The new release of the major Hollywood film Noah has created a deluge of reactions both inside and outside the Christian community. Some notable religious leaders have praised the $160 million biblical epic, while others have misgivings about the aggressive pushing of radical environmentalism featured throughout the film.
However, the thing that might be most controversial about this movie is its attempt to radically redefine the character of God and the events that led to the destruction of earth.
We've been paying close attention to the reviews of this film from both Christian and non-Christian critics alike. There are indeed some very twisted elements in Noah that we felt we should bring to your attention:
Satan's fallen angels protect Noah while he builds the ark
To stop the earth from being repopulated, Noah tries to kill his son's pregnant wife
Noah is portrayed as an uncaring, coarse man reluctant to follow God's instructions
Methuselah is characterized as some sort of witch doctor who guides Noah spiritually!
Russell Crowe, who plays Noah, says himself that this is not a "Sunday school story" and will challenge viewers understanding of the Bible. The film has actually been banned in some Islamic countries because it portrays a prophet. [1]
So does writer and director Darren Aronofsky's efforts to "fill the gaps" in the story so violate the biblical event that the true message is flooded with too much creative expression and speculation?
We make two recommendations about this new film. First, read the Bible story for yourself in Genesis chapters 6--8. Do not trust film producers to accurately portray Scripture; it's likely the filmmakers believe Genesis is a mere fable and seek to change your perceptions about God and the Bible.
Moreover, the Word of God was not given for entertainment, but "to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). To find life-changing truth, we cannot substitute watching creative visual effects about the Bible with personally digging into Scripture with the help of the Holy Spirit. The story of the flood is not simply meant to be dramatic, energizing, surprising, or confounding. It is deeply spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Second, the release of this film will potentially generate lots of opportunities to discuss the Bible story with people who know little about Scripture. Aside from the incredible visual renderings and despite the distorted elements, it is a story still relevant to our day, for Christ said, "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man" (Luke 17:26). Just as there was a call to come into the ark, so Jesus patiently invites people to come to Him. But there will finally come a moment when probation is closed. Signs indicate it is very soon (Matthew 24:38).
Noah's real experience is more than a tale. The world was once destroyed by a flood. It will someday be destroyed by fire (Malachi 4:1, 3). Will you be ready?
We're now featuring a great new book that's perfect for sharing with friends and family who have seen the movie or have questions about this powerful story. It's called Noah: Another Storm Is Coming—check it out by clicking the image below:
We also took this opportunity to go into our archives and find these classic presentations from Pastor Doug on the topic of Noah and the flood. We hope you are blessed by this timely message and, please, share it with others so they can understand the message of Noah without all the Hollywood distortions ...
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