Theology is in right now. There is no other way to describe what is going on with this culture shift. People are interested in God again, but people are not necessarily interested in the Church, and to be quite honest we haven't been giving many people a good reason to like the church. Just look at the news. But the fact that Hollywood is getting on board with this... I really hope we as the church don't react poorly to the theological interest.Click here for Ben's Review of "NOAH"
First off, I would like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Darren Aronofsky's epic of Noah.
There was a large outcry about this film and it's Biblical accuracy throughout the web up to its release, and it hasn't diminished yet. I would like to say that on the point of Biblical accuracy, those who have been attacking it have a point, however I am not so interested in that reason being the thing that keeps people from watching the movie.
Jewish Rabbis used artistic expression to fill in the gaps of stories all the time, its what they call Midrash. Where the screenplay differed from the Biblical account, there was a use of mysticism and 'legitimate' yet not widely accepted theories on biblical characters such as the Nephilim.
This movie is a secular modern day equivalent. That is to say, Aronofsky is not a man who holds Scripture very high or even cares about how faithful the movie is to the inspired Word. However, with the mindset of seeing good art in a mostly Biblical view, it is a gift to us.
Because Jesus can handle a movie. His Kingdom is still being ushered in, and the fact that the non Christian world is THIS excited about a Biblical narrative should make us excited to speak the truth of the Gospel.
I appreciated the character development of Noah throughout the film. There was a focus on the angst and anxiety that plagued him during the building of the ark as well as during the flooding.
The question of what makes a human, truly human is also at the center of the story, with flashbacks to the Garden of Eden and Cain killing Abel, Noah begins to question whether there is any good in mankind, even himself.
The theology pointed towards the cross, the angst between the characters and the development of Noah into a human being with real, raw emotions if anything pointed towards the need for a savior. The "good guy" had flaws, just like every real "good guy" in the world.
I appreciated the artistic license. It wasn't necessarily the biblical story, but theologically it drives the point home of the overall story and theme of scripture. Fallen man needs reconciliation with our Creator. All of us.
I think this movie will do more to make people think of their theological leanings than 'Son of God' did.
May we look at this film as a piece of art, nothing more than art that is telling a story that is theologically on point.
All of that being said, it is Scripture that changes hearts, nothing less. And it is the preaching of God's Word that He has chosen as the way to draw people to him, not visual entertainment. We cannot substitute a movie, even if it was flawless in its Biblical accuracy (which Noah was not), for the Word of God.
Nonetheless, I recommend Noah as a MUST GO!
(But read the actual story in Genesis 6-8.)
Edit 04/17/2014: For the controversy regarding the movie and gnosticism, or the use of Kabbalah, Peter Chattaway shares his views on his blog that I found helpful: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/filmchat/2014/04/no-noah-is-not-gnostic-say-that-ten-times-fast.html
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Nathan Bryant
Is a student of Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri. Majoring in Biblical Leadership, New Testament Studies, and Missiology, he has a combined passion for unity and discipleship in the global church. Nate is a crazed sports fan, he enjoys college football and playing fantasy football. He also enjoys watching baseball with friends. He works as an Admissions Counselor and Resident Assistant at Ozark. Nate is unashamedly a Starbucks addict. Yay Coffee!
Christ's Kingdom is bigger than our causes.
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