AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
February 2014 – ‘God’s Not Dead’ reflects common reality on campuses
God’s Not Dead is a story straight out of today’s headlines, based loosely on dozens of legal cases in which university students and campus ministries have been condemned and suffered discrimination because of their Christian faith. It is well acted and produced.
In the main story line, Josh is a freshman who has the courage to take on his philosophy professor in a debate about the existence of God. Parallel story lines feature other characters – a cancer victim, a Muslim co-ed, an Asian student, a professor – struggling with whether to accept or reject Christ.
The film stars a number of actors well known from earlier roles in both secular and Christian films – David A.R. White, Dean Cain and Kevin Sorbo among them. Christian music artists the Newsboys and Duck Dynasty’s Willie and Korie Robertson make cameo appearances.
There are no language issues, but there are reasons for mild cautions, especially with younger viewers in mind. The setting is a college campus, so some co-ed clothing is a bit immodest, there’s social drinking (no abuse or drunkenness), mild violence when the Muslim father slaps his daughter off her bed (no blows shown on-screen), and a hit-and-run victim who dies in the street.
The gospel is presented with clarity and dignity. God’s Not Dead is scheduled to release in theaters March 21.
Review by Randall Murphree
Iesodo Episodes 2 & 3
The second DVD in the animated series, Iesodo, was released in January. This DVD is titled “Love” and includes two 13-minute stories.
The first story, “Love Your Enemies” is a retelling of the stories of the woman caught in adultery and Zaccheus the tax collector. Iesodo teaches the flock (all characters are birds) the importance of love, kindness and friendship. “Birds of a Feather, Fish Together,” the second story, stresses the importance of working with one another while also retelling the stories of the wedding in Cana; Peter, James and John fishing; and Jesus turning water into wine (in this case, nectar for the birds).
This second DVD in the series is entertaining with upbeat and catchy songs, lovable and comical characters, and beautiful animation.
While the stories are rooted in biblical truths, parents need to be aware of a number of issues. First, each story intertwines details of two to three biblical stories and could be confusing for young children. Also, there is no clear presentation of the gospel, mostly because Jesus is represented as a bird. And some of his counsel amounts to simple and mushy moral advice, such as when the bird caught in adultery is told, “Follow your heart to do what’s right from now on.”
Review by Debbie Fischer
When Calls the Heart
On October 18, 2013 Hallmark aired When Calls The Heart, directed by Michael Landon Jr. and based on the best-selling books by Janette Oke.
The movie tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher, a young, high-society girl who, in 1910, has just graduated from teaching school and is eagerly anticipating her first teaching assignment. She is surprised to find out that she has been assigned a position in Coal Valley, which is in the western Canadian frontier, and not the private school close to her home that she was hoping for.
Afraid she cannot handle the struggles of prairie life, Elizabeth gains strength from her supportive father who tells her to step out in faith and not miss God’s purpose for her life. Courage to proceed also comes from her late aunt’s diary that was hidden for years by her parents. In it Aunt Elizabeth details the experience of leaving her comfortable and privileged life to teach children in the Canadian frontier.
When Calls The Heart is the forerunner to a new weekly television series on the Hallmark channel. The movie is available for purchase online and in bookstores.
Review by Debbie Fischer
Veil of Tears: Hope is on the Way
A powerful and riveting film, Veil of Tears: Hope Is On the Way is a feature-length documentary that grabs at the heart and never lets go.
The stark, unrelenting poverty of India merely forms the backdrop to an even darker malignancy that oppresses millions of women: a status that confers upon them neither legal power nor pity from the male-dominated society.
However, the heartrending tale is lightened by the extraordinary work of Gospel for Asia (gfa.org), which produced Veil of Tears. The ministry works in India through its Bridge of Hope Centers to break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness by providing things like education, job skills, instruction on personal hygiene and most importantly, the gospel.
The men and especially the heroic young Christian women who dedicate their lives to bringing the freedom of Jesus Christ to those without hope are inspiring.
Review by Ed Vitagliano
God’s Double Agent
Bob Fu’s life story reads like a spy mystery, and it’s a stunning reflection of the persecution Christians face in many countries around the world. Wall Street Journal called Fu the “pastor of China’s underground railroad.” Read his autobiographical God’s Double Agent, and you’ll understand why.
Fu was a student leader of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing when students and civilians were gunned down by police and military personnel. From that tragic occasion through the following decades, Fu’s life was a series of close calls, narrow escapes and dangerous run-for-your-life episodes. Again and again, he and his wife Heidi were in impossible circumstances from which there was no escape. Yet, they always escaped.
One chapter tells of his and Heidi’s arrest and imprisonment for their role in founding a house church. Following their harrowing escape from prison, they found safety and protection day by day in the homes of the underground network of Christians.
His story is a gripping and informative narrative that should shake readers to their core and challenge them to work for the emancipation of their brothers and sisters who suffer persecution.
Review by Randall Murphree
