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Part 1 here
For Christians seeking family friendly faith based movies either as entertainment or as ministry, the Kendrick Brothers movies from Sherwood Pictures have been the go-to series for many. Originally from Athens GA, the Kendrick Brothers are Shannon, Alex and Stephen. Alex and Stephen have been making full-length Christian movies since 2003, initially at Sherwood Baptist and now from their newly formed production company. Their first film was the independent release of Flywheel in 2003. After that came Facing The Giants (2006), Fireproof, (2008), and Courageous, (2011). Movie #5, War Room, came out Aug. 28, 2015. The opening weekend Box Office stunned Hollywood. It brought in 11 million dollars.
The films seem almost universally and uncritically adored, from patrons of them who flock to the screens to church pastors and leaders who show them in their sanctuaries. The films' showings are often accompanied with attendant paraphernalia such as curricula, studies, sermon outlines, resolutions, books, journals, devotionals and other merchandising. As a side note, translate the fervency and diligence some pastors promote and urge attendance at these movies to their fervency for preaching the Word expositionally and urging worship in their church. I wish.
Whenever anything, and I mean anything, that is promoted from the pulpit it is wise to delve into whether the thing being promoted is consistent with the bible and thus edifying for the sheep. It is also wise to research the people behind writing these movies, books, devotionals, and study guides.
In Part 1, I mentioned that I do not like the movies the Kendrick Brothers have produced so far. I have seen three of them (not Courageous, and not War Room). The films do present a good storyline, engagingly developed. The films are based on biblical themes such as prayer, submission, fatherhood, etc. The films are written by pastors and are prayed over diligently, we hear. They're emotional and watchable. So what's not to like?
Discernment is not just looking at the surface. Discernment is not just accepting that a Christian thing is "close enough." Jesus did not come 'close enough' to sinlessness for the Father to accept His sacrifice. The Apostles and Martyrs didn't preach and die a 'close enough' faith. We must be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Jesus said,
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16, commentary on what this means here)
In Part 1 I'd said I'd look more at the Kendrick Brothers' choice of casting. They had said in this Youtube interview from several months ago that for the movie War Room --
Priscilla Shirer dominates the movie, being its main cast member (TC Stallings plays her husband). Since the Kendricks deliberately choose Christians who live what they believe, then what does Shirer believe?
Unfortunately, Shirer is a proponent of hearing directly from God. Here in an interview in Charisma Magazine, Shirer explains her basis for launching her "Going Beyond" ministries. Charisma Magazine has the tale (and even being quoted in Charisma is another discernment red flag). In the article it states,
Secondly, look at the phrase "she naturally wanted to go beyond..." Go beyond what, exactly? The bible tells us not to go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6) something Shirer has already done in speaking of direct revelation from God. (Revelation 22:18). Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others, as we're told in 2 Corinthians 10:15. In Galatians 5:12 Paul cursed the Judaizers, wishing they would "go beyond" their circumcision and excise the entire appendage lol. But Shirer's basis for a ministry of 'going beyond' is really a basis to go beyond what is written and venture into the experiential, something she says all the time should be normal for Christians. For example she said, "A lot of the demonstrative gifts of the Spirit aren’t used all the time in my church—almost never—so I could easily box God in and say because that is not my experience, God must not operate in that way. We need to accept that the body of Christ is full of other believers who have experienced God in equally relevant, equally reliable ways."
What Shirer is saying here is that if another person who calls themselves a Christian is experiencing the sign gifts, we must accept their experience as valid, or we will be putting God in a box. Notice she didn't have a biblical stance for her reasoning why she believes the sign gifts continue. Only that if the experience is happening it must be valid.
She says this not because she has come to a concerted biblical conclusion, but because of "other believers who have experienced God in equally relevant, equally reliable ways." Again, she has come to this belief - and teaches it- because people EXPERIENCE the gifts, not because she has exegeted the text to prove it so.
Third, in addition to receiving and promoting as normal the extra-biblical revelation from God, experiential approaches to teaching and believing God's word, Shirer also teaches and promotes Contemplative Prayer. (Also known as Centering Prayer) This is a Catholic/Occult/Mystical practice which is not based on the bible but on inner knowings and experiences that supposedly occur after emptying the mind and experiencing the presence of God. "We are to meditate actively, using our minds, based upon Scripture, not empty nothingness and waiting" as the writer at CARM explains.
Learn more here, here, and here on why this practice is not biblical.
When the Kendricks say they pray over each role and take time selecting Christians who are sound and non-hypocritical, this is the level of their discernment? Putting front and center a charismatic mystic who promotes extra-biblical revelation and the experiential method as the benchmark of affirming truth? It seems to me the discernment level of those making the decisions at Kendrick Brothers Productions is not what it should be.
In addition, their casting of Beth Moore leaves much to be desired, since Moore engages in occult channeling, receives visions and extra-biblical personal revelation, puts herself out as a prophetess, promotes pop-psychology, mysticism, contemplative prayer, and legalism, poor exegesis, teaches men, lives like a feminist, and much more.
Speaking of associations, the Kendrick Brothers' discernment on this front also leaves much to be desired. They associate with TD Jakes, an unsaved pastor who denies the Trinity. Back in March of this year, Alex Kendrick was a featured speaker at the “Missions and Marketplace Conference” in Chicago. Also speaking at that conference was Jakes. The #WarRoomMovie twitter stream recently published a thank you to Jakes for his support of the movie. Remember, Jakes produced the film version of the heaven tourism book Heaven is for Real.
This week, the #WarRoomMovie thanked heretic Paula White. Accepting a favorable review from false prophetess Paula White is like a restaurant chef accepting a food review from Jeffrey Dahmer.
So back to the Kendrick Brothers' discernment. It seems that each of their movies have promoted some aspects of Christian life that are not biblical. It seems that each movie has gotten a bit more blatant and forward in the departure from biblical discernment and practices. It seems that it got worse after they left the oversight of Sherwood Baptist and began partnering with heretics and hiring false teachers for their movies.
Accepting a favorable review from false prophetess Paula White is like a restaurant chef accepting a food review from Jeffrey Dahmer
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (2 Peter 2:3 KJV)
Make room, Ephesian silversmiths and idol makers. (Acts 19:19-20). A new merchant is in town. Here are some examples:
Kerusso parthers with Kendrick Brothers for "War Room" film merchandise.
For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17).
Don't forget your Battle Plan Prayer Cards! Buy now!
When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. (Luke 19:45)
This promotion-poster misuses the verse. I find the use of merchandising along with the word of God crass in the extreme.
Should I buy the "Battle Plan for Prayer"? If I do, I'll have to move the Love Dare aside to make room on the shelf...And where will I put my Courageous Resolution?
He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:13)
Most of the Kendrick Brothers movies blame the man. Here is one meme that pokes at this fact.
Let's all remodel our closets!
This woman remodeled already ! Because it's the room that does it!
Awww, so sad this lady didn't have a closet to donate to the cause. She made a nook. Her prayers will be nook sized instead of #powerful.
Spot the missing resource!!
In conclusion...yes I have a heated righteous indignation at the lack of discernment evidenced here. I have a heated anger regarding churches that relentlessly promote these films yet when it comes to sharing the Gospel or even personally shepherding the flock they have they tolerate sin and compromise. I am very upset at all the merchandising. I really am.
I do understand the power of prayer and the wonder of prayers being answered. I am for prayer. I am against Hollywood films showing a pale and shallow Western Christianity where prayer gets you things. Where a remodeled closet is the answer and not the God who sees and hears. Where the woman leads (subtly, because satan is crafty). Where prayers are to satan and not to Jesus. Where, despite all the Kendrick Brothers statements about prayerfully considering each person for each role, in another interview they decided that casting Black actors would be "more heart grabbing." And here I thought that there was no Greek or Jew, no slave or free, no male or female. (Galatians 3:28). But apparently using Black people in your movie brings the bucks.
Part 1 here
Thank you everyone for your comments. I am closing comments at this time.
-----------------------------------------
Further Reading
Justin Peters reviews War Room.
War Rooms then & now. Also, what is a prayer closet?
How Fireproof Lowers the Boom
The Heresy of Christian Movies: War Room
Lifeway Promoting False Teacher Priscilla Shirer Experiential Event
For Christians seeking family friendly faith based movies either as entertainment or as ministry, the Kendrick Brothers movies from Sherwood Pictures have been the go-to series for many. Originally from Athens GA, the Kendrick Brothers are Shannon, Alex and Stephen. Alex and Stephen have been making full-length Christian movies since 2003, initially at Sherwood Baptist and now from their newly formed production company. Their first film was the independent release of Flywheel in 2003. After that came Facing The Giants (2006), Fireproof, (2008), and Courageous, (2011). Movie #5, War Room, came out Aug. 28, 2015. The opening weekend Box Office stunned Hollywood. It brought in 11 million dollars.
The films seem almost universally and uncritically adored, from patrons of them who flock to the screens to church pastors and leaders who show them in their sanctuaries. The films' showings are often accompanied with attendant paraphernalia such as curricula, studies, sermon outlines, resolutions, books, journals, devotionals and other merchandising. As a side note, translate the fervency and diligence some pastors promote and urge attendance at these movies to their fervency for preaching the Word expositionally and urging worship in their church. I wish.
Whenever anything, and I mean anything, that is promoted from the pulpit it is wise to delve into whether the thing being promoted is consistent with the bible and thus edifying for the sheep. It is also wise to research the people behind writing these movies, books, devotionals, and study guides.
In Part 1, I mentioned that I do not like the movies the Kendrick Brothers have produced so far. I have seen three of them (not Courageous, and not War Room). The films do present a good storyline, engagingly developed. The films are based on biblical themes such as prayer, submission, fatherhood, etc. The films are written by pastors and are prayed over diligently, we hear. They're emotional and watchable. So what's not to like?
Discernment is not just looking at the surface. Discernment is not just accepting that a Christian thing is "close enough." Jesus did not come 'close enough' to sinlessness for the Father to accept His sacrifice. The Apostles and Martyrs didn't preach and die a 'close enough' faith. We must be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Jesus said,
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16, commentary on what this means here)
In Part 1 I'd said I'd look more at the Kendrick Brothers' choice of casting. They had said in this Youtube interview from several months ago that for the movie War Room --
We pray over every single role. We want Christians playing Christians in these movies, we want to know they believe what they are speaking in these roles. We want no hypocrisy, [we hire Christians who show that] we believe what this movie is about then live it out, outside the credits.So, since they announced the basis for their casting decisions, let's look at them and compare to scripture to see if they hold up.
Priscilla Shirer dominates the movie, being its main cast member (TC Stallings plays her husband). Since the Kendricks deliberately choose Christians who live what they believe, then what does Shirer believe?
Shirer believes and teaches extra-biblical, personal revelation
In her case, God was speaking to her about going to “the place of abundant living—an experiential relationship with God.” “He said: ‘Priscilla, you’ve been at this mountain long enough. There is a new place that I want to take you to,’” Shirer says. In light of God’s challenge, Shirer naturally desired to “go beyond” personally.So God personally speaks to Shirer clearly enough that she can put His words in quotes? This is a problem. When one tells the world that God speaks personally to her (and this isn't the only instance of her recounting extra-biblical revelation from God) then she denies the sufficiency of the Bible.
Shirer believes in and teaches an experiential faith
Secondly, look at the phrase "she naturally wanted to go beyond..." Go beyond what, exactly? The bible tells us not to go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6) something Shirer has already done in speaking of direct revelation from God. (Revelation 22:18). Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others, as we're told in 2 Corinthians 10:15. In Galatians 5:12 Paul cursed the Judaizers, wishing they would "go beyond" their circumcision and excise the entire appendage lol. But Shirer's basis for a ministry of 'going beyond' is really a basis to go beyond what is written and venture into the experiential, something she says all the time should be normal for Christians. For example she said, "A lot of the demonstrative gifts of the Spirit aren’t used all the time in my church—almost never—so I could easily box God in and say because that is not my experience, God must not operate in that way. We need to accept that the body of Christ is full of other believers who have experienced God in equally relevant, equally reliable ways."
What Shirer is saying here is that if another person who calls themselves a Christian is experiencing the sign gifts, we must accept their experience as valid, or we will be putting God in a box. Notice she didn't have a biblical stance for her reasoning why she believes the sign gifts continue. Only that if the experience is happening it must be valid.
She says this not because she has come to a concerted biblical conclusion, but because of "other believers who have experienced God in equally relevant, equally reliable ways." Again, she has come to this belief - and teaches it- because people EXPERIENCE the gifts, not because she has exegeted the text to prove it so.
Shirer believes in and promotes contemplative prayer
Third, in addition to receiving and promoting as normal the extra-biblical revelation from God, experiential approaches to teaching and believing God's word, Shirer also teaches and promotes Contemplative Prayer. (Also known as Centering Prayer) This is a Catholic/Occult/Mystical practice which is not based on the bible but on inner knowings and experiences that supposedly occur after emptying the mind and experiencing the presence of God. "We are to meditate actively, using our minds, based upon Scripture, not empty nothingness and waiting" as the writer at CARM explains.
Learn more here, here, and here on why this practice is not biblical.
Back to the Kendricks and their discernment
When the Kendricks say they pray over each role and take time selecting Christians who are sound and non-hypocritical, this is the level of their discernment? Putting front and center a charismatic mystic who promotes extra-biblical revelation and the experiential method as the benchmark of affirming truth? It seems to me the discernment level of those making the decisions at Kendrick Brothers Productions is not what it should be.In addition, their casting of Beth Moore leaves much to be desired, since Moore engages in occult channeling, receives visions and extra-biblical personal revelation, puts herself out as a prophetess, promotes pop-psychology, mysticism, contemplative prayer, and legalism, poor exegesis, teaches men, lives like a feminist, and much more.
Speaking of associations, the Kendrick Brothers' discernment on this front also leaves much to be desired. They associate with TD Jakes, an unsaved pastor who denies the Trinity. Back in March of this year, Alex Kendrick was a featured speaker at the “Missions and Marketplace Conference” in Chicago. Also speaking at that conference was Jakes. The #WarRoomMovie twitter stream recently published a thank you to Jakes for his support of the movie. Remember, Jakes produced the film version of the heaven tourism book Heaven is for Real.
This week, the #WarRoomMovie thanked heretic Paula White. Accepting a favorable review from false prophetess Paula White is like a restaurant chef accepting a food review from Jeffrey Dahmer.
 |
| HT Twitter, Sunny Shell,@Sunny_Shell |
So back to the Kendrick Brothers' discernment. It seems that each of their movies have promoted some aspects of Christian life that are not biblical. It seems that each movie has gotten a bit more blatant and forward in the departure from biblical discernment and practices. It seems that it got worse after they left the oversight of Sherwood Baptist and began partnering with heretics and hiring false teachers for their movies.
Accepting a favorable review from false prophetess Paula White is like a restaurant chef accepting a food review from Jeffrey Dahmer
Merchandising Merchandising Merchandising Merchandising
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (2 Peter 2:3 KJV)
Make room, Ephesian silversmiths and idol makers. (Acts 19:19-20). A new merchant is in town. Here are some examples:
Kerusso parthers with Kendrick Brothers for "War Room" film merchandise.
Kerusso, the leader in Christian apparel and gifts, has announced a new partnership with the Kendrick Brothers who recently produced their fifth film titled WAR ROOM releasing August 28, 2015 from Sony Pictures Entertainment’s TriStar Pictures, distributor of Soul Surfer, Courageous and last summer’s faith-based sensation Heaven is For Real. The partnership grants Kerusso rights to produce officially licensed merchandise and apparel for the upcoming film.Books to accompany new Kendrick Brothers movie
Coming along with it is a line of books, including a novelization of the film, officials from the publishing companies say.
For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17).
Don't forget your Battle Plan Prayer Cards! Buy now!
When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. (Luke 19:45)
This promotion-poster misuses the verse. I find the use of merchandising along with the word of God crass in the extreme.
 |
| This photo uses the Psalm verse out of context and incorrectly, Note the 'Battle Plan you can BUY, combined with the verse. Gross. |
He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:13)
Remodeling, AKA the "Doing Something/Experiential" method of Christianity
Most of the Kendrick Brothers movies blame the man. Here is one meme that pokes at this fact.
Let's all remodel our closets!
This woman remodeled already ! Because it's the room that does it!
Awww, so sad this lady didn't have a closet to donate to the cause. She made a nook. Her prayers will be nook sized instead of #powerful.
Spot the missing resource!!
In conclusion...yes I have a heated righteous indignation at the lack of discernment evidenced here. I have a heated anger regarding churches that relentlessly promote these films yet when it comes to sharing the Gospel or even personally shepherding the flock they have they tolerate sin and compromise. I am very upset at all the merchandising. I really am.
I do understand the power of prayer and the wonder of prayers being answered. I am for prayer. I am against Hollywood films showing a pale and shallow Western Christianity where prayer gets you things. Where a remodeled closet is the answer and not the God who sees and hears. Where the woman leads (subtly, because satan is crafty). Where prayers are to satan and not to Jesus. Where, despite all the Kendrick Brothers statements about prayerfully considering each person for each role, in another interview they decided that casting Black actors would be "more heart grabbing." And here I thought that there was no Greek or Jew, no slave or free, no male or female. (Galatians 3:28). But apparently using Black people in your movie brings the bucks.
'War Room' Nearly Topples Gangsta Rap Blockbuster
CBN News asked the Kendrick brothers about their decision to cast mostly blacks in the film. "When it came to 'War Room' there was a passionate flavor we wanted to present that really would have been different any other way," director Alex Kendrick said. "I felt like the Lord was saying it needs to be told through the African American perspective and the female perspective," he added. [emphasis mine]How did we get to this low point, of an undiscerning people buying merchandise at the temple and miss God, His Son and His Spirit so badly? It is all foretold, the time of apostasy, tickled ears, and lack of discernment is upon us. And yet there is a remnant strong and true, praying in whatever room they are, to a strong and mighty God.
Part 1 here
Thank you everyone for your comments. I am closing comments at this time.
-----------------------------------------
Further Reading
Justin Peters reviews War Room.
War Rooms then & now. Also, what is a prayer closet?
How Fireproof Lowers the Boom
The Heresy of Christian Movies: War Room
Lifeway Promoting False Teacher Priscilla Shirer Experiential Event
Not to take away from the content of the write up here, because I agree whole heartedly..... but when I read what you get from Galatians 5:12, I was taken aback slightly because I had never gotten from that passage that it means Paul would rather their "entire appendage" cut off. That just didn't sound right to me, so I looked into it deeper. I gather that it means Paul wants the enemies, or troublemakers, cut off from the believers.... as in excommunicated. And I checked several sources. Sure, some of the commentaries, preachers, and Bible translations make it sound like castration. But I see Matthew Henry commentary, John Gill commentary, and Charles H. Spurgeon see it the same way I do. Any thoughts on that? Just curious because there seems to be two interpretations on that.... and I am always going to go with older fathers in the faith and older Bible translations. Just some thoughts I wanted to throw out there. Thanks for the research on the movie. My children's youth pastor is promoting the movie, and I didn't feel good about it the moment I heard it mentioned. This has been helpful.
ReplyDeleteHi ANonymous,
ReplyDeletethanks for reading, and the encouragement, and the question!
Gal 5:12 says
I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
Emasculate means cut off the penis. The Greek word for cut off is apokoptó. it means castrate. Since the talk in the verse is of castration we can have certainty that this is exactly what it means. Here is Strong's on the word:
"I would that they (who urge the necessity of circumcision would not only circumcise themselves, but) would even mutilate themselves (or cut off their privy parts)"
I just have to respectfully disagree. I just don't think the men of old like Spurgeon and Edwards and M. Henry got it wrong. And I don't base my own understanding alone on what they say because I already interpreted it that way, too. The fact is that it makes no sense in context nor when we consider the character of Paul. It doesn't seem Christlike that he would desire the mutilation of the men's appendages.... but it makes sense that he would desire they be put away from the believers altogether since they are spouting an incorrect doctrine that is troubling them. I mean, that's a theme that just lines up consistently throughout scripture. Also, it is the modern translations who are translating it as castration and/or mutilation. I truly think it's saying "cut off", as in "cut off from the people".... excommunicated, sent out, shunned, taken away, etc.... Anyway, I do appreciate the discussion on this verse, and also the warning from your post on the movie. Thanks! Your posts are always edifying and helpful to me!
ReplyDeleteYou can certainly respectfully disagree. However, what you are disagreeing with is the literal verse itself, not the commenters. What I explained above were the words in the verse, and did not say anything about the commenters. The first go-to is always the verse itself.
DeleteI agree that cutting off the appendage could be interpreted as a picture of being apart from grace. However Paul was literally aggravated with the false teaching the Judaizers were bringing, and was in effect using sarcasm and anger to relate that if they are so religious as to insist on cutting away the foreskin, then why don't they go all the way and cut the whole thing off and be REALLY religious.
It is not good interpretation to believe simply because "It doesn't seem Christlike that he would desire the mutilation of the men's appendages". Paul was pointed many times, actually calling the teaching some men were bringing as gangrene. John the Baptist called people vipers, and Jesus was also harsh in his righteous anger of false teaching and wolves. He drove the merchants out of the Temple with a WHIP and called them robbers and thieves. Was Christ not 'Christlike"?
The character of Paul and JTB is such that they put Jesus first, and anyone who was drawing away people from the faith thru their false teaching deserved all the harsh language they could muster- because they were offending their Holy God and destroying the sheep.
I have Matthew Henry's Whole Commentary and I find that in my opinion the didn't exegete Gal 5 verse 12 the way you shared. As for Spurgeon and Edwards, I've looked at several places online and can't find Spurgeon sermon on Gal 5:12 nor any comment from Edwards. Can you offer a link to their interpretations of the verse so I can better understand what you're trying to say? I don't doubt that an allegorical lesson can be applied here, but the plain text says what it says, so that must be the primary interpretation.
Elizabeth, this 2 part review has been good to read. I am thankful that I am not the only one who sees problems with all of these films. I also am left shaking my head at the enthusiasm that professing Christians have about these films and all of the hype that surrounds them. I am also thinking of the "Passion of the Christ" (Mel Gibson's outrageous film), and even the films put out by Ray Comfort. it's all of the hype that bothers me....folks are told that people are going to be saved just by watching these films. Where does it say that in scripture? And yet Christians believe it and flock to theaters, buy the DVDs, show it to their friends and family, or give them away as gifts. Nobody comes to the Lord through watching them, nobody changes their mind about abortion or ditches their atheism. Nevertheless, the next time another film comes out promising miraculous results, Christians dutifully jump on the bandwagon again. It's crazy.
ReplyDeleteOn the other topic in the comment section. It is also my understanding that Paul meant: I wish they would go ahead and castrate themselves. He is using hyperbole, he is exaggerating to make a point. If they are pursuing circumcision they are cut off from grace, from Christ. see Gal 5:4 It is not too surprising for him to say such an alarming thing. Paul's tone throughout Galatians is pretty sharp and pointed - he speaks of anyone coming with another gospel as anathema - damned. He calls the Galatians 'bewitched' and foolish. He has absolutely no toleration for false teachers, especially the legalists. He is extremely perplexed at the Galatians tolerating and believing them. And so perhaps he uses this language as a wake-up call.
I have discovered several years ago that if something is popular in the visible Church then it is likely a lie, a distortion, a fraud, etc. I also want to commend you Elizabeth for your documented insights and essays. Well done sister! I stand with you and without reservation on numerous points! I certainly understand your righteous anger too! It is very sad that supposed godly leaders are being sucked right into the vacuum of deception, and then leading the masses astray. Just how far these will drift from the TRUTH time will tell (the Lord already knows His own ). Now a days every and anything goes for so called Church growth! Where are the expository preachers? Thank God for John MacArthur and company, Justin Peters, Brannon House, Jesse Johnson, Elizabeth Prata (In her God given role), and many others (BUT VERY FEW in comparison to those whom purport to be Biblically sound)
ReplyDeleteRick
Metro Atlanta
Good comment, Rick. Agree wholeheartedly.
ReplyDeleteChris from NC
Thank you Chris :---)
DeleteRick
I am dismayed at the outpouring of support for the new movie War Room...and not surprised at the plethora of merchandise at LifeWay book stores and other places streaming from this movie and others like it.
ReplyDeleteIt was difficult to find ANY criticisms against War Room...and yet deep in my soul I knew it would be just another emotion driven, shallow, easy fix diatribe with twisted scriptures and contrived messages. I so struggle with being the "odd man out" that "odd duck" that seems to find fault in anything that everyone is following. It is almost sacrilegious or blasphemous to speak against these "well written, highly produced and popular Christian movies"...written by Christian men with sound motives (but to me not SOUND BIBLICAL doctrine) and good intentions (well, money and lots of it is a good motivator).
I know I sound like a total stick in the mud and even I grow weary of being weary about what is passing as christianity today...am I the naysayer, the debbie downer, the negative fossil that looks for falsehood in everything?????? Well, the sad thing is....falsehood is lurking and now in not so dark corners anymore...it's out in the open and people are flocking to suck it all up, soak it all in, (even Pastors are encouraging their flocks to read, listen, watch) not knowing it is like a slow poisoning of mind, soul and body.
People can say..."Well, take the good and run with it..if War Room gets people off their feet and on their knees more than what harm is there. If Fireproof helps one marriage, isn't it worth it?" Well, there is an element of truth to that...God can bring nuggets of gold out of any situation...He can save a remnant of people even in the worst of places and circumstances...but does He desire us to be in those places willingly???? Do we test God by placing ourselves in conditions where His Word has been compromised and embellished? Do we allow the influence of the world to be greater than the influence of His Word? I keep coming back to leaven..now leaven is spoken in a positive light by Jesus in Matt 13:33 ; Luke 13:20-21 but if ANYTHING is contrary, changed, different, added too or taken away when trying to discuss, explain or share spiritual truths, then it has to be the what Paul talks about in Gal 5:9. God's Word and Truth needs NO EMBELLISHMENTS,
I was about to give up looking for a sound Christian NEGATIVE review of War Room when I looked one more time and found your blog, I realized you were the same the same person that gives such great exposure to Beth Moore. (no one wants to hear me talk about her as well..at least not in a negative way and then I see that she is in this movie !!!)
You have so expressed much of what I think about these "types" of movies...and the only one that I found...smh..
Thank you for this.
Do you have examples of the Word being compromised in War Room?
DeleteYes.
DeleteThe producers told the world they vetted only people of sound faith for their roles. But then they decided to hire black people because it'd make the story "more heart grabbing." This violates Mt 23:3.
The producers told the world they vetted only people of sound faith for their roles. But they hired for their main character a woman who promotes and teaches contemplative prayer, and teaches an experiential faith- Shirer. Yet the bible tells us to pray with our mind, so the main character's life of prayer violates (1 Corinthians 14:15) and (2 Timothy 3:16-17) which is pertinent because this is a movie about prayer and she was specifically chosen for her alleged adherence to sound doctrine.
Shirer's character Elizabeth tells the devil to “go back to Hell.” First, we don't pray to the devil, second, he doesn't live in hell. Praying to satan, who is an angel, violates (Revelation 22:8-9).
And the movie violates the general tone of scripture by applying one and only one cause to the couple's marital issues: satan, Not much is made of personal sin and unspiritual choices they BOTH had made. The entire tone of the movie ignores Gal 5:17.
The movie engages in a shameful merchandising of God's word with all the attendant books, paraphernalia, curricula, cards, and trinkets one may buy that are associated with the movie. This confirms the prophecy in 2 Peter 2:3.
The producers partner with heretics to promote their movie. This violates Eph 5:11 and 2 Cor 6:14
Anonymous, it is good to ask for a comparison of scripture to determine if the movie is edifying, but sometimes there is no one smoking gun of scripture. Discernment is not about determining between right and wrong, it's about what is right and what is almost right. For example, do you have examples from the word that show God's trinity? No. Trinity is not in the Bible as a matter of fact, the bible says more than once God is one. (Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:5). However, Trinity is inferred and seen through various scriptures though not explicitly stated.
In the same way, we can make an overall inference that War Room is written by people who say one thing and do another, are selling God's word in an excessive manner, who lack discernment, and who promote a kind of prayer life that focuses too much on satan and not enough on personal sin, who partner with heretics, and so on. The cumulative effect is one that caused me to make a recommendation I did.
And before anyone says that these examples are not *directly* in War Room and to their eyes the movie seems to have a good message, remember that the origin of the messenger counts. Else Paul would not have been so vexed with the demon possessed fortune telling slave girl who was preaching a perfectly truthful, accurate, and solid message, yet Paul refused to allow her to continue- because the speaker's origin was untruth. (Acts 16:16-18.)
The visual learner who is struggling in various areas of life could easily be equipped (better than most local churches [sadly!!] equip their sheeple), encouraged and inspired to draw near to Christ through this movie. As a seasoned, Reformed, sometimes too critical, evangelistic, "bible-thumping" to some, family-integrated (meaning not for the normal program-driven, coffee bar church- my preference out of conviction), simple yet strong Christian, I whole-heartedly support this movie and was immensely edified! I have so far gone twice and want to take a couple more women whom I either have discipled or am discipling now, to show them a movie that demonstrates so much of what I have shared with my own testimony and experience.
ReplyDeleteWhat is that experience? Lacking Titus 2 discipleship, being a first-generation Christian, and being in a "normal" church, we were serving to death and losing our marriage. I had no idea how to submit to, how to love or respect my husband. I was contentious, even if not intentionally. I sought the Lord so much in prayer while struggling, and He eventually led me to just stop my mouth. Stop striving and fighting against my husband like HE was my enemy, and turn to Him in prayer. Take my concerns for my husband to Him in prayer, and leave it for God to handle. Focus on my short-comings and draw near to Him! Build my husband up with my words and not speak much else besides something that would edify him. That was super hard! But, when I entrusted my husband to God for fixing and stopped sinning with my mouth (instead turning my issues over to God in prayer), GOD DID A WORK IN MY HUSBAND that, to this day, astonishes me!! My marriage IS the War Room movie, and it's amazing. And, I have seen women also able to do the same thing, turning to the Lord in prayer, instead of fighting their husbands. It's not US doing it/ who did it, but rather the Lord who "fixed" things, once we obeyed Him to come to Him in prayer. And, all those other pertinent things about respecting your husband and the wife's roles in Scripture and etc.
thanks for your comment Tamara, and I can see you're quite worked up over the review of War Room because of your flood of - ahem- vehement comments. No, I will not post your "opposing comment" not because it is opposing, but because you in fact sent FIVE long comments, and in your opposing comment, lol, you said I was "negative", "bitter", and "ignorant" and then decried the "THE LACK OF GRACE AND AGAPE" in today's Christianity. In ALL CAPS which means screaming. So, nope, I did hit the delete button on that one.
Deletemake that six comments, you're still sending furious rants. Tamara, please stop.
DeleteMy Thoughts Are If it brings someone understanding the importance of prayer- something Jesus really did was teach the importance of prayer, setting Himself to the side, getting alone to pray- the message is good. There is 1 way to God and that is thru Jesus Christ. Many ppl have many ways of meeting Him. Be it after a friend invites them to a Bible study or after a crack binge, drunken night or a miracle witnessed. If a Hollywood tool of entertainment can touch the spirit of a man in the negative, it can in the positive. In a world of entertainment this movie and all the Kendrick movies, have given the Glory to God. And in praying aloud- putting it to film in order to show the audience whats going on, praying out loud is a must to show prayer and the story line of the outcome of prayer. We hear Jesus even say pass this cup from me- but not My will but Your will be done talking to God in the garden. Rebuking satan, not praying to- when Jesus told satan, get thee behind as he's talking at Peter. I agree with all the merchandising, and sales there. I went to get a new Bible and the cost of a good one I can see to read, is just beyond- thank God salvation is free! Yet I know some tools and studies do help people. You can not expect newer believers to understand your reasoning. Many sit in church and don't open their Bibles to study-they go by being told instead of learning. And some of these things can sound it contradicts other places in Scripture. I'm not posting this for your answer- been reading your page awhile now- I have not seen the movie as of yet, so I can't give a total true account of it. When I do see it I will keep what you said in mind. Your title for this write up is perfect- Why You don't support It- being fair to others and putting this out based on your belief in the Word. That makes it worth the read in itself. Keep doing what your doing~God Bless
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are: I admit the movie seems to have a god (enough) message. However Jesus didn't die for a good (enough) God. The producers and writers of the movie partnered with heretics to promote it and hired false teachers to act in it, even after promising they would pray over every role and make sure they were solid. So that means they gave Shirer and Moore a legitimacy and a platform to continue their false teachings. Our leaders are supposed to protect us, not throw wolves at us.
DeleteFurther, they peddle God's word, something Paul refused to do. (2 Cor 2:17). If Paul would have compromised and allowed a bad messenger to proclaim a good message, he would not have been sorely vexed with the demon possessed slave girl and exorcised the demon in her. God CAN use anything, He does NOT needs satan's help.
So "even if it helps someone" is your argument? I offer this from Sunny Shell, who answered the same question when the false movie TheBible miniseries came out. Please take to heart the last sentence.
Q. "Even though there's a lot of error in this movie, still, don't you think it's a great way to show people who God really is, I mean, can't God use anything to save someone?
A. No, I don't think this movie is a great way to reveal the truth about God since it's filled with lies about God. And yes, I realize God can use anything to save someone, but He only chose to use the message of the true Gospel to save all men (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). Nowhere in Scripture does God command or allow His children to use the work of Satan to proclaim His truth. And God is clear, anyone who denies Him and defiles His holy character or word, works for the devil, not for God.
Since the beginning of time, the devil has attempted to minimize and blaspheme God's holy character by lulling us to disregard His holiness, justice and righteousness. God has never called His children of light to partner with the works of darkness (2 Cor 6:15-16). As God's children, we are commanded to pursue holiness, rather than try to find a way to compromise the glory of Christ in order to "reach more people".
http://www.sunnyshell.org/2013/03/history-channels-bible-exalts-man-over_4.html
Thank you for sharing my original article "The Heresy of Christian Movies: War Room." It may be of interest to you that I actually watched the movie and then wrote this review: http://adayinhiscourt.com/2015/09/07/war-room-dishonoring-god/
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome for the mention. I'm glad you actually watched the movie. Someone has to. ;)
DeleteThank you! It was difficult to sit through the movie.
DeleteI appreciate how you've laid bare the connections between the Kendrick brothers and people like T.D. Jakes and Beth Moore. There is so much error that could be pointed out in regards to their movies, and War Room specifically, that it's next to impossible to do so without writing a book.
A Day in His Court, I read your piece again and it is really a stellar work. You're a wonderful writer. I loved the angle from which you reviewed it, the absence of beauty and an appropriate level of expertise. These are the things of God after all. I also agree with your point regarding prayer, I'd mentioned this too.
Delete"This is obvious in War Room, even beyond the war motif. Miss Clara’s treatment of prayer and Satan reveal that the filmmakers believe that God needs our help to defeat today’s evil; prayer isn’t a humble response and recognition of total dependence before a holy and sovereign God, it’s a battle tactic."
Perfect assessment!
Anyway keep up the good work and thanks for commenting.
Thank you for your kinds words!
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