- I have trouble relating to the 'Let's have Tubal - Cain hammer a hole through the ark -- just as the tsunami like conditions hit full force -- and stowaway on the ark as he attempts to assassinate Noah and start all over in Noah's place,' story line.
- I have trouble relating to the 'Let's not take wife's on the ark for our sons. Rather, let's have twins birthed to a previously barren woman (until miraculously healed by Methuselah) and then watch as Noah tries to execute them - only to fall in love with them and, in so doing, somehow fail God,' story line.
- I have trouble relating to the 'Let's have all the animals put to sleep - the entire 10.5 month voyage - by introducing them to bong pipes,' story line.
- I have trouble relating to the 'middle child gets over looked and ignored by dear old (some what wacky) dad, only to be duped into trying to kill dad by the stowaway king, who ironically get's killed by said middle child who eventually leaves the family because he cannot, no matter how hard he tries, get dad (Noah) to show him some love,' story line.
- I have trouble relating to he 'God hates all the humans so we are going to let the last descendant of Noah be the last descendant of earth so that the animals can have a crack at this 'be fruitful and multiply thing,'" story line. Yes, I know: this story line didn't develop to fruition. It was, however, a central theme of the entire film - perhaps even the thread that cohered the other story lines and narratives
Obviously, those are a bit tongue in check, but I must say I do not relate to any of those story lines as the film unfolded. I would add, however, that the film is a remarkable production on a grande scales and boasts both great acting and actors! I would recommend the film on this basis alone. However, the reason I would most recommend this film is connected to the 'one thing I do relate to' after watching the movie Noah.
The ONE thing I do relate to:
- I do relate to the reality that the historic Christian interpretation of the faith has little influence on our culture. Indeed, we are in a state of cultural Exile.
Why, you ask, do I say this? It's simple, really. While the historic Judeo-Christian Scriptures were no doubt consulted for this epic retelling, they were certainly not the only ancient resources consulted. Indeed, it could be argued that they were not the primary resources upon which the writers, producers and directors leaned. Why does this matter? Because if the same motion picture were to have been produced just one generation ago, the Judeo-Christian version of the story may well have been the only resource utilized and would certainly have been the movie's primarily resource! Put simply: we are in cultural exile and, as such, we bring little to no influence to those people, places and institutions that shape the culture in which we exist.
At this point, one might expect me to propose a solution to this problem. I, however, will resist that temptation and simply say this. If you are a Christian, then you should go to see this movie. If for no other reason, so that you understand fully where we are. Then, we should simply be quiet. Let's not put out any raucous tweets or posts about our dismay or, heaven forbid, our anger at other Christians who see this movie and happen to enjoy it (as did I).
Rather, let's remember that our greatest hope remains our culture's greatest hope: The Gospel defines reality and when the Gospel defines reality, people, places and institutions flourish. Our task is not to bemoan the fact that we no longer set the cultural agenda (though it is high time some of us finally recognized this reality), but to inhabit the space we have been given as a space of sacred trust whereby we can come alongside this culture (even one that would ignore us or mock us) and seek to bring God's good to everyone at any time and any place. We do this in the hopes that over time (probably decade upon decade) our culture will experience the good we bring and the reality the Gospel offers.
what's the shape of your desire?
Biz
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