“Secrets always reveal themselves in the light of truth.”  Cadi Forbes in The Last Sin Eater

What are some things Christian movie-goers can do to encourage the making of more Christian-friendly films?

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.  (John 8:32, NLT)

One weekend recently,  Sharon suggested that we go to the video store and rent a movie entitled The Last Sin Eater.  Turns out that we had just received the current edition of Focus on the Family Magazine and the cover article was about Michael Landon Jr., the filmmaker responsible for Love Comes Softly several years ago.  That movie and its three sequels all quickly rose to number one positions at the Hallmark Channel.  In fact, Love Comes Softly was the strongest selling Christian video  through Christian retail stores in both 2006 and 2007.  Quite a feat for a movie idea that everybody turned down for ten years until Hallmark finally saw the light.

Set in a remote corner of Appalachia in 1850, and involving a small colony of Welsh immigrants, The Last Sin Eater is a very different genre than Love Comes Softly.  I confess that I wasn’t all that excited about watching it, but was caught up in the film very quickly.  It turns out to be a fascinating story that really opens the door to a strong evangelistic message.  Too strong, some critics are saying.  Too blatant…too “in your face.”  “Spreads the Good News in a bad way.”  After we watched the movie, I did an Internet search to see what others had said, and not surprisingly I found that most of the secular critics found it “flawed.”  (Maybe we should start a list of careers where people get paid to be wrong, e.g., movie critics, TV weather forecasters, political prognosticators, just to name a couple.)

It may not be Academy Award material and I don’t want this to become a movie review, but I did choose to write about it because we do believe it is worth your taking your time to watch it.  We certainly enjoyed it and are fairly sure that you will too.

(Even though the movie has a redemptive message it reveals darkness in a way that could frighten young children. Parents may want to preview the movie first.)

Prayer Power
Lord, we thank you for gifted artists who are willing to risk their reputations and earning potential for a cause…who are willing to swim so valiantly against the tide of popular opinion.  Even though their efforts may not be “perfect” and indeed have noticeable flaws, we thank you for the grace You provide for them to follow their call.  Let us not forget to pray for their favor and protection.

Link of the Day
Focus on the Family Review of The Last Sin Eater

Blessings on you as you follow your call this day.