WWJD film and theology

WWJD: What Would Jesus Direct? PART 1

If Jesus were alive today, he might trade in his robe and sandals for a movie camera and Jodhpur pants. This image of a mid-twentieth century director may not be too far-fetched. Jesus might well embrace the use of motion pictures to spread his ideas of salvation through love and grace. He was innovative in his own day and he would use the subtle images and stories to teach.

From their beginning, motion pictures have been wildly popular to the masses…and widely criticized by religious communities. Today, ministers frequently quote lines from movies or relate scripture passages in the context of popular films. Why? Because that is the frame of reference that is most cogent. Jesus told stories and parables to teach. However, people are no longer waiting around “mounts” for someone to “sermonize” to them. They are at malls…at sporting events…on-line...and at the movies. Christians should employ films in addition to the Bible for religious instruction of children, youths and young adults. A good minister ought to have a Cinematic Canon at hand to help relate to parishioners.



Ministers do collect, interpret and retell stories for religious instruction. And have done this throughout the recorded history to give substance and validity to their beliefs. The message has been brought to the masses via oral tales, psalms, hymns, epistles, gospels, statuary, stained-glass windows, passion plays, Christmas pageants, music and...movies. None are as important or revered as scripture—nor should they be. People should talk about religious aspects they see in films. Some films might inspire people to take Bibles off of dusty shelves to see what is actually written. I recall many of my friends pouring through Revelation looking up passages after watching The Seventh Sign (1988).

Recording and teaching religious history is crucial our understanding. Even as Jesus taught from scripture and knew the Hebrew Bible; he taught new things, in new ways. Allegory, metaphor and a new form called “parable” were the tools he used. The important thing is that even as he used new ways to reach the people, so must we in this age of technology be creative in reaching people today.

The Bible has become a lithographic tome. It is important to keep the text alive. Yet, Sunday school, Confirmation and Catechism lessons are easily forgotten. Children and young adults are more visually stimulated than previous generations. Even if viewed once, most people long after remember details of Mel Gibson’s The Passion (2004). I don’t put much stock in the authenticity of his particular telling, but it is a great “jumping off point” to telling the story as our Gospels tell it. Much of what the techno-Christian knows comes from movies, and many people would rather watch a film than read a book. Jesus was innovative we should be too as we share the word of God. The motion picture industry over the last 100 years has produced an extensive library of religious films and secular movies with subtle religious themes.

Films with transferable secular and sacred meaning will not replace scripture, but rather enhance it. The major focus of any Christian education should be the teachings of Jesus Christ. Major motion pictures already focus on many Christian themes; sometimes correctly and sometimes missing the mark. People are going to see them, we as Christians may as well use these opportunities as teaching moments. Important lessons are found in everyday movies. Having religious themes appear in everyday movies rather than separating religion from everyday life would better serve Christians. And, the benefits spill over into the secular world; since non-Christians continue to experience religious themes. We, however, cheapen the deliberate and deeply philosophical lessons and sociological themes that directors bring to us in their films by not taking the time to discuss their relevance.

Most people have created at least a mental list of favorite films which embrace values they support; if you will, a personal canon for theological understanding. Through screening, reflection and discussion, a Cinematic Canon for religious study would indeed be helpful in reaching people for theological instruction.

Tune in soon for a sequel to this posting as I explore Jesus films and Christ films.