fitforfaith-ministries

While I was looking for some Christian films which are not produced in the United States, I came across a list from Patheos with European films, a list which "focuses on Christian productions" and which promised that "virtually all these films ... treat faith very favorably". Nothing could be further from the truth regarding the first film on this very list, which happens to be 'Leviathan'. I knew to be sceptical about this platform, but I thought to give it a chance.

The result is to have seen an overall utmost negative, and in regards of faith one of the least favorable movies ever seen. I have seen worse films which manipulate or twist the Bible, but apart from a partly twisted retelling of the story of Job in the movie through a priest, the film does not twist the Bible.

It is actually a very honest reflection on the extremes in Russian culture, including the abuse of alcohol, adultery, abuse of power, bribery, swearing ..., and a totally distorted version of THEOS' Church, a form of organized state church which is simply an abomination to the Word of THEOS.

But what the producers, and probably many viewers including the team of Patheos did obviously not understand, is that there is true religion, a true church. Where there is abuse of religion, there is somewhere true religion.

And this can be the only prayer of any firm Christian who happens to watch this film, to pray for the people to be able to see past this false dichotomy, of Satan telling Russians and the world that there is only the option to hate THEOS or to be part of an apostate church.

A very firm Christian might be able to watch this film, to see and discern all the evil, to pray against it, and to get out of it unharmed. But any 'weak or average' Christian should stay far away from such a film, which is not constructive in any regard. It has no hope for the atheist, neither hope for true believers, nor hope for those being part of the apostate church.

The film is a great survey and well-produced, but its message is disastrous - it says in essence get to the bottle.

One of the saddest films I have ever seen, displaying no perspective and suggesting even less perspective.

An empty glass which remains utterly empty.

It was about time that a movie producer took the active courage to reflect on his own industry. This movie is very much needed in today's society, probably not only in the US, but all over the world.

While writers such as the Anglican A. W. Tozer condemn the showing of Christian movies in a church and go as far as to strongly condemn the profession of an actor (plain legalism, although he certainly employs some truth), most of us on the other hand have become way to liberal when it comes to the consumption of non-Christian movies and even when it comes to 'Christian' movies.

The truth is found somewhere in between. We as Christians ought to avoid secular movies whenever possible (there is more than enough offer in good Christian movies as this ministry proves), while on the other hand much better discerning Christian movies (there are many very bad and actually damaging 'Christian' movies).

Quote of the movie:

"If you turn away from 'ung-dly' movies and media that doesn't make you right with the 'Lord' (KYRIOS). That can just be a work of the flesh. He said 'We must turn to the 'Lord' first and the SPIRIT of 'G-d' (THEOS) will help you turn from these 'ung-dly' movies and influences. It's always got to start with the 'Lord'. He needs to be the 'Lord' of our entertainment choices."

PROS + It filled my heart with joy to see such a great display of medical skills combined with a deep commitment to CHRISTOS and to teach His Word, no matter if on the operation table, at the dinner with his wife and staff, or especially when preaching in the patio to his patients. What a powerful display of fruitful missionary work, without the usual focus on the missionary him- or herself as we often see it in books which aim to create 'Celebrity Missionaries', but in this case clearly with a focus on the evangelical element.

+ Very great example of steadfastness in the midst of opposition. John followed his conviction until the very end and then surrendered when he was forced to. But a wonderful seed was planted and only THEOS knows what Dauda and Cedeti will have continued afterwards, maybe even to a stronger degree as it would have been without the closure of the hospital.

NEUTRAL o Bad image and sound quality, but to be expected for the 90s; it does not take away from the excellent message.

O The movie could have been longer, but such a relatively sudden end provokes many thoughts how the HOLY SPIRIT would have continued His work and takes again the focus away from John's personal journey.

CONS

• None. No demominational division or pride, no foul language, no trangressions.

QUOTE OF THE MOVIE John: Thank you, anyway, Mr. Ambassador.

Ambassador: Doctor, if it's any comfort to you, they're not criticizing your medical practices. This is a Moslem state. Your biggest offense is that you've been too effective in your ministry.