And a couple evenings ago, T and I rented the movie from the Redbox. It had been awhile since I read the book, so I couldn't remember all the details, but this movie certainly isn't a 'Christian' movie in the way that Courageous and Fireproof are 'Christian' movies. In fact, folks who really like those movies might not like this movie (see the Plugged In review here). It has swearing. It has drug use. It has other uncomfortable topics. It is rated PG-13 and for good reason.
And yet, I think it is a movie worth watching for the thoughts and discussion alone (though if you rarely watch PG-13 or higher movies, then you're going to want to read the above review before renting- there's my disclaimer!).
The movie is based on the book which is based on the author's life. Don grows up in a Southern Baptist family in Texas with his mom and is all set to go to a Christian college when his life is thrown a significant wrench. Everything he's ever known- trust in his mom, faith in his church- is thrown into a complete tailspin, causing his to withdraw from the Christian college and instead enroll in Reed College, one of the country's most 'liberal' schools located in Portland. When he arrives there he hides his Christian faith and upbringing and 'experiences' all Reed has to offer (thus the PG-13 rating!). And through those experiences and relationships, Don re-engages his faith, albeit in a way different then his growing up years. The movie raises several questions and/or themes worth considering:
- What do we as Christians do with the pain our religion has caused other people? Both in the past and today? What things might we need to seek forgiveness for?
- Many Christians use the phrase 'love the sinner, but hate the sin'- what does that actually look like?
- How are we doing on sharing the gospel through both words and deeds?
- Are we ashamed of being a Christian? Are we ashamed of Jesus? Why?
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