Movies that will grow your faith

Evan Almighty (2007) Rated PG

Evan Almighty, the sequel to Brue Almighty, tells the story of Evan Baxter, who’s just been promoted to congress. He cares a lot about his appearance and doesn’t spend enough time with his family. But when he says an honest prayer, asking God to help him change the world… God answers. He comes to Evan and asks him to build an Ark for the great flood that’s coming. Hilarious chaos ensues, but through it Evan’s faith is rekindled.

This movie was beautiful in many ways. First of all, it’s hilarious. How can it not be, with Steve Carell and Morgan Freeman starring? Secondly, it was a beautiful testament to God’s relationship with His people. Through Evan’s eyes, we learn how God sees people and animals, that God tests us at times but that it’s always for our good, that He cares about His relationship with us, and that He answers prayers in unexpected ways.  The movie is a strong reminder of what really matters—faith and family.

Les Miserable (2012) Rated PG-13

Les Miserable takes place in 19^th Century France.  Jean Vljean has been imprisoned for years and is finally released. His life takes a turn when he goes into hiding and inadvertently ruins a young woman’s life. He then swears to make it up to her, and spends the rest of his life making good on that promise.

Touching and inspiring, this musical is an impressive cinematic feat, with all of the actors and actresses genuinely singing as the cameras were rolling. Through their voices, we learn the story of an ordinary man who lives an extraordinary life for God. We follow Jean Vljean throughout his journey, and discover that his life is a testament to Christian love. His life is changed forever by the act of love of a Catholic priest, and in turn he changes the lives of everyone he meets, gives his life for others, and demonstrates moral virtues that we should all strive to attain.

The Resurrection of Gavin Stone (2016) Rated PG

Gavin Stone is a washed up child actor who’s been in trouble one too many times and now has to do community service at a church. But when he realizes that the church is doing a play about Jesus’ life, he realizes that there is a way more fun way to do community service than mopping the floor. But he doesn’t know a thing about Jesus. So he decides to get into character. And that will bring about a greater change than he ever imagined.

The Resurrection of Gavin Stone has all the warning signs of a movie that means well with people who just can’t act. But, the viewer will be pleasantly surprised, and glad to be wrong. Full of unexpected twists and turns, funny moments, and human examples of Jesus’ love, this movie shows the viewer how their everyday life can lead someone to God. It makes us stop and think about what we say and what we do, and begs the question of whether or not we fully understand exactly what our witness to Jesus’ love can really do. Not only that, but we have a touching reminder of just how much Jesus love us when He loves us through others.

Risen (2016) Rated PG-13

The year is 33 A.D. And a Roman Tribune named Clavius must solve the greatest mystery of all time—what happened to the body of Jesus of Nazareth? After all, Clavius was there, he saw Jesus die. And yet his body is missing. Now, it is up to Clavius and his subordinate Lucius to interview anyone who may have stolen the Nazarene’s body. But along the way they meet crazy people who say he rose from the dead, and two guards who fell asleep while guarding his body only to wake up and swear that they witnessed something impossible. When Clavius finally learns the truth, his life will never be the same again.

While there are hundreds of movies that depict the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, this is the first movie of its kind to approach Jesus’ death from the eyes of an outsider. Both intriguing and innovative, this retelling of a familiar story through a unique perspective begs the question, “what would I think in Clavius’ position?” It offers a unique meditation where the viewer has a chance to understand what it was like back in 33 A.D, and how Jesus’ resurrection looked to the non-believing world. By stepping into the shoes (or in this case, boots) of someone who doesn’t know Jesus, and also knows that it’s impossible for a dead man to rise again, we fully appreciate just what Christ’s resurrection meant to people of his time. Along the way, we, too, find that our lives will never be the same after learning the truth.