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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Missionary Dating Movies

As I've watched a bunch of "christian" movies lately, one theme that I'm a little concerned about is basically this-- the "protagonist" in the story is messed up. He will come to Jesus by end of movie. And helping him along the way is his "Christian" girlfriend.

I haven't just described one movie. I'm looking at a stack of 5 movies and 3 of them have this plot device. My thirteen year old boy was watching with me on one of them and I really became conscious of what we're preaching here.

Back in my day in youth group, this was called "missionary dating." The term describes the Christian who dates a non-believer in the hopes of converting him. Usually, this is total farce and full on hypocrisy-- because really, the Christian simply wants that person and justifies the "unequally yoked" principle by introduce the mission purpose.

And as the youth leader said back then, it hasn't changed-- missionary dating is dangerous and doesn't work. It's wrong and dysfunctional. But now, all of a sudden, our "christian" burgeoning pop culture is reintroducing the idea-- showing that "see sweetie, you can date that heathen and he'll come around. Quick! Go plant him a big one on the lips and get him to the Kingdom!"

Now as a screenwriter, I understand the predicament. You have a man who is going on a journey of faith. (Or to Faith). You need a female lead. Voila, the die is cast. I challenge you Believers that are going to make movies-- don't introduce dangerous theology just so that your main message can work better as a plot device. I challenge you to find creative solutions that avoid error and enhance your plot. You work for the Giver of all creativity anyway. Why not reflect Him?

7 comments:

  1. What films? Have you seen "To Save A Life" yet? I just gave an Imposter DVD to a work acquaintance - actually a client. This is something I never would have done or found too risky to do not long ago, but I'm trying to live it out as NAF has had a strong impact on me!

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  2. I haven't seen TSAL yet. What's "NAF?"

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  3. TSAL has that level of realism that the Imposter has - check it out!

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  4. I didn't realize that was you Jim. I haven't had a chance to get back to NAF. It is good stuff.

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  5. TSAL preview: http://www.vimeo.com/15632509
    we showed it this past Saturday night and had a great response!

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  6. You're right Daniel, the "missionary dating" device is not only common, it can be spiritually confusing. I don't know if you have had a chance to visit our website http://www.midnightreckoning.com but we decided not only to shun that device, but to enter a realm (supernatural genre) where many Christian filmmakers dare not tread. But as an Independent creative type, I'm certain you can appreciate our passion for reaching a broader audience.

    Keep on "killing yourself", but remain healthy in your journey.

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