3:20 there are multiple Christians genocides happening rn. In the middle east and africa. Christians are being persecuted and murdered for their faith. Glory to the martyrs ❤🙏 rest in peace with christ our lord 🛐✝️
Yes. If you do, be confident that your movie probably sucks. Tell good stories! Tell them from a Christian perspective. If your using a movie as a vehicle to shoe horn a Gospel presentation into it the gospel will be shared and the movie will SUCK! You're just a christian version of Kathleen Kennedy. Think more Book of Eli than Hacksaw Rigde..
The focus should never be on telling a message, but rather a story. To tell a story is to create. Creation is a divine action. To fail in this endeavor is to sully a divine gift.
I've actually had conversations about this with my mom and some friends at my work. As an Christian artist and a writer, it seems like I'm expected to have this pretty, cookie cutter, Christian message oriented story-telling and reasoning behind writing and art. In reality, this approach can stifle the creativity and makes it bland, and not really worth reading/looking at. It's just the same thing.
God gave me creativity, why would I kill it by trying to force a style of art or an approach to writing that looks and mimics all other Christian's approaches? It all winds up turning into a preachy mess that no one wants to read or enjoy, and I didn't really want to write or create. Heck, this can become a discouragement and a form of burnout.
What I think the world needs more of is less preachy stories that paint everything in the same exact way, and more actual storytelling from Christian's perspectives. This doesn't mean writing a preachy gospel message story or creating an 'inspired' art piece and slapping a Bible verse on it to feel like you were fulfilling God's calling. That's self-righteous and honestly preaching to people who already have heard the same stuff over and over again. It doesn't reach the lost. This doesn't entertain Christians beyond some of the more legalistic ones and occasionally the Christian who might've needed that sort of message.
I want Christians to really tell stories. To really use their gifts of creativity to make art that they actually enjoy. And it's not wrong to enjoy things. One of the great christian writers, C.S. Lewis, actually explores this very concept in his Screwtape Letters, of all places, when the demon Screwtape advises Wormwood, "You should always try to make the patient abandon the people or food or books he really likes in favor of the 'best' people, the 'right' food,” the 'important' books." In short, Lewis argues that it is not a sin to have pleasures or to be happy and enjoy the things in your life that you have been blessed with.
If you've been blessed with Creativity, it's not a sin to use it in a way that make you happy, so long as it does not become a vice, isn't being done for the sole purpose of seeking praise and approval from those around you, or dishonors God.
Which is why this idea that Christian's must conform to a specific mode of creativity is so… Disheartening.
We need Christians to tell stories. To get into trenches and explore things and talk about them. We need that perspective. We need to confront uncomfortable topics and unravel complicated plots. We need to be able to tell a story that actually draws readers, watchers, and listeners in and entertains them. At the same time, we need to make people think and ask questions. A lot like how Jesus's parables would almost always be followed by questions.
This does not mean cramming a preachy message into every nook and cranny, but rather, it means we must tell good stories that happen to subtly portray the Christian perspective and explores complicated themes and ideas in a far more investing and reeling way.
The story must always come first, or the message and moral will always be seen as too preachy. A lot of writers know, stories have a habit of taking on life of their own. That aspect of writing, along with your own perspective, can really help in the process.
And speaking of being preachy, it seems my own comment got a little carried away, lol. Really good video, it's nice to see Christians broaching this topic.
This is something I think needs to be discussed more in the Christian creative world, as a majority of the creative world is actually quite secular. Christian art and writing is not really viewed in a positive light, and it's not really hard to understand why, it's just a little sad. Christian creatives should use their gifts well. I hope that anyone else who gets to the bottom of this large comment that is a creative Christian knows you're not alone. And that you don't have to do something in a specific way to be doing it the 'right' way. If at the end of the day, what you do makes you happy and is able to glorify God, then you are probably on the right track.
As a Christian who also went to film school I 💯 confirm and agree this was my issue with the handful of other Christian film makers I met over the years.
Basically one seeks to be like a Hallmark Greeting Card Special and the other makes good films grounded in the reality of the deposit of faith no matter how lost the characters might become.
One reveals the reality of the faith the others talks down to you like a petulant child.
Someone once told me that instead of writing a story where a character tells the story of Paul's redemption, why don't you write a story ABOUT redemption? Of course, try not to forget to put in the story where that redemption COMES FROM and where it LEADS to.
Christian filmmakers seem to not be comfortable making films for nobody else other than Christians. Especially that second point, I roll my eyes at every depiction I see of it because I WAS an atheist who grew into Christianity and into learning and living God's love. but it wasn't a scene or two (honestly wished it was), instead it was long and it took a lot of trying and failing.
I get what you're saying and I agree with you but I think you're missing the point about some of this entertainment. It's just entertainment for Christians. I don't think it's trying to appeal to everyone. A lot of Christians love being Christians and don't want entertainment that's worldly. I listen to Christian metal for example. If you're going to call it an echo chamber because it doesn't challenge any ideas I'd ask why do I need that in my entertainment? How many ideas can one possibly challenge? I've challenged enough to come to the conclusion that I'm at and that's why I'm now a Christian! Some people just don't care for secular entertainment anymore and enjoy having stuff based around our faith! I do agree there should be stuff that invites people in just like you said so we should also focus on that as well! I definitely agree that God wants us to make good art! I mean, Christians were by far the best at art for 1000 years! You can see that in the development of music, architecture, ART, and so forth! Anyways, your video was good!
The dork making the power fist and saying "Jesus, man." is David A.R. White, the founder of Pure Flix and the star of the Revelation Road films, which honor Mad Max a lot more than Fury Road does. He also Starred as a former hitman forced out of retirement by girl groomers. The film is called Beckman. Between my Blu Rays and PureFlix subscription, there are plenty of great faith based films such as Risen The Remaining Hidden Secrets Faith By Fire Heaven Is For Real I Am Gabriel The Encounter God's Not Dead series Soul Surfer
The only one that I can think of that I didn't like was 47 Days With Jesus, and that's because the movie was mostly a Musical, and I don't like Musicals. I watched it because of Yoshi Borrigas, who was clearly the superior Philip on The Chosen. I could relate to yoshi. We're both chubby guys with long hair and beard. The new Philip is skinny, has short hair , a deep voice and wears a headband even though his hair is too short to get Into his eyes.
Great analysis. I especially agree that Hacksaw Ridge is a powerfully moving film; it's helped me grow in my Christian faith. I think a lot about Doss's prayer "Lord, help me get one more." When I'm dealing with something that feels tough, I try to remember what Doss went through and how he leaned on the Lord.
Regarding "Christian art," have you read the book "Walking on Water" by Madeline L'Engle? It's a beautiful exegesis of how a Christian artist undertakes creative work as an "incarnational" process, or as an act of faith and worship. L'Engle goes into a lot of nuance about the distinctions you're bringing up here. Seems like it would be right up your alley.
Also – what's the track that plays at 2:30? It's got some nice changes. Your own piano music is quite nice too, by the way.
nice its new 11 hours ago nice bro keep it up i agree i think this is the very first video ive ever seen from you take care have a great day and i like this>:) yeah people shouldnt force the word>:)
I’m a Christian filmmaker and I DESPISE overly preachy movies, I make movies with Biblical themes or even Christian protagonists but the goal is to tell an emotionally compelling story. That’s what Christian films should be rather than what most Christian films are. I love these videos, keep it up bro, God bless you
WOW!!! This isn't only a sad piece of content, but the confirmation that the Gospel is better left silent, is EXACTLY what the enemy desires…I don't understand how you don't see that. JESUS is NOT found in the lord of the rings SMH Romans 10:14-15
Im writting a webnovel that is about a boy who is given the power to drive out demons by God using his left hand. Tell me, how can i put the gospel in without forcing the message. Its based on two of my favorite anime. Fate stay night and a certain magical index, and the more faith the main guy has the stronger he gets.
Another fantastic video, Ryder! I'm currently writing a new play based on the true life of King Herod the Great, to help explain what could drive a man to one day give the order to slaughter children. The research going into this has been amazing, and I'm really excited for it (did you know that Julius Caesar's assassination kicked off a series of events that resulted in the census that caused the prophecy of Jesus being born in Bethlehem!?).
It felt strange initially, not including bible verses – but the narrative isn't about preaching salvation – it's about setting the stage for the coming of the saviour. God bless on all your future projects, bud!
perhaps not relating to cinematic storytelling but also relating to entertainment and showbiz: I recall Carrie Underwood kinda pushed for a Christian theme on American Idol despite many of the contestants and the staff not sharing the same beliefs. I believe Luke Bryan supported it too. It reportedly caused some uneasiness at the backend. I used to really like Underwood, but ever since she came out supporting Trump and aligned herself with MAGA, and having released a song called Love Wins and The Bullet which now seem so ironic, I just don't feel that she is as likeable as I thought she was. This is on top of reports of her being snobbish and cold. Disappointing.
Yeah… I don't watch Christian movies for these very reasons. One of the most Christian movies I've seen in my life is Amazing Grace. Because it's exactly as you said: when faith informes character's actions and choices and mission in life.
It is one thing to preach the Gospel, but it is another if they act so hypocritically and judgementally and immediately disparage or being rude to others if the latter choose to decline it. I am a Christian myself, and during my younger days, I was pressured to share the Gospel by a Christian para-church organization that I volunteered for. But during my senior year, I could not perform to their "expectations," and a senior staff member actually scolded me in front of other student leaders. I cried and she expressed no sympathy. I did not realize that my formative years had been dictated by a religious cult – both the org. and the conservative evangelical church.
I wrote a book series heavily laden with Biblical themes and social commentary, but publishing it as Christian media would alienate the people I want to read it, and the average western Christian media consumer would be upset that it isn't squeaky clean/black and white. I just published it independently.
My favorite types of Christianity in media is when it is shown how it ACCURATELY affects both characters and stories, if you want to learn about the Gospel itself the Bible is there for you to read, and very few shows like The Chosen is a good starting point for secular viewers to start learning about Christ
I bought Fallout New Vegas solely because I wanted to see how it depicted Joshua Graham, a Mormon Christian, and it did not disappoint
I really appreciate what you’re doing! We need our Christian creatives to hear and understand what you’re saying. It’ll be gratifying, not just for so many others, but also to themselves as well knowing that they’re being a better witness and instrument of the talents God has blessed them to use and develop.
Last October 2024, a YouTube creator read aloud the novel Dracula. Now Dracula is a way iconic character, but the original novel, to my surprise, was epistolary (diary entries, letters, newspaper reports), and there was overt Christian messaging here and here–not necessarily the Gospel, but Christian imagery, plus references to the sacraments and to the state of sin. The clear theme, to me, was the persistent corrupting influence of evil upon innocent lives. Also, I couldn't help paralleling some of the Dracula characters to Harry Potter characters. I suspect J.K. Rowling found some inspiration there.
Novels like A Christmas Carol and Little Women contain overt or barely covert references to Jesus and the Gospel, yet contain powerful stories with memorable characters, which the secular world has embraced.
As a Christian and as a creative writer, I've also found "Christian" films, and much "Christian" music, sorely lacking in artistry and creativity. The conservative church tends to distrust artists, as well as academics and scientists.
As an African-American, I'm disturbed by your disparaging references to "woke", "DEI", and "agenda". We people of color need to tell our stories, too, and we need to be included in "mainstream" stories. That said, I agree that Hollywood can bungle dealing with race, and that they too often create "strong female characters" who fall flat.
Here's my challenge to you: create a video where you explore what you call "woke" or "DEI" films that push an "agenda", and compare them to good films that deliver well the stories centering upon, or featuring, African-Americans and other peoples of color. You can also look at the Christian or spiritual/faith messages that come through in those films. (In this light, how would you see, for instance, the films of Tyler Perry?) You could make a similar analysis of good films vs. bad films that center upon "strong female characters".
Addendum: It doesn't have to be an analysis of accuracy vs inaccuracy, though you could do that. I'm interested in what moved you emotionally, what "got to you", vs. what didn't.
I have seen the video and understand what you are saying, but the only thing I don’t agree with is that we shouldn’t have the gospel in every scene, we need more of Christ not less of Him. If anyone will heed to “let’s make it more about the story to touch people’s heart but not be too into the gospel or leave some out“ then you get only a feel good message with no full substance of the gospel and which will only lead to emotions that may last for awhile but not a lifetime of the lasting impact and change on the whole person’s soul, heart, mind and life as the gospel does. This world is lost with darkness around, the only answer is Christ the only hope is Christ. People can do all what they can to please an unbeliever make any kind of movie for them but truth is in the end only Christ can change their heart only Christ can lead them to salvation ( John 3:16).
The issue is that as Christians we want Christian teaching and ideology to be as normal and unforced as possible. We need depictions that are realistic, not just a 90 minute sermon, 90 minute sermons are all well and good but there’s a time and place. More realistic and grounded showings of Christianity would go a long way towards fixing what has been broken when these movies are made. You don’t want people thinking Christians are what these movies are depicting them as, because it’s either unrealistic or just makes it look like a caricature of what Christianity is. Jesus is a perfect example of this, he was humble and smart, wise, loving, kind, etc. when I see a majority of these movies I can see very little of that on display, there’s always a very self righteous tone and cadence to the whole film, and when dialogue happens, it’s towards the audience, not the character that’s meant to represent the audience.
As a Christian, I don't have much issues with Christian films, especially if they're meant for a Christian audience. However, I also think that Christian films can alienate non-believers more than bring them closer to Christ. So, IMO, a great story with subtle Christian themes would be more impactful.
Hi Ryder, Great video! I think you drive home a lot of points about modern Christian messaging in films and you outline some of the solutions very well. Just curious though, have you watched the movie "Man of God (2022)"?
Given your critiques, I think it would be a great movie to enjoy! I will admit, some context may be required for some scenes, but overall its a breathtaking film with fantastic camera work. Hope to hear from u soon and if anyone else has watched it tell me what you think of it. I'd say its one of the best Christian movies of the modern age, and definitely under-hyped.
As a Christian storyteller and artist myself, I hope I don't sound cliche in saying this, but I promise it's genuine – Amen, brother! I'm about to be 35, grew up in a Christian household, but didn't become a believer for myself until I was 16. There was a time when I felt like a "bad Christian" for not liking faith based "entertainment." But as I got older, I came to see bad faith based movies as you describe here – a bad movie is a bad movie. Show a natural, organic story and characters, don't spoon feed Sunday school sermons down everyone's throats. No one likes to be preached at or condescended to. And then I see some Christians who say that bad faith based movies tank only because we're persecuted victims, and I just want to tell them, "No, it tanked because it sucked. Plain and simple." 😂 They tank because stories in these kinds of films are through a church filter, instead of, well, reality. It took me a long time to come to Christ on my own, one reason being because I wanted to believe in a God that actually applies to real life, not a cheesy creampuff Jesus that is about as interesting and engaging as wet cardboard. I especially love the angle you took on God Himself being a visual storyteller, and the Creator of beauty. Yes! Yes, yes, yes! Brilliant! God is the ultimate artist and storyteller, He created everything, and beauty is all around us, so why wouldn't He love beauty and visual mediums? I also agree that Hacksaw Ridge was a great movie, an excellent example. 😉 It's the same reason I grew to love a few other things in faith based media, such as The Chosen, best portrayal of Jesus I've seen in years, because it's so organic and relatable to everyone in an audience, not just pandering to churches. Also really well acted, something else I see sorely lacking in most faith based "entertainment." I never thought I'd see the day when people would come up with Christian media that is of good quality and would actually gain some traction in mainstream media, but wow, Angel Studios and Loaves and Fish have been able to pull it off! Well done! This is why ever since I was a child I would be disgusted by cheesy Sunday school films, but get way more out of classic and renaissance era films from Disney, such as Snow White, Cinderella, or the Bald Mountain/Ave Maria sequence in Fantasia. They don't talk down to anyone of any age, they show breathtaking imagery and characters that were true labors of love. They showed good and evil instead of preaching them at us. Beauty and the Beast shows how to be compassionate, forgiving, and insightful to those who need it most, instead of just robotically quoting Bible verses about such things. This is why other classic films such as Ben Hur and The Robe are so beloved, they show the effects that Jesus had on them by changing their hearts and thus the whole trajectory of their lives and the plots, and Jesus Himself wasn't even really on screen in either of those ones! Anyway, wow, I just went on a really long tangent, sorry. 😅 Long story short, I just discovered you and I want to say, great work, Ryder, keep doing what you're doing! 🤗
The scene in Beef where he went to church and cries a little at first and he just wasn’t able to stop himself from crying more. When life became so heavy that the level of being lost and helpless that he felt at that moment, running to god. It was so beautiful
“The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.“
This is actually helpful. I'm planning to make a Christian animated movie called Amen! and I want to try to create something inspiring and faithful. Thank you for helping me. I should thank God for recommending this video. You deserve a thumbs up. 👍
Thanks for this informative video. This highlights a challenge that I've been facing personally in trying to glorify God in my writing. I especially appreciate series like The Chosen, where the writers took the time to explain why some of the parables Jesus said were so significant in his day, which was one of my biggest struggles for awhile. Thanks again, and I wish good luck to all of the creative people here in the comments in their creative endeavors, storytelling or otherwise.
As muslim, I like christian moviemakers who can perfectly make religious movies not only for christian audience, but also others. Especially I love movies of Tarkovsky
I'll be honest, as a debate kid and a movie theater guy I though that "Gods not Dead" 1 was better. I like the debate format but by God's not Dead 2 it felt like a bad cartoon. On a scale from 1 to 10 I'd give it a 5, the Crossing I saw in high school I thought was a way better movie A kid has a dream of dying and seeing his friend being judged and going to hell. I thought that one knew how to tell a story.
I remember Watching Narnia back in the day, when I was just a teen. I would be amazed by Aslan's powers and wisdom. Watching the final film Aslan said along the lines "In your world, I have a different name… you must learn to know me by it" I was skeptical at first but it hit me when I knew the director was a Christian. Jesus is the Aslan in our world.
What's one thing you can improve in your own art to remedy the problems discussed in this video?
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Thanks for being here! 😀
3:20 there are multiple Christians genocides happening rn. In the middle east and africa. Christians are being persecuted and murdered for their faith. Glory to the martyrs ❤🙏 rest in peace with christ our lord 🛐✝️
Wow, thank you so much for this video 🎉❤. Thank you to our God for letting you make contents. Keep it up brother 🌱
Yes. If you do, be confident that your movie probably sucks. Tell good stories! Tell them from a Christian perspective. If your using a movie as a vehicle to shoe horn a Gospel presentation into it the gospel will be shared and the movie will SUCK! You're just a christian version of Kathleen Kennedy. Think more Book of Eli than Hacksaw Rigde..
The focus should never be on telling a message, but rather a story. To tell a story is to create. Creation is a divine action. To fail in this endeavor is to sully a divine gift.
I've actually had conversations about this with my mom and some friends at my work. As an Christian artist and a writer, it seems like I'm expected to have this pretty, cookie cutter, Christian message oriented story-telling and reasoning behind writing and art. In reality, this approach can stifle the creativity and makes it bland, and not really worth reading/looking at. It's just the same thing.
God gave me creativity, why would I kill it by trying to force a style of art or an approach to writing that looks and mimics all other Christian's approaches? It all winds up turning into a preachy mess that no one wants to read or enjoy, and I didn't really want to write or create. Heck, this can become a discouragement and a form of burnout.
What I think the world needs more of is less preachy stories that paint everything in the same exact way, and more actual storytelling from Christian's perspectives. This doesn't mean writing a preachy gospel message story or creating an 'inspired' art piece and slapping a Bible verse on it to feel like you were fulfilling God's calling. That's self-righteous and honestly preaching to people who already have heard the same stuff over and over again. It doesn't reach the lost. This doesn't entertain Christians beyond some of the more legalistic ones and occasionally the Christian who might've needed that sort of message.
I want Christians to really tell stories. To really use their gifts of creativity to make art that they actually enjoy. And it's not wrong to enjoy things. One of the great christian writers, C.S. Lewis, actually explores this very concept in his Screwtape Letters, of all places, when the demon Screwtape advises Wormwood, "You should always try to make the patient abandon the people or food or books he really likes in favor of the 'best' people, the 'right' food,” the 'important' books." In short, Lewis argues that it is not a sin to have pleasures or to be happy and enjoy the things in your life that you have been blessed with.
If you've been blessed with Creativity, it's not a sin to use it in a way that make you happy, so long as it does not become a vice, isn't being done for the sole purpose of seeking praise and approval from those around you, or dishonors God.
Which is why this idea that Christian's must conform to a specific mode of creativity is so… Disheartening.
We need Christians to tell stories. To get into trenches and explore things and talk about them. We need that perspective. We need to confront uncomfortable topics and unravel complicated plots. We need to be able to tell a story that actually draws readers, watchers, and listeners in and entertains them. At the same time, we need to make people think and ask questions. A lot like how Jesus's parables would almost always be followed by questions.
This does not mean cramming a preachy message into every nook and cranny, but rather, it means we must tell good stories that happen to subtly portray the Christian perspective and explores complicated themes and ideas in a far more investing and reeling way.
The story must always come first, or the message and moral will always be seen as too preachy. A lot of writers know, stories have a habit of taking on life of their own. That aspect of writing, along with your own perspective, can really help in the process.
And speaking of being preachy, it seems my own comment got a little carried away, lol. Really good video, it's nice to see Christians broaching this topic.
This is something I think needs to be discussed more in the Christian creative world, as a majority of the creative world is actually quite secular. Christian art and writing is not really viewed in a positive light, and it's not really hard to understand why, it's just a little sad. Christian creatives should use their gifts well. I hope that anyone else who gets to the bottom of this large comment that is a creative Christian knows you're not alone. And that you don't have to do something in a specific way to be doing it the 'right' way. If at the end of the day, what you do makes you happy and is able to glorify God, then you are probably on the right track.
As a Christian who also went to film school I 💯 confirm and agree this was my issue with the handful of other Christian film makers I met over the years.
Basically one seeks to be like a Hallmark Greeting Card Special and the other makes good films grounded in the reality of the deposit of faith no matter how lost the characters might become.
One reveals the reality of the faith the others talks down to you like a petulant child.
Good breakdown brother 🙏🏼☦️
Someone once told me that instead of writing a story where a character tells the story of Paul's redemption, why don't you write a story ABOUT redemption?
Of course, try not to forget to put in the story where that redemption COMES FROM and where it LEADS to.
Christian filmmakers seem to not be comfortable making films for nobody else other than Christians. Especially that second point, I roll my eyes at every depiction I see of it because I WAS an atheist who grew into Christianity and into learning and living God's love. but it wasn't a scene or two (honestly wished it was), instead it was long and it took a lot of trying and failing.
I get what you're saying and I agree with you but I think you're missing the point about some of this entertainment. It's just entertainment for Christians. I don't think it's trying to appeal to everyone. A lot of Christians love being Christians and don't want entertainment that's worldly. I listen to Christian metal for example. If you're going to call it an echo chamber because it doesn't challenge any ideas I'd ask why do I need that in my entertainment? How many ideas can one possibly challenge? I've challenged enough to come to the conclusion that I'm at and that's why I'm now a Christian!
Some people just don't care for secular entertainment anymore and enjoy having stuff based around our faith! I do agree there should be stuff that invites people in just like you said so we should also focus on that as well! I definitely agree that God wants us to make good art! I mean, Christians were by far the best at art for 1000 years! You can see that in the development of music, architecture, ART, and so forth! Anyways, your video was good!
The dork making the power fist and saying "Jesus, man." is David A.R. White, the founder of Pure Flix and the star of the Revelation Road films, which honor Mad Max a lot more than Fury Road does. He also Starred as a former hitman forced out of retirement by girl groomers. The film is called Beckman. Between my Blu Rays and PureFlix subscription, there are plenty of great faith based films such as
Risen
The Remaining
Hidden Secrets
Faith By Fire
Heaven Is For Real
I Am Gabriel
The Encounter
God's Not Dead series
Soul Surfer
The only one that I can think of that I didn't like was 47 Days With Jesus, and that's because the movie was mostly a Musical, and I don't like Musicals. I watched it because of Yoshi Borrigas, who was clearly the superior Philip on The Chosen. I could relate to yoshi. We're both chubby guys with long hair and beard. The new Philip is skinny, has short hair , a deep voice and wears a headband even though his hair is too short to get Into his eyes.
Great video! Speaking of which, have you seen The Chronicles Of Narnia Trilogy (of movies)? Talk about using narrative to tell Biblical truths!
Great analysis. I especially agree that Hacksaw Ridge is a powerfully moving film; it's helped me grow in my Christian faith. I think a lot about Doss's prayer "Lord, help me get one more." When I'm dealing with something that feels tough, I try to remember what Doss went through and how he leaned on the Lord.
Regarding "Christian art," have you read the book "Walking on Water" by Madeline L'Engle? It's a beautiful exegesis of how a Christian artist undertakes creative work as an "incarnational" process, or as an act of faith and worship. L'Engle goes into a lot of nuance about the distinctions you're bringing up here. Seems like it would be right up your alley.
Also – what's the track that plays at 2:30? It's got some nice changes. Your own piano music is quite nice too, by the way.
"Jesus bro!" 🗣🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥✍
Well said. 🎬
nice its new 11 hours ago nice bro keep it up i agree i think this is the very first video ive ever seen from you take care have a great day and i like this>:) yeah people shouldnt force the word>:)
"You can tie a bow on a turd and make it look pretty, but it's still a turd."
ME:
I’m a Christian filmmaker and I DESPISE overly preachy movies, I make movies with Biblical themes or even Christian protagonists but the goal is to tell an emotionally compelling story. That’s what Christian films should be rather than what most Christian films are. I love these videos, keep it up bro, God bless you
WOW!!! This isn't only a sad piece of content, but the confirmation that the Gospel is better left silent, is EXACTLY what the enemy desires…I don't understand how you don't see that. JESUS is NOT found in the lord of the rings SMH
Romans 10:14-15
The separation of faith and charity yo leave faith alone
Im writting a webnovel that is about a boy who is given the power to drive out demons by God using his left hand. Tell me, how can i put the gospel in without forcing the message. Its based on two of my favorite anime. Fate stay night and a certain magical index, and the more faith the main guy has the stronger he gets.
Another fantastic video, Ryder! I'm currently writing a new play based on the true life of King Herod the Great, to help explain what could drive a man to one day give the order to slaughter children. The research going into this has been amazing, and I'm really excited for it (did you know that Julius Caesar's assassination kicked off a series of events that resulted in the census that caused the prophecy of Jesus being born in Bethlehem!?).
It felt strange initially, not including bible verses – but the narrative isn't about preaching salvation – it's about setting the stage for the coming of the saviour. God bless on all your future projects, bud!
perhaps not relating to cinematic storytelling but also relating to entertainment and showbiz: I recall Carrie Underwood kinda pushed for a Christian theme on American Idol despite many of the contestants and the staff not sharing the same beliefs. I believe Luke Bryan supported it too. It reportedly caused some uneasiness at the backend. I used to really like Underwood, but ever since she came out supporting Trump and aligned herself with MAGA, and having released a song called Love Wins and The Bullet which now seem so ironic, I just don't feel that she is as likeable as I thought she was. This is on top of reports of her being snobbish and cold. Disappointing.
Yeah… I don't watch Christian movies for these very reasons. One of the most Christian movies I've seen in my life is Amazing Grace. Because it's exactly as you said: when faith informes character's actions and choices and mission in life.
It is one thing to preach the Gospel, but it is another if they act so hypocritically and judgementally and immediately disparage or being rude to others if the latter choose to decline it. I am a Christian myself, and during my younger days, I was pressured to share the Gospel by a Christian para-church organization that I volunteered for. But during my senior year, I could not perform to their "expectations," and a senior staff member actually scolded me in front of other student leaders. I cried and she expressed no sympathy. I did not realize that my formative years had been dictated by a religious cult – both the org. and the conservative evangelical church.
I wrote a book series heavily laden with Biblical themes and social commentary, but publishing it as Christian media would alienate the people I want to read it, and the average western Christian media consumer would be upset that it isn't squeaky clean/black and white. I just published it independently.
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My favorite types of Christianity in media is when it is shown how it ACCURATELY affects both characters and stories, if you want to learn about the Gospel itself the Bible is there for you to read, and very few shows like The Chosen is a good starting point for secular viewers to start learning about Christ
I bought Fallout New Vegas solely because I wanted to see how it depicted Joshua Graham, a Mormon Christian, and it did not disappoint
I really appreciate what you’re doing! We need our Christian creatives to hear and understand what you’re saying. It’ll be gratifying, not just for so many others, but also to themselves as well knowing that they’re being a better witness and instrument of the talents God has blessed them to use and develop.
Conservative Evangelical Christians more precisely, they’re so boring and annoying.
Last October 2024, a YouTube creator read aloud the novel Dracula. Now Dracula is a way iconic character, but the original novel, to my surprise, was epistolary (diary entries, letters, newspaper reports), and there was overt Christian messaging here and here–not necessarily the Gospel, but Christian imagery, plus references to the sacraments and to the state of sin. The clear theme, to me, was the persistent corrupting influence of evil upon innocent lives. Also, I couldn't help paralleling some of the Dracula characters to Harry Potter characters. I suspect J.K. Rowling found some inspiration there.
Novels like A Christmas Carol and Little Women contain overt or barely covert references to Jesus and the Gospel, yet contain powerful stories with memorable characters, which the secular world has embraced.
As a Christian and as a creative writer, I've also found "Christian" films, and much "Christian" music, sorely lacking in artistry and creativity. The conservative church tends to distrust artists, as well as academics and scientists.
As an African-American, I'm disturbed by your disparaging references to "woke", "DEI", and "agenda". We people of color need to tell our stories, too, and we need to be included in "mainstream" stories. That said, I agree that Hollywood can bungle dealing with race, and that they too often create "strong female characters" who fall flat.
Here's my challenge to you: create a video where you explore what you call "woke" or "DEI" films that push an "agenda", and compare them to good films that deliver well the stories centering upon, or featuring, African-Americans and other peoples of color. You can also look at the Christian or spiritual/faith messages that come through in those films. (In this light, how would you see, for instance, the films of Tyler Perry?) You could make a similar analysis of good films vs. bad films that center upon "strong female characters".
Addendum: It doesn't have to be an analysis of accuracy vs inaccuracy, though you could do that. I'm interested in what moved you emotionally, what "got to you", vs. what didn't.
I have seen the video and understand what you are saying, but the only thing I don’t agree with is that we shouldn’t have the gospel in every scene, we need more of Christ not less of Him. If anyone will heed to “let’s make it more about the story to touch people’s heart but not be too into the gospel or leave some out“ then you get only a feel good message with no full substance of the gospel and which will only lead to emotions that may last for awhile but not a lifetime of the lasting impact and change on the whole person’s soul, heart, mind and life as the gospel does. This world is lost with darkness around, the only answer is Christ the only hope is Christ. People can do all what they can to please an unbeliever make any kind of movie for them but truth is in the end only Christ can change their heart only Christ can lead them to salvation ( John 3:16).
The issue is that as Christians we want Christian teaching and ideology to be as normal and unforced as possible. We need depictions that are realistic, not just a 90 minute sermon, 90 minute sermons are all well and good but there’s a time and place. More realistic and grounded showings of Christianity would go a long way towards fixing what has been broken when these movies are made. You don’t want people thinking Christians are what these movies are depicting them as, because it’s either unrealistic or just makes it look like a caricature of what Christianity is. Jesus is a perfect example of this, he was humble and smart, wise, loving, kind, etc. when I see a majority of these movies I can see very little of that on display, there’s always a very self righteous tone and cadence to the whole film, and when dialogue happens, it’s towards the audience, not the character that’s meant to represent the audience.
As a Christian, I don't have much issues with Christian films, especially if they're meant for a Christian audience. However, I also think that Christian films can alienate non-believers more than bring them closer to Christ. So, IMO, a great story with subtle Christian themes would be more impactful.
Hi Ryder, Great video! I think you drive home a lot of points about modern Christian messaging in films and you outline some of the solutions very well. Just curious though, have you watched the movie "Man of God (2022)"?
Given your critiques, I think it would be a great movie to enjoy! I will admit, some context may be required for some scenes, but overall its a breathtaking film with fantastic camera work. Hope to hear from u soon and if anyone else has watched it tell me what you think of it. I'd say its one of the best Christian movies of the modern age, and definitely under-hyped.
Fury was one of the best “Christian” movies!
As a Christian storyteller and artist myself, I hope I don't sound cliche in saying this, but I promise it's genuine – Amen, brother! I'm about to be 35, grew up in a Christian household, but didn't become a believer for myself until I was 16. There was a time when I felt like a "bad Christian" for not liking faith based "entertainment." But as I got older, I came to see bad faith based movies as you describe here – a bad movie is a bad movie. Show a natural, organic story and characters, don't spoon feed Sunday school sermons down everyone's throats. No one likes to be preached at or condescended to. And then I see some Christians who say that bad faith based movies tank only because we're persecuted victims, and I just want to tell them, "No, it tanked because it sucked. Plain and simple." 😂 They tank because stories in these kinds of films are through a church filter, instead of, well, reality. It took me a long time to come to Christ on my own, one reason being because I wanted to believe in a God that actually applies to real life, not a cheesy creampuff Jesus that is about as interesting and engaging as wet cardboard. I especially love the angle you took on God Himself being a visual storyteller, and the Creator of beauty. Yes! Yes, yes, yes! Brilliant! God is the ultimate artist and storyteller, He created everything, and beauty is all around us, so why wouldn't He love beauty and visual mediums? I also agree that Hacksaw Ridge was a great movie, an excellent example. 😉 It's the same reason I grew to love a few other things in faith based media, such as The Chosen, best portrayal of Jesus I've seen in years, because it's so organic and relatable to everyone in an audience, not just pandering to churches. Also really well acted, something else I see sorely lacking in most faith based "entertainment." I never thought I'd see the day when people would come up with Christian media that is of good quality and would actually gain some traction in mainstream media, but wow, Angel Studios and Loaves and Fish have been able to pull it off! Well done! This is why ever since I was a child I would be disgusted by cheesy Sunday school films, but get way more out of classic and renaissance era films from Disney, such as Snow White, Cinderella, or the Bald Mountain/Ave Maria sequence in Fantasia. They don't talk down to anyone of any age, they show breathtaking imagery and characters that were true labors of love. They showed good and evil instead of preaching them at us. Beauty and the Beast shows how to be compassionate, forgiving, and insightful to those who need it most, instead of just robotically quoting Bible verses about such things. This is why other classic films such as Ben Hur and The Robe are so beloved, they show the effects that Jesus had on them by changing their hearts and thus the whole trajectory of their lives and the plots, and Jesus Himself wasn't even really on screen in either of those ones!
Anyway, wow, I just went on a really long tangent, sorry. 😅 Long story short, I just discovered you and I want to say, great work, Ryder, keep doing what you're doing! 🤗
The scene in Beef where he went to church and cries a little at first and he just wasn’t able to stop himself from crying more. When life became so heavy that the level of being lost and helpless that he felt at that moment, running to god. It was so beautiful
“The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.“
This is actually helpful. I'm planning to make a Christian animated movie called Amen! and I want to try to create something inspiring and faithful. Thank you for helping me. I should thank God for recommending this video. You deserve a thumbs up. 👍
Hello, aspiring fiction writer here.
Thanks for this informative video. This highlights a challenge that I've been facing personally in trying to glorify God in my writing. I especially appreciate series like The Chosen, where the writers took the time to explain why some of the parables Jesus said were so significant in his day, which was one of my biggest struggles for awhile. Thanks again, and I wish good luck to all of the creative people here in the comments in their creative endeavors, storytelling or otherwise.
Facts
Thanks you 😘 for your YouTube channel it was inspiring 😊 🙌 😀
As muslim, I like christian moviemakers who can perfectly make religious movies not only for christian audience, but also others. Especially I love movies of Tarkovsky
triumph of the will is the greatest Christian movie
It’s why I love Les Miserables so much. It has a wonderful message about faith, and yet it tells a powerful, compelling story as well.
I'll be honest, as a debate kid and a movie theater guy I though that "Gods not Dead" 1 was better. I like the debate format but by God's not Dead 2 it felt like a bad cartoon. On a scale from 1 to 10 I'd give it a 5, the Crossing I saw in high school I thought was a way better movie A kid has a dream of dying and seeing his friend being judged and going to hell. I thought that one knew how to tell a story.
Instead of saying it, you have to present it, demonstrate it, do it, to prove that your effort really is something
You should check the old book "Quo Vadis, Domine?" It is a masterful example of this
I remember Watching Narnia back in the day, when I was just a teen. I would be amazed by Aslan's powers and wisdom. Watching the final film Aslan said along the lines "In your world, I have a different name… you must learn to know me by it" I was skeptical at first but it hit me when I knew the director was a Christian. Jesus is the Aslan in our world.