Yet another notable comment from yet anonymous commenter. For a fresh change of pace, this comment isn't littered with invective and implications about my parentage.

In reaction to my review for Facing the Giants, I received the following from a reader in Las Vegas:

"In one part of his review, the critic says that Facing The Giants pushes it agenda way too hard. I, for one, strongly disagree. All this movie was trying to do was share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people that, otherwise, are lost and on their way to spend eternity in Hell. And as for the comment that most non-Christians would turn up their noses to the message, I say that, if they're offended, that's their problem. At least the producers of this wonderful film realized their responsibility to make sure the message is presented in a clear way that would lead souls to be saved."

The reason this comment interests me is the line "And as for the comment that most non-Christians would turn up their noses to the message, I say that, if they're offended, that's their problem." I find it remarkable that someone who presumptively is a Christian is so cavalier about the message of Christ being missed. We believe that Christ is the only way to Heaven - the only way. To say "if they're offended, that's their problem" says I'm going to hammer you with the message of Christ, non-believer, if you repel because I'm too strong, well then there's nothing I can do for you - tough luck. We're not talking about people misunderstanding a political viewpoint or ignoring warnings about smoking, we're talking about eternal souls - the most critical aspect of existence. If you believe the Bible you believe these people not getting the message are going to languish apart from God for eternity. To turn from them because you're not interested in considering how the message is being delivered is misguided at best.

By accepting the label of "Christian film" the film makers take on the responsibility to preach the Word to all audiences. The point of the review was to say that the film Facing the Giants, like many "Christian films", is overt with its agenda. While this blunt presentation isn't considered out of line by many Christians and may speak to a minority of borderline converts, it is uncomfortable or even laughable by most non-believers. While it may be the intention of the film makers to preach to the choir, I assume and hope they are attempting to spread the word beyond the church walls. If this is their intent then they are too heavy-handed in their efforts. My point is that a more nuanced approach will be more digestible by non-believers. We should look to plant the seed not offer a sermon to these people. We don't win tons of converts by being pushy but by nudging and guidance. We certainly don't do the Lord's work by turning our backs to those we're preaching to when we refuse to speak their language or engage their cultural norms.

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