening with an insult, following with more insults, and going off on a tirade, that you’ve definitely misinterpreted what it means to be “Christ Like.”
Luke, perhaps if you weren’t treating people like you claim they treat you, you might get better results.
I see no tolerance, respect, or open mindedness in your post. Just hate and anger.
I think you should consider walking the path of Christ if you feel so inclined to defend your religion. You do nothing but lend to the idea that Christians are intolerant, angry and forceful in the way you approach people whose opinions differ. You will never get through to people this way…and isn’t that the point of being Christian?
Might I suggest, you read some passages in the bible about how Jesus treated non-believers, sinners, and people who disagreed or outright insulted him.
You may find yourself some peace.
I’m not in the habit if casting pearls before swine. Deal with it.
even the bible speaks of fools.. its not an insult, its describing what one is who cannot see through the darkness.. also i love how you amplify “being christian like. faith has nothing to do with religion just saying. Just because someone is christian does not mean they follow a “man made religion” just means they are a follower of christ.. duh
Normally, I would agree with these points, but you failed to mention how Noah got his orders to build the Ark from a hallucination and tried to kill his family and was a total lunatic. Not sure how these things are fostering a positive discussion on the Christian faith.
That would be a strange film if it were true.
Strange people but true . . . two reviews from people who have seen the movies (beware of spoilers).
http://moviecitynews.com/2014/03/review-ish-my-issues-with-noah-plenty-of-spoilers/
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/03/24/beck-saw-noah-over-the-weekend-and-hes-calling-it-the-babylonian-chainsaw-massacre/
I can’t wait to see it!! I am a devout Christian and I understand that the movie has to have SOME fillers as we are not privy to Noah’s entire life….Chill people…really.. :/ I assume people will figure out that some of the movie is based on imagination.
Except in this case, most of the movie is based on imagination. I’ve seen it. The pastor next to me got up and left. It is a great action film, there is a flood, people are evil, animals are animals are innocent, but only remotely biblical. Keep that in mind and you might like the movie.
I think every should see it because one the is true and you cant change that is what happened before can happen again regardless of who and when. Get it right people. GOd has no respect of persons. Go see the darn movie if not who cares. Im going.
I have heard enough about it NOT to go. People said it was AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!
I’m sorry…what does being liberal have to do with religion? Please inject your political hatred somewhere else. This honestly is not the appropriate forum.
Personal attacks are the absolute epitome of tactics of the left.
As for the rest please learn the difference between the definition of the word judgmental ( a favorite liberal attack word) and discernment.
: the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure : skill in discerning
2
: an act of perceiving or discerning something
I see…so Paul was against “satanist liberals” who are asking Christians to “tolerate” when what they should be doing is whipping people…
So…your hate and blanket judgment of people who vote opposite of your political views is justified and they are godless creatures, regardless of their deeds or who they are as individuals.
Gotcha…I’m done. Please, do go on representing your religion though…you’re doing a great job.
Great job misrepresenting everything I said Saul Alinski would be proud.
you know. God is bigger than all of us. He can use this film to open up dialogue about the true version from the scriptures and from there to be a witness. Some will even find a Bible to look up the story in there, and find it amazing and keep reading. Do not limit God. Also, going and seeing it will give one the opportunity to give a correct account, if it has gone astray from the true story written in the Bible. Pray for those going, that they will find the truth.
The message of the movie is the planet and the animals are wonderful and perfect. Mankind is a virus that needs to be wiped out. Now how often have we heard that message from Hollywood and the environmentalists. Wasn’t Avatar like this move but Avatar had cooler graphics.
I’m disappointed in your comments. Judgement is not for you. That is God’s own decision to make. Not ours. Jesus drove the money changers out of the Temple for making money in the Temple, not for their beliefs or Religion.
Movies are no more than books on a screen. You cannot determine what is right or wrong for someone else to do or think. God gives you the right and the responsibility to change only one person and that person is you.
Discernment
1: the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure : skill in discerning
2 : an act of perceiving or discerning something
The Bible is filled with admonitions that we avoid evil, flee from temptation, cling to what is good and lovely. In order to do that, we have to make judgment calls. We have to decide that one thing is good and another is not. We make these decisions all that time as a matter of course in life. We do it if we are a follower of Jesus or not. Everyone has somethings that they decide are right to to and others that are not. Every society and culture has these things and every member of those cultures has to think and decide, has to judge what behaviors fit the standard.
This movie and its message clearly fit this description.
Bursting forth with the words, “judge not”, should in no way intimidate anyone from deciding if something is sinful or not. If anything slows us down it should be the warning from Jesus that we not be hypocrites who are unable or unwilling to live according to that same standard.
You have that right for yourself alone. Do not forget the lesson Jesus gave to the Pharisees about whether or not it was wrong to eat meat on Friday. Be careful you do not set yourself up for the sin of Pride. Doesn’t Jesus also warn us to be sure to be careful to see the plank in our own eye before we point out the speck in our neihbor’s?
If you read the entire piece that I wrote that was included. The movie is still garbage.Period.
The New Testament is in your Bible isn’t it? Then read it to find the reference. Jesus tells the questioners that if they believe it to be wrong to eat meat on on certain days and they eat it, it’s a sin. You seem to pick and choose what you want to believe. So do not see the film, but do not presume to preach to others.
Not Jesus. Paul said that and he was referring to not being a stumbling block to your brother.
Romans 14:23 ►
http://biblehub.com/romans/14-23.htm
Jesus said it isn’t what goes into his mouth but what comes out of it that matters…………….I wasn’t preaching . I stated I had no intention of going to this garbage movie and stated the reasons why.Reasonable logical reasons . Never once have I written any advice for anyone nor attacked anyone . Anyways done
Wrong passage, but you are at least reading. My comment is just to get you to understand that Jesus did not point out people as “Evil” or sinful. He pointed out actions as being wrong or misguided. You cannot know what is in the heart of another. You have no idea that someone doesn’t love The Lord as much as you do. You do not know.
Once again I have never done any of the things you have accused me of nor have I attacked you as you have done to me several times.
I said people said the movie was horrible and I am not going. Then I described the movie. That is all I have said. The rest of your diatribe makes no sense.
Hollywood is liberal and everyone knows it. It is famous globally for it’s degeneracy. Both facts.
So it produces a degenerate Noah film …..as a matter of course.
The film is garbage. Period.
Although people flocked to see it, tons of them said, the movie was horrible.
I am won’t waste money on ANYTHING Hollywood makes. Period.
I truly hope Hollywood goes bankrupt.
……..case closed
http://patdollard.com/2014/03/…
Say Hi to Valery Jarret, she is in Hollywood right now BEGGING them
to put Obama care into every show they have… that’s how liberal they
are…….
Go see God’s is not Dead it is a better movie.
Alright I will go see it only because I’m obligated to see a new movie every month in a theater and I get reimbursed for the expenses of seeing it. Then I will come back here and give you an honest opinion about how much it’s a distraction from the truth, instead of relying on others opinions that I trust. But something coming from the director of Black Swan isn’t leaving me very optimistic. As an artist working from scripture I would never deny the using the name of ‘God’ or manifest some strange ‘rock people’? If a number of the things that I’ve heard from trustworthy sources that have seen the movie are accurate I will be highly disappointed and offended.
I saw the movie last night, your expectations are spot on.
Ill base my choice not to see it on the directors own comments about the film….
Darren Aronofsky, who blatantly admits about the movie “Anything you’re expecting, you’re f**king wrong,” and “Noah is the LEAST BIBLICAL film ever made.”
He also admits that this film has nothing to do with the real reason God flooded the earth….. but has to do with his own liberal beliefs and environmental view points.
Actually that’s a misquote. The original source is an article in the New Yorker where he uses the “least Biblical film ever made” as in comparing it to classic “sword and sandal” epics. His statement was about making something unexpected and different from the typical films done of that time period. Quite different than the way people are using it.
Hope that helps Corey.
Phil, been trying to find that article to share with other people who keep using that quote out of context. know where to locate it?
Apparently the New Yorker doesn’t release it’s articles without a subscription, however, Emma Koonse from The Christian Post corrected Rick Warren based on it. Here’s that story:
http://www.christianpost.com/news/rick-warren-blasts-noah-misquotes-films-director-on-twitter-116319/
How about you pay for my ticket, so I don’t have to pay to see an anti-god pro enviormentalist movie.
Yeah…I hate the environment too. Totally un-godly?
Peter, sarcasm aside, it makes me sad that some people seem to have this strange notion that somehow the environment and God are disconnected from one another.
Be a steward of this Earth. It was a gift to us and should be cherished and preserves, not use up and destroy in the name of some incredibly selfish interpretation of God.
First off madam hippie, we weren’t destroying the Earth like this shame of a movie implies. God flooded the Earth because man was perverted with lust for the flesh of sex, the blood of war, and the blindness of drink.
Second, When mother Earth, God, the Great Spirit or whatever gets tired of us she’ll shake us off like a dog shaking fleas.
The bible says that God told man that the Earth and the animals on it were his to consume and use for his survival. Not exactly ECO-friendly words there Buddha.
So if I need to burn coal, wood or oil to stay warm, or eat animals to stay alive is that ok? According to the bible it is.
The Earth continually heals and replenishes itself. Animals multiply, trees and plants bear fruits and vegetables, clouds form from the ocean and rain drops form rivers that feed all life over and over again.
We can respect the planet that God gave us without destroying his message to do it.
I doubt I’ll hand my $$ over to watch heresy. This reminds me of Christians who “need” to watch porno to understand what the issue is all about. Horse feathers.
Phil, thank you for this thoughtful post. I thought you made very good points. I’m excited to see more productions with Biblical themes and let’s look for the good where it’s to be found. If we can be helpful and not hateful, maybe we can have a seat at the table to help influence content and make it better over time.
I just want to make a point that we use other (definitely not Biblically inspired) movies for Bible Studies/Group Discussions/Sermons; so how is it that a Biblically inspired movie is getting such harsh criticism? I think we have our priorities backwards. I for one am excited to see this film and the discussions that will be sparked because of it!
As His ambassadors, we true Christians need to THINK and ACT as Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel when they declared as one, “Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel.” (Ezra 4:1-3) Discerning Christians are upset with this movie effort because it does NOT represent our God nor His reason for the sending His judgment upon the old earth. And, just like the enemies of Zurubbabel, they wish to “partner” with us in building an evangelistic tool – all the while subverting the Gospel and doctrines of God.
Rock monsters. Machines. Smoke stack buildings. That movie is a slap in the face of the Christians who adore and cherish their faith and is a slap in the face to the human race that dare have a faith. It clearly is agenda driven and I may not be a christian but I will stand against any intolerance at all against any faith whatsoever. Because I have a faith. And how long before they start attacking mine? If I don’t stand up for the ones being attacked now, who will stand up with me?
I just want to make a quick point. The media is EXTREMELY HAPPY for BOTH sides to this argument. They are COUNTING on the CONTROVERSY to boost ticket sales. YOU SHEEP are ALL doing EXACTLY what THEY are MANIPULATING YOU to do. BAAAAAAAAA !!!! WAKE UP !!!!!
Right on.
Yes the controversy is working so well that people I talked to said “Yeah we heard it was garbage and we are not going to see it.” I see how that works well for them. Not.
It is a ‘movie’ with the intent to entertain and sell tickets. How many movies do we see that are actually 100% based on fact? Not many! We don’t know the real story of Noah so it is open to human interpretation and that is what this movie is doing. The hate that it is conjuring up is more harmful than the movie ‘itself’!
As I have not seen the film, I cannot comment specifically about it at this time.
However, the following (which I wrote after going to see “The Son Of God” film at my local cinema last month) is (in my view) applicable to all film derivations from Scripture.
—
If you are the type of person who likes paraphrases (very loose, highly embellished, albeit relatively well done, somewhat emotional, and occasionally heart-wrenching paraphrases), and do not put much credence in the absolute truth, timeless verity, and holy, inerrant inspiration of the word of God, then go to see this film.
If, however, you know Scripture well, and cringe each and every time one takes liberty which such (even well-intentioned liberty), then avoid this film like the plague.
While I certainly found portions of the film very emotional and faith-inspiring, overall I was sadly disappointed. In my view, there is no substitute for the eternal and inspired word of God, all the best intentions of the world notwithstanding.
The greatest tool of the devil has always been to cast doubt on God’s word. Sadly, he has so many allies in our culture and media.
I agree with your post with one exception, I have not seen “Son of God” and have seen “Noah”. This movie doesn’t inspire Christian thought in any way unless it is curiosity in the actual Biblical account.
I fully agree with this assessment:
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/03/28/hey-noah-supporters-enough-with-guilt-trip-already/
Apparently other Christians don’t:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-noah-friday-matinees-691984
I
think this is extremely passive and weak when talking about the word of
God and the way in which the Bible, God, and a biblical figure such as
Noah are portrayed to the world. This movie paints Noah as a murderous
psychopath and replaces God with magic. Saying that this movie is a good
thing because it’s a biblical story getting out there is like saying
that Atheists going on TV and slamming and condemning Christians is a
good thing because it gets people talking.
I
don’t think that anyone who calls themselves a Christian should support
the heretical and blasphemous endeavors of an outspoken, card-carrying
Atheist and his movie that seeks to do anything but depict Noah, God,
and the Bible in the most negative light possible, in any way, let alone
financially.
What in the movie did you see that “paints Noah as a murderous psychopath?” I haven’t seen it yet, but what I’ve see so far doesn’t show me that.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/03/24/beck-saw-noah-over-the-weekend-and-hes-calling-it-the-babylonian-chainsaw-massacre/
I HAVE seen it (and liked it) and did not see Noah painted as a “murderous psychopath”. I saw a man (a human man) trying to deal with and understand the mission he had been set forth by God to do….as God planned to essentially wipe the human race from the planet. I found Noah’s subsequent response to this compelling. Lots of post movie religion based discussion ensued between mostly agnostic individuals. Dialog should always be welcome.
So far whenever I asked someone what in the movie gave them a certain conclusion, all they’ve done is send me someone else’s opinion . . . and only one opinion (Glen Beck), and one that many evangelical leaders I respect disagree with. So this whole discussion has been turning my stomach. I am really saddened when a brother or sister gets all upset over something that is just hearsay! I guess it is like in the days of Noah – very little integrity around.
This film has as much to do with the Bible as “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (Remember the Ark of the Covenant?). Films like Noah make the Bible unnecessary as a basis of truth. They just made up a story without regard to the spirit and letter of the text. This happens all the time with Hollywood films “based on a true story.”
In this film, Noah is portrayed as an obsessed maniac. The so-called “Creator” (God) killed everyone/everything in order to save the environment and the animals.
In my opinion, Christians that overlook all the made-up stuff and misrepresentations of truth in order to endorse the film are looking for some kind of “bump” in their own marketing, web traffic, revenue, etc. If you want to see the film, go see it, but let’s not presume it has anything to do with the redemptive purposes of God through Christ. Again, a couple of Indiana Jones films were also based on “biblical” themes. How is the “Noah” film any different?
When it’s all said and done, we’re talking about Hollywood and ticket sales. They want high profile and celebrity Christians to drive regular Christians into the theaters to buy tickets. Please don’t pretend this film will cause people to read and trust the Bible.
Actually, after seeing Raiders of the Lost Ark as a child, I scoured the entire Old Testament for any and all stories about the ark of the covenant.
Thanks for your response: Indiana Jones’ Ark of the Covenant and Hollywood’s Noah are both fictional creations and a mockery of the Bible, in my view. Makes me sad that we attach spiritual/biblical significance to these movies. I knew a guy who found “biblical” messages in the Matrix trilogy. In our current shallow Christian culture, who can say he’s wrong?
Indiana Jones is, of course, nonsense – but of the best possible kind.
My point was that seeing a fictional film made me want to discover the truth about the Ark of the Covenant by reading the Bible. Can you at least concede it’s possible this Noah film might do the same for other impressionable eight-year olds?
As for your guy who found Biblical themes in The Matrix, God forbid anyone should interpret a work of art any other way than the way you see it.
God uses all kinds of things to get people’s attention. The Noah film IS a work of art…no doubt. Using your standard, who is to say that Indiana Jones or anything else is “nonsense.”
I prefer to keep biblical truth separate from entertainment and not “spiritualize” this kind of stuff. Again, all this is really about promoting a movie and tickets sales.
For some eight year olds, some of the scenes in Indiana Jones would cause nightmares…not lead to the fear of God.
BTW: Everyone is obviously free to do whatever he/she chooses and interpret movies/art accordingly.
I completely agree re: Indiana Jones being scary/gruesome, but more for adults than children in my experience. I wasn’t in the least bothered by Raiders/Temple of Doom as a child, but now I think they are genuinely horrifying in places (I still love them though). My children laugh at me and tell me I’m a wuss, but obviously every child is different and some don’t have such robust temperaments 🙂
Have you seen it already? How do you know the claims you are making about it? They don’t seem to jive with the trailers I’ve seen.
I have friends who became believers, one after seeing Jesus Christ Superstar and one after being in Godspell. Both are creative stories based on the Bible, but not Bible stories. I’m glad they came along and introduced my friends to Jesus so that they could then start growing by reading the Bible.
As a serious follower of Christ, I believe there is nothing wrong with watching this movie. Just like you stated, it will be epic and get people thinking about a biblical story.
The article became a little less serious, though, as I was reading and reached point five. To say that “Son of God” was ‘close to the text’ and ‘accurate’ is laughable. Just like the Bible series, there were so many discrepancies, artistic liberties, and extra-biblical information with the movie. I understand no one will get it completely right, and it is okay to take some artistic liberties to get people thinking about parts where the Bible is silent. But when you take parts that are clearly laid out in Scripture and completely change them… let’s be real.
I don’t understand why you’re saying that we should be supporting a Christian professional that is trying to make a difference when the director of this film is an atheist. Not to mention they totally skewed the idea of sin to make it into mistreating the environment. This is a bigger problem than just “some” of the aspects of the story not being 100% accurate.
I didn’t ask you to do that in this post.
Indeed I haven’t watched it yet, but I think that this text doens’t understood the problem that are all talking about. What I’ve saw, is that when you make a movie like that, you are telling stories that doens’t exist. You are not telling Noah’s story, but one you’ve made. But what is really dangerous, is how u will present God’s decisions, transforming the story in a reason for people to belive that God is evil, and doens’t like human kind. I’ve read that they made Noah look like a psychopath, trying to kill his Own family, and I sincerely couldn’t understand how this can be inspired by Biblie, or how this can be useful for those who doesn’t have a chritian near by to tell then the real story.
Paul said that even the wrong discussion of Jesus was better than none and that the Holy Spirit will use it for good. So how is this movie any different? God used an unbeliever to make it, like He did in the bible for tons of things. And at least it is getting people talking about God again, So critical and unbible based is the condemnation and hatred for this movie. Grace and faith in God…God can use this movie to plant seeds. You can not understand that because your faith is little and your hearts are hardened because you do not remember the miracles he has done in your life.
If that were true, people would be running to the bible to read the accurate account. I pray to God that they are doing just that.
Oh-my-goodness… I am so sick of hearing so-called “Christians” rip this movie apart because it’s not completely accurate. So what??!!! Get over it… If you don’t like it, don’t go see it!!! & for the nutz that keep quoting Revelations about people going to hell for changing scripture… You’re taking things waaaaaaay out of context. I mean if that’s the case then any publisher that’s ever re-written the Bible is in trouble. How many different versions (i.e. KJV, NLT, NASB, etc.) have been written since the Bible’s original origin?? So, an artist or film director can’t take the same liberties to create a work of art? They’re not changing the scriptures they’re just interpreting it differently. I just think people look for reasons to complain. I mean if you’re so “solid” in your faith then what are you worried about?? Why does this film bother you so much? (maybe some people need to ask themselves those questions)
Since when do we condemn people who don’t believe exactly what we believe or do things how we would do them?? What a miserable existence that must be… instead of being so negative & pushing hatred why not cover the directors & producers & actors in prayer? Why not create a series about Noah in your church & encourage people to watch the film but also follow-up & show people the “real” story behind the film?
As for me, I can’t wait to see it! I think it’s freakin awesome!!! Much love to all the actors & directors/producers.
Your comments indicate condemnation toward Christians. My only problem is that I don’t want non-Christians to think this is based on the Biblical narrative and I would have appreciated the movie more if I had been better prepared for its “creative licenses”. I accept some deviation for the sake of story but this movie alters the story by changing the what little we do know about the character of the man and the meaning of the event.
Rock people. Nuff said.
It’s only a movie? It may be the one movie that certain someone goes to see because they haven’t read the bible story, or perhaps they would like an outlook on it from the audio-visual aspect. And yes we love that Paramount is producing a movie based on a Biblical story. And YES it is Paramount’s 100% responsibility to be completely accurate when portraying a movie that may or may not persuade one’s position in their walk with God. That fact that this article above is attempting to persuade readers into thinking it’s ok to throw some extras into a movie that is “based” off a magnificent book in the bible, is wrong. It’s not ok to change God’s word, it’s also not ok to make a movie that would have someone believe anything other than what’s in the bible. Whether you are a Christian or not, read the story of Noah in the bible first, before going to see this movie. Then read Revelations 22:18-19 and determine for yourself. Everything you do, say and produce Paramount Pictures, has an effect on every viewer, be responsible and lead others in a way that encourages and uplifts 🙂 God Bless 🙂
This review might help you Lynda:
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/film/hollywood-noah-and-creative-libertys-gray-areas
Lynda this eval sounds more Muslim the Christian. Our holy book is available to those who don’t revere it. Don’t be afraid of their imagination. Don’t be afraid of obscuring God’s voice he is able to speak louder than the movie. Don’t be afraid. And the Revelation passage applies to messing with the imagery of Revelation not to every book in the Bible. That passage was not attached to the Bible just to one book.
You need to go read what Glen Beck had to say about it . I will wait till it comes on HBO and save my money !
Here’s a helpful perspective on the film:
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/film/hollywood-noah-and-creative-libertys-gray-areas
Apostle Paul said this:
Philippians 1:18
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
Knowing that the director is an atheist makes me think twice about supporting his ‘Biblical’ movie. I’d rather support a ‘secular’ movie instead of one that is not Biblically accurate.
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are TRUE, whatsoever things are HONEST, whatsoever things are JUST, whatsoever things are PURE, whatsoever things are LOVELY, whatsoever things are of GOOD REPORT; if there be any VIRTUE, and if there be any PRAISE, think on THESE things.
REVIEW OF NOAH MOVIE
I am sorry to disagree with Phil. I have seen the movie. My simple review is… The movie is
dark, depressing and a total departure from the Biblical narrative. My
recommendation for people of faith is don’t waste your money and subject
yourself to an atheists anti-biblical offensive joke of a production.
My recommendation for my friends who are not in the faith community-
don’t waste your money and 2 1/2 hours of your life on it. I REALLY
wanted it to be good. I had high hopes for it even though the
writer/producer is an atheist. After all, he made some popular films
and they spent $125 million just produce it. But this was boring,
sick, unbelievable and cheesy. If we are to send a message to Hollywood then it must be more than “produce movies for us.” It must also be… don’t insult our faith with a movie like this.
I so agree with you why should we spend our money to see a film that is deliberately promoting falling angels.I beleive we must send a message to Hollywood to say dont give us any garbage for the truth.We need to stop comprimising in the name of Love,love speak truth,not lies.
@Jeff Christ isn’t preached in this movie, so that scripture didn’t apply, apparently God is not even mentioned, but fallen Angels help build the ark. None of these biblically silent possibilities are possible for this foolish to imagine they are. This movie wad written and directed by satan for a world ready to be deceived.
Phil, you’re suggesting that we use this movie as a witnessing tool. But that’s defeating the purpose of witnessing to someone when you have to take time to discuss how the entire movie is wrong and unBiblical. There is a new and better and more important movie out right now that should be used as a witnessing tool and that’s “God’s Not Dead”. I believe this “Noah” movie will try to be a distraction from this more important movie, “God’s Not Dead”. I believe that’s what Satan wants. It’s no coincidence that it’s coming out around the same time. I will not waste my time or money to go see “Noah”. I’ll wait to spend a $1 at Redbox to see it and critique it, etc… My money will go to support “God’s Not Dead”, a movie that can actually make a Biblical difference in someone’s life.
Glenn Beck Saw ‘Noah’ Over the Weekend, and He’s Calling It the ‘Babylonian Chainsaw Massacre’
I highly recommend reading the article that was done on Glenn Beck seeing the movie. Very good article. It can be found in The Blaze.
Very very very proud of the non-Trinitarian Mormon making the points that our orthodox Christian leadership SHOULD be making. Very sad days. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/03/24/beck-saw-noah-over-the-weekend-and-hes-calling-it-the-babylonian-chainsaw-massacre/
Glenn Beck= ZERO credibility.
Everything he states in his article is completely accurate. Already been confirmed by several that have seen the movie.
Go for it. Absolutely use “God’s Not Dead” to share your faith. But the truth is, hundreds of thousands more will see “Noah” so let’s be ready for both.
Oh I’ll be ready for it if anyone comes to me with confusion and questions. All I need to do is show them in the Bible what’s accurate, etc… Plus, I might spend a $1.20 from Redbox to review it in my own home but they won’t get $10 from me at the theaters. The problem you need to think about is the 1,000’s and 1,000’s of people that have no clue about what the Bible teaches and won’t even bother questioning it. What are you going to do to help those lost souls?
That’s a great question jewlzee, and from my perspective, that secular audience already has distortions about the Noah story (if they know it at all). Plus, the major themes are in the movie – God’s judgement and justice, man’s sin, and God’s mercy. I worry less about peripheral elements like rock people or Tubal Cain on the boat. Our salvation doesn’t rest on them – it rests on the mercy of God.
Good question and thanks for asking!
Thanks and you’re welcome. That’s why I can’t and won’t support movies that go way over to the left too much with adding craziness. It doesn’t bother me when a movie might add or take away from the Bible a little bit even though God says not to do that, but they took it too far, way too far. The important elements get lost. As a Christian, and in my little opinion, I will not support or agree with a movie like this bc of the confusion and lies it will teach those that are lost/unsaved. The Devil, too often, wants us to just sit back and accept and not make a big deal about something that might not be “so bad” but I can’t and won’t do that. Too much of that is happening these days with “little things”. Where will it end if we keep letting things slide? It will just get worse and worse if we don’t take a stand for so called peripheral elements that are really much larger than peripheral. Satan wants us to think those elements are just peripheral, which obviously they’re not or none of this controversy would be happening. I personally am tired of accepting things that aren’t so bad when in reality and in the long run they will be so bad.
Oh my Goodness,get of it People,it is a Movie.I am a Christian praise the LORD,and i am going to see the MOVIE ”NOAH”.It does not say,”NOAH OF THE BIBLE”’.I have been wondering for a long time about certain things to do with Noah and the Ark,i know GOD TOLD NOAH TO BUILD THE ARK ,TAKE HIS FAMILY AND ANIMALS TWO BY TWO AND STAY THERE TILL HE GETS A SIGN.AMEN. I don’t think that GOD is getting upset about the Movie,like PHIL says,it get’s People talking about GOD AGAIN.We do not know Noah and never met him,Noah was a Man of GOD and i am certain that he was a good ,loving and kind Man.So go and enjoy the Movie,dust of your Brains and start thinking and taking part in the conversation.Thank you so much Phil Cooke and GOD BLESS YOU,
Rock people, ROCK people! Oh, and a homicidal lunatic for a hero. YAY!!!!
Thank you Monika; YES it is JUST A MOVIE! Take it as such people. YES I am a Christian and Yes I want to see it, even after all the negative comments listed here. I don’t expect any movie made to be true to its roots. It’s entertainment, pure and simple. And another comment issued went for the fact that at least it should get people talking about GOD and the BIBLE again. And that I think is what GOD would want.
Hey fellow Christians! In love, I would have to submit that scripture is full of commands that would suggest we don’t see this movie (and a lot of other movies for that matter) (Philippians 4:8, Colossians 2:8, 1 John 2:15-17) . Personally, I love and honor God too much to allow any person to take “artistic license” with His word. I think it’s dangerous and deceiving. I think it’s also dangerous for anyone to tell other Christians to go see it (James 3:1, 1 Corinthians 8:9, Mark 9:42). I know some of you might be coming to this site in order to seek justification for seeing the movie, but be careful! Choose the narrow path my brothers! Read your Bibles!!
You didn’t get deleted. Maybe you didn’t post correctly. Try again.
Everyone needs to be led by the Spirit of God whether or not to see the movie. There could be one part in this film the Holy Spirit wants you to see that could change your entire life. God can use anything to speak to you, even a donkey, a magazine, a billboard. If eternal life comes to one soul from watching this movie it would have worth it all. Christ paid the ultimate price, if the millions of dollars it took to produce this movie could bring only one to salvation wouldn’t you have wanted that one person to be you?
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God. This is not the word of God. Be very careful lest you deceive yourself. I believe that God uses His word to convict people of sin and leads them to the cross for salvation, forgiveness, repentance, and sanctification. I submit to you that God’s word is emphatically clear about these types of issues. Eternal life comes by one way only…Jesus Christ, and He is absent from this film. In fact, the ark is supposed to be a representation of Jesus. If anything, the Holy Spirit should be telling you to stay away! The only reason I could possibly come up with to see the movie is pastor Derrick’s comment above regarding educating his youth group on the fallacies of the movie. However, you don’t even need to do that. Plenty of brothers and sisters in Christ have already seen it and given ample reason for not supporting the film.
I agree with Mr. Cooke, although I haven’t seen the movie, yet anything taken out of the Bible is a good thing!As a former art student ( who now have become a pastor) I understand as a filmmaker, one needs to make bold moves and choices as to present a movie, in order for the movie to be enjoyable and this is what the director had done, and fyi, he directed award nominated movie and I believe he strived to maintain his artistic style to it. As to whether it interpreted the Bible correctly, I won’t even go there. Why? Because no matter what you believe, whether you’re an atheist or a believer or even a Muslim, when you get your hands on the Bible, it truly shows that the Bible is undeniably powerful!!
“…Paramount values the Christian audience and wants to work with us.”
You, sir, are a special breed of stupid
Thanks J. Since you’ve never met anyone there, or know what their motivations are, I’ll stick with my position!
http://travelwithcyrus.com/2014/03/28/why-russell-crowes-film-noah-has-touched-my-heart-for-all-the-wrong-reasons/
DO NOT FILL THE COFFERS OF THIS MOVIE W/ ONE CENT OF YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY! If you forego reading this review, let me spell out only a couple of reasons why, in addition to the Director being an Atheist and stating, it was his goal to make the least Biblical movie possible.
http://travelwithcyrus.com/2014/03/28/why-russell-crowes-film-noah-has-touched-my-heart-for-all-the-wrong-reasons/
” The film promotes Evolution instead of Creation!!! How is this even possible in a Biblical movie? Noah sits down to share the story of creation to his family once again and the film shows how creatures of the ocean appeared, eventually turned into lizards, dinosaurs, apes, and finally humans. Nowhere does it mention that man was created in God’s own image.
The main builders of the ark are angels who fell from heaven and became giant rock creatures!”
If the director being an atheist is a problem for you, better not watch any Bible movies. Here’s why:
https://philcooke.com/christians-watch-bible-movie-directed-atheist/
Phil, “rock people” and “homocidal Noah.” When you state that its not 100%, you must be like joking or something or on drugs or just a shill for the corporations that let you on set. You should have had the manhood to tell them then and there that it was a horrible idea and to change the script. Dont push junk movie making just because you were on set.
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but upon hearing that such movie came out, I opted to see the trailer of it. I will see the movie when it posts in netflix just to c it in its entirely to analyze it n discuss it in church. The prince of darkness will have one os its agencies to create n promote these types of films just to communicate error n doubt n somehow cast doubt on the inspiration of God’s word. He knows he has but a short time left so he will try to bring as many as he can. I would suggest reading the book Patriarchs n Prophes, it has a great chapter on what really happened.
This is nonsense.
“2…they used a disclaimer.” So? That doesn’t mean anything – what about the disclaimer at the start of Dogma?
4. This strays so far from the Biblical account of the flood, it would have been far better to give the protag a different name and forget about any Biblical basis. “Extra-Biblical content” can be ok – take Ben Hur, but still true to the Bible. This completely changes it, and hijacks it to peddle a really weird ‘green’ agenda, nothing more.
“5. Our expectations may be unrealistic.” Even Bruce/Evan Almighty had ‘God’ in them, and they were pisstakes! Noah doesn’t even have God in it.
“6…to promote a Bible story” – see point 4. Also, they are purely doing it to make money. Surely that’s obvious.
7. One can share the good news of Christ without using a movie that
seeks to skew the Word. Like you said – “it’s just a movie” after all…
“8. It’s only a movie.” So…pornography is just videos? 50 Shades of Grey is just a book? That is NOT the outlook Jesus wants us to have.
9. We need to protect the world from misrepresenting Jesus, and especially children from such indoctrination.
“…damaging their ability to make change happen.” Seriously? You would see an industry misinform people about God just because you think there’s a chance of a few people changing it? “Seek ye first the kingdom of God…and the rest shall be added unto you.”
I have never heard of you, thank goodness. But these arguments of yours are completely illogical and quite frankly dangerous. You need to go back to God’s Word to see how He wants you to deal with this movie – don’t be relying on your own understanding. Which, as it seems, sucks.
Sort yourself out mate.
Huw
Thank you for your response! You said exactly the words I wanted to say to this man. This is a wolf in sheeps clothing and he’s trying to fool people into thinking that this is ok. We are living in perilous times and this kind of person scares me. Thanks again!
No trying to fool anyone Kathy. I have no issue with anyone’s problems with the movie. I certainly have mine. All I’m asking is that we actually see it before we trash it. If we really want to change Hollywood (and the gospel calls us to that) criticizing without knowing what we’re criticizing doesn’t help. I assume you don’t criticize your pastor’s sermons before you hear them. I simply suggest we know what we’re talking about first – then we can criticize all we like.
Phil, you are missing one tremendous point. To see the movie is to pay. To pay is to financially support the director (atheist), the actor, and their beliefs. There is no justifiable Biblical reason to do so. You are stating a personal opinion devoid of Scriptural facts.
As a Christian and a pastor, I cannot financially support a “Bible based” movie by a self proclaim atheist who’s last movie glorified lesbianism.
You are exactly right that I do not know what is in the movie, but I have done enough research about the director and the actor to know that I do not need to see the movie based on their fruits.
“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?” (Matthew 7:15,16)
The one good thing I will say about this particular movie is that there are Christians coming out in a unified force to finally say enough is enough, we will not allow Hollywood or any other compromising believer debase the Biblical idea of truth and justify it.
I have no problem with that at all Chris – and I’m not missing that point. Absolutely don’t go if you’re uncomfortable. My beef is with leaders who are mounting petition drives and boycotts – without seeing it. I believe it really hurts our witness to be dishonest about what we’re talking about. If we’re going to change Hollywood (or anyone else) we have to have integrity before we mount a national campaign against something.
But personally – I agree with you about not going if you’re not comfortable.
One really doesn’t have to see the movie to understand that an atheist has made a comment that he is going to make this movie the most Unbiblical biblical movie ever!! He is using the bible to draw people in and he is making a mockery of God’s people by taking such a powerful story and perverting it!! Plain and simple; I do not have to smoke meth to know and understand what it will do to me!!!! That is utterly ridiculous!! God warns His people to AVOID even the APPEARANCE of evil!!! OH, and the disclaimer…that’s an even bigger JOKE!! How long has there been a “disclaimer” on cigarette packets??? And yet how many people are STILL picking them up EVERY DAY????
I really do not mean to be disrespectful, this just really makes no since to me to ENCOURAGE people to go and see this movie. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t agree with boycotting it either…I mean, lets be realistic! When we as Christians do things like that we are just giving free publicity to things like that, I just believe that as a Christian, we should allow the Holy Spirit to help us to make good decisions on how to handle things like this.
Phil, that IS THE POINT. You’re missing it. Christian leaders SHOULD encourage a boycott of the film because of its intentional dishonest presentation. This film serves only two purposes: To make the director money, and to misrepresent (as much as possible) the Gospel. To quote my young teenager…. “/facepalm.”
Not sure you’ve seen this interview with the writer, and a some Christian leaders who support the movie, but it might give you some insight on the writer and director’s intention:
https://philcooke.com/first-look-christian-leaders-speak-noah-movie/
“As a Christian and a pastor, I cannot financially support a “Bible based” movie by a self proclaim atheist who’s last movie glorified lesbianism.”
Seriously? I do not believe you, Chris Thomas. I do not believe these to be the words of a Christian, much less a pastor. Passing harsh judgement on somebody simply due to their lack of faith? That seems incredibly UN-christian to me. What happened to “Love thy neighbor”?
I have to wonder if you even read the article above, or if, like this movie, you simply assumed that it would be full of hubris and atheist propaganda. Phil Cooke makes valid points in his article about why Christians should see this movie. As a pastor, someone called by god to share his word, I would think it your duty to see this film even if you only did so in order to discuss it with your congregation, as Phil Cooke suggested.
Andrew, to love the neighbor does not mean accepting the sin. That is where so many of us get it wrong. In fact, when Jesus made that particular statement, he was quoting Leviticus 19:18. Interestingly enough, in Leviticus 19:17 we find that we must rebuke the wrong doings. As far as judging….the director called himself an atheist and his last movie was “Black Swan”.
As a youth pastor, I will be seeing it. Not because I think it will be a good Bible based story, but because many of my students will, or already have, seen this movie, mainly because of the star power. I will not talk about this movie during youth group, but will discuss with the ones who have seen it to discuss biblical truth. I took my students to see God’s not dead and had some great discussion about the pros and cons of it. This one seems too off base to promote as a tool for ministry, but I do see some great conversation coming because of it.
I dont believe god would have picked noah to do the job he did ,unless having faith in him to get the job done,and i cant believe noah would kill his family!!
i think it should be scraped ,and re made!
You are trying to take something that is awful and say a lot of useless words to make it sound ok. You are a wolf in sheeps clothing and I pray that Christians are wise enough to see that. You need God!
We all need God.
You are a joke! So we should give our money to something that rather intentionally attempts to undermine God and take him out of a pivotal event from the Bible?!?! Really?? No. Perhaps you were paid to write this to try and tempt people back to see it, therefore increasing their profits. And, because it is a big budget film and highly advertised, it WILL make profits…just not as much without the funds of us that see through this attempt at mockery. The director is a proclaimed atheist who stated that he intended to make the “least Biblical Biblical film in history” – does that sound like the company REALLY intended to do something about Bible stories and they were “serious” about it?! Not at all. They put someone who has no personal belief in the story or any love for it and had him oversee it. Of course its going to be awful – he wants to prove a point that God doesn’t exist and he’s trying to use film cloaked in the premise of a Bible story to do so. By saying we should support it and that we should financially aid such hypocrisy and anti-God sentimentality you are telling Hollywood that “it’s okay that you mock God, we’re good with that. Bring us more” Pathetic.
In response to your #4 when you said we..meaning Christians…should be more encouraging because we asked for this for some time….well no…I’m sure no Christian has ever asked hollywood to make a mockery of our beliefs, the Bible, or God. I am sure we never asked for anything like this and it should certainly NOT be encouraged or supported unless we want more of the same. Which I do not.
Side note…bringing in rock people undermines the work Noah did, it makes light of the power of God and one’s faith, and Noah’s actions…seriously…no. just no. Not our Noah. Not Noah from the Bible.
I agree! 100%!!!
You can “try” and rationalize the pros of watching this movie but the simple fact is that by doing so, you are supporting a hollywood that allowed an atheist to produce a movie based on a biblical story- which is insane! It’s like a high school dropout producing a movie about medicine…it’s impossible because they couldn’t comprehend or relate to the material. This atheist can’t comprehend or relate to God or his love and you are disgusting for even suggesting that people should support a blasphemous misrepresentation of our loving God……There is no worse sin than to hinder a person from being saved ……I wonder how many unknowing people will be very confused about our awesome God after watching this movie- maybe that’s what you should be worried about !
Some atheist are extremely well studied in the bible. A large amount of them actually grew up in Christian homes and attended church regularly. Atheism does not equal ignorance. Simply a different outlook than yours.
@Ash. No one said atheist were ignorant , what I’m saying is an atheist, because one doesn’t BELIEVE, can’t understand the spiritual side of God. They can be STUDIED all they want, but they don’t understand. Plain and simple. This isn’t a different view point !
Went to see the movie hoping for an epic filim with Russell Crowe. I love all his period films. Plus a couple of epic lines from the previews “I am not alone” and “It’s the beginning”. I am grateful that we saw the movie, because seeing it made me go back and read the story of Noah in the Bible plus even more. But we left disappointed on two key facts I wish they would have stayed with the Bible; the sons all had wives, so there is no way Ham would have left alone after the flood because there is no one else to find to repopulate. Secondly, that the villain made it onto the ark and hid and plotted with son Ham to kill Noah. Not sure about the fallen angels being rock creatures. But was fine with hollywood trying to fill in the time and reading between the lines to make a movie. I thought it was pretty cool to put the animals to a deep sleep which was probably taken from when God put adam in a deep sleep to create woman. The sword of Methusalah probably came from the flaming sword of the angel, God posted at the east of the Garden of Eden. I don’t think the fallen angels were forgiven, but when one of them was about to die, the rock creature asked “God forgive me” and God forgave him and brought them to heaven in their original form. I liked the twin daughters being born whom I thought would be Ham and Japeth’s wives one day since they didn’t have wives when they entered the ark according to the movie not the Bible. It won’t be a movie we’ll buy or probably not even rent when it comes out. But still grateful I saw it. God can use anything for his purpose and glory. God did use a donkey to talk to one of his prophets/disciples. I do believe God will use this movie too, even if that is to get “non-believer” curious enough to pickup the Bible and see how close or how far from the Bible the story is.
Thank you. A rational voice amidst the chaos.
It’s not the movie that’s going to turn people away from Christianity. It’s how Christians are reacting to it. I can’t believe how people are treating the author of this blog, let alone the director of the film. How terribly sad to think a non-Christian might read this and see how people who claim to be Christian are speaking to another fellow Christian. And how Christians are treating the “atheist” director. I thought Christians were called to preach to those people, to love them, not bash them. Don’t want to see the film? Don’t. But don’t be hateful. Pretty certain that is not in the Bible. Thank you Phil for writing this blog and standing up for everyone, sinner or not.
Thanks Daffney. Well said.
Thanks David. Well said.
Hey Daffeny,
The issue is fellow Christians are called to rebuke each other when we are in folly. Just like you are trying to do in your post. I think we take issue with the fact that the author of this blog is recommending that other Christians go see this movie. I am following my convictions that scripture tells us not to take part in these types of things (see my post below for my reasoning). I would agree that the bible calls us to love people, the first command is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Only this will allow us to love others with a perfect love. This movie mocks God and His word. How then can we be silent? The word says if we deny Him, He will deny us.
I love others just fine with out God and I don’t need archaic fairy tales teaching me how to do it.
Yup, you are doing a fantastic job already. Coming to a Christian blog to mock people’s faith. What amazing love you have. You are lost and I’m so sorry. I was once where you are. Confess your sin and trust in Jesus. I will happily pray for you.
Davidabear – thanks for reminding people this is a “Christian” blog. After many of the responses, I don’t think some of my critics would agree…
🙂
Thanks for the support!
Hey Phil, no problem. While I adamantly disagree with your reasons for seeing the movie, I wouldn’t call into question your faith. We just have different convictions over this issue.
You are doing the same mocking. Rather hypocritical don’t you think? Do yourself a favor and stop engaging. It is embarrassing.
How exactly?
Christianity does a pretty good job of keeping me away on its own
NO ONE, except for GOD knows what really happened on the Ark. I’m sure after being cooped up for that length of time, most everyone was going a little bit crazy. It couldn’t have been an easy time, having to take care of that many animals and cooking for the family. Yes I am sure ‘LIBERTIES’ were taken with the making of this movie. But that happens with ALL movies made. If you don’t agree with ‘WHO’ made this movie or ‘HOW’ it was made, then DON’T go see it.
The movie was made by men, not your God. So too was the Bible written, by men, not God. And people make mistakes.
I went into the movie Noah optimistic and I’m not too prudish about Hollywood and Bible movies, I am pretty gracious at their interpretations. I can say that if you want to see a Hollywood version of Noah, this is a great one, as long as you’re not to attached to staying remotely biblical. If you hope to find a biblical telling of the story, this is far, far, far from it. I don’t mind extra-biblical things in a story, such as in The Passion of the Christ, Jesus builds tall table and tells his mother Mary that people will be eating at tall tables with tall chairs, okay, that’s extra-biblical and it’s cute. The things in Noah aren’t like that, they are more in tune with a Sci-fi fiction thriller and some things are actually disturbingly unbiblical. Do I think I violated something or displeased God by watching it, not at all. Did I walk away feeling good about the Noah movie, not even close.
This comment is in no way meant to cause an argument. I just politely and respectfully wholeheartedly disagree with taking a biblical story and changing everything about it “just to sell tickets”! God gave a very explicit warning about taking His word and CHANGING it! I believe this is just another New Age attack on belittling and taking away the validity of God and His word!! Exactly WHY does the story need to be changed??? There is NO mention of God in the whole movie. And how can a Christian justify supporting a movie that supports the theory of evolution instead of creationism??? This is UNGODLY and UNHOLY!! I understand about taking liberal creative moves in a story, but there is enough in scripture AND history that could have been researched and added to the story and God would not have had to be removed!!!
“How can a Christian justify supporting a movie that supports the theory of evolution instead of creationism?” SPEAK FOR YOURSELF. You DO NOT speak for all Christians, or even most of them, when you reject science. PLENTY of Christians accept evolution, just as we accept the Earth is 4.5 billion years old, not 6,000. We are not all close-minded, lockstepping morons. Frankly I am SICK of the idiots giving the rest of us a bad name.
If a Christian supports evolution, they clearly do not have a firm grasp on the gospel. Truth is truth. Christians have the right to believe whatever they want, but to deny Creation is flat out denying God. I recommend lots of time in prayer for those Christians who pick and choose which parts of the Bible they are going to believe.
Christians who accept evolution are not DENYING there was creation. That’s the whole point. Genesis was written at a time when men believed the Earth to be flat. If THAT was explicitly stated in scripture, would you insist today that it is true? Our planet is round, not flat. THAT is truth. The Earth is 13 billion years old, not 6,000. THAT is truth. The Church MUST adapt to the revelation of scientific fact. It must adapt, or watch itself deteriorate slowly as future generations abandon it. And you Creationists are already doing a pretty good job of turning people off. Most intelligent Christians have no problem wrapping their head around the idea that one of God’s “days” in Genesis could have encompassed billions of years AND the evolution of our species. It doesn’t threaten their faith. Frankly, I think God is a lot bigger than you Creationists seem to be capable of comprehending.
Unfortunately, Marcus, you have confused evolution with science. Evolution can never be proven because it is a wild speculation about something in the distant past. If you actually utilize the scientific method, observation followed by developing a thesis about said observation and subsequent testing to confirm or deny the thesis, evolution not only can’t be confirmed, it doesn’t even meet basic scientific methods. Not only does evolution fail scientifically, it’s not even a logical assumption based on the evidence we all share. Having studied it over many years, evolution would take far more faith to believe than the straight forward reading of the Bible. I suggest that before you blindly accuse Creationists or others who understand and accept that God wrote truth, not fiction, you actually research evolution and it’s supposed “facts.” You’ll find out that it is woefully lacking in logic, scientific demonstration and is a “just so story” created to discount God and the Bible. The truth is that science confirms what the Bible has already told us, and yes, God was right from the beginning. To feel a need to believe something else simply demonstrates an agenda that elevates man above God. That will never work.
There is no need to convince. The Holy Spirit can take care of that. I am not worried about the church, I am worried about the lost.
Marcus,
Name calling is proof of ignorance. Just because a bunch of people say that you can be a Christian and also believe in evolution, doesn’t mean they are right. Your use of the word “science” is very loose. The burden of proof is on evolutionists to prove macro-evolution ever took place. A god that uses evolution is not worthy of worship and is not the God of the Bible. Please do not insult me for trusting in the word of God as truth.
“A god that uses evolution?” God CREATED evolution, along with everything else. No, the burden of proof is very much on scriptural literalists, I’m afraid, and unfortunately the geologic record has already proven you fundamentally wrong. The Earth is not 6,000 measly years old, and no amount of wishing or believing will ever make it so.
Marcus,
Man (not God) created the theory of evolution. Be very careful with what you attribute to God. It breaks my heart how out of touch you are, and judging by your tone, you don’t need a debate, you need the love of Jesus and Holy Spirit. Evolution (along with your harshness see Galatians:5 and Colossians:3) contradicts scripture period. It puts death before sin. As for the geologic column, show me one place it exists on earth. I will agree that facts are facts and they cannot be disputed, but evolution (in the macro form) is not science. It’s a type of religion that takes a greater amount of faith (in my opinion) to believe in.
I am going to use the movie as an evangelistic tool
Just saw the film Noah. I’m going to post a review on my blog later, but let me say this now: This film has NOTHING to do with the Bible except the name Noah. I would not say that it should not be seen, it is simply not a film to educate people about the Bible or motivate people to trust God and his Word. It’s just a fictional movie. It is no better than “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” or other films that pull something from the Bible. In fact, Indiana Jones was better!
I understand “creative license” but unnecessarily contradicting scripture sends a message… “The Bible is neither relevant nor reliable. Doesn’t matter what it says.”
1 Pet. 3:20, “To those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water.”
Gen. 7:13 On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with his wife and the wives of his three sons, entered the ark.
Look at how the movie handled these plainly stated instances.
Persons on the ark:
1. Noah
2. Noah’s wife
3. Shem
4. Shem’s wife
5. Ham
6. Japheth (a youth)
7. A stow away from Cain’s line with whom Ham conspired to kill Noah (unsuccessful)
8&9 Shem’s twin girls (That Noah wanted to kill until he changed his mind)
There is also the non-trivial issue of the movie writer/director reason for why God destroyed everything:
Quotes from Noah film:
“The Creator said that people will be destroyed for what they’ve done TO THE WORLD.” (environment) “The innocent will be saved….THE ANIMALS”
Not to argue, but the Peter & Genesis passages aren’t contradicted.
–
With Peter, “Persons on the ark” does not equal “saved through water”; because the stow-away dies.
And although I believe it is implied in the Genesis account, it does not say they were the ONLY people to enter the ark.
–
In other words, the bible states that a group of people entered, it lists eight but does not exclude the possibility of others, and in the NT we read that 8 were brought safely through (therefore everyone presumes that only 8 got on board, but it doesn’t state as much).
The Bible states that 8 made it through safely.
In the movie, 8 made it through safely.
–
Also, in the movie, Noah never “wanted” to kill the twin babies (a point his wife makes when she acknowledges how difficult this task has been, letting people die). He believed he was being obedient in only allowing his family on the ark as commanded by God in his vision/dreams.
–
Abraham was instructed to do the same to his own son, and at the last moment God spared him of this act of obedience by providing a sacrifice.
I saw the knife/baby moment as being very similar to the Abraham/Isaac moment.
I was impressed they depicted the consternation he felt so vividly.
–
We do not know this account in the movie is inaccurate, although I’ll admit this is not what I believe happened.
–
I’m just hesitant to use the word “contradict” when it clearly does not.
–
As for the environment issue, I believe that God entrusted humanity to be good stewards over His creation. And I believe we have done a poor job of that. Does that mean I’m a Global Warming leftist?
No.
I just try to be obedient to Him.
Sadly, I think many Christians do not care enough about our planet, and I also think they fear doing so out of fear of being labeled a tree-hugger.
Every generation believes Christ is returning in his/her generation (and so who cares what happens to the planet?), but much to their dismay, they die without seeing His return.
Even the churches in Thessalonica believed He was returning at that time.
2,000 years later, at some point, I’m hoping Christians will take ownership of the planet and be responsible stewards of it.
Because that would be obedient.
–
Did the movie take it too far?
–
I’m currently undecided.
–
I do believe they took the vegetarian/anti-meat-eating element too far.
(as well as Lamech’s premature death and the giants & Watchers being morphed into one being instead of the two represented in the Bible)
–
[see Gen. 6:1-4 “sons of God” (angels) & “daughters of man” (human girls) procreating to create the Nephilim (giants) and Watchers in Daniel 4:13, 23, and another in that chapter.]
The bible plainly states that eight souls were saved. They were Noah and his wife, their sons and wives. Scripture also accounts for their identity and movements after leaving the ark.
This is precisely the basis of my concern: People will allow a fictionalized multi-million dollar Hollywood movie to challenge the long established and plain meaning of scripture and make assertions where the scripture is silent.
I’m not undecided neither about what the Bible teaches nor this fictional movie.
I guess my unnecessary response is simple.
–
Do you believe in the resurrection of Christ?
(I presume so, given your apparent loyalty to scripture)
–
Good, so do I, otherwise I’m to be the most pitied among men, right?
–
Do you believe in miracles?
–
I presumed as much, since you seem to believe in Jesus and the resurrection.
–
(I’m presuming quite a bit, please correct me when I do so in error.)
–
Do you believe Joseph REEEAAAALLY killed a giant?
This might surprise you, but I ALSO believe Joseph killed a giant, named Goliath.
–
The fact is, most Christians are unaware of the additional meanings in the Genesis 6-9 flood accounts and even more so of the extrabiblical material addressing it.
–
And although MODERN scholars question whether the “sons of God” (Gen 6:1-4) refer to angels, the history of the church has maintained that position for thousands of years.
(something I believe you would appreciate, the “long established and plain meaning of scripture,” right?)
–
I would be curious to know what the majority of people believe to be the “long established and plain meaning of scripture.”
–
The New Testament writers and early church fathers believed the giants were a factor in this story, and yet everybody is discarding the movie b/c of the “rock giants.”
–
While I don’t think they were “rocky,” per se, the “long established” tradition of the church is that the giants were present.
–
In scripture, they’re called the Nephilim.
–
I would bet that most Christians do not realize this, b/c it’s not something typically taught in Sunday School.
–
They also believed that the angels taught them “forbidden knowledge” (like astrology, metallurgy, cosmetics, etc.)
–
In fact, interesting tidbit, Tertullian believed that women shouldn’t wear makeup, because it glorified the sinful fall of the angels.
–
I personally didn’t care for how the movie handled the sons’ wives thing, either, but I cannot deny, either, that it IS a possible interpretation of the various passages (if seen a bit prophetically).
–
You pointed out what the bible plainly states, and the movie plainly showed those eight souls get saved.
–
And those eight were Noah and his wife, their sons and wives.
–
Maybe the sequel will clear it up when Ham returns to claim his niece for his bride.
–
I don’t think the movie’s intention was to undermine scripture, in fact, I believe they did what they could to uphold it.
–
The only reprehensible aspect I saw was the anti-meat-eating agenda present.
–
I can suffer the morphing of the giants and the angels and overlook the anachronistic death of Lamech, as well as the other creative licenses I disagreed with, but the PETA push was too much.
–
Other than that, they did a standup job portraying the non-negotiable aspects of the story as well as attempting to show Noah as a real man facing a great challenge.
Not perfect, but far better production than most “Christian” movies out there.
And most “Christian movies” are a bit watered-down to not offend, whereas this movie didn’t shy away from God’s wrath and punishment.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that.
–
–
BOTTOMLINE:
In the end, I trust the New Testament writers and early church fathers over the modern scholars and S.S. teachers who claim to know more than the NT Christians did.
The words “plain meaning” is a term we use in biblical hermeneutics. The methodology for proper interpretation of Holy Scripture is well established by Bible scholars and students of all generations, past and present.
I’m not sure what you mean by “we,” but if you mean “biblical scholars,” I think you can count me in that lot, as I have multiple degrees in biblical languages, hermeneutics, and theology.
–
The New Testament writers and early church fathers would have not been shocked by the contents of this movie.
–
The point I was making was that these generations of which you speak, past and present, predominantly have interpreted the Genesis 6:1-4 passage as the movie did.
Tradition actually resides with the movie’s contents.
The filmmaker made the following statement: “…It was very important to us to do two things at the same time: one was to not do anything which contradicted the letter of the text and the second was wherever we could – without contradicting Genesis – we wanted to break expectations. So we went very deep…”
As a supporter of the film, how do you explain this “interpretation?”
Gen. 7:13 “On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with his wife and the wives of his three sons, ENTERED THE ARK”.
Look at how the filmmaker “interpreted” the letter of Genesis 7:13:
Persons on the ark:
1. Noah
2. Noah’s wife
3. Shem
4. Shem’s wife
5. Ham
6. Japheth (a youth)
7. A stow away from Cain’s line with whom Ham conspired to kill Noah (unsuccessful)
8&9 Shem’s twin girls
I’m asking you, did the movie contradict the letter of the text in violation of their pre-release promotional pledge?
I haven’t seen the movie as yet. I might, when it comes to DVD.
I must, however, speak up on your PETA push, as you call it. After Noah and the other inhabitants of the Ark disembarked, they built an altar and offered a sacrifice to YHWH (Gen 8:20-21). In Gen 9, YHWH replies:
1 So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them:
“Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.
2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand.
3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.
Under the Adamic covenant, man was only allowed fruits, vegetables, herbs, etc. Under this dispensation there were sacrifices, of course, but the meat was totally immolated on the altar; the skins were used for clothing, tents, etc. (Reference Gen 3:21 when YHWH clothed the man and the woman with skins of animals to replace their feeble attempts to cover themselves with fig leaves.)
In the movie, eating meat is condemned, which is clearly unbiblical. Noah and his family were told to take animals onto the ark to eat.
TO EAT.
The movie depicts the eating of animals as some sort of abominable act, and it doesn’t have the animals sacrificed on this altar of which you speak.
–
Everything you quoted reinforces my entire post.
I presume this statement was made out of ignorance: ” While it was too late to add it to the film,..”. Films are not “film” anymore. They are digital products that can be added to as easily as you open up a Word document and type in text.
As for your “logic” in getting people to watch this who won’t believe it, what you’ve basically said is “if Hollywood makes a Biblical movie portraying Jesus as a mass murderer, that’s a good thing.”
Wait, I think you actually DID say that! “4. For at least a decade, we’ve been asking Hollywood to produce movies based on the Bible.
Now that they’re doing it, let’s be more encouraging. So far, they’ve
proven to be serious in the effort, whether they miss the target or not.
So let’s support it, not stifle it.”
By the way, I’m not a Bible thumping Christian. I merely believe in logic.
You appear to be neither.
Thanks – but I understand the process. The movie was already being packaged for international distribution and was locked. The disclaimer discussion was very late in the process, and one of the reasons we were happy with them doing the disclaimer in the advertising is that if it was done on the movie, people would have already paid their money. By putting it on the advertising, people could make a more informed decision before buying a ticket.
Hope that helped!
It sounds like most Christians are upset with movie based off a presumed butchering of the biblical narrative. I would like to offer a Conservative Evangelical’s view after having watched the movie.
Are there elements which directly conflict with the biblical narrative?
Yes.
I counted at least 3:
1) Lamech’s death took place centuries too early (a decision by the creative team, I presume, to add drama to Noah’s experience as a boy instead of as a grown man losing his father).
2) The Watchers and Giants seemed to be morphed into one person. In Genesis 6:1-4, the angels who reproduce with humanity produce giant offspring. The Watchers found in Daniel and Enoch (extra-biblical material that New Testament & early church fathers writers quote) are the angels themselves. Again, another creative license, but it doesn’t really undermine the overall story/plot/accuracy.
3) Pro-vegetarian Noah – passively leaving out Noah’s family eating meat would have been tolerable, but the implied condemnation on those who eat meat (see Noah and the hunters, Ham’s eating of meat on the ark, and lack of the sacrifice at the altar) pushed this issue too far.
And in this same vein, the Cain descendent seemed to be the more sensible one when it came to human dominion of the earth.
That about covers it.
Nearly everything else I saw COULD have happened (though I would argue that many did not).
If these three conflicts bother you badly enough, avoid the movie.
If not, go see it and establish your OWN opinion.
I’m glad I did.
And for the record, the Peter passage states that 8 persons were brought SAFELY through the flood.
The stow-away did NOT make it safely through the flood, and as such, there was no contradiction with the biblical narrative.
The same principle can be applied with the wives.
I was also thoroughly impressed with how clever they handled views of Creation: natural evolution (atheistic), theistic evolution, and literal six-day.
I think a person from any one of those camps could walk away pleased with the portrayal of Creation.
And lastly, anyone who foolishly believes there is no mention of God needs to stop reading whatever they’re reading, because that source is misleading & untrustworthy.
God permeates this film like few others I’ve seen.
Noah points out that the Creator began with nothing (and anyone who knows Christian doctrine will recognize the value of creation ex nihilo “out of nothing”).
They refer to God as “He” numerous times in reference to speaking to humanity, being obedient to Him, etc.
I was very impressed with how much scripture was quoted in the movie.
God’s presence is felt more in the movie of Noah than He is the biblical book of Esther (which REALLY doesn’t mention God).
In other words, not using the three-letter word G-O-D doesn’t seem to be that horrible of a thing, since a book in the bible doesn’t either.
Could there have been a pro-environmental, PETA, whatever agenda?
Sure.
In the end, I saw an amazing opportunity for Christians to have this dialogue:
“Isn’t it crazy that all those people knew the flood was coming and had no second chance? That’s what I love about Jesus. Another punishment is coming, but we have an opportunity to be rescued, unlike those folks!”
If they’re going to watch it, it creates an opportunity for me to also do so, become all things to all people, and hope to offer them a message of hope.
And in case Glenn Beck is reading this:
I completely agree children shouldn’t watch this for the same reason they shouldn’t watch Harry Potter.
Read the book first.
Otherwise, you’ll forever see Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, Rupert Grint as Ron, and Emma Watson as Hermione (or Noah’s daughter-in-law).
But once they’ve read the stories, seeing the movies offers a more thorough dialogue of the story itself.
In other words, read the book first, THEN watch the movies.
Respectfully,
Tim Mercer (under his wife’s FB account, I think)
So knowing that Noah was a righteous man, he COULD have said that he would kill his newborn grandbaby if it was a girl?
Abraham, a righteous man, was willing to kill his only son to obey God.
Is it that much a stretch for Noah, a righteous man…but also tired, depressed and burdened with the knowledge that God is destroying humanity for its sin; to snap? To momentarily take it upon himself to enforce what he believed was God’s will?
Great point. But then again, that would cause us to stretch our thinking. 🙂
This is a tactic used by mainstream media. It is not new but now has easier access to the public. What happens is, you take a story that is personal to any group of people and twist it to fit your own needs and then tell it to the people and win them over to your side. It is mass propaganda! The interesting thing to keep in mind is that when Christian people say they ‘hate’ the movie, people who are not Christians will watch it too and wonder why. Not that we should not say we do not like it but be sure when you do you list the reasons or start your protest with the reasons and make sure that everyone knows that this is NOT the Bible story. Propaganda is a useful tool and Hollywood knows all about it! And YES, if someone was going to do a ‘serious’ movie about any topic, then they MUST be as close to the truth as possible! There is more than just Christians that should be offended here too! Jews and Muslims also come from the line of Abraham and it is in their Holy texts too. It is not about getting Hollywood to make films, that is what they do, it is about getting them to make them as correct as possible and most of the time, even with Historical epics, they add, change or completely chop up the original story to make it more interesting. This is 99% of the time a fatal flaw and the movie fails.
Had to share this commentary by my old parish priest, Fr. Ed Fride, who has a Ph.D. in Physics, as well as all his master studies in Theology, which includes an emphasis in Jewish Studies. He’s super orthodox and a extremely thoughtful and deeply spiritual man rooted in scripture. Here’s his take “Since theres ‘s much being said about “Noah”, I thought I’d add my two cents. (SPOILER ALERT)!!! I saw it last night; fortunately since one of my degrees is in Jewish Studies and I had a particular interest in Jewish legends concerning Genesis, there were no surprises. If you went expecting to see a Christian fundamentalist approach to Noah you would obviously be disappointed, but once it was clear that it was a Jewish perspective, immediately obvious from the zohar, then the film should be evaluated from that perspective. From that frame of reference, it was a very well done portrayal of a combination of Biblical and Midrashic views on the pre-Deluge world and on the flood itself, even to the Fallen Angels “being made one with the earth.” That point in particular was intriguing to me because the same legend was used recently in, of all places, “I Frankenstein”, which depicted these rock like creatures who could transform into angelic like beings, who were drafted by St. Michael to help fight the demons and when they were killed, ascended to Heaven in a glorious shaft of blue light. As to all the eco-babble about the film Noah, that’s a gross exaggeration; rape, murder , and other acts of violence were the clear issues, not strip mining. There was a clear revulsion of Noah and his family about eating meat, which was perfectly Biblically appropriate, since the Covenant with Adam forbade it: “I will give you all the plants for food.” Ironically , it was the post-flood covenant with Noah, that subsequently permitted eating meat. Noah’s family’s revulsion to killing animals was not eco-babble veganism but the appropriate response to a covenant still in effect. To appropriately contextualize Noah’s response to his family, think Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac. He apparently believed he was called to do it because he viewed all people as so wretchedly fallen, his experience of love for the twins and his wife’s argument demonstrated that innocence was possible and their starting over was the better response. If you were open to the Jewish perspective, it was a great film.”
Great insights Monique. I do know that Darren and Ari looked at the movie from their own Jewish backgrounds and the Misrash was a key part of the storytelling sources they used.
Glad it could help. I’ve been getting so tired of the naysayers. The way I look at it… there’s 2 choices to make in this life. 1) Create 2) Destroy. The naysayers are destroying a good thing and with little understanding. They are poorly informed. As someone else I know said “It’s been my experience that people, particularly Christians, need to actually go read the first 9 chapters of Genesis before dumping all over the Noah movie. The first covenant God had with humans – was a vegetarian one. Sorry if that makes you angry. But it’s not environmentalist spin – it’s what was written in the bible.” Food for Thought =) Thanks for staying on the side of grace!! BLESS