Finally got to see the movie, "Saved" last night. Our kids are at an 'middle of the road' Evangelical Christian high school so they were intrigued with the presentation of stereotypes of tryhard evangelists in the school context. We had an atheist school friend over. He was full of questions all the way through. He hadn't been exposed to a culture of exorcism, hard-sell evangelism or cliched expressions of praise. At the end he told us it was the best movie he'd seen in ages.The movie's a great example of irreverence used to start conversations about faith that doesn't fit into the narrow confines of fundamentalism. Significant points of the movie include Mary challenging the intentions of a gossip-focused prayer meeting, and Dean telling the principal that even though he's gay he believes he is still loved by Jesus. I like the character of Patrick, a guy who's keen to explore Christian faith but wants to do that with unpressured honesty.
For those buying or hiring the DVD have a look for the Easter egg. From the Main Menu go to the 'Special Features' option. Highlight the menu entry 'Heaven Help Us' and then press the RIGHT arrow key on your remote control. This will highlight an icon of Jesus. Press the ENTER to select him. This will reveal a clip of R.E.M frontman and producer of "Saved!", Michael Stipe, talking about the film.
As can be anticipated many are not impressed by the movie. It can be seen as an outright attack on Christianity. It's described as irreverent, sick and blasphemous. I wonder how it would stand up to the Anti-Vilification laws of Victoria, Australia?
1 comment:
This film is an excellent discussion starter and one that challenges and highlights a lack of tolerance that we only see in much older Christians here in Australia. When the film was released theatrically here in OZ I had the pleasure of being able to interview a number of people involved in the making of the film, director Brian Dannelly (a Christian), Mandy Moore and Micheal Stipe. All involved wanted to make the film because it exploded the fundamentalist brand of Christianity existing in a lot of US Christian schools and highlights the theological grey areas that many teenagers are faced with outside Christianity.
Excellent. I still have a few copies of the film left after doing an extensive promotion if anybody on the list wants to contact me at insights@nsw.uca.org.au
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