Comments on: Facing the Giants Creates Controversy http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/ An ongoing dialogue about faith and film. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:11:07 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2 By: Benard Acema - Kampala, Uganda http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-846 Benard Acema - Kampala, Uganda Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:10:10 +0000 http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-846 To the guy with the negative review all i can say is he should go and read his Bible again. Which part of "He will give you your hearts desires", "He went around doing good", "He Healed them ALL" and "God is all Powerful", doesn't this get. The thing is many people limit God's power and what God wants to do in there lives and then blame God in return for not giving them a 'cushi' life. I also just want to point out that being healed from infertility is not materialistic and also we should take into account dramatic elements of the story, THIS MOVIE IS NOT MEANT TO BE A SERMON. Good work Kendrick Thanks To the guy with the negative review all i can say is he should go and read his Bible again. Which part of “He will give you your hearts desires”, “He went around doing good”, “He Healed them ALL” and “God is all Powerful”, doesn’t this get. The thing is many people limit God’s power and what God wants to do in there lives and then blame God in return for not giving them a ‘cushi’ life. I also just want to point out that being healed from infertility is not materialistic and also we should take into account dramatic elements of the story, THIS MOVIE IS NOT MEANT TO BE A SERMON. Good work Kendrick
Thanks

]]> By: Leslie I T Assih http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-829 Leslie I T Assih Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:39:43 +0000 http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-829 Alfred you are so on point!!! Alfred you are so on point!!!

]]> By: alfred http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-794 alfred Sun, 02 Sep 2007 00:18:49 +0000 http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-794 So many are missing the picture. The story about this film is that no matter your circumstances, no matter what you are going through God is bigger. With God nothing is impossible. Can all these really happen yes to or me. The question is? What is God's will for you and what is his purpose. God that can do anything if we believe and if we ask according to his purpose yes. God's purpose for this man what to lead to show the world who God is and to lead so many to salvation. See the message and relax a little. So many are missing the picture. The story about this film is that no matter your circumstances, no matter what you are going through God is bigger. With God nothing is impossible. Can all these really happen yes to or me. The question is? What is God’s will for you and what is his purpose. God that can do anything if we believe and if we ask according to his purpose yes. God’s purpose for this man what to lead to show the world who God is and to lead so many to salvation. See the message and relax a little.

]]> By: Jeff Schneider http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-542 Jeff Schneider Sun, 19 Aug 2007 23:28:08 +0000 http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-542 Both Sherwood films are, on the surface, formulaic. But, one of the many things the Apostle Paul charges us to do is to "encourage one another" and I think this is what the Sherwood films do best. And yes by the end of both movies it appears that all problems are solved by the repentance of the lead character, but both films are just "snapshots" in time. What happens to the characters after the screen goes black is not known to us. Whether they face future crisis, tragedy, joy, enlightenment, is between them and God. We are however allowed to be encouraged by the lessons learned while being allowed to look over their shoulders for just a brief moment in time. I am eager to see what the new Sherwood Films movie "Fireproof" will be like. Both Sherwood films are, on the surface, formulaic. But, one of the many things the Apostle Paul charges us to do is to “encourage one another” and I think this is what the Sherwood films do best. And yes by the end of both movies it appears that all problems are solved by the repentance of the lead character, but both films are just “snapshots” in time. What happens to the characters after the screen goes black is not known to us. Whether they face future crisis, tragedy, joy, enlightenment, is between them and God. We are however allowed to be encouraged by the lessons learned while being allowed to look over their shoulders for just a brief moment in time. I am eager to see what the new Sherwood Films movie “Fireproof” will be like.

]]> By: Lori Naughton http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-522 Lori Naughton Sat, 18 Aug 2007 00:15:22 +0000 http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-522 I am a public school teacher who sponsors the Christian Club on our campus, and the kids brought it to show for all the students in the club. I absoutely loved it and bought it. I have seen the same miracles in my life if you trust and believe in God. My two sons age 4 and 6 want to watch it all the time, and love it also. I applaud the making of this film because I saw it change lives on my public school campus. Praise God for people who believe that trusting and looking to the LORD is the answer. KEEP MAKING THESE FILMS!! I am a public school teacher who sponsors the Christian Club on our campus, and the kids brought it to show for all the students in the club. I absoutely loved it and bought it. I have seen the same miracles in my life if you trust and believe in God. My two sons age 4 and 6 want to watch it all the time, and love it also. I applaud the making of this film because I saw it change lives on my public school campus. Praise God for people who believe that trusting and looking to the LORD is the answer. KEEP MAKING THESE FILMS!!

]]> By: Chet Nowlen http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-512 Chet Nowlen Thu, 16 Aug 2007 21:15:32 +0000 http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-512 I was rather surprised by the bitter comment someone left earlier. Anyway I loved the movie and have seen it at least three times. Each time I see it I see God's hand at work and I cannot stop the tears. I enjoyed Flywheel almost as much. I would love to see more movies like this and less of the garbage shown on network TV and the theaters. You can see my comments about this movie on my blog at http://chet-nowlen.blogspot.com/2007/06/signs-and-wonders.html#links I was rather surprised by the bitter comment someone left earlier. Anyway I loved the movie and have seen it at least three times. Each time I see it I see God’s hand at work and I cannot stop the tears. I enjoyed Flywheel almost as much. I would love to see more movies like this and less of the garbage shown on network TV and the theaters.

You can see my comments about this movie on my blog at http://chet-nowlen.blogspot.com/2007/06/signs-and-wonders.html#links

]]> By: Paul http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-493 Paul Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:11:39 +0000 http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-493 EASTGATE - You bring up a very good point that many people miss with this movie: the fact that there is a repentence on the part of the coach. I think people miss it because they don't make it "obvious" through exposition that the coach has been neglecting his study of the bible and prayer - and I applaud the filmmakers for NOT making it obvious, because films shouldn't be about exposition. I GOT it, and it truly is that moment where things turn around. It's a tough call to say how many speed bumps should have followed, how much examination of the continuing "struggle" may have helped the film... and I do mention some ways in my post above... but ultimately the Kendricks were also trying to emulate a time-honored tradition of uplifting sports movies, too (not to mention that all the things that happened in the movie happened to folks they know in real life), so I can appreciate where their approach came from. The key teaching in this is to "praise him when we win, and praise him when we lose" - a message repeated enough times in the film to truly make an impact, in my opinion. EASTGATE -

You bring up a very good point that many people miss with this movie: the fact that there is a repentence on the part of the coach. I think people miss it because they don’t make it “obvious” through exposition that the coach has been neglecting his study of the bible and prayer - and I applaud the filmmakers for NOT making it obvious, because films shouldn’t be about exposition. I GOT it, and it truly is that moment where things turn around. It’s a tough call to say how many speed bumps should have followed, how much examination of the continuing “struggle” may have helped the film… and I do mention some ways in my post above… but ultimately the Kendricks were also trying to emulate a time-honored tradition of uplifting sports movies, too (not to mention that all the things that happened in the movie happened to folks they know in real life), so I can appreciate where their approach came from. The key teaching in this is to “praise him when we win, and praise him when we lose” - a message repeated enough times in the film to truly make an impact, in my opinion.

]]> By: Story http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-488 Story Wed, 15 Aug 2007 03:13:56 +0000 http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-488 As a Christian movie producer I applaud the film. I believe that the chief victory of the film came at the start of the second act when the coach repented. When he laid his soul bare and wrestled with God and His word. Wether we win or not we praise God. Hannah, Sarah, and Elizabeth prayed in the barren time and they bore children. A movie by its nature distills events into a moving organic seqeunce of value charged incidents. Bravo to the Kendrick bros. Producer EASTGATE FILMS www.eastgatefilms.com As a Christian movie producer I applaud the film. I believe that the chief victory of the film came at the start of the second act when the coach repented. When he laid his soul bare and wrestled with God and His word. Wether we win or not we praise God. Hannah, Sarah, and Elizabeth prayed in the barren time and they bore children. A movie by its nature distills events into a moving organic seqeunce of value charged incidents. Bravo to the Kendrick bros.
Producer
EASTGATE FILMS
www.eastgatefilms.com

]]> By: Paul http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-486 Paul Wed, 15 Aug 2007 03:00:39 +0000 http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-486 "Facing the Giants" has caused some controvery because some folks think it presents faith in God as a quick-fix band-aid to all of life's problems. It's hard not to think that, but even with that, I have friends who are the staunchest critics who forgave this film's shortcomings due to the heart and soul of this production. The filmmakers were totally sincere, and crafted a well-written, acted and shot story that really made you care about its characters. So ultimately it triumphed - if it could win over two of my very critically tough friends, that says something. Also, it offers a ready-made platform to discuss the fact that we CAN face adversity in this life and it may not always result in a happy ending. So it can be used as a great teaching tool in my opinion. Would I have been happier if everything wasn't wrapped-up in a nice, colorful bow? Sure. SPOILER WARNING..................... . . . . . . . . . . . Maybe the couple never do conceive. Maybe as a result they adopt children and find another way to keep one of God's commands - to take care of orphans. OR... Maybe the team LOSES the big game and afteward stays on the field, each player on one knee, and praises the Lord just the same. I think either of those would have been viable choices to conclude the movie, but I still was very entertained and impressed with the movie and I've seen it touch many that I've shown it and lent it to. So count me in as a fan, despite any misgivings I have. :) “Facing the Giants” has caused some controvery because some folks think it presents faith in God as a quick-fix band-aid to all of life’s problems. It’s hard not to think that, but even with that, I have friends who are the staunchest critics who forgave this film’s shortcomings due to the heart and soul of this production. The filmmakers were totally sincere, and crafted a well-written, acted and shot story that really made you care about its characters. So ultimately it triumphed - if it could win over two of my very critically tough friends, that says something.

Also, it offers a ready-made platform to discuss the fact that we CAN face adversity in this life and it may not always result in a happy ending. So it can be used as a great teaching tool in my opinion.

Would I have been happier if everything wasn’t wrapped-up in a nice, colorful bow? Sure. SPOILER WARNING…………………
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Maybe the couple never do conceive. Maybe as a result they adopt children and find another way to keep one of God’s commands - to take care of orphans. OR…

Maybe the team LOSES the big game and afteward stays on the field, each player on one knee, and praises the Lord just the same.

I think either of those would have been viable choices to conclude the movie, but I still was very entertained and impressed with the movie and I’ve seen it touch many that I’ve shown it and lent it to. So count me in as a fan, despite any misgivings I have. :)

]]> By: Leslie I T Assih http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-478 Leslie I T Assih Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:31:02 +0000 http://christianmovienews.com/facing-the-giants-creates-controversy/#comment-478 Well said Bernie Webb. In all due respect let us not criticise as the world does no matter how ahead of the game they may seem right now. We forget something that no matter what we go through, the Lord will have the last say in every matter. We are in an age where the Lord is bringing back that which the enemy has stolen and He is building His kingdom here on earth (Ephesians 2:6-7 & Isaiah 60:1-3). No one movie can say it all just as no one message or preacher can say it all. We all have a part to fulfil in life. Sherwood Baptist Church cannot make movies for everyone no matter how much they make or try. Even in the world it is very few film directors that make multiple genres of movies. No one Church can do it all and the sooner we realise the more encouraging and proactive we will be as believers in whatever field of life we endeavour. It is easy criticise but go out and make one and you will know that making a film in itself to completion is a feat worth thanking God for. And the Lazarus point I beg to differ completely. It is because of the condition that Lazarus died in that made the rich man go to Hades when he died. The rich man did not go to Hades because he was rich but because of his greed and inability to help one poor man in front of his gates that could have changed his life for better. It did not have to be that way. Jesus taught this parable to instill reverence that there is a life beyond the grave that will fully reward the way we lived here. It was said so that people who have been blessed with material possessions would be responsible for it and not live it up for themselves. More than anything we should all seek the Lord for His purpose on earth no matter what. I would rather die on the way to fulfill my purpose in life than wait for a man to have mercy on me. I think that Lazarus and the rich man has many great film ideas and I would begin to pen something done especially in a day and age where people are bent on heaping great amounts of wealth while so many die of hunger and immense poverty everyday. It is does not have to be that way. Well said Bernie Webb. In all due respect let us not criticise as the world does no matter how ahead of the game they may seem right now. We forget something that no matter what we go through, the Lord will have the last say in every matter. We are in an age where the Lord is bringing back that which the enemy has stolen and He is building His kingdom here on earth (Ephesians 2:6-7 & Isaiah 60:1-3). No one movie can say it all just as no one message or preacher can say it all. We all have a part to fulfil in life. Sherwood Baptist Church cannot make movies for everyone no matter how much they make or try. Even in the world it is very few film directors that make multiple genres of movies. No one Church can do it all and the sooner we realise the more encouraging and proactive we will be as believers in whatever field of life we endeavour. It is easy criticise but go out and make one and you will know that making a film in itself to completion is a feat worth thanking God for. And the Lazarus point I beg to differ completely. It is because of the condition that Lazarus died in that made the rich man go to Hades when he died. The rich man did not go to Hades because he was rich but because of his greed and inability to help one poor man in front of his gates that could have changed his life for better. It did not have to be that way. Jesus taught this parable to instill reverence that there is a life beyond the grave that will fully reward the way we lived here. It was said so that people who have been blessed with material possessions would be responsible for it and not live it up for themselves. More than anything we should all seek the Lord for His purpose on earth no matter what. I would rather die on the way to fulfill my purpose in life than wait for a man to have mercy on me. I think that Lazarus and the rich man has many great film ideas and I would begin to pen something done especially in a day and age where people are bent on heaping great amounts of wealth while so many die of hunger and immense poverty everyday. It is does not have to be that way.

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