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MFI
- Is there a place for Christians in entertainment?
Pastor Bob Rieth
I often get asked what television shows or
movies I would recommend. While there seems to be more good,
moral offerings available today than there were a few years
ago, there are some shows which aren’t necessarily billed as
"spiritual" or "wholesome," but which
have, from time to time, taken a bold step to present faith
issues in a sensitive way.
Take, for example, the television show, The
District. This is a well-written show that deals with
faith in an open and honest way. Craig T. Nelson is superb in
his role, and several of the characters are believers whose
faith plays an integral role in their actions.
Kate Brasher, Judging Amy and Walker, Texas
Ranger also regularly tackle moral and faith issues. In fact,
the Christmas episode of Walker centered around a personal
struggle of one of the characters that climaxed with the
realization that the only way to resolve that inner struggle
was with a relationship with God.
There are signs that perhaps some shows are
beginning to realize that for their plots to truly reflect
real life, issues of faith cannot be noticeably absent from
their scripts.
Poll after poll tells us that the majority
of us believe in God. But as writers, producers, actors and
directors, we had somehow allowed ourselves to slip into a
mode of sidestepping issues of faith as though they never come
up in life. But they always come up. And that struggle within
ourselves to do the right thing, to believe or not believe, to
make moral choices when the opposite would be so much easier,
has always made for good drama. I believe Hollywood is
beginning to see that now. The change is slow, of course, but
it’s happening. Little by little, faith is being welcomed
back into our entertainment, just as it’s always been in our
lives.
In this issue of On Location we are
focusing on the ENTERTAINMENT side of Media Fellowship. You
will find quotes and stories from several actors about the
challenges of being a Christian in the industry. The
question gets asked, "How can you be a Christian in
Hollywood?" And even more often, "If you are a
Christian, why would you want to stay in Hollywood?"
The saying, "Bloom where you are
planted," comes to mind. Not all flowers are in neat rows
in cultivated gardens. Some grow in fields and along
roadsides. Some manage to bring a touch of beauty to a break
in a rock or a crack in a walkway. Jesus prayed for the
disciples in John 17, "My prayer is not that you take
them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil
one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me
into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I
sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."
It is difficult to stand strong in your
faith when you are in a secular arena and when you face
temptations and rejection. That is why we need the
encouragement of Christian friends and fellowship. That is why
we must study the Bible and apply it to our daily lives. That
is why we need to share our prayers and our praises. That is
why we bring our friends to be introduced to Jesus Christ. MFI
provides a safe venue where we can grow as Christians and
learn to live for Christ. |
