So why am I encouraging you to go to the movies next Thursday evening?
Last April I had the opportunity to preview the film, The Heart of Man (http://heartofmanmovie.com/). Let me be completely honest; I’m not typically a big fan of faith-based films. I realize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but most faith based films have tended to fall short of being good art in my humble opinion. Often the message of such films is fine, but the cinematography, writing and acting all leave a lot to be desired. When I hire a plumber, I expect that he’ll be able to do his craft well – he can fix my leaky faucet. While I might appreciate a Christian plumber who is passionate about talking about Jesus while he goes about his work of plumbing, if he never fixes my leaky faucet, I’m probably not inclined to hear, appreciate or receive his “message”. If a film delivers the right message but fails to deliver good art, it makes it hard to take the message seriously.
The Heart of Man is a movie that combines good art with an incredibly thoughtful and pertinent message. The subtitle of the film is “Our brokenness is a bridge, not a barrier.” This beautiful work of art tackles the difficult subject of sexual sin, brokenness and the paralyzing shame that’s often the fruit of such behavior. The film beautifully captures the reality of our God as a loving Father and the empty promises of sexual sin. The problem of sexual sin and brokenness is all too relevant today. Our churches are filled with people who are isolated in the shame of sexual sin and brokenness. Sadly, many of us feel ill-equipped or too uncomfortable to offer help to those struggling through sexual brokenness. The Heart of Man is a compelling work of art that can offer brothers and sisters a starting point for naming the brokenness of their lives while embracing the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So why do I think you need to see The Heart of Man this coming Thursday evening?
Because it’s the only night that the film will be playing in select theaters across the U.S. It won’t be showing on Friday night, Saturday night, or any night next week. Thursday night is the night. You can visit http://heartofmanmovie.com/ to find a theater near you (Toledo, OH will be my closest option). There are plans to release the film to churches in 2018, but Thursday evening will be your one chance to see the film in theaters now.
I don’t anticipate getting into a regular rhythm of movie reviews or recommendations on this blog, but I would encourage you to catch a viewing of The Heart of Man. I’ve got a lot of hope that this film will help a lot of us who have been imprisoned in shame and brokenness to find the freedom and healing that only comes through Jesus Christ.
Christ’s Peace,
Lance