Good article...

http://thimblerigsark.wordpress.com/2014/03/25/whats-wrong-with-christian-filmmaking/

1)  We need to permit our artists (writers, actors, musicians, filmmakers) to take more risks.  And artists, whether you are permitted or not, take more risks.  Did you really get into your artistic field because you liked playing it safe?  Why play it safe with the most important thing you have to say?

2)  We need to encourage our artists to challenge rather than stroke our sensibilities.  A pearl is made when dirt is irritated inside the oyster, after all.  And so artists, don’t wait for permission.  Start challenging your audience.  They will undoubtedly resist you, but we need to be challenged or we’ll stagnate and fade away into irrelevance.

3)  We need to recognize that art is art, the pulpit is the pulpit, and while the two might cross paths from time to time, they are completely different animals.  This goes for everyone.  Does everyone truly understand this?  With all the recent criticisms of Noah because it “is unbiblical”, I have to think that lots of people don’t.

4)  We need to be okay with movies that don’t give all the answers.  If they succeed in asking some good, deep questions, they might actually open the doors to conversations where answers can be explored.  Artists, isn’t part of our job to provoke questions?  Don’t feel you have to end every sentence with a period

5)  And most importantly:  tell good stories.  As Frank Capra famously said, “If you want to send a message, try Western Union.”  If you are an artist, the quality of your work should be at the top of your list of considerations.  Jesus wasn’t known for telling mediocre stories that ticked off all the correct religious boxes.  He was known for telling compelling stories that challenged his listeners while communicating God’s truth.  Aren’t we supposed to be like Jesus?

"Where we find a difficulty we may always expect that a discovery awaits us." - C.S. Lewis

Biblical films' Hollywood comeback

Praying that there will be real change in 2014 and that these films give glory to God. Not just money makers but faith builders.

“For years Hollywood bent over backwards to reach special interest groups, be it feminists or environmentalists. It has finally realised that there are 91 million evangelical Christians in America.” - Phil Cooke

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10537680/Biblical-films-Hollywood-comeback.html

“Life is not a manageable project or a test to be taken.  We can find small joys everyday if we have eyes of faith.  We can find meaning if we search for a greater purpose.  And perhaps most important, we need to realize that life is a great gift.”

- Phil Cooke

Quote of the Day 7/08/13

“It’s just an expression meaning the Beatles seem to me to have more influence over youth than Christ. Now I wasn’t saying that was a good idea, ‘cos I’m one of Christ’s biggest fans. And if I can turn the focus on the Beatles on to Christ’s message, then that’s what we’re here to do.” - John Lennon

Quote of the Day - 06/26/13

"Stop asking God to bless what you are doing...find out what God is doing because it's already blessed." - Bono

Quote of the Day - 04/18/13

“The Bible generates life, creates faith, defeats the devil, causes miracles, heals hurt, builds character, transforms circumstances, imparts joy, enables us to overcome obstacles, is a sword of the spirit and the word of God. Because of the word of God, I believe in Jesus. I believe in what I know, not what I feel.” - Pastor Jack Graham