Saying "No" to Noah

Lately there have been quite a bit of big-hit movies that have Christian themes.  October Baby (my favorite), Son of God, The Bible mini-series, the upcoming Moses film and, of course, this weekend's biggest hit, "Noah."  

Yet unlike the above mentioned films, "Noah"does not strive to uphold Christian principles or promote the classic Bible story.  Instead, the falsities construed in the film are a slap in the face to Christians attending the film.

How is this so?  Let me count the ways:

 The beginning line of the film is
"In the beginning there was nothing."

It seems to be that the directors of the film also thought
that the greatest sin of all mankind was destroying the earth.  Instead of focusing on what we really know what was going on that was bad enough for God to want to start
the world from scratch again, they focus heavily on an blatant environmentalist principles.

Spoiler Alert: In this way, the film doesn't have to mention God.  Ever.

 

The movie also goes to extremes to create an impression that Noah just hates people.  Period.
There are a couple of instances that prove this point.
When his son's girlfriend is kidnapped by thugs, Noah
leaves her in their hands to die.
At the most shockingly false part of the film, Noah also is seen plotting to kill his unborn grandchild if it turns out to be a girl.

 So instead of the film being about how God is recreating the earth with the betterment of His children in mind, we are left with a film that describes Noah, a man anxious to just be done with the human race.  Even his own family.

Kevin Ham, the President of Answers in Genisus, who recently
debated Bill Nye the Science Guy on creation, had this to say
about the film:

"“Noah” is an insult to Bible-believing Christians, an insult to the character of Noah, and most of all, an insult to the God of the Bible. As a result, I believe Hollywood will have a much harder time in marketing future biblically themed movies to Christians."

This film earns a zero in my grade book.  What are your thoughts on the subject of Biblical films, or so called "Biblical" films?  I'd love to know!  Comment below!

God Bless!

Chloe M. 

The Struggle

It appears impossible at times.  A seemingly impossible task in a world splattered with sin and pain.  Yet the desire to pursue purity is a noble struggle indeed. 

As much as desire to, I cannot tell you that this struggle will get easier.  Or if it will even get better.  More socially acceptable.  However, I can tell you that it is worth it.  For, in the end, it is the issues that you have poured the most sweat, tears and blood into that will be the most valuable to you.

Concerning physical purity, there are things you can do to alleviate some difficulties.

The first is to avoid occasions that you know are tripping points for you.  Keep in mind that these are incredibly personal.  Stumbling blocks are as unique as you are.  What may cause you to slip and fall could be an unnoticeable pebble in the road for others.  If a recovering drug addict knows that a certain house would be conducive to regression, he should by all means avoid that house.  So to, the child of God struggling to remain pure should avoid occasions of sin specific to the vice.  That could mean not going over to a boy's house when you know that you two will be the only ones there.  That could mean closing down electronic devices when you are the only one there to keep tabs on yourself.  It could mean avoiding certain movies and music.  Yet these situations can only be identified you. 

Don't be afraid to use a two letter word that it seems we avoid more and more these days: "No."  True, it may be awkward when you have to tell your friends that you aren't going to go see that movie.  It may create some moments of silence when you tell the person you like that you can't come over, as much as every fiber of your very being is begging you to say yes.  Brian Kissinger said, "It’s better to be awkward and avoid sin than to fall into sin because we’re afraid of looking or seeming weird." 

Take advantage of Lent.  It is through Lent that we deny ourselves small things as a practice field of denying ourselves the sinful desires offered to us by this world.  So while not drinking coffee during the week may give you a HUGE caffeine headache (I know by experience that it does!), think of it as training to say no to something bigger when it comes. 

Build up strong walls.  Not physically.  That would be weird.  No - with people.  Surround yourself with those who are in the same mindset as you are.  A goal is more attainable when you know people are going to ask you about it.  If you want to run a 5K, but you don't ask anyone for tips or tell them about your goal, how easy will it be to give up on that goal?  The only person you are disappointing is yourself.  But if you tell lots of people about it and train with them, the less likely you are to give up on your goal.  Even if it's just asking someone to text you once a week and ask you how God is working in your life, you're much better off than trying to ride the struggle bus solo.  Not to be a Debbie Downer, but the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

The struggle is real....but so is the success.  You can do this.  I believe in you... and more importantly, so does God.

Chloe M.