I’m hardly a prophet, but when I wrote the Plugged In Movie Review radio feature two weeks ago, I uncharacteristically penned these words:
Anytime Hollywood has told the story of Jesus—and there have been nearly 100 films made about Him—it’s inevitable that not everyone is going to be happy. I don’t think Jesus looked like that! Jesus wouldn’t have smiled when He said that! I know He didn’t walk that way. His hair would have been shorter! It would have been longer! Despite the naysayers, I think Mark Burnett and Roma Downey have struck the right balance …
I may have thought that Son of God struck the right balance, but many of you did not.
Anna emailed to say:
If they are going to make a movie based on the Bible, then it needs to go BY THE BIBLE, and not the parts of it. Taking the whole aspect of Satan out of it totally denounces the reality of sin and that is the entire reason why Jesus Christ came to this earth to save us. That was His purpose, and the meaning behind His birth, crucifixion, and Resurrection. He won the battle over Satan by conquering the grave … that’s kind of a big deal that didn’t need to be left out. But that’s just this Christian’s two cents.
Norma had similar thoughts:
This movie left me with an awful feeling, not because of the suffering and dying of Christ for me, but because it was inconsistent with the Gospels in telling the story of Christ, son of God, fully God in human form.
But many of you agreed with me (and Plugged In as a whole). Joan, for instance, wrote:
I just came back from seeing Son of God. I enjoyed it (if enjoy is the right word, hope you understand) more than The Passion of the Christ. I enjoyed it because I could listen to dialog and see the movie at the same time. I did not like having to read subtitles. This movie moved me more than The Passion of the Christ and I cried at the crucifixion resurrection scene[s] whereas I didn’t at Passion. Even though the crucifixion scene was less violent than Passion it made more of an impression on me.
Mary was similarly positive:
I just want to let you know that I saw this movie last night. IT WAS GREAT! The pastor of our church bought tickets for (three) show times. …The movie was so, so good. Diogo Morgado’s eyes look so loving—just how I would imagine that Jesus’ eyes would look. It makes you want to have the same love that Jesus has for everyone. This movie is a “MUST SEE”.
I totally understand that some people are going to view this film differently than I did. I can understand the criticism. But I disagree with those who have apparently made it a cause to keep people away from Son of God.
I believe this type of Christ-centered project only comes around on a very rare occasion. Will we see another film about Jesus in our lifetime? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, I think we should all be elated, even if the film isn’t word-for-word what we find in the Scriptures. How many churches, sermons, songs, Christian radio and TV stations are you aware of that have captivated thousands upon thousands for two hours and 18 minutes to be told about our Savior’s life, death and resurrection? Not many, I bet.
Regardless of how accurate (or inaccurate) we thought the film was, I hope we can all rejoice (along with the angels) of those who’ve come to Christ because of Son of God. Here’s just a couple of testimonies:
What an amazing weekend. Way to go! From our little corner we had 18 theaters sold out—200-300 first-time guests. Ran little clip before and after movie—people surrendered life to Christ right in theater, right there and then! Holy Spirit at work! One example: A guy brought 10 people, and 4 received Christ! Tears in my eyes as write this!
And then there was this:
I’m pretty sure the directors of this film are not professors of theology in any denomination. And I’m sure they didn’t have the intent to spark debates between such man-made organizations, but I’m thankful they took the time and used their money to have a dying world focus, even if for a two-hour time period, on the life of a perfect man who became sin for us and, to quote the Bible and the movie, IS “the life, the truth, and the way.” I’m thankful they didn’t invest in yet another vulgar movie about drugs and sex and and how skanky a person can be and get away with it. None of us have everything perfectly figured out about the Bible. We study it, and yes, there are absolutes. But for once, can we not beat down what may be the only Bible that some people will ever hear and see?
Dare I ask—your thoughts?
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