Hell and Mr. Fudge

The movie handles the subject of cognitive dissonance in a powerful and relatable way, as the main character loses sleep and struggles with the possible consequences of losing all his relationships for what he is learning to be true. The film also explores deep doctrinal issues, such as the idea of hell as eternal torment vs. A permanent punishment, and delves into the history of Plato and the concept of the immortal soul. There is an issue where Fudge in the film appears slightly ecumenical in his position regarding the church, which I am unsure is true to reality. For a Christian film, the acting and music are well done and not cheesy.

This is a story of a man coming to grips with a new reality about the nature of his God. It is one of the most profound stories ever told because it uncovers a view of God revealed in Scripture that has been muddled by age-old false doctrine which is not easily shed by those whose tradition embraces it. Be warned: if you opt to take this red pill, your life will be forever changed, your eyes opened and you will encounter the face of the God who truly is love and who wants to save and have relationship. You may also encounter the wrath of your fellow man, reticent to embrace this truth because they choose to follow the dim light of an orthodoxy that slanders God's grace-full and righteous nature. As the good book says, the wages of sin is truly death, not eternal life. Only our Lord Yeshua (transliterated Jesus) has the words of eternal life, and those are a free gift for those who choose them.

To be forthcoming, I went into the movie theater intrigued to learn about Edward Fudge's view of hell and the Scriptures that influenced his newfound conclusions that proved violently unpopular with the religious leaders of his own brotherhood. But his story was familiar. Where had I seen it before? As the plot unfolded, what took center stage for me were the vivid reminders that surprisingly propelled me back in time 2,000 years ago. For I recalled reading in Scripture how the Son of God Himself was confronted by the religious leaders of His day who had "seated themselves in the chair of Moses." As a result, their lust for power and control blinded them from seeing the incarnate Truth Who stood right in front of them or accepting the much simpler message of God's truth. I had often wondered why the Holy Spirit thought I needed to know about the confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders. Just so I would know that it happened? Or to prepare those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus for the same thing? "Hell and Mr. Fudge" answered that question.

Along with the Bible itself, the story of Edward Fudge encouraged me to desire God's truth and seek it, knowing that truth will be unpopular with those who have become content to hide behind the ritualized religious systems built around the commandments of men. The best line of the movie came from Fudge's dad, who said, "If the Bible says it, it's true--even if the whole world is against it."

How one feels about God's word has no bearing on its truth. Yet, I was touched at how a young Edward Fudge (played by Cody Sullivan) struggled to embrace a church doctrine that would see a loving God torturing the souls of unbelievers for all eternity. Both Sullivan and Astin brought convincing portrayals of deep emotion that kept me connected. Two solid thumbs up!

I stumbled across this DVD on accident and found it curious. I grew up being taught that you would spend eternity in either heaven or hell, but encountered this theological debate about 10 years ago and found it interesting.

I watched it twice in one week because in some ways the story has allot to take in, but it's genuinely a good movie about a man who stands firm for what he believes the Bible says on a topic.

This is undoubtedly a Christian movie so it's unlikely to get much attention outside of followers of the Judeo-Christian faith or those who are curious about the topic. Overall the acting is superior to other Christian based movies I've seen as well as the quality of the sets, remaining true to the timeframe it takes place.

This isn't a big budget film, it's an Indy film that makes do with what they have available, so if you're a film connoisseur, you'll see that from the beginning... But you won't care.

If the producers see this review, my complements. I truly am impressed with your final product and am recommending the hell out of it.

Mackenzie Astin stars in this autobiographical film on the life of one Alan Fudge who became a minister and then started preaching some most heretical doctrines. Heretical that is to evangelical Protestantism. Fudge after doing much research says that there just isn't any such a place called hell.

That biblical verse on which you see emblazoned on many a Tee shirt, John 3:16 about God so loving the world that he gave his only begotten son, etc. is taken by Fudge to be a blanket pardon. No doctrine has to be accepted, no behavior modified or changed, simply accept the pardon and heaven is your's. As you can imagine that upsets a few pious and self righteous minds.

Fudge went through quite a lot for this belief, eventually according to the movie postscript he left the ministry and now practices law. A profession itself that has many doctrines.

Astin turned in a very good job in the title role. This is an interesting and different Christian film you might want to check out.